“Ancient China’s Administrative System Explained”

Now, let’s proceed with a translated passage that expands on the cultural and administrative practices discussed in the original Chinese text:

Ancient China’s administrative system, as detailed in historical texts, illustrates a sophisticated hierarchy of governance and cultural practices deeply rooted in ritual and practicality. The passage “去王城面五百里内” from the text exemplifies this structured approach to governance.

The term “百里赋纳裛” underscores the meticulous attention to detail in managing the areas closest to the royal capital. This administrative practice involved the gathering and bundling of grasses, crucial for feeding the state horses. Similarly, “二百里纳铚” refers to the careful harvesting of grain heads, essential for sustenance and ceremonial offerings.

Moving further out, “三百里纳秸服” highlights the allocation of resources for agricultural purposes and state service obligations, demonstrating a strategic balance between agriculture and civic duties. This allocation extended to “四百里粟, 五百里米,” delineating the collection of grains varying in quality and purpose.

Beyond these immediate administrative zones, the “甸服外五百里侯服” marks the transition to areas where governance focused on surveillance and service duties, ensuring regional stability and communication. This was followed by “百里采, 二百里任国, 三百里诸侯,” signifying the hierarchical deployment of officials tasked with administrative and ceremonial roles, essential for maintaining social order and cultural continuity.

The administrative reach extended further into “侯服外五百里绥服,” emphasizing the regions where governance ensured peace and adherence to imperial edicts through cultural and educational measures. This was followed by “三百里揆文教, 二百里奋武卫,” illustrating the dual emphasis on cultural refinement and military preparedness, crucial for imperial authority and stability.

Further zones included “绥服外五百里要服, 三百里夷, 二百里蔡,” detailing the governance of frontier territories and the application of legal and cultural norms essential for maintaining order and justice. This extended to “要服外五百里荒服, 三百里蛮, 二百里流,” reflecting the nuanced approach to governance in more distant and culturally diverse regions, where flexibility and local adaptation were key.

Geographically, these administrative zones spanned from “东渐于海, 西被于流沙, 朔、南暨,” underscoring the extent of imperial reach and the integration of diverse cultures and resources under centralized governance. This comprehensive approach aimed at ensuring regional prosperity and stability, culminating in the proclamation of peace and prosperity across the realm.

The administrative principles elucidated in these texts were instrumental in establishing a harmonious society guided by ethical governance and practical wisdom. They reflect an enduring legacy of Chinese civilization’s administrative prowess and cultural richness, emphasizing the role of governance in fostering unity and prosperity.

This passage provides a detailed exploration of the administrative principles and cultural context conveyed in the original text, offering insights into ancient China’s governance and societal structure.