Chapter 25

_VASSALS AND EMPEROR_

The vassal princes of the Chou and previous dynasties--Vassal princes and their relations with the Emperors--Protectors make great show of defending the Emperors rights--The Emperor's sacrifices to God--Rules and rights concerning fees--All China belongs to the Emperor--Peculiar notions about the Emperor's territory--Respect due to imperial envoys--Direct and indirect vassals--Ts'u's group of vassals--Ts'u compared with Macedon-- Never subject to the Emperors--Right of passage for armies-- Special complimentary use of the term "viscount"--Titles not inherited during mourning--Forms of address--Rival Protectors and their respective subordinate states--Tribute from the states to the Emperor, and presents from the Emperor to the vassal states-- The Emperor accepts _faits accomplis_, and takes what he can get.