CHAPTER XXV
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.