肇論新疏 3.35

3.35

“Items” refers to sections; “documented” refers to the fact that before paper existed, writing was done on tablets and documents, a phrasing retained from antiquity. The ten expositions are set out in sections on documents to be submitted. “Instruction” means pointing out and teaching, showing humble deference to the ruler. His original biography states: “Yao Xing read it, replied with attentive words of full praise and acclaim, and ordered copies to be made and distributed to his sons and nephews. Such was the esteem in which Sengzhao was held by his contemporaries.”