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Confucianism -> Liji -> Ji Tong -> 23

In all arrangements with the stands,
the chief attention was given to the bones.
Some bones were considered nobler, and some meaner.
Under the Yin they preferred the thigh bone;
and under the Zhou, the shoulder bone.
Generally, the bones in front were thought nobler than those behind.
The stands
served to illustrate the rule in sacrifices of showing favours.
Hence the nobler, guests received the nobler bones,
and the lower, the less noble;
the nobler did not receive very much,
and the lower were not left without any
- impartiality was thus shown.
With impartiality of favours, government proceeded freely;
with the free proceeding of government, undertakings were accomplished;
with the accomplishment of undertakings, merit was established.
It is necessary that the way in which merit is established should be known.
The stands served to show the rule for the impartial bestowment of favours.
So did the skilful administrators of government proceed,
and hence it is said that
(sacrifices showed the principle of) impartiality in the business of government.


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