| | 庄公十八... : |
十有八年春,王三月,日有食之。 |
| | In the eighteenth year [of his reign], spring, the King's third month, there was a solar eclipse.
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| | 庄公十八... : |
夏,公追戎于济西。此未有言伐者,其言追何?大其为中国追也。此未有伐中国者,则其言为中国追何?大其未至而豫御之也。其言于济西何?大之也。 |
| | In summer, Duke Zhuang pursued the Rong people west of the Ji River. There is no mention here of a campaign or attack; then why is "pursue" mentioned? It was greatly praised that he pursued them on behalf of the Central States. There is no mention here that they attacked the Central States, then why is it said to be a pursuit "on behalf of the Central States"? It was greatly praised because he anticipated and prepared for them before they arrived. Why is it mentioned that the pursuit took place "west of the Ji River"? It was to emphasize and commend this action.
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| | 庄公十八... : |
秋,有蜮。何以书?记异也。 |
| | In autumn, there were yu insects. Why is this recorded? To record an unusual occurrence.
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| | 庄公十八... : |
冬,十月。 |
| | In winter, the tenth month.
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