Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms

Figures, Volume 14

Page Six

In the Kingdom of Polooriginal: "婆羅國" (Póluó Guó). Historically identified with the northern coast of Borneo, particularly the region of Brunei. It was a significant maritime power in the South China Sea known to Chinese chroniclers since the Tang Dynasty., both men and women carry blades original: "佩刃" (pèirèn). This likely refers to the traditional kris or similar daggers, which in many Southeast Asian cultures served as both functional weapons and essential markers of social status. wherever they go. If they find themselves at odds original: "眭" (suī), a term meaning to stare with anger or to be in discord. with someone, they will immediately stab and kill them. The perpetrator then flees to another location. If they are captured within the duration of one month, they must forfeit their lifeoriginal: "償命" (chángmìng), literally "to repay with a life." This indicates a "life for a life" judicial principle. as punishment. However, for those who remain in hiding until the one-month period has passed, the matter is no longer pursued This describes a unique customary statute of limitations for homicide, where the burden of capture was immediate; if the killer successfully evaded the community for a month, they were effectively pardoned upon their return..