Resolving Doubts in the Classics?: Volume One

Explanations by Fang Wangxi

Fang Bao (1668–1749), courtesy name Wangxi, was a renowned scholar and the founder of the Tongcheng School of prose during the Qing dynasty.

Revised and Edited by his student, Wang Zhaofu

Cheng Yin

Huang Shicheng

The Winter Office

The Winter OfficeOriginal: Dongguan. In the Rites of Zhou, the administration is divided into six offices corresponding to the seasons and the heavens/earth. The Winter Office is responsible for public works and technology. is named the SikongOriginal: Sikong. Usually translated as the "Minister of Works" or "Superintendent of Works." Fang Bao here analyzes the literal characters: Si (to preside over) and Kong (emptiness/vacancy).. Among the four seasons, the essence of winter is that it accumulates in empty and unused spaces. This is the season to survey the land for the residents, to establish cities and towns, and to manage the drainage ditches, irrigation channels, and bridges. It is most appropriate to do these things once the agricultural labors of the year have been completed.

The title "Superintendent of Vacancy" suggests that the official presides over a time that is empty and unused, enabling the people to find practical use for their labor and strength during the fallow season. If the winter’s freezing and icy closure are not solid, then