Analysis of Doubts in the Artificers' Record

This refers to the topic at hand. It does not mention the Yi Spear original: "Yi Mao" (夷矛). At approximately 24 chi (nearly 5.5 meters), this was the longest spear used in chariot warfare, designed for long-range thrusts. individually because, when the height of the rear crossbar original: "Zhen" (軫). The wooden frame forming the base of the chariot carriage. is included in the calculation, it completes the "six grades" of height. Thus, it is already fully accounted for.

The Spear Craftsmen original: "Luren" (廬人). Officials described in the Rites of Zhou responsible for the shafts of various pole-arms. provide the full measurements of the Yi Spear and refer to the "Six Mounted Weapons" (Liu JianThe six types of weapons traditionally mounted upright on a war chariot for easy access.). Once the chariot is fully equipped with these, it is balanced and does not tip or overturn.

The "Odes of Zheng" and "Hymns of Lu" Sections from the Classic of Poetry (Shijing), the oldest existing collection of Chinese poetry. both mention "two spears." This confirms that the Yi Spear was also mounted upright. One might infer that these were the primary weapons for defending the state, which is why they were kept in a mounted position.

The Count of the So-called "Six Grades" of the Chariot

The preceding text stated: "The chariot has a count of six grades." To prevent the misunderstanding that the physical construction of the chariot itself comes in six different classes or models, this point is further clarified. As seen in the following five grades, although these weapons are not part of the physical structure of the chariot, because the soldiers are inside the vehicle and the dagger-axe (ge), spiked staff (shu), halberd (ji), and spears are mounted upon the carriage, they are collectively referred to as the "chariot’s grades" This refers to a standard in the Kaogongji (Artificers' Record) where the heights of the weapons, when standing in the chariot, formed a standardized sequence of measurements..

Whenever examining the principles of chariot construction, one desires the joinery to be solidly compact original: "Pu-zhu" (樸屬). A technical term for components being so tightly and naturally joined that they seem like a single piece. and the craftsmanship to be meticulously refined. If the parts are not solidly compact, the vehicle cannot be considered a complete or durable work...