Imperial Preface to the Pictures of Tilling and Weaving (Conclusion)

Food is won through hardship; basic silk clothing original: tiyi, a coarse silk representing the simple needs of the people dispels the omens of displacement.

The Book of Changes original: Yi, referring to the I Ching says: "It is the earth alone that brings forth all living things."

May the prosperity of former times, as gathered in these illustrations and practiced throughout the ages,

flourish. Even now, within the entire realm, let all people sincerely honor the

fundamental occupation benye: the traditional Confucian belief that agriculture is the "root" of the economy, whereas trade and crafts are the "branches". By diligently clearing the watercourses and waiting for

the harvest to mature, let us especially bring forth a sacred abundance so that we may enter together into a realm

of peace, harmony, wealth, and longevity. Ah! This is the ultimate expression

of My sincere intention.

Inscribed and written on the day of the Spring Social Festival original: Sheri, a day for rituals honoring the God of the Soil,

in the second month of the spring of the thirty-fifth year of the Kangxi reign [1696].

Studio of Cherished Literature original: Peiwen Zhai, the personal studio of the Kangxi Emperor
The Imperial Brushwork of Kangxi original: Kangxi Chenhan, a seal used to authenticate the Emperor's own calligraphy