Note 179 — XXVI. THE LOST BROTHER.

The first of the sixteen maxims which form the so-called Sacred Edict, embodies these two all-important family ties. The doctrine of primogeniture is carried so far in China as to put every younger brother in a subordinate position to every elder brother. All property, however, of whatever kind, is equally divided among the sons. [The Sacred Edict was delivered by the great Emperor K‘ang Hsi, and should be publicly read and explained in every city of the Empire on the first and fifteenth of each month.] return to text