四時
The Four Seasons
Guan Zhong said: 'Commands have their seasons. Those who do not know the four seasons lose the foundation of the state.' Yin and yang are the great principles of heaven and earth. The four seasons are the great constant patterns of yin and yang. Punishment and virtue are the conjunctions of the four seasons. When punishment and virtue accord with the seasons, fortune is born; when they are contrary, disaster is born. Spring belongs to the east — its star governs awakening and its qi is wind. Wind generates wood and bone. Spring's affairs: promulgate commands, repair divine positions, pray and sacrifice, correct the yang, repair dikes, plow and plant, fix bridges, clear channels, release resentments, pardon crimes. If spring's Five Policies accord with the season, the spring rains will come. Summer belongs to the south — governing reward, its qi is yang. Autumn belongs to the west — governing harvest and military preparation. Winter belongs to the north — governing punishment, its qi is cold. The sage king plants governance in the seasons, education in the military, and virtue in the sacrifices — these three are how the sage king unites with the movements of heaven and earth.