27. The (appointed) heir-sons[1] of the feudal princes
inherited their states. Great officers (in the royal
domain) did not inherit their rank. They were employed
as their ability and character were recognised,
and received rank as their merit was proved. Till
their rank was conferred (by the king), (the princes)
were in the position of his officers of the chief
grade, and so they ruled their states. The Great
officers of the states did not inherit their rank and
emoluments.
28. The six ceremonial observances were:—capping; marrying; mourning rites; sacrifices; feasts; and interviews. The seven lessons (of morality) were:—(the duties between) father and son; elder brother and younger; husband and wife; ruler and minister; old and young; friend and friend; host and guest. The eight objects of government were:—food and drink; clothes; business (or, the profession); maintenance of distinctions; measures of length; measures of capacity; and definitely
assigned rules[2].
