Vocabulary

preface; introduction; preamble

good deed; good conduct; benevolence

gradual decrease; decline

bamboo ladle

becoming red-hot; red heat; scorching heat; burning heat

to weaken; to grow weak; to wane; to decline (of one's health)

twenty years of age

to begin (doing); to start; to set about; to get down to

to manage (all by oneself); to control; to run; to take charge of

measuring by feel; adjusting by feel; doing by feel; knack; skill

beckoning

heavy drinker

Confucianism

to pass (examination)

self-improvement; (mental) training; self-discipline; cultivation

to pick up

all eyes; public attention

ugly; unsightly; hideous; mean; repulsive; disgraceful

congestion (with blood); hyperemia; hyperaemia

to be reluctant (to do); to be unwilling (to do); to hesitate (to do); to grudge; to be tardy (in doing); to put off (doing)

regarding highly; attaching importance to

deep sleep; sound sleep; profound sleep

deferred payment

misprint; typographical error; typo

hereafter

school doctor; school physician

red-blossomed plum tree; red Japanese apricot

to come and go; to go back and forth

height; elevated place

anti-aircraft artillery

thick fog (of suspicion); black veil of secrecy; covered-up crime, unethical act, etc.

continuously; from beginning to end; from first to last

to re-think; to think back upon; to change one's mind

to re-think; to think back upon; to change one's mind

to point

patron god; tutelar deity; guardian deity; local deity

greatest treasure; most valuable asset; pride (of)

affection (esp. parental); love; fondness

merciful eye (of a Buddha or a bodhisattva watching humanity)

hard (on the ears); offensive (to the ear); rasping; rough; harsh; grating