Vocabulary

upper classes; high society

upper air currents

superstructure; upper stories

topsoil

winds aloft

indoor sandals; slippers

high retainer

outer sash

thigh

supreme wisdom

excellent-good-poor; first-second-third (class)

face; coat; veneer

high pitch; higher tone

one's superior; senior; elder

Shangdi (creator deity in Chinese folk religion)

sky; the heavens

fine weather; splendid weather

finishing coat of paper

final coat (of paint, plaster, varnish, etc.); finish; glazing

ridgepole-raising ceremony

first-class article

chief petty officer

advance; rise; jump

housemaid; cleaning lady

money paid to authorities; money paid to the government

rice-tax delivery

excellent horse

first-class rice

outer box; outer casing

first half; upper half

being on duty

outside string (on a package)

memorial to the emperor

cover; front cover; wrapper; jacket

Buddhism's highest paradise

superstructure

outer garment

cover; covering

high-quality goods; choice goods

good idea; wise policy