Zhi-Fu

Zhi-Fu is one facet of the great philosophy that everything must be in its place. It is to subdue, to check, and to bring under control what every member of the community is allowed to wear depending on social and above all bureaucratic status. From the Emperor, who wears the Vermillion Robes, to the lowest scribe who has a coloured edging on his local-cut jacket, there is a place for everything¹. And, on pain of punishment, everything stays in its place.

Clothing

Put simply, peasants may wear any colour other than Vermillion, and their coats may be any material other than silk. Silk jackets are reserved for Lords of Penglai and foreigners deemed to exist. A worm who wears any silk will be opening himself up to retribution.

Proscribed Clothing

Vermillion and/or Golden-Yellow

Imperial Royalty

Mustard Yellow

Truth-sayers - the Ministers of the Bureau of Criticism

White Brocade

Imperial Inquisitors. Do not cross these bastards

Grey, trimmed in green

Tax collectors

Orange

Foreigners

Brown

Foreigners

Unbrocaded white with coloured patching

Foreigners

Plain white

A mourning colour, suitable for anyone to wear in the appropriate cloth.

Proscribed Items

Silk Cords

Green

Tax boxes

Yellow

An order - take this and strangle yourself with it

Vermillion

Must not be cut - used for sealing areas