abbot - the head of a group of monks

assassin - one who is paid to murder

corrupt - dishonest, disloyal or unjust

destiny - what happens to someone because of fate or luck

disciple - one who follows a teacher

divination - the art of telling what will happen in the future

Eight Virtues - ancient Chinese virtues: devotion to parents, brotherly affection, loyalty, trust, courtesy, righteousness, integrity, and a sense of shame

emissaries - people sent out on a mission to represent the king

filial devotion - the honor of a child for parents

I Ching - an ancient Chinese method of gaining guidance and direction; also called the Book of Changes

magistrate - a government officer with the power to enforce law

minister - a high government official in charge of a department

monastery - the dwelling place of a community of monks

monk - a man who has taken religious vows and joined a monastery 

Nine Standards - ancient Chinese ideals by which to lead a country, a state or a family

nobility - people with high rank by birth

official - one who holds a position in government

province - a territory of a country with its own local government

regalia - the decorations and symbols worn by someone to show their position