five-zone-tribute-system

name	five-zone-tribute-system
description	Use when managing tribute obligations or enforcing compliance across distance-based zones. Structures five concentric zones (五服制度) from daily offerings to lifetime homage, with escalation protocols for non-compliance.

Five-Zone Tribute System (五服制度)

A hierarchical administrative framework for managing relations with different regions based on their distance from the capital.

Overview

The system divides territories into five concentric zones, each with specific obligations and frequencies of tribute.

The Five Zones

1. 甸服 - Royal Domain

   • Closest zone to capital
   • Obligation: Daily offerings (日祭)
   • Provides immediate sustenance to court

2. 侯服 - Noble Zone

   • Second ring from capital
   • Obligation: Monthly sacrifices (月祀)
   • Nobles maintain regional defense

3. 宾服 - Guest Zone

   • Third ring from capital
   • Obligation: Seasonal offerings (时享)
   • Semi-autonomous allied states

4. 要服 - Restraint Zone

   • Fourth ring from capital
   • Obligation: Annual tribute (岁贡)
   • Border regions under loose control

5. 荒服 - Wild Zone

   • Outermost zone
   • Obligation: Lifetime homage (终王)
   • Distant peoples with minimal obligations

Escalation Protocol

When obligations are not met:

1. 不祭 (No daily offering) → 脩意
2. 不祀 (No monthly sacrifice) → 脩言
3. 不享 (No seasonal offering) → 脩文