have only plain cloth for a skirt and a thorn for a hairpin

despise legal orders

There have been several lean years running.

Argue vigorously

Talk with one's teeth

defend the country and ensure a peaceful life for the people

lack of morale

make amends for one's faults by good deeds

Change existing habits and customs

A cup of water

conservatism

not new though not wornout

cornpensate forthe shortage and leakage

the sight of white clouds reminds that one's parents are returning

arrange troops according to the Eight-Diagram tactics(be deliberately mystifying)

collapse of itself

kick up

a widower or a widow

be prone to all kinds of sickness

keep each other company(help each other to advance)