《史记·十表·汉兴以来诸侯王年表》
而汉王朝直辖的郡有八九十个。交错在诸侯王国之间，就像犬牙一样相互交错地衔接，朝廷控制着要塞和有利地势，从而形成了本干强大、枝叶弱小的形势，使尊卑分明，所有的事情也就各得其所了。
而汉郡八九十，形错诸侯间，犬牙相临，秉其厄塞地利，强本干，弱枝叶之势，尊卑明而万事各得其所矣。
The Han Dynasty had eight or ninety commanderies under its direct jurisdiction. Interwoven among the vassal kingdoms, like canine teeth, they were interlaced and connected. The imperial court controlled the passes and advantageous terrain, thus forming a situation where the trunk was strong and the branches and leaves were weak and the distinctions between honor and humility were clear, and all matters fell into place.