have reached the highest rank open to a subject

pursue profit as one's only aim

a disorderly band(rabble; mob; rabble troops; motley crowd)

look blank(feel lost)

be out of one's bearings(not to know where to turn)

profound truth contained in subtle words

besiege a city to annihilate the enemy reinforce(besiege the enemy in order to strike at his reinforcements)

crumbling

Goods are abundant and people are healthy.

the capabilities of a prime minister

Unable to survive

general debility

a newly widowed woman(a young widow)

cease all activities(cease fire)

Infringe upon the prevalent social conventions

Die all at once

Things turn into their opposites when they reach the extreme.

fine gentleman

no risk at all(be on the safe side)

be imperious in one's family only