experience and observe situation of the people

The weather is not cooperating.

escapism(freak-out; bury one's head in the sand)

Heaven robs one of his soul.

brass head and iron forehead

big upheaval throughout the world

the brass camel covered by thorns

knock a spittoon to pieces

Bold and vehement language

write and bring out important points from a mass of facts as one who plucks a pearl from the black dragon

be infinitely greedy for gain(know no bounds in graft and bribery)

great difference as between heaven and earth

metropolitan/large cities

Fill the hole and fill the valley

Tian Guan blessing

visit too frequently

pick and choose

the skies falling and the earth collapsing

natural disasters like giant earthquakes and landslides

state monopoly for purchase and marketing (of grain, cotton, etc)