1
國初即位儀
Ceremonies for Succession at the Founding of the State
2
受尊號儀
Ceremonies for Receiving an Honorific Title
3
皇統元年正月二日，太師宗幹率百僚上表，請上皇帝尊號，凡三請，詔允。 七日，遣上京留守奭告天地社稷，析津尹宗強告太廟。 十日，帝服袞冕禦元和殿，宗幹率百僚恭奉冊禮。 冊文云云，「臣等謹奉玉冊、玉寶，上尊號曰崇天體道欽明文武聖德皇帝」。 是日，皇帝改服通天冠，宴二品以上官及高麗、夏國使。 十二日，恭謝祖廟，還禦宣和門，大赦，改元。
On the second day of the first month of Huangtong 1, Grand Preceptor Zonggan led the entire court in a memorial asking that the emperor accept an honorific title. After three formal petitions, the throne assented. On the seventh day, the Shangjing garrison commander Shi was sent to report the event to Heaven, Earth, and the altars of soil and grain, while Xijin prefect Zongqiang made the announcement at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. On the tenth day the emperor, robed in full ceremonial dress, took his seat in the Yuanhe Hall while Zonggan led the court in presenting the investiture ceremony. The investiture text declared, in substance: "We your subjects respectfully present the jade book and jade seal, offering the honorific title Sagely Emperor Who Reveres Heaven, Embodies the Way, and Is Illustrious in Civil and Martial Virtue." That same day the emperor changed into court dress with the Tongtian cap and hosted a banquet for officials of the second rank and above, together with envoys from Goryeo and Western Xia. On the twelfth day he offered thanks at the ancestral temple, then returned to take the throne at the Xuanhe Gate, proclaimed a general amnesty, and changed the reign title.
4
大定七年，恭上皇帝尊號。 前三日，遣使奏告天地宗廟社稷。 前二日，諸司停奏刑罰文字。 百官習儀于大安殿庭。 兵部帥其屬，設黃麾仗于大安殿門之內外。 宣徽院帥儀鸞司，於前一日設受冊寶壇于大安殿中間，又設禦榻於壇上，又設冊寶幄次於大安殿門外，及設皇太子幕次於殿東廊，又設群官次於大安門外。 大樂令與協律郎前一日設宮縣於殿庭，又設登歌樂架於殿上，立舞表于殿下。 符寶郎其日俟文武群官入，奉八寶置於御座左右，候上冊寶訖，複舁寶還所司。 其日質明，奉冊太尉、奉寶司徒、讀冊中書令、讀寶侍中以次應行事官，並集於尚書省，俟冊寶興，乘馬奉迎。 冊寶至應天門，下馬由正門步導入，至大安殿門外，置冊寶於幄次。 舁冊寶床弩手人等分立於左右。 文武群官並朝服入次。 攝太常卿與大樂令帥工人入就位，協律郎各就舉麾位。 舁冊寶案官由西偏門先入，置案於殿東西間褥位，置訖，各退於西階冊寶位後。 捧冊官，捧寶官、舁冊匣官、舁寶盝官由西偏門先入，至殿西階下冊寶褥位之西，東向立，俟閣門報。
In Dading 7 the court respectfully bestowed an honorific title upon the emperor. Three days in advance, envoys were sent to announce the event to Heaven, Earth, the ancestral temple, and the altars of soil and grain. Two days in advance, every office suspended submissions relating to criminal punishments. All officials rehearsed the ceremony in the courtyard of the Da'an Hall. The Ministry of War led its staff in posting the yellow-banner guard formation inside and outside the Da'an Hall gates. The Xuanhui Court directed the Ceremonial Escort Office. On the eve of the ceremony they erected the altar for receiving the investiture book and seal in the center of the Da'an Hall, placed the imperial couch upon it, pitched the book-and-seal canopy outside the hall gate, arranged the crown prince's pavilion in the eastern corridor, and set out pavilions for the officials outside the Da'an Gate. On the day before, the Director of Grand Music and the pitch officers set up the palace bell-chime ensemble in the courtyard, placed the ascending-song music frame on the hall platform, and marked out the dance positions below the hall. That day, once the civil and military officials had entered, the seal-and-treasure officers brought forward the eight imperial treasures and set them on either side of the throne; after the investiture rites concluded, they carried the treasures back to their office. At dawn that day the Grand Commandant charged with presenting the book, the Minister of Education with the seal, the Director of the Secretariat to read the book, the Palace Attendant to read the seal, and the other ritual officers in their proper order all gathered at the Department of State Affairs. When the book and seal were lifted, they mounted and rode out to escort them. When the book and seal reached the Yingtian Gate, the escorts dismounted and led them in on foot through the main gate as far as the Da'an Hall, where they were set down in the canopy pavilion outside the gate. Bearers of the book-and-seal couch, crossbowmen, and attendants of that kind stood in ranks to the left and right. Civil and military officials alike entered their assigned stations in full court dress. The acting Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Director of Grand Music led the musicians to their stations, and each pitch officer took up his baton position. Bearers of the book-and-seal tables entered first through the western side gate and set the tables on the cushioned stations in the eastern and western bays of the hall; when this was done they withdrew to stand behind the book-and-seal positions on the western steps. Book-bearers, seal-bearers, and the men who carried the book casket and seal casket entered through the western side gate, took up positions west of the cushioned book-and-seal station below the western steps, faced east, and waited for the gate officer's signal.
5
通事舍人引攝侍中版奏：「中嚴。」 訖，典儀、贊者各就位。 閣門官引文武百僚分左右入，於殿階下磚道之東西，相向立。 符寶郎奉八寶由西偏門分入，升置殿上東西間相向訖，分左右立於寶後。 通事舍人引攝侍中版奏：「外辦。」 扇合，服袞冕以出，曲直甲蓋、侍衛警蹕如常儀。 殿上鳴鞭，訖，殿下亦鳴鞭。 初索扇，協律郎跪，俯伏，興，舉麾。 工鼓柷，奏《乾甯之曲》。 出自東房，即座，儀使副添香，爐煙升，扇開，簾卷。 協律郎偃麾，戛敔，樂止。 太常博士、通事舍人自冊寶幄次分引冊，太常卿前導，吏部待郎押冊而行，奉冊太尉、讀冊中書令、舉冊官於冊後以次從之。 次太常博士、通事舍人二員分引寶，禮部侍郎押寶而行，奉寶司徒、讀寶侍中、舉寶官於寶後以次從之。 由正門入，宮縣奏《歸美揚功之曲》。 太常卿於冊床前導，至第一墀香案南，藉寶冊褥位上少置。 太常卿與舉冊寶官退於冊寶稍西，東向立。 應博士、舍人立於其後，舁冊寶床弩手、傘子官等又於其後，皆東向。 太尉、司徒、中書令。 侍中皆於冊後，面北以次立。 吏部侍郎、禮部侍郎次立于其後。 立定，樂止。 閣門舍人分引東西兩班群官合班，轉北向立，中間少留班路。 俟立定，太常博士、通事舍人四員分引太尉、司徒、中書令、侍中、吏部禮部侍郎以次各複本班，訖，博士、舍人退以俟。 初引時，樂奏《歸美揚功之曲》，至位立定，樂止。 典儀曰：「拜。」 贊者承傳，太尉以下應在位官皆舞蹈，五拜。 班首出班起居訖，又贊：「再拜。」 如朝會常儀。
Communication officers led the acting Palace Attendant to announce on the memorial board: "The inner precinct is under strict guard." When this was done, the master of ceremonies and the announcers each took their stations. Gate officers led the civil and military officials in to left and right, where they stood facing one another along the brick path to the east and west below the hall steps. Seal-and-treasure officers brought the eight imperial treasures in through the western side gate, carried them up, and set them facing one another in the eastern and western bays of the hall; then they took their places to left and right behind the treasures. Communication officers led the acting Palace Attendant to announce: "The outer preparations are complete." The fans closed. The emperor put on full ceremonial robes and emerged, with curved and straight parasols, armored canopies, attendants, and the imperial guard procession arrayed according to the usual protocol. Whips were cracked on the hall platform, and then below the hall as well. At the first signal for the fans, the pitch officers knelt, prostrated themselves, rose, and raised their batons. The musicians struck the sounding-stone and performed the "Qianning" suite. He emerged from the eastern chamber and took his seat; the deputy ritual envoy added incense, smoke rose from the censer, the fans opened, and the curtains were drawn up. The pitch officers lowered their batons, struck the wooden clapper, and the music stopped. Academicians of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and communication officers led the book out separately from the canopy pavilion. The Director of the Court went ahead as guide, the Vice Minister of Personnel escorted the book, and the Grand Commandant who would present it, the Director of the Secretariat who would read it, and the book-lifting officers followed behind in order. Next, two academicians and communication officers led the seal separately; the Vice Minister of Rites escorted it, and the Minister of Education who would present it, the Palace Attendant who would read it, and the seal-lifting officers followed behind in order. They entered through the main gate while the palace bell-chime ensemble played the "Returning Beauty and Proclaiming Merit" suite. The Director of the Court guided the procession before the book table to the south of the incense table on the first terrace and briefly set book and seal down on the cushioned station. The Director of the Court and the book-and-seal lifting officers withdrew a little to the west and stood facing east. Participating academicians and communication officers stood behind them, with bearers of the book-and-seal couch, crossbowmen, and parasol officers still farther back, all facing east. The Grand Commandant, the Minister of Education, and the Director of the Secretariat. The Palace Attendants all stood behind the book, facing north in their proper order. The Vice Ministers of Personnel and of Rites stood in the next rank behind them. Once everyone was in position, the music stopped. Gate officers led the eastern and western ranks to merge, turn north, and stand in formation, leaving a narrow passage down the center. Once the formation was set, four academicians and communication officers led the Grand Commandant, Minister of Education, Director of the Secretariat, Palace Attendant, and the Vice Ministers of Personnel and Rites back to their original ranks in order; the guides then withdrew to wait. As they were first led forward, the "Returning Beauty and Proclaiming Merit" suite was played; when they reached their stations and stood firm, the music stopped. The master of ceremonies called: "Bow." The announcers relayed the command, and from the Grand Commandant down every official on duty performed the dance-obeisance in five bows. The head of the rank stepped forward to complete the rising-and-bowing salutation, and the announcers called again: "Bow again." This followed the usual protocol of a regular court assembly.
6
太常博士、通事舍人四員再引太尉、司徒、中書令、侍中、吏禮部侍郎複進至冊寶所稍南，立定。 舁冊寶床弩手，傘子官並進前，舉冊寶床興。 太常博士、通事舍人二員分引冊，太常卿前導，吏部侍郎押冊而行，奉冊太尉、讀冊中書令、舉冊官於冊後以次從之。 冊初行，樂奏《肅甯之曲》。 次通事舍人、太常博士又二員分引寶，禮部侍郎押寶而行，奉寶司徒、讀寶侍中、舉寶官於寶後以次從之，詣西階下，至冊寶褥位少置冊北，寶南，樂止。 舁冊寶床弩手、傘子官等退於後稍西，樂向立。
Four academicians and communication officers again led the Grand Commandant, Minister of Education, Director of the Secretariat, Palace Attendant, and the Vice Ministers of Personnel and Rites forward to a point just south of the book and seal and held position. Bearers of the book-and-seal couch, crossbowmen, and parasol officers all stepped forward together and lifted the book-and-seal couch. Two academicians and communication officers led the book separately; the Director of the Court went ahead, the Vice Minister of Personnel escorted it, and the Grand Commandant, the Director of the Secretariat, and the book-lifting officers followed behind in order. As the book first moved forward, the "Suning" suite was played. Next, two more communication officers and academicians led the seal separately; the Vice Minister of Rites escorted it, and the Minister of Education, Palace Attendant, and seal-lifting officers followed behind. They went to the foot of the western steps and briefly set book and seal on the cushioned station with the book to the north and the seal to the south, then the music stopped. Bearers of the book-and-seal couch, crossbowmen, and parasol officers withdrew a little to the rear and west and stood facing east.
7
捧冊官與舁冊官並進前，取冊匣升。 太常博士、通事舍人分引冊，太常卿側身導冊先升，奉冊太尉、讀冊中書令、舉冊官、捧冊官於冊後以次從升。 冊初行，樂奏《肅甯之曲》。 進至殿上，博士舍人分左右於前楹立以俟，讀冊中書令于欄子外前楹稍西立以俟，舉冊官、捧冊官立於其後。 奉冊太尉從升，至褥位，搢笏，少前跪置訖，執笏，俯伏，興、樂止，退於前楹稍西立以俟。 太常博士立于後。 太常卿少退東向立。 舁冊官立於其後，皆東向。 捧冊官先入，舉冊官次入，讀冊中書令又次入。 捧冊官四員皆搢笏雙跪捧。 舉冊官二員亦搢笏，兩邊單跪對舉。 中書令執笏進，跪稱：「中書令臣某讀冊。」 讀訖，俯伏，興。 中書令俟冊興，先退。 通事舍人引，降自東階，複本班。 訖，太常卿降複寶床前，舁冊官並進，與捧冊官等取冊匣興，置於殿東間褥位案上，西向。 捧舉冊官等降自東階，還本班。 舁冊官亦退。 太常博士引奉冊太尉降自西階，東向立以俟。 次捧寶官與舁寶官俟讀冊中書令讀訖出，並進前，取寶盝升。 太常博士、通事舍人分引寶，太常卿側身導寶，先升。 奉寶司徒、讀寶侍中、舉寶官、捧寶官於寶後以次從升。 寶初行，樂奏《肅甯之曲》，進至殿上，博士舍人俱退不升，並於前楹稍西立俟。 讀寶侍中於欄子外前楹間稍西立以俟。 舉寶官、捧寶官立於其後。 奉寶司徒從升，至褥位，搢笏，少前跪置，訖，執笏，俯伏，興，樂止。 司徒退於前楹西，立以俟。 太常卿少退，東向立。 舁寶官立於其後，皆東向。 捧寶官先入，舉寶官次入，讀寶侍中又次入。 捧寶官四員皆搢笏雙跪捧。 舉寶官二員亦搢笏兩邊單跪對舉。 侍中執笏進，跪稱：「侍中臣某讀寶。」 讀訖，俯伏，興。 侍中俟寶興先退，通事舍人引，降自西階，複本班，訖，舁寶官進前，與捧寶舉寶官等取寶盝興，置於殿之西間褥位案上，東向。 捧寶舉寶等與太常卿俱降自西階，及吏部侍郎皆複本班。 舁寶官亦退。 太常博士引奉寶司徒次奉冊太尉，東向立定。
Book-bearers and casket bearers advanced together, lifted the book casket, and ascended. Academicians and communication officers led the book separately while the Director of the Court turned aside to guide it and went up first; the Grand Commandant, Director of the Secretariat, book-lifting officers, and book-bearers followed behind in order as they ascended. As the book first moved forward, the "Suning" suite was played. On reaching the hall platform, academicians and communication officers took their places to left and right before the front pillar to wait; the Director of the Secretariat who would read the book stood just west of the front pillar outside the railing; book-lifting officers and book-bearers stood behind him. The Grand Commandant ascended with them, reached the cushioned station, tucked his tablet in his belt, stepped forward, knelt, and set the book down. He then took up the tablet, prostrated himself, and rose as the music stopped, then withdrew to wait just west of the front pillar. The Court academicians stood behind. The Director of the Court withdrew a step and stood facing east. The casket bearers stood behind them, all facing east. The book-bearers entered first, then the book-lifting officers, and then the Director of the Secretariat who would read the book. All four book-bearers tucked their tablets in their belts and knelt on both knees to present the book. The two book-lifting officers also tucked their tablets in their belts and knelt on one knee on either side to raise the book together. The Director of the Secretariat advanced with tablet in hand, knelt, and declared: "Your subject, Director of the Secretariat [name], reads the investiture book." When he had finished reading, he prostrated himself and rose. The Director of the Secretariat waited until the book was lifted, then withdrew first. Communication officers led him down the eastern steps and back to his original station. When this was done, the Director of the Court came down and returned before the seal table. Casket bearers advanced together with the book-bearers, lifted the book casket, and set it on the cushioned table in the eastern bay of the hall, facing west. Book-bearers, book-lifting officers, and their attendants came down the eastern steps and returned to their stations. The casket bearers withdrew as well. Court academicians led the Grand Commandant down the western steps, where he stood facing east to wait. Next, once the Director of the Secretariat had finished reading the book and withdrawn, seal-bearers and casket bearers advanced together, lifted the seal casket, and ascended. Academicians and communication officers led the seal separately while the Director of the Court turned aside to guide it and went up first. The Minister of Education, Palace Attendant, seal-lifting officers, and seal-bearers followed behind the seal in order as they ascended. As the seal first moved forward, the "Suning" suite was played. On reaching the hall platform, the academicians and communication officers withdrew without ascending and waited just west of the front pillar. The Palace Attendant who would read the seal stood just west of the front pillars outside the railing to wait. Seal-lifting officers and seal-bearers stood behind him. The Minister of Education ascended with them, reached the cushioned station, tucked his tablet in his belt, stepped forward, knelt, and set the seal down. He then took up the tablet, prostrated himself, and rose as the music stopped. The Minister of Education withdrew to the west of the front pillar and waited. The Director of the Court withdrew a step and stood facing east. The seal-casket bearers stood behind them, all facing east. The seal-bearers entered first, then the seal-lifting officers, and then the Palace Attendant who would read the seal. All four seal-bearers tucked their tablets in their belts and knelt on both knees to present the seal. The two seal-lifting officers also tucked their tablets in their belts and knelt on one knee on either side to raise the seal together. The Palace Attendant advanced with tablet in hand, knelt, and declared: "Your subject, Palace Attendant [name], reads the imperial seal." When he had finished reading, he prostrated himself and rose. The Palace Attendant waited until the seal was lifted, then withdrew first; communication officers led him down the western steps back to his station. Casket bearers then advanced with the seal-bearers and seal-lifting officers, lifted the seal casket, and set it on the cushioned table in the western bay of the hall, facing east. Seal-bearers, seal-lifting officers, and the Director of the Court all came down the western steps together, and the Vice Minister of Personnel returned to his station. The seal-casket bearers withdrew as well. Court academicians led the Minister of Education and then the Grand Commandant to stand facing east and hold their positions.
8
博士舍人贊引太尉司徒進，詣第一墀香案南褥位立定，博士舍人稍退。 典儀曰：「拜。」 贊者承傳，在位官皆再拜，訖，博士舍人二員引太尉詣東階升，宮縣奏《純誠享上之曲》，至階，止。 閣門使二員引太尉進至前，立定，樂止。 閣門使揖贊太尉拜跪賀，殿下閣門揖百僚躬身，太尉稱「文武百僚具官臣等言」，致賀詞云云，俯伏，興，退至階上。 博士舍人分引太尉降至東階，初降，宮縣作《肅甯之曲》，複香案南褥位立定，樂止。 博士舍人少退。 典儀曰：「拜。」 贊者承傳，太尉、司徒及在位群官俱再拜舞蹈，三稱「萬歲」，又再拜。 訖，通事舍人引攝侍中升自東階前楹間，躬承旨，退臨階西向，稱：「有制。」 典儀曰：「拜。」 贊者承傳，太尉、司徒及在位群官俱再拜，躬身宣詞云云，宣訖，通事舍人引侍中還位。 典儀曰：「拜。」 贊者承傳，階上下應在位群官俱再拜舞蹈，三稱「萬歲」，又再拜。 訖，博士舍人分引太尉、司徒就百僚位。 初引，宮縣作《肅甯之曲》，至位立定，樂止。 閣門舍人分引應北面位群官，各分班東西相向立定。 通事舍人引攝侍中並自東階，當前楹間，跪奏：「禮畢。」 俯伏，興，引降還位。 扇合，簾降。 協律郎俯伏，興，舉麾，工鼓柷，奏《乾甯之曲》。 降座，入自東房，還後閣，進膳，侍衛警蹕如儀。 扇開，樂止。 捧冊官帥舁冊床人，捧寶官帥舁寶床人，皆升殿取匣、盝，蓋訖，置於床前。 引進司官前導，通事舍人贊引，詣東上閣門上進。 通事舍人分引文武百僚等以次出，歸幕次，賜食，以俟上壽。 上冊寶禮畢，有司供辦禦床及與宴群官位，並如曲宴儀。
Academicians and communication officers announced and led the Grand Commandant and Minister of Education forward to the cushioned station south of the incense table on the first terrace; the guides then withdrew a step. The master of ceremonies called: "Bow." The announcers relayed the command, and every official on duty bowed twice. Two academicians and communication officers then led the Grand Commandant up the eastern steps while the palace bell-chime ensemble played the "Pure Sincerity in Offering to the Sovereign" suite, which stopped at the foot of the steps. Two gate commissioners led the Grand Commandant forward to the front and held position as the music stopped. Gate commissioners bowed and called for the Grand Commandant to kneel and offer congratulations; below the hall, gate officers signaled the officials to bow forward. The Grand Commandant declared, "We civil and military officials of every rank, your subjects, say," and delivered the congratulatory address; he then prostrated himself, rose, and withdrew to the steps. Academicians and communication officers led the Grand Commandant down the eastern steps; as he began his descent, the palace bell-chime ensemble played "Suning"; he returned to the cushioned station south of the incense table and held position, and the music stopped. The guides withdrew a step. The master of ceremonies called: "Bow." The announcers relayed the command, and the Grand Commandant, Minister of Education, and every official on duty bowed twice with ritual dance, thrice cried "Long live the emperor!", and bowed again. When this was done, communication officers led the acting Palace Attendant up the eastern steps to the front pillars; he bowed to receive the imperial command, stepped back to the edge of the steps facing west, and announced: "There is an edict." The master of ceremonies called: "Bow." The announcers relayed the command, and the Grand Commandant, Minister of Education, and all officials on duty bowed twice. Bending forward, the Palace Attendant read out the edict; when he had finished, communication officers led him back to his station. The master of ceremonies called: "Bow." The announcers relayed the command, and every official on and below the steps who was required to attend bowed twice with ritual dance, thrice cried "Long live the emperor!", and bowed again. When this was done, academicians and communication officers led the Grand Commandant and Minister of Education separately to the officials' stations. As they were led forward, the palace bell-chime ensemble played "Suning"; when they reached their stations and held position, the music stopped. Gate officers led the officials assigned to north-facing stations into separate east and west divisions, where they stood facing one another and held position. Communication officers led the acting Palace Attendant up the eastern steps to the front pillars, where he knelt and reported: "The rites are complete." He prostrated himself, rose, was led down the steps, and returned to his station. The folding fans closed and the curtains were lowered. The pitch officer prostrated himself, rose, and raised his baton; the musicians struck the percussion frame and played "Qianning." The emperor left the throne, entered through the eastern chamber, and withdrew to the rear pavilion to take his meal, while guards cleared the way as prescribed. The folding fans opened and the music stopped. Book-bearers led the book-couch bearers, and seal-bearers led the seal-couch bearers; all went up to the hall, gathered the caskets and boxes, closed the lids, and set them before the couch. Officers of the Introduction Office went ahead while communication officers announced the procession; they proceeded to the upper eastern gate and presented the items upward. Communication officers led the civil and military officials out in turn; they returned to the waiting pavilions, received food, and waited for the longevity rites to begin. Once the investiture rites were finished, the responsible offices arranged the imperial couch and seating for officials attending the banquet, all according to the prescribed banquet ceremony.
9
攝太常卿大樂令帥工人入，並協律郎各就舉麾位，俟舍人報。 通事舍人引三師以下文武百僚親王宗室等分左右入，至殿階下稍南，東西相向立。 通事舍人先引攝侍中版奏：「中嚴。」 少頃，又奏：「外辦。」 扇合，鳴鞭。 協律郎跪，俯伏，興，工鼓柷，宮縣奏《乾甯之曲》。 服通天冠、絳紗袍，即座，簾卷。 內侍贊：「扇開。」 殿上下鳴鞭，戛敔，樂止。 儀使副等添香，爐煙升。 通事舍人引班首以下合班，樂奏《肅甯之曲》，至北向位，重行立定，中間少留班路。 通事舍人引攝侍中詣東階升，至殿上少立。 閣門舍人引禮部尚書出班前，北向俯伏，跪奏，稱：「禮部尚書臣某言，請允群臣上壽。」 俯伏，興，躬身。 通事舍人引攝侍中少退。 舍人贊：「禮部尚書再拜。」 訖，贊：「祗候。」 複本班。 內侍局進禦床入。 次良醖令于殿下橫階南酹酒，訖，典儀曰：「拜。」 贊者承傳，在位官皆再拜，隨拜三稱「萬歲」，訖，平立。
The acting Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Director of Grand Music led the musicians in; each pitch officer took up his baton station and waited for the communication officers' signal. Communication officers led the Three Preceptors, civil and military officials, imperial princes, and members of the imperial clan to enter in left and right columns; they halted slightly south of the hall steps and stood facing one another east and west. Communication officers first led the acting Palace Attendant to submit a board memorial: "The hall is under strict guard." A moment later he reported again: "All is ready outside." The folding fans closed and the whips were sounded. The pitch officer knelt, prostrated himself, and rose; the musicians struck the percussion frame while the palace bell-chime ensemble played "Qianning." Dressed in the Tongtian cap and deep-red gauze robe, the emperor took the throne as the curtains were rolled up. Inner attendants called: "Open the fans." Whips sounded above and below the hall, the percussion clapper was struck, and the music stopped. Ceremonial envoys and their deputies added incense, and smoke rose from the censers. Communication officers led the ranking officials to form a single body while "Suning" was played; they reached their north-facing stations, stood in double rows with a slight passage left in the middle, and held position. Communication officers led the acting Palace Attendant up the eastern steps; he paused briefly on the hall floor. Gate officers led the Minister of Rites forward before the ranks; facing north, he prostrated himself, knelt, and said: "Your subject, the Minister of Rites, asks that the court be permitted to offer longevity wishes." He prostrated himself, rose, and bowed forward. Communication officers led the acting Palace Attendant back a step. The announcers called: "The Minister of Rites bows twice." When he had finished, they called: "Await the imperial response." He returned to his station in the ranks. The Inner Service Bureau brought in the imperial couch. Next the Director of Fine Brews poured a libation south of the transverse steps below the hall; when this was done, the master of ceremonies called: "Bow." The announcers relayed the command, and every official on duty bowed twice, crying "Long live the emperor!" three times with the bows; when finished, they stood upright.
10
太常博士、通事舍人分引攝上公由東階升。 初升，宮縣奏《肅甯之曲》。 殿上，舍人少退，二閣使揖上公進，至進酒褥位，樂止。 宣徽使以爵授上公，上公搢笏，受爵。 詣榻前跪進。 受爵訖，上公執槃授宣徽使，訖，二閣使揖上公入欄子內，贊：「拜。」 跪。 殿下，閣門揖百僚皆躬身。 通事舍人揖攝侍中進，詣前楹間，躬承旨，退臨階西向稱：「有制。」 典儀曰：「拜。」 贊者承傳，上公及在位群官皆再拜，隨拜三稱「萬歲」，訖，躬身宣曰：「得公等壽酒，與公等內外同慶。」 閣門舍人贊宣諭訖，上公與百僚皆舞蹈五拜，訖，閣門舍人引百僚分班東西序北向立。 博士舍人再引上公自東階升，宮縣奏《肅甯之曲》，至進酒褥位，樂止。 上公搢笏，宣徽使授上公槃，上公詣欄子內褥位，跪舉酒，宮縣奏《景命萬年之曲》，飲訖，樂止。 上公進受虛爵訖，複褥位，以爵授宣徽使，訖，二閣使揖上公退，內侍局舁禦床出。 博士舍人並進前分引，降自東階，宮縣作《肅甯之曲》。 閣門舍人分引東西兩班，隨上公俱複北向位，立定，樂止。 典儀曰：「拜。」 贊者承傳，在位官皆再拜，三稱「萬歲」，訖，平立。 殿上，通事舍人揖攝侍中進，詣前楹間，躬承旨，退臨階西向，閣門官先揖，百僚躬身，侍中稱：「有制。」 典儀曰：「拜。」 贊者承傳，在位官皆再拜，訖，躬身宣曰：「延王公等升殿。」 典儀曰：「拜。」 贊者承傳，在位官皆再拜，訖，搢笏，舞蹈，又再拜，訖。 太常博士、通事舍人引王公以下合赴宴群官，分左右升殿，不與宴群官分左右卷班出，宮縣奏《肅甯之曲》。 百僚至殿上坐後立，樂止。 內侍局進禦床入。 依尋常宴會，再進第一爵酒，登歌奏《聖德昭明之曲》，飲訖，樂止。 執事者行官酒，宮縣作《肅甯之曲》，文舞入，觴行一周，樂止。 尚食局進食，執事者設群官食，宮縣奏《保大定功之舞》，三成，止，出。 又進第二爵酒，登歌奏《天贊堯齡之曲》，飲訖，樂止。 執事者行群官酒，宮縣作《肅甯之曲》，武舞入，觴行一周，樂止。 尚食局進食，執事者設群官食，宮縣奏《萬國來同之舞》，三成，止，出。 又進第三爵酒，登歌奏《慶雲之曲》，飲訖，樂止。 執事者行群官酒，宮縣作《肅甯之曲》，觴行一周，樂止。 尚食局進食，執事者設群官食，宮縣奏《肅甯之曲》，食畢，樂止。 閣門官分揖侍宴群官起，立于席後。 通事舍人引攝侍中詣榻前，俯伏，興，跪奏：「侍中臣某言，禮畢。」 俯伏，興。 閣門舍人分引群官俱降東西階，內侍局舁禦床出，宮縣作《肅甯之曲》，至北向位立定，樂止。 典儀曰：「拜。」 贊者承傳，在位官皆再拜，訖，搢笏，舞蹈，又再拜，訖，再分班東西序立。 扇合，簾降，殿上下鳴鞭。 協律郎俯伏，跪，舉麾，興，工鼓柷，奏《乾甯之曲》。 降座，入自東房，還後閣，侍衛如來儀。 內侍贊：「扇開。」 戛敔，樂止。 通事舍人引攝侍中版奏：「解嚴。」 所司承旨放仗，在位群官皆再拜以次出。
Court academicians and communication officers led the acting chief duke up the eastern steps. As he began to ascend, the palace bell-chime ensemble played "Suning." On the hall floor the guides withdrew a step; two gate commissioners ushered the chief duke forward to the cushioned station for presenting wine, and the music stopped. The Xuanhui Commissioner handed the wine cup to the chief duke, who tucked his tablet under his arm and accepted it. He went before the couch, knelt, and presented the cup. After presenting the cup, the chief duke returned the tray to the Xuanhui Commissioner; two gate commissioners then ushered him into the railing enclosure and called: "Bow." He knelt. Below the hall, gate officers signaled the officials, who all bowed forward. Communication officers ushered the acting Palace Attendant forward to the front pillars; he bowed to receive the imperial command, stepped back to the edge of the steps facing west, and announced: "There is an edict." The master of ceremonies called: "Bow." The announcers relayed the command, and the chief duke and every official on duty bowed twice, crying "Long live the emperor!" three times with the bows. Bending forward, he proclaimed: "Having received your longevity wine, we share this joy with you all, within and without." When the gate officers had finished relaying the imperial message, the chief duke and all officials performed the fivefold ritual dance and bow. Gate officers then led the officials into east and west ranks facing north. Academicians and communication officers again led the chief duke up the eastern steps while the palace bell-chime ensemble played "Suning"; when he reached the cushioned station for presenting wine, the music stopped. The chief duke tucked his tablet; the Xuanhui Commissioner handed him the tray; he went to the cushioned station within the railing enclosure, knelt, and raised the wine while the palace bell-chime ensemble played "Life Mandate for Ten Thousand Years"; when he had drunk, the music stopped. The chief duke stepped forward to receive the empty cup, returned to the cushioned station, and handed the cup back to the Xuanhui Commissioner; two gate commissioners then ushered him away while the Inner Service Bureau carried the imperial couch out. Academicians and communication officers came forward and led them separately down the eastern steps while the palace bell-chime ensemble played "Suning." Gate officers led the east and west divisions; following the chief duke, they all returned to their north-facing stations and held position as the music stopped. The master of ceremonies called: "Bow." The announcers relayed the command, and every official on duty bowed twice, crying "Long live the emperor!" three times; when finished, they stood upright. On the hall floor, communication officers ushered the acting Palace Attendant forward to the front pillars; he bowed to receive the imperial command and stepped back to the edge of the steps facing west. Gate officers bowed first, the officials bent forward, and the Palace Attendant announced: "There is an edict." The master of ceremonies called: "Bow." The announcers relayed the command, and every official on duty bowed twice. Bending forward, he proclaimed: "We summon the princes and dukes to ascend the hall." The master of ceremonies called: "Bow." The announcers relayed the command, and every official on duty bowed twice, tucked their tablets, performed ritual dance, and bowed again. Court academicians and communication officers led the princes, dukes, and other banquet guests to ascend the hall in left and right columns, while officials not attending the banquet filed out in separate columns; the palace bell-chime ensemble played "Suning." When the officials had reached the hall, taken their seats, and risen to stand behind them, the music stopped. The Inner Service Bureau brought in the imperial couch. Following the ordinary banquet procedure, the first toast was presented again; the ascending-song ensemble played "Sagely Virtue Clearly Manifest"; when the emperor had drunk, the music stopped. Attendants circulated wine among the officials while the palace bell-chime ensemble played "Suning"; the civil dance entered, the cups made one round, and the music stopped. The Bureau of Imperial Food brought in the meal; attendants set out food for the officials while the palace bell-chime ensemble performed the "Preserving Greatness and Settling Achievement" dance for three passages, then ceased and withdrew. The second toast was presented; the ascending-song ensemble played "Heaven Assists Yao's Age"; when the emperor had drunk, the music stopped. Attendants circulated wine among the officials while the palace bell-chime ensemble played "Suning"; the military dance entered, the cups made one round, and the music stopped. The Bureau of Imperial Food brought in the meal; attendants set out food for the officials while the palace bell-chime ensemble performed the "Ten Thousand Realms Come Together" dance for three passages, then ceased and withdrew. The third toast was presented; the ascending-song ensemble played "Auspicious Clouds"; when the emperor had drunk, the music stopped. Attendants circulated wine among the officials while the palace bell-chime ensemble played "Suning"; the cups made one round and the music stopped. The Bureau of Imperial Food brought in the meal; attendants set out food for the officials while the palace bell-chime ensemble played "Suning"; when the meal was finished, the music stopped. Gate officers signaled the banquet guests to rise and stand behind their seats. Communication officers led the acting Palace Attendant before the couch; he prostrated himself, rose, knelt, and reported: "Your subject, the Palace Attendant, declares: The rites are complete." He prostrated himself and rose. Gate officers led all officials down the eastern and western steps while the Inner Service Bureau carried the imperial couch out; the palace bell-chime ensemble played "Suning" until they reached their north-facing stations and held position, and the music stopped. The master of ceremonies called: "Bow." The announcers relayed the command, and every official on duty bowed twice, tucked their tablets, performed ritual dance, and bowed again; they then divided into east and west ranks and stood in order. The folding fans closed, the curtains were lowered, and whips sounded above and below the hall. The pitch officer prostrated himself, knelt, raised his baton, and rose; the musicians struck the percussion frame and played "Qianning." The emperor left the throne, entered through the eastern chamber, and withdrew to the rear pavilion; the guards escorted him as on his arrival, according to the rites. Inner attendants called: "Open the fans." The percussion clapper was struck and the music stopped. Communication officers led the acting Palace Attendant to submit a board memorial: "Strict guard is lifted." The responsible offices received the command and dismissed the guard; every official on duty bowed twice and left in turn.
11
元日聖誕上壽儀
Rites for Offering Longevity on New Year's Day and the Emperor's Birthday
12
皇帝升御座，鳴鞭、報時畢，殿前班小起居，各複侍立位。 舍人引皇太子並臣僚使客合班入，至丹墀，舞蹈五拜，平立。 閣使奏諸道表目，皇太子以下皆再拜。 引皇太子升殿褥位，搢笏，捧盞盤，進酒，皇帝受置於案。 皇太子退複褥位，轉盤與執事者，出笏，二閣使齊揖入欄子內，拜跪致詞雲：「元正啟祚，品物鹹新，恭惟皇帝陛下與天同休。」 若聖節則雲：「萬春令節，謹上壽卮，伏願皇帝陛下萬歲萬歲萬萬歲。」 祝畢，拜，興，複褥位，同殿下群僚皆再拜。 宣徽使稱：「有制。」 在位皆再拜，宣答曰：「履新上壽，與卿等內外同慶。」 聖節則曰：「得卿壽酒，與卿等內外同慶。」 詞畢，舞蹈五拜，齊立。 皇太子搢笏，執盤，臣僚分班，教坊奏樂。 皇帝舉酒，殿上下侍立臣僚皆再拜。 皇太子受虛盞，退立褥位，轉盤與執事者，出笏，左下殿，樂止，合班，在位臣僚皆再拜。 分引與宴官上殿，次引宋國人從至丹墀，再拜，不出班奏：「聖躬萬福。」 再拜，喝：「有敕賜酒食。」 又再拜，各祗候，平立，引左廊立。 次引高麗、夏人從，如上儀畢，分引左右廊立。 禦果床入，進酒。 皇帝飲，則坐宴侍立臣皆再拜。 進酒官接盞還位，坐宴官再拜，複坐。 行酒，傳宣，立飲，訖，再拜，坐。 次從人再拜，坐。 三盞，致語，揖臣使並從人立。 誦口號畢，坐宴侍立官皆再拜，坐，次從人再拜，坐。 食入，七盞，曲將終，揖從人立，再拜畢，引出。 聞曲時，揖臣使起，再拜，下殿。 果床出。 至丹墀，合班謝宴，舞蹈五拜，各祗候，分引出。 大定六年正月，上禦大安殿，受皇太子以下百官及外國使賀，賜宴，文武五品以上侍坐者有定員，為常制。 十七年，詔以皇族袒免以上親，雖無官爵封邑，若與宴當有班次。 禮官言：「按唐典，皇家周親視三品，大功親、小功尊屬視四品，小功親、緦麻尊屬視五品，緦麻袒免以上視六品。」 上命以此制為班次。
The emperor took the imperial throne; whips sounded and the hour was announced. The ranks before the hall performed the brief audience, then each official returned to his attendance station. Communication officers led the crown prince, ministers, envoys, and guests to enter as one body; reaching the red courtyard, they performed the fivefold ritual dance and bow, then stood upright. Gate commissioners read the titles of memorials from the various circuits; the crown prince and all below him bowed twice. They led the crown prince up to the cushioned station on the hall; he tucked his tablet, held the cup and tray, and presented wine; the emperor received it and set it on the table. The crown prince withdrew to the cushioned station, handed the tray to an attendant, and removed his tablet; two gate commissioners bowed together as he entered the railing enclosure; kneeling, he declared: "On New Year's Day the throne is renewed and all things are made new; we respectfully wish that Your Majesty may share Heaven's blessings." On the emperor's birthday he would instead declare: "On this festive day of ten thousand springs, we respectfully present this longevity cup; we humbly wish that Your Majesty may live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years." When the blessing was finished, he bowed, rose, and returned to the cushioned station; together with the officials below the hall, all bowed twice. The Palace Attendant commissioner announced: "There is an edict." All in attendance bowed twice; the announcer replied: "As you begin your reign and offer longevity, we inside and outside the palace celebrate together with you all." On the emperor's birthday he would instead say: "Having received your longevity wine, we inside and outside the palace celebrate together with you all." When the words were finished, they performed the fivefold ritual dance and bow, then stood together. The crown prince tucked his tablet and held the tray; the ministers took their ranks as the Music Bureau played. The emperor raised his wine, and every minister attending above and below the hall bowed twice. The crown prince received the empty cup, withdrew to the cushioned station, handed the tray to an attendant, and removed his tablet; he descended the hall by the left as the music stopped. They formed a single body, and every official on duty bowed twice. They separately led the banquet officials up the hall, then led the Song envoys and attendants to the red courtyard; they bowed twice and, without leaving their ranks, reported: "May Your Majesty be in boundless health." They bowed twice as the crier announced: "By imperial decree, wine and food are granted." They bowed again, each respectfully awaited orders, stood upright, and were led to stand in the left corridor. Next they led the Goryeo and Xia envoys and attendants; when the rites above were finished, they were separately led to stand in the left and right corridors. The imperial fruit table was brought in, and wine was served. When the emperor drank, every seated banquet official and standing attendant bowed twice. The wine-presenting officer received the cup and returned to his station; the seated banquet officials bowed twice and resumed their seats. Wine was circulated and the decree announced; they stood to drink, and when finished bowed twice and sat. Next the attendants bowed twice and sat. At the third round a formal address was delivered, and the envoys and attendants were signaled to rise and stand. When the chant was finished, every seated banquet official and standing attendant bowed twice and sat; then the attendants bowed twice and sat. Food was served; at the seventh round, as the music was ending, the attendants were signaled to rise; when the bows were finished, they were led out. When the music was heard, the envoys were signaled to rise; they bowed twice and descended the hall. The fruit table was removed. Reaching the red courtyard, they formed a single body to thank the emperor for the banquet, performed the fivefold ritual dance and bow, each respectfully awaited orders, and were separately led out. In the first month of the sixth year of Dading, the emperor attended the Da'an Hall, received congratulations from the crown prince, the hundred officials, and foreign envoys, and granted a banquet; civil and military officials of the fifth rank and above who were seated at the banquet had fixed quotas, and this became the regular rule. In the seventeenth year, an edict declared that imperial clansmen related within the zuxian degree and above, though without office, rank, or fief, should have seat assignments if they attended the banquet. The ritual officers said: "According to Tang regulations, imperial agnates of the first mourning circle are treated as third rank; relatives in the second mourning circle and honored relatives in the third mourning circle as fourth rank; relatives in the third mourning circle and honored relatives in the fourth mourning circle as fifth rank; and relatives in the fourth mourning circle within the zuxian degree and above as sixth rank." The emperor ordered that this regulation be used for seat assignments.
13
朝參常朝儀
Rites for Court Attendance and Regular Morning Audiences
14
天眷二年五月，詳定常朝及朔，望儀，准前代制，以朔日、六日、十一日、十五日、二十一日、二十六日為六參日。 後又定制，以朔、望日為朝參，余日為常朝。 凡朔、望朝參日，百官卯時至冪次，皇帝辰刻視朝，供禦弩手、傘子直於殿門外，分兩面排立。 司辰入殿報時畢，皇帝禦殿坐，鳴鞭。 閣門報班齊。 執擎儀物內侍分降殿階兩傍，面南立。 宿衛官自都點檢至左右親衛，祗應官自宣徽閣門祗候，先兩拜，班首少離位，奏：「聖躬萬福。」 兩拜。 弩手、傘子先於殿門外東西向排立，俟奏「聖躬萬福」時，即就位北面山呼聲喏，起居畢，即相向對立。 擎禦傘直立左班內侍上。 都點檢以次升殿，副點檢在少南，東西相向立。 左右衛在殿下，東西相向立。 閣門乃引親王班，贊班首名以下再拜，訖，班首少離位，奏：「聖躬萬福。」 歸位再拜畢，先退。 次引文武百僚班首以下應合朝參官，並府運六品以上官，皆左入，至丹墀之東，西向鞠躬畢，閣門通唱，複引至丹墀。 閣門贊班首名以下起居，舞蹈五拜，又再拜，畢，領省宰執升殿奏事。 殿中侍御史對立于左右衛將軍之北少前，修起居東西對立於殿欄子內副階下，餘退，右出。 初，帝就坐，置寶匣於殿階上東南角。 後定制，師傅起居畢，禦案始東入，置定，捧案內侍東西分下，侍殿隅。 直日主寶捧寶當殿叩欄奏：「封全。」 符寶郎及當監印郎中各一員，監當手分令史用印，訖，主寶吏封授主寶，俟奏事畢進封，訖，內侍徹案。 若常朝，則親王班退，引七品以上職事官，分左右班入丹墀，再拜，班首稍前起居畢，復位，再拜。 宰執升殿，余官分班退。
In the fifth month of the second year of Tianjuan, the rites for regular morning audiences and for the new and full moons were detailed; following previous dynasties' regulations, the first, sixth, eleventh, fifteenth, twenty-first, and twenty-sixth days were set as the six attendance days. Later a new rule was established: the new and full moon days were court attendance, and the remaining days were regular morning audiences. On new- and full-moon court attendance days, the hundred officials arrived at the screen tent at the mao hour; the emperor held audience at the chen hour; imperial crossbowmen and umbrella bearers were posted outside the hall gate and arranged in two facing rows. The timekeeper entered the hall and announced the hour; the emperor ascended the hall and took his seat, and whips sounded. The gate officers reported that the ranks were assembled. Inner attendants bearing ritual objects separately descended the hall steps on both sides and stood facing south. Palace guard officers from the chief inspector down to the left and right personal guards, and attendant officers from the Palace Attendant and Gate Service attendants, first bowed twice; the rank leader slightly left his position and reported: "May Your Majesty be in boundless health." They bowed twice. Crossbowmen and umbrella bearers were first arranged east and west outside the hall gate; when "May Your Majesty be in boundless health" was reported, they took their positions, faced north, and shouted in response; when the audience was finished, they faced each other and stood opposite. The bearer of the imperial umbrella stood upright behind the inner attendants of the left rank. The chief inspector ascended the hall in order; the deputy inspector stood slightly to the south; east and west they faced each other. The left and right guards stood below the hall, east and west facing each other. The gate officers then led the princely ranks and announced the rank leader's name and below to bow twice; when finished, the rank leader slightly left his position and reported: "May Your Majesty be in boundless health." They returned to their positions; when the bows were finished, they withdrew first. Next they led the civil and military hundred officials from the rank leader down who should attend court, together with transport officials of the sixth rank and above; all entered from the left, reached the east of the red courtyard, bowed west, the gate officers announced, and they were again led to the red courtyard. The gate officers announced the rank leader's name and below to perform the audience, the fivefold ritual dance and bow, and bow again; when finished, they led the provincial chancellors to ascend the hall and report affairs. The palace censor stood opposite, slightly forward to the north of the left and right guard generals; the recorders of the audience stood east and west opposite inside the hall railing below the side steps; the remainder withdrew and exited to the right. Initially, when the emperor took his seat, the treasure casket was placed at the southeast corner of the hall steps. Later a new rule was established: after the tutors' audience was finished, the imperial desk first entered from the east and was placed; inner attendants bearing the desk separately descended east and west and attended the hall corners. The chief seal keeper on duty held the seal before the hall, knocked the railing, and reported: "The seal is intact." The talisman seal officer and the supervising seal official, one each, supervised the clerks of their sections in using the seal; when finished, the chief seal clerk sealed the documents and handed them to the chief seal keeper; they awaited the completion of the reports, then presented the sealed documents; when finished, the inner attendants removed the desk. If it were a regular morning audience, the princely ranks withdrew; seventh-rank and above functional officials were led in left and right ranks into the red courtyard; they bowed twice; the rank leader slightly advanced, performed the audience, returned to position, and bowed twice. The chancellors ascended the hall; the remaining officials divided into ranks and withdrew.
15
大定二年五月，命台臣定朝參禮。 五品以上官職趨朝朝服，入局治事則展皁。 自來朝參，除殿前班外，若遇朔望，自七品以上職事官皆赴。 其餘朝日，五品以上職事官得赴，六品以下止于本司局治事。 如左右司員外郎、侍御史、記注院等官職，雖不系五品，亦赴朝參。 若拜詔，則但有職事並七品以上散官，皆赴。 朝參，吏員、令譯史、通事、檢法各於本局待，官員朝退，赴局簽押文字，不得于宮給署押。 七品以下流外職，遇朝日亦不合入宮。 如左右司都事有須合取奏事，乃聽入宮。 七品以上職事官，如遇使客朝辭見日，依朔望日，皆赴。 若元日、聖節、拜詔、車駕出獵送迎、詣祖廟燒飯，但有職事並七品以上散官，皆赴。 凡親王宗室已命官者年十六以上，皆隨班赴起居。 大定五年，右諫議大夫移剌子敬言：「猛安謀克不得與州鎮官隨班入見，非軍民一體之意。」 上是其言，責宣徽院令隨班入見。 凡班首遇朝參，有故不赴，以次押班。
In the fifth month of the second year of Dading, censorial officials were ordered to fix the rites of court attendance. Officials of the fifth rank and above wore court robes when hurrying to court; when entering their offices to conduct affairs, they wore black informal robes. For court attendance, besides the hall-front ranks, on new- and full-moon days all functional officials from the seventh rank and above attended. On other audience days, functional officials of the fifth rank and above might attend; those of the sixth rank and below remained at their bureaus to conduct affairs. Such posts as vice directors of the Left and Right Secretariats, attendant censors, and the Diaries Office, though not of the fifth rank, also attended court. If bowing to an edict, all who held functional posts and honorary offices of the seventh rank and above attended. For court attendance, clerks, translators, interpreters, and legal examiners each waited at their bureaus; after officials left court, they went to their bureaus to sign documents and were not permitted to sign in the palace. Extra-bureau posts below the seventh rank also should not enter the palace on audience days. Chief clerks of the Left and Right Secretariats, if they needed to present matters, were then permitted to enter the palace. Functional officials of the seventh rank and above, on days when envoys took leave or were received in audience, all attended as on new- and full-moon days. On New Year's Day, the emperor's birthday, bowing to an edict, sending off or welcoming the imperial procession on a hunt, or going to the ancestral temple to burn offerings—all who held functional posts and honorary offices of the seventh rank and above attended. All princes and imperial clansmen who had been granted office, from age sixteen and above, followed their ranks to attend the audience. In the fifth year of Dading, Right Remonstrance Grand Master Yelü Zijing said: "The meng'an and mouke may not enter audience with prefectural and garrison officials in the same ranks—this is not in the spirit of treating soldiers and civilians as one body." The emperor approved his words and charged the Palace Attendant Service to have them enter audience with the ranks. Whenever a rank leader on court attendance days had cause and could not attend, the next in order led the rank.
16
凡五品以上及侍御史，尚書諸司郎中、太常丞、翰林修撰起居注、殿中侍御史、補闕、拾遺赴召，或假一月以上若除官出使之類，皆通班入見辭、謝，余官於殿門外見。 謝班皆舞蹈七拜，辭班四拜，門見謝、辭並再拜。
All of the fifth rank and above, attendant censors, bureau directors of the various ministries, vice directors of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Hanlin academicians, recorders of the emperor's movements, palace censors, remonstrance officials, and censors who were summoned, or who took leave for a month or more, or who were appointed to office or sent on mission and the like—all entered in a single body to take leave or give thanks; other officials were received outside the hall gate. Ranks giving thanks all performed the sevenfold ritual dance and bow; ranks taking leave bowed four times; thanks and leave at the gate were both two bows.
17
肆赦儀
Rites for Proclaiming a General Amnesty
18
大定七年正月十一日，上尊冊禮畢。 十四月，應天門頒赦。 十一年制同。 前期，宣徽院使率其屬，陳設應天門之內外，設御座于應天門上，又更衣禦幄于大安殿門外稍東，南向。 閣門使設捧制書箱案于御座之左。 少府監設雞竿于樓下之左，竿上置大盤，盤中置金雞，雞口銜絳幡，幡上金書「大赦天下」四字，卷而銜之。 盤四面近邊安四大鐵鐶，盤底四面近邊懸四大硃索，以備四伎人攀緣。 又設捧制書木鶴仙人一，以紅繩貫之，引以轆轤，置於御前欄幹上。 又設承鶴畫台于樓下正中，台以弩手四人對舉。 大樂署設宮縣於樓下，又設鼓一于宮縣之左稍北，東向。 兵部立黃麾仗於門外。 刑部、禦史台、大興府以囚徒集于左仗外。 禦史台、閣門司設文武百官位於樓下，東西相向。 又設典儀位於門下稍東，南向。 宣徽院設承受制書案於畫台之前。 又設皇太子侍立褥位於門下稍東，西向。 又設皇太子致賀褥位於百官班前。 又設協律郎位於樓上前楹稍東，西向。 尚書省委所司設宣制書位於百官班之北稍東，西向。 司天臺設雞唱生於東闕樓之上。 尚衣局備皇帝常服，如常日視朝之服。 尚輦設輦於更衣禦幄之前。 躬謝禮畢，皇帝乘金輅入應天門，至幄次前，侍中俯伏，跪奏：「請降輅入幄。」 俯伏，興。 皇帝降輅入幄，簾降。 少頃，侍中奏：「中嚴。」 又少頃，俟典贊儀引皇太子就門下侍立位，通事舍人引群官就門下分班相向立，侍中奏：「外辦。」 皇帝服常朝服，尚輦進輦，侍中奏：「請升輦。」 傘扇侍衛如常儀，由左翔龍門踏道升應天門，至御座東，侍中奏：「請降輦升座。」 宮縣樂作。 所司索扇五十柄，扇合，皇帝臨軒即御座，樓下鳴鞭，簾卷扇開，執禦傘者張於軒前以障日，樂止。 東上閣門使捧制書置於箱，閣門舍人二員從，以俟引繩降木鶴仙人。 通事舍人引文武群官合班北向立，宮縣樂作。 凡分班、合班則樂作，立定即止。 典儀曰：「再拜。」 在位官皆再拜，訖，分班相向立。 侍中詣御座前承旨，退，稍前南向，宣曰：「奉敕樹金雞。」 通事舍人于門下稍前東向，宣曰：「奉敕樹金雞。」 退復位。
On the eleventh day of the first month of the seventh year of Dading, the rites for bestowing honorific titles were completed. On the fourteenth day, the amnesty was proclaimed at the Gate of Heavenly Response. In the eleventh year the regulations were the same. Beforehand, the commissioner of the Palace Attendant Service led his subordinates in arranging the inside and outside of the Gate of Heavenly Response; the imperial throne was set on the gate; a changing pavilion was also set slightly east of the Da'an Hall gate, facing south. The gate commissioner set the table and case for holding the edict to the left of the imperial throne. The Director of the Palace Storehouses set the rooster pole to the left below the tower; on the pole was placed a great tray; in the tray was placed a golden rooster; the rooster's mouth held a crimson banner inscribed in gold with the four characters "A General Amnesty for All Under Heaven," rolled and held in its mouth. On the four sides near the edge of the tray were set four great iron rings; on the four sides near the bottom of the tray were hung four great red ropes, to enable four acrobats to climb. A wooden crane immortal bearing the edict was also set up; a red rope was threaded through it and drawn by a windlass; it was placed on the railing before the emperor. A painted platform to receive the crane was also set at the center below the tower; four crossbowmen faced each other and held it up. The Directorate of Great Music set the palace bell-chime ensemble below the tower; a drum was also set slightly north to the left of the bell-chime ensemble, facing east. The Ministry of War posted the yellow-banner guard outside the gate. The Ministry of Justice, the Censorate, and the Daxing Prefecture assembled prisoners outside the left guard. The Censorate and the Gate Service set the stations of the civil and military hundred officials below the tower, east and west facing each other. The master of ceremonies' station was also set slightly east below the gate, facing south. The Palace Attendant Service set the table for receiving the edict before the painted platform. The crown prince's standing cushioned station was also set slightly east below the gate, facing west. The crown prince's cushioned station for offering congratulations was also set before the hundred officials' ranks. The pitch officer's station was also set slightly east before the front eaves of the tower, facing west. The Ministry of Civil Appointments delegated the responsible office to set the station for proclaiming the edict slightly east to the north of the hundred officials' ranks, facing west. The Directorate of Astronomy set the rooster-crowing attendant on the eastern tower of the gate. The Bureau of Imperial Vestments prepared the emperor's regular robes, the same as those worn on ordinary days when holding audience. The Bureau of Imperial Transport set the imperial carriage before the changing pavilion. When the rites of personal thanks were finished, the emperor rode the golden carriage into the Gate of Heavenly Response; reaching before the pavilion station, the Palace Attendant prostrated himself, knelt, and reported: "We request that Your Majesty descend from the carriage and enter the pavilion." He prostrated himself and rose. The emperor descended from the carriage and entered the pavilion; the curtain was lowered. After a short while, the Palace Attendant reported: "Strict guard within." After another short while, when the master of ceremonies had led the crown prince to his standing station below the gate, and communication officers had led the hundred officials to their stations below the gate in facing ranks, the Palace Attendant reported: "All is ready outside." The emperor put on his regular court robes; the Bureau of Imperial Transport brought forward the carriage; the Palace Attendant reported: "We request that Your Majesty ascend the carriage." Umbrellas, fans, and guards attended as in the regular rites; by the left Xianglong Gate ramp he ascended the Gate of Heavenly Response; reaching the east of the imperial throne, the Palace Attendant reported: "We request that Your Majesty descend from the carriage and ascend the throne." The palace bell-chime ensemble played. The responsible offices summoned fifty folding fans; the fans closed; the emperor approached the balcony and took the imperial throne; whips sounded below the tower; the curtain was raised and the fans opened; bearers of the imperial umbrella spread them before the balcony to shield the sun, and the music stopped. The eastern gate commissioner held the edict and placed it in the case; two gate officers followed, to await drawing the rope to lower the wooden crane immortal. Communication officers led the civil and military officials to combine ranks and stand facing north as the palace bell-chime ensemble played. Whenever the ranks divided or combined, music played; when they held position, it stopped. The master of ceremonies called: "Bow twice." Every official on duty bowed twice; when finished, they divided into facing ranks. The Palace Attendant went before the imperial throne to receive the command, withdrew, stepped forward facing south, and announced: "By imperial command, erect the golden rooster." A communication officer stepped slightly forward below the gate, facing east, and announced: "By imperial command, erect the golden rooster." He withdrew and returned to his place.
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金雞初立，大樂署擊鼓，樹訖鼓止。 竿木伎人四人，緣繩爭上竿，取雞所銜絳幡，展示訖，三呼「萬歲」。 通事舍人引文武群官合班北向立。 樓上乘鶴仙人捧制書，循繩而下至畫台，閣使奉承置於案。 閣門舍人四員舉案，又二員對捧制書，閣使引至班前，西向稱：「有制。」 典儀曰：「拜。」 在位官皆再拜，訖，以制書授尚書省長官，稍前搢笏，跪受，訖，以付右司官，右司官搢笏，跪受，訖，長官出笏，俯伏，興，退復位。 右司官捧制書詣宣制位，都事對捧，右司官宣讀，至「鹹赦除之」。 所司帥獄吏引罪人詣班南，北向，躬稱：「脫枷。」 訖，三呼「萬歲「，以罪人過。 右司官宣制訖，西向，以制書授刑部官。 跪受訖，以制書加於笏上，退以付其屬，歸本班。 典儀曰：「拜。」 在位官皆再拜，舞蹈，又再拜。 典贊儀引皇太子至班前褥位立定，典儀曰：「拜。」 皇太子以下群官皆再拜。 典贊儀引皇太子稍前，俯伏，跪致詞，俯伏，興。 典儀曰：「再拜。」 皇太子以下群官皆再拜，搢笏，舞蹈，又再拜。 侍中於御座前承旨，退臨軒宣曰：「有制。」 典儀曰：「再拜。」 皇太子以下群官皆再拜。 侍中宣答，宣訖歸侍位，典儀曰：「再拜。」 皇太子已下群官皆再拜，搢笏，舞蹈，又再拜，訖，典贊儀引皇太子至門下褥位，通事舍人引群官分班相向立。 侍中詣御座前，俯伏，跪奏：「禮畢。」 俯伏，興，退復位。 所司索扇，宮縣樂作，扇合，簾降，皇帝降座，樂止。 樓下鳴鞭，皇帝乘輦還內，傘扇侍衛如常儀。 侍中奏：「解嚴。」 通事舍人承敕，群臣各還次，將士各還本所。
As the golden rooster was first raised, the Directorate of Great Music beat the drum; when it was fully erected, the drumming stopped. Four pole-and-rope acrobats raced up the ropes to the pole, seized the crimson banner from the rooster's mouth, and when the display was done thrice cried "Long live the emperor!" Communication officers led the civil and military officials to combine ranks and stand facing north. On the tower, the crane immortal bearing the edict descended along the rope to the painted platform; the gate commissioner received it with both hands and placed it on the table. Four gate officers lifted the table while two more faced each other and held the edict between them; the gate commissioner led them before the ranks and, facing west, announced: "There is an edict." The master of ceremonies called: "Bow." Every official on duty bowed twice. The edict was handed to the chief of the Ministry of Civil Appointments, who stepped forward, tucked his tablet in his belt, knelt, and received it, then passed it to the Right Section officer. The Right Section officer tucked his tablet, knelt, and received it. The chief then withdrew his tablet, prostrated himself, rose, and returned to his place. The Right Section officer carried the edict to the proclamation station; the chief clerk held it opposite him while the Right Section officer read it aloud, down to the words "all are hereby pardoned." The responsible office had prison officers lead the prisoners to the south side of the ranks; facing north, they bowed and called: "Remove the collars." When this was done, they thrice cried "Long live the emperor!"; the prisoners were then led past. When the Right Section officer had finished reading the edict, facing west, he handed it to the Ministry of Justice officer. He knelt to receive it, placed the edict atop his tablet, withdrew and handed it to his subordinates, and returned to his rank. The master of ceremonies called: "Bow." Every official on duty bowed twice, performed the dance-obeisance, and bowed again. The master of ritual praise led the crown prince to the cushioned station before the ranks; the master of ceremonies called: "Bow." From the crown prince down, every official bowed twice. The master of ritual praise led the crown prince slightly forward; he prostrated himself, knelt and delivered an address, prostrated himself again, and rose. The master of ceremonies called: "Bow twice." From the crown prince down, every official bowed twice, tucked their tablets, performed the dance-obeisance, and bowed again. The Palace Attendant received the command before the imperial throne, withdrew to the balcony, and announced: "There is an edict." The master of ceremonies called: "Bow twice." From the crown prince down, every official bowed twice. The Palace Attendant read the imperial response; when he had finished he returned to his station, and the master of ceremonies called: "Bow twice." From the crown prince down, every official bowed twice, tucked their tablets, performed the dance-obeisance, and bowed again. The master of ritual praise then led the crown prince to the cushioned station below the gate, and communication officers led the officials to divide into facing ranks. The Palace Attendant went before the imperial throne, prostrated himself, knelt, and reported: "The rites are complete." He prostrated himself, rose, withdrew, and returned to his place. The responsible offices summoned the fans; the palace bell-chime ensemble played; the fans closed, the curtain was lowered, and the emperor descended from the throne as the music stopped. Whips sounded below the tower; the emperor rode his carriage back to the inner palace with umbrellas, fans, and guards attending as usual. The Palace Attendant reported: "Strict guard is lifted." Communication officers received the command; the officials each returned to their stations and the soldiers to their posts.
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臣下拜赦詔儀
Ceremonies for Officials Bowing to Amnesty Edicts
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宣赦日，于應天門外設香案，及設香輿於案前，又於東側設卓子，自皇太子宰臣以下序班定。 閣門官於箱內捧赦書出門置於案。 閣門官案東立，南向稱：「有敕。」 贊皇太子宰臣百僚再拜，皇太子少前上香訖，復位，皆再拜。 閣門官取赦書授尚書省都事，都事跪受，及尚書省令史二人齊捧，同升于卓子讀，在位官皆跪聽，讀訖，赦書置於案，都事復位。 皇太子宰臣百僚以下再拜，搢笏，舞蹈，執笏，俯伏，興，再拜。 拱衛直以下三稱「萬歲」，訖，退。 其降諸書，禮亦准此，惟不稱「萬歲」。 其外郡，尚書省差官送赦書到京府節鎮，先遣人報，長官即率僚屬吏從，備旗幟音樂彩輿香輿，詣五裏外迎。 見送赦書官，即於道側下馬，所差官亦下馬，取赦書置彩輿中，長官詣香輿前上香，訖，所差官上馬，在香輿後，長官以下皆上馬後從，鳴鉦鼓作樂導至公㕔，從正門入，所差官下馬。 執事者先設案並望闕褥位於庭中，香輿置於案之前，又設所差官褥位在案之側，又設卓子於案之東南。 所差官取赦書置於案，彩輿退。 所差官稱：「有敕。」 長官以下皆再拜。 長官少前上香，訖，退復位，又再拜。 所差官取赦書授都目，都目跪受，及孔目官二員，三人齊捧赦書，同高幾上宣讀，在位官皆跪聽。 讀訖，都目等復位。 長官以下再拜，舞蹈，俯伏，興，再拜。 公吏以下三稱「萬歲」。 禮畢。 明日，長官率僚屬，音樂送至郭外。
On the day the amnesty was proclaimed, an incense table was set outside the Gate of Heavenly Response with an incense carriage before it and a reading desk to the east; from the crown prince and chief ministers down, all took their places in order. Gate officers took the amnesty edict from the case, went out the gate, and placed it on the table. A gate officer stood east of the table, facing south, and announced: "There is an imperial command." The announcer called for the crown prince, chief ministers, and hundred officials to bow twice; the crown prince stepped forward to offer incense, returned to his place, and all bowed again. The gate officer handed the amnesty edict to the Ministry's chief clerk, who knelt to receive it. He and two Ministry clerks then jointly carried it up to the reading desk and read it aloud while every official on duty knelt to listen. When the reading was finished, the edict was placed on the table and the chief clerk returned to his place. From the crown prince and chief ministers down, all bowed twice, tucked their tablets, performed the dance-obeisance, took up their tablets, prostrated themselves, rose, and bowed again. The Palace Guard units and below thrice cried "Long live the emperor!"; when finished, they withdrew. For lower-level proclamations, the rites followed the same procedure, except that "Long live the emperor!" was not cried. In the outer prefectures, when the Ministry dispatched an officer to deliver the amnesty edict to the capital prefecture or a military commissioner, he sent word ahead; the chief officer then led his subordinates, clerks, and attendants out five li with banners, music, a decorated carriage, and an incense carriage to welcome him. On meeting the officer bearing the amnesty edict, both parties dismounted at the roadside. The dispatched officer placed the edict in the decorated carriage; the chief officer stepped before the incense carriage to offer incense. The dispatched officer then mounted and rode behind the incense carriage while the chief officer and his party mounted and followed, with gongs, drums, and music escorting them to the government hall. They entered by the main gate and the dispatched officer dismounted. Attendants first set a table and a cushioned place facing the palace in the courtyard, with the incense carriage before the table; they also set the dispatched officer's cushioned station beside the table and a reading desk southeast of it. The dispatched officer placed the amnesty edict on the table and the decorated carriage withdrew. The dispatched officer announced: "There is an imperial command." From the chief officer down, all bowed twice. The chief officer stepped forward to offer incense, returned to his place, and bowed again. The dispatched officer handed the amnesty edict to the chief registrar, who knelt to receive it. He and two document clerks then jointly carried the edict to the high lectern and read it aloud while every official on duty knelt to listen. When the reading was finished, the chief registrar and his clerks returned to their places. From the chief officer down, all bowed twice, performed the dance-obeisance, prostrated themselves, rose, and bowed again. The clerks and attendants thrice cried "Long live the emperor!" The rites were complete. The next day, the chief officer led his subordinates and, with music playing, escorted the dispatched officer to beyond the outer wall.