1
冊皇后儀
Ceremony for Conferring the Title of Empress
2
天德二年十月九日，冊妃徒單氏為皇后。 前一日，儀鸞司設座勤政殿，南向。 設群臣次於朝堂。 大樂令展宮縣於殿庭，設協律郎舉麾位於樂縣西北，東向。 閣門設百官班位於庭，並如常朝之儀。 又設典儀位於班位之東北，贊者二人在南少卻，俱西向。 設冊使副位於殿門外之東，又設冊使副受命位於百官班前。 又設冊寶幄次二於殿后東廂，俱南向。
On the ninth day of the tenth month of Tiande 2, Consort Tushan was formally invested as empress. On the eve of the ceremony, the Ceremonial Escort Office arranged the imperial seat in the Qinzheng Hall, facing south. Stations for the assembled officials were laid out in the court hall. The Director of Grand Music set up the palace bell-chime ensemble in the courtyard and positioned the pitch officers' baton stations at the northwest corner of the ensemble, facing east. The Palace Gate Office marked out the officials' formation positions in the courtyard, following the usual court assembly protocol. The master of ceremonies was posted northeast of the formation, with two announcers standing slightly to the south and back, all facing west. Positions were also assigned for the investiture envoy and deputy east of the hall gate, and for their station when receiving the imperial command in front of the officials' formation. Two canopy pavilions for the investiture book and seal were pitched in the eastern wing behind the hall, both facing south.
3
其日，諸衛勒所部，略列黃麾細仗於庭。 符寶郎奉八寶置於左右。 吏部侍郎奉冊，禮部侍郎奉寶匣，皆置於床，訖，出就門外班。 大樂令、協律郎、樂工、典儀。 贊者各入就位。 群官等依時刻集朝堂，俱就次，各服朝服。 侍中約刻板奏：「請中嚴。」 通事舍人引群官入，就庭東西相向立，以北為上。 又引冊使副立於東偏門，西向。 門下侍郎引主節，奉節立于殿下東廊橫街北。 中書令、中書侍郎帥舉捧冊官，奉冊床立于節南。 侍中、門下侍郎帥舉捧寶官，奉寶床立於冊床之南，俱西面。 侍中版奏：「外辦。」 殿上索扇。 協律郎舉麾，宮縣作。 皇帝服通天冠、絳紗袍，出自東房，曲直華蓋、警蹕侍衛如常儀。 即座，南向坐，簾卷，樂止。 通事舍人引冊使副入，宮縣作。 使副就受命位，侍中、中書令、門下侍郎、中書侍郎、舉捧官依舊西面立，群臣合班，橫行北面，如常朝之儀，立定。 典儀曰：「再拜。」 贊者承傳，班首已下群官在位者皆再拜。 班首問起居，又再拜。 閣門官引攝侍中出班承制，降詣使副東北，西向稱：「有制。」 使副稍前，鞠躬再拜，攝侍中宣制曰：「命公等持節授後冊寶。」 宣制訖，又俱再拜，侍中還班。 門下侍郎引主節詣冊使所，主節以節授門下侍郎、門下侍郎執節西向授太尉，太尉受付主節，主節立於使副之左右。 門下侍郎退還班位。 中書侍郎引冊床，門下侍郎引寶床，立于冊使東北，西向，以次授與太尉，太尉皆捧受。 冊床置於北，寶床置於南。 侍中、中書令、禮儀使、舉捧冊寶官及舁床者，退於東西磚道之左右，相向立。 門下侍郎、中書侍退還班位。 典儀曰：「再拜。」 贊者承傳，群官在位者皆再拜，訖，分班東西相向立。 捧舉舁冊寶床者進，冊床先行，讀冊官次之，寶床次行，讀寶官次之。 舉舁官各分左右，通事舍人引冊使隨之以行，持節者前導。 太尉初行，宮縣樂作，出殿門，樂止。 攝侍中出班升殿奏：「侍中臣言禮畢。」 殿上索扇，簾降，宮縣作。 降座，入自東房，樂止。 通事舍人引群官在位者以次出。 俟太尉、司徒複命，禮畢，還內。
That day the guard commands led their units and posted a reduced formation of yellow-banner ceremonial regalia in the courtyard. The seal-and-treasure officers brought forward the eight imperial treasures and set them on either side. The Vice Minister of Personnel carried the investiture book and the Vice Minister of Rites the seal case; both were set on the presentation couch, after which the officers withdrew to join the formation outside the gate. The Director of Grand Music, the pitch officers, the musicians, and the master of ceremonies. Each announcer entered and took up position. At the appointed hour the officials assembled in the court hall, took their assigned stations, and wore full court dress. The Palace Attendant submitted on tablet: "We request that the inner court be secured." The protocol secretaries led the officials into the courtyard, where they stood facing one another east and west, with positions of honor to the north. The envoy and deputy were also led to stand at the eastern side gate, facing west. The Vice Director of the Chancellery led forward the bearer of the imperial tally, who stood north of the cross-corridor in the eastern colonnade below the hall. The Director and Vice Director of the Secretariat led the book-bearers forward with the book couch, which was set south of the tally station. The Palace Attendant and Vice Director of the Chancellery led the seal-bearers with the seal couch, placed south of the book couch, all facing west. The Palace Attendant reported on tablet: "The outer preparations are complete." Attendants within the hall called for the ceremonial fans. The pitch officers raised their batons, and the palace ensemble began to play. Wearing the Tongtian crown and crimson gauze robe, the emperor emerged from the eastern chamber with curved and straight canopies and the usual ceremonial escort. He took the throne facing south; the curtain was raised and the music stopped. The protocol secretaries escorted the investiture envoy and deputy inside as the palace ensemble played again. The envoy and deputy took their stations to receive the command, while the Palace Attendant, Secretariat director, Chancellery and Secretariat vice directors, and presentation officials remained facing west. The full court formed ranks, moved into position facing north as at a regular audience, and held formation. The master of ceremonies called: "Bow twice." The announcers repeated the command, and every official in formation from the lead rank downward bowed twice. The lead official offered greetings for the emperor's welfare, then bowed twice again. A Palace Gate officer led the acting Palace Attendant from the ranks to receive the edict, then stepped down toward the envoy and deputy's northeast position, faced west, and declared: "His Majesty has an edict." The envoy and deputy stepped forward slightly, bowed low twice, and the acting Palace Attendant proclaimed: "You are commanded to take the imperial tally and confer the investiture book and seal upon the empress." When the edict had been read, all bowed twice again together, and the Palace Attendant returned to the ranks. The Vice Director of the Chancellery led the tally-bearer to the envoy's station. The tally was passed to the vice director, who, facing west, presented it to the Grand Commandant. After receiving it, the Grand Commandant returned it to the tally-bearer, who took position on either side of the envoy and deputy. The Vice Director of the Chancellery withdrew to his place in the ranks. The Vice Director of the Secretariat brought forward the book couch and the Vice Director of the Chancellery the seal couch. Standing northeast of the envoy and facing west, they presented them in turn to the Grand Commandant, who received each with both hands. The book couch was set to the north and the seal couch to the south. The Palace Attendant, Secretariat director, director of ceremonial protocol, book-and-seal bearers, and couch-bearers withdrew to either side of the eastern and western brick pathways and stood facing one another. The Vice Directors of the Chancellery and Secretariat returned to their stations in the ranks. The master of ceremonies called: "Bow twice." The announcers repeated the command, all officials bowed twice, then split into east-west formations facing one another. The bearers advanced with the book-and-seal couches: the book couch first, then the book reader, then the seal couch, then the seal reader. The lifting and carrying officers divided to left and right while the protocol secretaries led the investiture envoy in procession, the tally-bearer going ahead as guide. As the Grand Commandant set out, the palace ensemble played; music ceased once they passed through the hall gate. The acting Palace Attendant left the ranks, ascended the hall, and reported: "This subject, the Palace Attendant, reports that the rites are complete." Attendants called for the ceremonial fans, the curtain was lowered, and the palace ensemble began again. The emperor left the throne and withdrew through the eastern chamber as the music stopped. The protocol secretaries led the assembled officials out in their proper order. They waited until the Grand Commandant and Minister of Education returned to report; once the rites were concluded, everyone withdrew to the inner precincts.
4
先是，有司預設太尉、司徒本品革車鹵簿於門外至殿門左右排列。 俟使副出，鼓吹振作。 禮儀使、舉捧官、執節者並抬舁人，以冊寶少駐於泰和門，太尉、司徒及讀冊寶官暫歸幕次。 內侍閣門引入泰和殿，俟至殿下位，鼓吹止。 有司預供張，泰和殿設皇后座于扆前，殿上垂簾。 又設東西房於座之左右稍北。 又設受冊位於殿庭西階之南，東向。 又設內命婦次於殿之左右。 大樂令設宮縣於庭，協律郎設舉麾位於殿上。 又設冊寶次於門外。 又設行事官次於門左右。 又設外命婦次於門之內。 其日，諸衛於殿門外略設黃麾細仗。 有司設二步障於殿之西階。 簾前設扇，左右各十。 紅傘一，在西階欄子外。 又設舉冊寶案位於使副之前，北向。 又設宣徽使位於北廂，南向。 司贊設內外命婦以下陪列位於殿庭磚道之左右，每等重行異位北向，內命婦在後。 又設司贊位於東階東南，贊者二人在南少退，俱西向。 質明，執事官大樂令等各就位。 皇后常服，乘龍飾肩輿，至泰和殿后閣，近仗導衛如常儀。 宣徽使奏：「中嚴。」 冊使副入門，宮縣作，俟冊使庭中立，樂止。 冊在北，寶在南，使副立於床後。 禮儀使帥持節者立於前，舉捧冊寶官立於冊寶床左右，讀冊寶官各立於其後。 宣徽使奏：「外辦。」 內侍閣門官引後出後閣，宮縣作。 簾卷，皇后降自西階，左右步障傘扇從，至階下，望勤政殿禦閣所在立，樂止。 冊使進，立于右，宣曰：「有制。」 閣門使內侍贊：「再拜。」 冊使宣曰：「制遣太尉臣某、司徒臣某，恭授後冊寶。」 閣門使內侍贊：「再拜。」 冊使少退。 中書令、侍中及舉捧官率抬舁人奉冊寶以次進于前，宮縣作。 冊寶床自東階升，並置於殿之前楹間，冊床在北，寶床在南，中留讀冊寶官立位，並去帕及蓋，抬舁人執之，退立於西朵殿。 舉抬官分左右相向立，讀冊寶官各立於床之東，西向，立既定，樂止。 閣門使內侍贊：「再拜。」 捧謝表官以表授左立內侍，內侍以授後，受訖，以付右立內侍，內侍持表立於右。 閣門使贊：「再拜。」 訖，冊使退，宮縣作。 持表內侍以表付閣門官，隨冊使行。 冊使副至門，鼓吹振作如來儀，入西偏門，鼓吹止。 冊使副至禦閣所在，俯伏，跪奏：「太尉臣某、司徒臣某，奉制授冊寶，禮畢。」 俯伏，興，退。 持表閣門官進表，近侍接入，進讀，訖，退。
In advance, the responsible offices had posted the Grand Commandant's and Minister of Education's full ceremonial chariots and escort insignia, arranged from the outer gate to either side of the hall entrance. When the envoy and deputy emerged, the ceremonial wind and percussion ensemble struck up. The director of ceremonial protocol, presentation officers, tally-bearer, and all bearers paused briefly at the Taihe Gate with the book and seal, while the Grand Commandant, Minister of Education, and the reading officers withdrew temporarily to their pavilions. Inner attendants and Palace Gate officers escorted the procession into the Taihe Hall; the wind-and-percussion music stopped when they reached the foot of the hall. The responsible offices had prepared in advance: the empress's seat was set before the screen in the Taihe Hall, with a curtain hung across the upper hall. Eastern and western side chambers were also arranged slightly north of the seat on either side. A station for receiving the investiture was also marked south of the western steps in the courtyard, facing east. Stations were also assigned for inner consorts to the left and right of the hall. The Director of Grand Music set up the palace ensemble in the courtyard, and the pitch officers took their baton stations on the hall platform. A pavilion for the book and seal was also set up outside the gate. Stations for the ritual officers were also laid out on either side of the gate. Stations for outer consorts were also arranged inside the gate. That day the guard commands posted a reduced yellow-banner ceremonial guard outside the hall gate. The responsible offices set up two portable screens at the western steps. Ceremonial fans were set before the curtain, ten on each side. A single red ceremonial umbrella stood outside the western stair railing. Presentation stations for the book-and-seal tables were also set before the envoy and deputy, facing north. The Xuanhui Commissioner's station was placed in the northern wing, facing south. The master of announcements arranged the accompanying ranks for inner and outer consorts and those of lower rank along the brick pathways on either side of the courtyard, each grade in separate rows facing north, with inner consorts behind the outer. The master of announcements was also posted southeast of the eastern steps, with two announcers standing slightly south and back, all facing west. At dawn the officiating officers, including the Director of Grand Music, each took up position. Wearing ordinary dress, the empress rode in a dragon-decorated shoulder palanquin to the rear pavilion of the Taihe Hall, escorted by her close guard in the usual manner. The Xuanhui Commissioner reported: "The inner court is now secured." The investiture envoy and deputy entered the gate to music from the palace ensemble, which ceased once the envoy had taken station in the center of the courtyard. The book stood to the north and the seal to the south, with the envoy and deputy behind the presentation couches. The director of ceremonial protocol led the tally-bearer to stand in front, with book-and-seal bearers on either side of the couches and the reading officers behind them. The Xuanhui Commissioner reported: "The outer preparations are complete." Inner attendants and Palace Gate officers led the empress from the rear pavilion as the palace ensemble played. The curtain was raised. The empress descended the western steps accompanied by portable screens, umbrellas, and ceremonial fans, and at the foot of the steps paused facing toward the imperial pavilion of the Qinzheng Hall as the music stopped. The investiture envoy stepped forward, took position to the right, and declared: "His Majesty has an edict." The Palace Gate commissioner and inner attendants called: "Bow twice." The investiture envoy proclaimed: "By imperial edict, Grand Commandant [name] and Minister of Education [name] reverently present the investiture book and seal to the empress." The Palace Gate commissioner and inner attendants called: "Bow twice." The investiture envoy stepped back slightly. The Secretariat director, Palace Attendant, and presentation officers led the bearers forward with the book and seal in proper order as the palace ensemble played. The book-and-seal couches were carried up the eastern steps and set between the front pillars of the hall, the book couch to the north and the seal couch to the south, with space left between for the reading officers. The cloth covers and lids were removed and held by the bearers, who then withdrew to stand at the western side hall. The lifting officers divided to left and right and stood facing one another, while the reading officers took position east of the couches, facing west. Once all were in place, the music stopped. The Palace Gate commissioner and inner attendants called: "Bow twice." The officer bearing the memorial of thanks handed it to the inner attendant on the left, who presented it to the empress. After she had received it, he passed it to the inner attendant on the right, who stood holding the memorial at the right. The Palace Gate commissioner called: "Bow twice." When this was done, the investiture envoy withdrew as the palace ensemble played. The inner attendant bearing the memorial handed it to a Palace Gate officer, who followed the investiture envoy in procession. When the envoy and deputy reached the gate, the wind-and-percussion ensemble struck up as on the outward journey. They entered by the western side gate, where the music ceased. The envoy and deputy came to the imperial pavilion, prostrated themselves, and knelt to report: "Grand Commandant [name] and Minister of Education [name], by imperial command, have conferred the investiture book and seal. The rites are complete." They prostrated themselves, rose, and withdrew. The Palace Gate officer bearing the memorial presented it; close attendants received it, brought it forward to be read aloud, and withdrew when finished.
5
初，冊使退，及門樂止。 閣門內侍引後自西階升殿，宮縣作。 傘扇止於簾外，退於左右朵殿前。 步障止於階下，卷之。 後於座前南向立，樂止。 中書令詣冊床南立，北向，稱：「中書令臣某，謹讀冊。」 讀畢，降自東階，立於欄外第一墀上，西向。 次侍中詣寶床南立，北向，揖稱：「侍中臣某，讀寶。」 讀畢降階，立于中書令之北，西向。 內侍閣門引升座，宮縣作，坐定，樂止。 舉捧官以次招抬舁人持帕蓋覆匣床，奉置殿之左右，冊床在東，寶床在西。 置訖，舉捧官以次招抬降階，立于中書令、侍中之後，立定，合班北向，閣門贊：「再拜。」 拜訖，降東階，退出殿門。 其抬舁人置冊寶床於東西訖，各由朵殿下階，于侍中等班後直出殿門，以俟複入，抬舁入宮。 受冊表謝訖，內侍跪奏：「禮畢。」 閣門引內外命婦陪列者以次進，就北向位。 班首初行，宮縣作，至位樂止。 閣門曰：「再拜。」 命婦皆再拜。 閣門引班首自西階升，樂作，至階樂止，進當座前，北向躬致稱賀，訖，降自西階，樂作，至位樂止。 閣門曰：「再拜。」 舍人承傳，命婦等皆再拜。 閣門使前承令，降自西階，詣命婦前西北，東向，稱：「有教旨。」 命婦等皆拜，閣門使宣曰：「祗奉聖恩，授以冊寶，榮幸之至，競厲增深。 所賀知。」 舍人曰：「再拜。」 命婦皆再拜，訖，內侍引內命婦還宮。 班首初行，樂作，出門，樂止。 內侍引外命婦出次。 宣徽使奏稱：「禮畢。」 降座，宮縣作，入東房，樂止。 歸閣，宮縣作，至閣，樂止。 更常服。 內侍承教旨，宣外命婦入會，並如常儀。 會畢，閣門引命外婦降階，橫班北向，舍人曰：「再拜。」 訖，以次出。 還宮，如來儀。 中書門下侍郎複以引進司帥抬舁人進冊寶入內，付與都點檢司，退。 別日，會群官，會妃主宗室等，賜酒，設食，簪花，教坊作樂，如內宴之儀。 十一日，朝永壽、永甯兩宮。 皇后既受冊，越二日，內侍設座於所禦殿，南向。 其日夙興，宣徽使版奏：「中嚴。」 質明，諸侍衛宮人俱詣寢殿奉迎，宣徽使版奏：「外辦。」 後首飾禕衣禦車，內侍前導，降自西階以出，侍衛如常儀。 至太后之裹門外，降車，障扇侍衛如常儀，入立於西廂，東向。 將至，宣徽使版奏：「請中嚴。」 既降車，宣徽使版奏：「外辦。」 太后常服，宣徽使引升座，南向。 宣徽使引後進，升自西階，北面再拜，進跪致謝詞。 存撫賜酒食，並如家人之儀。 禮畢，宣徽使贊：「再拜。」 訖。 宣徽使引降自西階以出。 出門，宣徽使奏：「禮畢。」 降座入宮。
As the investiture envoy withdrew, the music stopped when he reached the gate. Palace Gate officers and inner attendants led the empress up the western steps into the hall as the palace ensemble played. The umbrellas and ceremonial fans halted outside the curtain and withdrew to either side of the front halls. The portable screens halted at the foot of the steps and were rolled up. The empress took her place before the throne facing south, and the music stopped. The Director of the Secretariat stood south of the book couch, faced north, and declared: "Director of the Secretariat [name], your subject, respectfully reads the investiture book." When he had finished reading, he descended the eastern steps and stood on the first terrace outside the railing, facing west. Next the Palace Attendant stood south of the seal couch, faced north, bowed, and announced: "Palace Attendant [name], your subject, reads the seal." After reading he descended the steps and stood north of the Director of the Secretariat, facing west. Inner attendants and Palace Gate officers led her to the throne as the palace ensemble played; once she was seated, the music stopped. The presentation officers in turn directed the bearers to cover the cases and couches with cloth and lids and set them to the left and right of the hall, the book couch in the east and the seal couch in the west. Once everything was in place, the presentation officers directed the bearers down the steps to stand behind the Director of the Secretariat and Palace Attendant. When all were in formation they faced north together, and the Palace Gate office called: "Bow twice." After bowing, they descended the eastern steps and left through the hall gate. After setting the book-and-seal couches to east and west, each bearer descended by the side halls and went directly out the hall gate behind the Secretariat director and others, to await re-entry, then carried the book and seal into the inner palace. After the investiture and memorial of thanks were concluded, an inner attendant knelt and reported: "The rites are complete." Palace Gate officers led the inner and outer consorts in the accompanying ranks forward in order to their north-facing stations. As the lead rank moved forward, the palace ensemble played; music ceased when they reached their stations. The Palace Gate office called: "Bow twice." All consorts bowed twice. The Palace Gate office led the lead consort up the western steps to music, which stopped at the steps. She advanced before the throne, faced north, bowed, and offered congratulations, then descended the western steps to music that ceased at her station. The Palace Gate office called: "Bow twice." The secretaries repeated the command, and all consorts bowed twice. The Palace Gate commissioner came forward to receive the command, descended the western steps, went to the consorts' northwest position, faced east, and declared: "There is an edict of instruction." All consorts bowed. The Palace Gate commissioner proclaimed: "In reverently receiving the imperial grace and the conferral of book and seal, the honor is beyond measure and our resolve is strengthened. Your felicitations are acknowledged." The secretary called: "Bow twice." All consorts bowed twice; when finished, inner attendants led the inner consorts back to the palace. As the lead rank departed, music played; it ceased when they passed through the gate. Inner attendants escorted the outer consorts out to their stations. The Xuanhui Commissioner reported: "The rites are complete." She left the throne as the palace ensemble played, entered the eastern chamber, and the music stopped. She returned to her pavilion to music from the palace ensemble, which ceased when she arrived. She changed into ordinary dress. On the edict of instruction, inner attendants announced that the outer consorts should enter for the assembly, following the usual protocol. When the assembly ended, Palace Gate officers led the outer consorts down the steps into north-facing ranks; the secretary called: "Bow twice." After bowing, they departed in order. They returned to the palace by the same route as before. The Vice Directors of the Secretariat and Chancellery again led the Introduction Office bearers to carry the book and seal into the inner palace, deliver them to the Directorate of Inspection, and withdraw. On another day officials, consorts, princesses, and imperial clansmen were assembled; wine and food were bestowed, hair ornaments were conferred, and the Music Bureau performed, following the protocol for an inner court banquet. On the eleventh day the empress paid court at the Yongshou and Yongning palaces. Two days after receiving investiture, inner attendants set up a seat in her residential hall, facing south. At dawn that day the Xuanhui Commissioner submitted on tablet: "We request that the inner court be secured." At dawn all guard attendants and palace women went to the sleeping hall to escort her; the Xuanhui Commissioner reported on tablet: "The outer preparations are complete." Wearing her ceremonial head ornaments and robes, the empress rode in the imperial carriage with inner attendants leading ahead; she descended the western steps to depart with the usual escort. At the inner gate of the empress dowager's residence she alighted; screens and escort followed regular protocol; she entered and stood in the western wing, facing east. As she approached, the Xuanhui Commissioner submitted on tablet: "We request that the inner court be secured." After she had alighted, the Xuanhui Commissioner reported on tablet: "The outer preparations are complete." The empress dowager wore ordinary dress; the Xuanhui Commissioner led her to the throne, facing south. The Xuanhui Commissioner led the empress forward; she ascended the western steps, bowed twice facing north, advanced, knelt, and offered words of thanks. Expressions of affection and the bestowal of wine and food followed the protocol used among family members. When the rites were complete, the Xuanhui Commissioner called: "Bow twice." When finished. The Xuanhui Commissioner led her down the western steps and out. Outside the gate the Xuanhui Commissioner reported: "The rites are complete." She left the throne and returned to the palace.
6
奉冊皇太后儀
Ceremony for Reverence to the Empress Dowager
7
天德二年正月，詔有司：「擇日奉冊唐殷國妃、岐國太妃，仍別建宮名。 合行典禮，禮官檢詳條具以聞。」 其日質明，有司各具傘扇，侍衛如儀，及兵部約量差軍兵，並文武百官詣兩宮迎請，引導皇太后入內，並赴受冊殿，入禦幄，侍衛如式。 次奉冊太尉等俱以冊置於案，奉寶司徒等俱以寶置於案，皆盛以匣，覆以帕，詣別殿門外幄次。 教坊提點率教坊入。 侍衛官各就列。 皇帝常服乘輿，至別殿后幄次。 通事舍人引宣徽使版奏：「中嚴。」 復位，少頃，又奏：「外辦。」 幄簾卷，教坊樂作，扇合，兩宮皇太后出自後幄，並即御座，南向，扇開，樂止。 分左右少退。 通事舍人引文武百僚班左入，依品，重行西向，立定。 通事舍人喝：「起居。」 班依常朝例起居，七拜，訖，引文武百僚班分東西相向立。 通事舍人、太常博士贊引，太常卿前導，押冊官押冊而行，奉冊太尉、讀冊中書令、舉冊官等以次從之。 次押寶官押寶而行，奉寶司徒、讀寶侍中、舉寶官等以次從之。 俱自正門入，教坊樂作，至殿庭西階下少東，北向，於褥位少置，樂止。 冊北，寶南。 通事舍人、太常博士贊引，太常卿前導，押冊官押冊升，樂作，奉冊太尉等從之，進至兩宮皇太后座前褥位，樂止。 兩宮冊寶齊上，齊讀。 舉冊官夾侍。 奉冊太尉各搢笏，北向跪，俯伏，興，退立。 讀冊中書令俱進，向冊前跪奏稱：「攝中書令具官臣某，謹讀冊。」 舉冊官單跪對舉，中書令各搢笏，讀訖，執笏，俯伏，興，搢笏，捧冊興，於位東回冊函北向，並進，跪置於御座前褥位。 中書令舉冊官俱降，還位。 奉冊太尉並降階，東向以俟。 押寶官押寶升，樂作，奉寶司徒等從之，進至兩宮皇太后座前褥位，樂止。 舉寶官夾侍。 奉寶司徒各搢笏，北向跪，俯伏，興，退立。 讀寶侍中俱進，當寶前跪奏稱：「攝侍中具官臣某，謹讀寶。」 舉寶官單跪對舉，侍中各搢笏，讀訖，執笏，俯伏，興，搢笏，捧寶興，於位東回寶函北向，並進，跪置於御座前褥位冊之南。 通事舍人、太常博士贊引太尉、司徒以次應行事官俱降自西階，複本班序立。 宣徽使一員詣皇帝禦幄前，俯伏，跪奏：「臣某謹請皇帝詣兩宮皇太后前，行稱賀之禮。」 俯伏，興。 贊引皇帝再拜，又奏：「請北向跪。」 皇帝賀曰：「嗣皇帝臣某言云云。」 俯伏，興，又再拜，訖，又奏：「請皇帝少立。」 內侍承旨退，西向稱：「兩宮皇太后旨云云。」 皇帝再拜。 宣徽使前引，皇帝歸幄，常服乘輿還內，侍衛如來儀。
In the first month of Tiande 2, an edict ordered the relevant offices: "Choose a day to present the investiture book to Consort Tangyin of the Yin state and Grand Consort Qiguo, and establish separate palace names for each. The ritual officers were to examine the applicable regulations in detail and submit a report." At dawn the responsible offices prepared umbrellas and fans and posted guards as prescribed; the Ministry of War assigned troops as needed; civil and military officials went to both palaces to escort the empress dowagers inside and on to the investiture hall, where they entered the imperial canopy pavilion with guard escort as prescribed. Next the Grand Commandants charged with the book set it on a table and the Ministers of Education charged with the seal set it on a table, each in a case covered with cloth, and proceeded to the canopy pavilion outside the separate hall gate. The Music Bureau superintendent led the musicians in. Guard officers each took their assigned positions. The emperor, in ordinary dress, rode in the palanquin to the rear canopy pavilion of the separate hall. Protocol secretaries led the Xuanhui Commissioner to report on tablet: "The inner court is now secured." He returned to position; shortly afterward he reported again: "The outer preparations are complete." The canopy curtain was raised, the Music Bureau played, and the fans closed. Both empress dowagers emerged from the rear canopy and took their thrones facing south; the fans opened and the music stopped. They withdrew slightly to left and right. Protocol secretaries led the civil and military officials in from the left by rank in double rows facing west until all were in formation. The protocol secretaries called: "Inquire after well-being." The formation followed the usual court protocol for greetings, with seven bows; when finished the secretaries led the officials into east-west formations facing one another. Protocol secretaries and Court of Imperial Sacrifices academicians directed the procession; the director went ahead as guide; book-escort officers led the book forward, followed in order by the Grand Commandant, Secretariat director, book-bearers, and others. Next seal-escort officers led the seal forward, followed in order by the Minister of Education, Palace Attendant, seal-bearers, and others. All entered through the main gate to Music Bureau accompaniment and paused briefly on the cushioned station slightly east of the western steps, facing north, where the music stopped. The book stood to the north and the seal to the south. Protocol secretaries and academicians directed the procession; the director led the way as book-escort officers carried the book up to music, followed by the Grand Commandant and others, advancing to the cushioned station before both empress dowagers, where the music stopped. The books and seals of both palaces were presented and read together. Book-bearers attended on either side. Each Grand Commandant tucked his tablet, knelt facing north, prostrated himself, rose, and withdrew to stand. All Secretariat directors advanced to the book, knelt, and reported: "Acting Director of the Secretariat, officer of record, your subject [name], respectfully reads the book." Book-bearers knelt on one knee and raised the book; each director tucked his tablet, finished reading, prostrated himself, rose, and with both hands raised the book, turned east at his station to face the case north, advanced together, knelt, and set it on the cushioned station before the throne. The Secretariat directors and book-bearers all descended and returned to their stations. The Grand Commandants all descended the steps and stood facing east to wait. Seal-escort officers carried the seal up to music, followed by the Ministers of Education and others, advancing to the cushioned station before both empress dowagers, where the music stopped. Seal-bearers attended on either side. Each Minister of Education tucked his tablet, knelt facing north, prostrated himself, rose, and withdrew to stand. All Palace Attendants advanced to the seal, knelt, and reported: "Acting Palace Attendant, officer of record, your subject [name], respectfully reads the seal." Seal-bearers knelt on one knee and raised the seal; each Palace Attendant tucked his tablet, finished reading, prostrated himself, rose, and with both hands raised the seal, turned east at his station to face the case north, advanced together, knelt, and set it on the cushioned station before the throne, south of the book. Protocol secretaries and academicians directed the Grand Commandant, Minister of Education, and other ritual officers to descend the western steps in order and return to their original stations. A Xuanhui Commissioner went before the emperor's canopy pavilion, prostrated himself, knelt, and reported: "Your subject [name] respectfully requests that Your Majesty proceed before both empress dowagers to perform the congratulatory rites." He prostrated himself and rose. He guided the emperor to bow twice and again reported: "We request that Your Majesty kneel facing north." The emperor offered congratulations, saying: "The succeeding emperor, your subject [name], states as follows." He prostrated himself, rose, and bowed twice again; when finished he reported again: "We request that Your Majesty stand briefly." Inner attendants, receiving the command, withdrew and faced west, announcing: "The empress dowagers' edict states as follows." The emperor bowed twice. The Xuanhui Commissioner led the way; the emperor returned to the canopy pavilion and rode in ordinary dress back to the inner palace with the same escort as before.
8
應階下文武百僚重行立定，通事舍人喝：「拜。」 在位皆再拜。 通事舍人引太師詣西階升，俯伏，跪奏稱：「文武百僚具官臣某等稽首言，皇太后殿下顯對冊儀，永安帝養。 仰祈福壽，與天同休。」 俯伏，興，降自西階，復位立定。 通事舍人贊：「在位官皆再拜。」 舞蹈，三稱「萬歲」，又再拜。 宣徽使升自東階，取旨退，臨階西向稱：「兩宮皇太后旨。」 通事舍人贊：「在位官皆再拜。」 畢，宣曰：「公等忠敬盡心，推崇協力。 膺茲令典，感愧良深。」 宣訖，還位。 通事舍人贊：「謝宣諭，拜。」 在位官皆再拜，舞蹈，三稱「萬歲」，又再拜。 通事舍人分引應北向官各分班東西立。 宣徽使升自東階，奏稱：「具官臣等言，禮畢。」 降還位。 扇合，皇太后並興，教坊樂作，降座，還殿后幄次，扇開，樂止。 通事舍人引宣徽使奏：「解嚴。」 中書侍郎等各帥捧冊床官升殿，跪捧冊並置於床，次門下侍郎等各帥捧寶床官升殿，跪捧寶並置於床，訖，通事舍人引詣東上閣門，投進所司。 文武百僚以次出。 皇太后常服乘輿，各還本宮，引導如來儀。 文武百僚詣東上閣門拜表賀皇帝，退。 禮畢，各赴本宮，受內外命婦稱賀。 所司預於殿內設皇太后御座，司賓引內外命婦於殿庭北向依序立。 尚儀奏請，皇太后常服即座。 司贊曰：「再拜。」 命婦皆再拜。 司賓引班首詣西階升，跪賀稱：「妾某氏等言，伏惟皇太后殿下，天資聖善，昭受鴻名，凡在照臨，不勝欣抃。」 興，降階復位。 司贊曰：「再拜。」 內外命婦皆再拜，尚宮承旨，降自西階，於命婦之北東向立，司贊曰：「再拜。」 在位者皆再拜，尚宮乃宣答曰：「膺茲典禮，感愧良深。」 司贊曰：「再拜。」 在位者皆再拜，退。 赴別殿賀皇帝，亦如賀皇太后之儀，惟不致詞，不宣答。
Civil and military officials below the steps stood in double rows; protocol secretaries called: "Bow." All officials in position bowed twice. Protocol secretaries led the Grand Preceptor up the western steps to prostrate himself, kneel, and report: "The civil and military officials, officers of record, your subjects [names], bow the head and state: under the empress dowagers' exalted reception of the investiture book, may imperial nurture be secure. We pray for blessings and longevity equal to Heaven. We pray that blessings and longevity may equal Heaven." He prostrated himself, rose, descended the western steps, and returned to formation. Protocol secretaries called: "All officials in position, bow twice." They performed the dance, thrice called "Ten thousand years," and bowed twice again. A Xuanhui Commissioner ascended the eastern steps, received the command, withdrew, and standing on the steps facing west announced: "The empress dowagers' edict." Protocol secretaries called: "All officials in position, bow twice." When finished, they proclaimed: "You have all served with loyal devotion and united effort in this exaltation. In receiving this splendid ceremony, our gratitude and humility are profound." When the proclamation ended, they returned to their stations. Protocol secretaries called: "Thank the proclamation; bow." All officials bowed twice, performed the dance, thrice called "Ten thousand years," and bowed twice again. Protocol secretaries led the north-facing officials into separate east-west formations. A Xuanhui Commissioner ascended the eastern steps and reported: "We, officers of record, report that the rites are complete." He descended and returned to his station. The fans closed; both empress dowagers rose together to Music Bureau accompaniment, left their thrones for the rear canopy pavilion, and the fans opened as the music stopped. Protocol secretaries led the Xuanhui Commissioner to report: "The strict watch is lifted." Vice Directors of the Secretariat led book-couch bearers up the hall to kneel and set the book on the couch; Vice Directors of the Chancellery led seal-couch bearers to do the same; when finished, protocol secretaries escorted them to the Eastern Upper Palace Gate office for delivery to the responsible office. Civil and military officials departed in order. The empress dowagers, in ordinary dress, rode in palanquins back to their respective palaces with the same escort as before. Civil and military officials went to the Eastern Upper Palace Gate to submit congratulatory memorials to the emperor, then withdrew. When the rites were complete, each went to his palace to receive congratulations from inner and outer consorts. The responsible offices set the empress dowager's throne in the hall in advance; the Director of Guests led inner and outer consorts to stand in order in the courtyard, facing north. The Director of Ceremonies requested her presence; the empress dowager in ordinary dress took the throne. The master of announcements called: "Bow twice." All consorts bowed twice. The Director of Guests led the lead consort up the western steps to kneel and offer congratulations: "Your subjects [names] state: before the empress dowager's exalted person, by Heaven-given sagely virtue she has received the great name; all within her illumination overflow with joy." They rose, descended the steps, and returned to formation. The master of announcements called: "Bow twice." Inner and outer consorts bowed twice; the Director of the Inner Palace received the command, descended the western steps, and stood north of the consorts facing east; the master of announcements called: "Bow twice." All in position bowed twice; the Director of the Inner Palace then proclaimed the reply: "In receiving this splendid ceremony, our gratitude and humility are profound." The master of announcements called: "Bow twice." All in position bowed twice and withdrew. They proceeded to another hall to congratulate the emperor by the same protocol as for the empress dowager, except without formal speeches or a proclaimed reply.
9
冊皇太子儀
Ceremony for Conferring the Title of Crown Prince
10
大定八年正月，冊皇太子，禮官擬奏，皇太子乘輿至翔龍門，東宮官導從，不乘馬。 冊皇太子前三日，遣使同日奏告天地宗廟。 冊前一日，宣徽院帥儀鸞司，設御座于大安殿當中，南向。 設皇太子次於門外之東，西向。 又設文武百僚應行事官，東宮官等次於門外之東、西廊。 又設冊寶幄次於殿后東廂，俱南向。 又設受冊位於殿庭橫階之南。 工部官與監造冊寶官公服，自製造所導引冊寶床，由宣華門入，約宣徽院同進呈畢，赴幄次安置。 大樂令帥其屬，展樂縣於庭。
In the first month of Dading 8, the crown prince was invested. Ritual officers drafted the protocol: the crown prince would ride in a palanquin to the Xianglong Gate, escorted by Eastern Palace officials on foot rather than on horseback. Three days before the investiture, envoys were dispatched the same day to report to Heaven, Earth, and the ancestral temples. On the eve of the investiture, the Xuanhui Court directed the Ceremonial Escort Office to set the imperial seat in the center of the Da'an Hall, facing south. The crown prince's station was set outside the eastern gate, facing west. Stations were also set in the eastern and western corridors outside the gate for civil and military officials, ritual officers, and Eastern Palace officials. Canopy pavilions for the book and seal were pitched in the eastern wing behind the hall, all facing south. A station for receiving the investiture was also marked south of the transverse steps in the courtyard. Ministry of Works officials and the book-and-seal manufacturing supervisors, in official dress, guided the presentation couches from the manufacturing office through the Xuanhua Gate, presented them jointly with the Xuanhui Court, and then set them down in the canopy pavilion. The Director of Grand Music led his staff and set up the music ensemble in the courtyard.
11
其日，兵部帥其屬，設黃麾仗于大安殿門之內外。 其日質明，文武百僚應行事官並朝服入次。 東宮官各朝服，自東宮乘馬導從，至左翔龍門外下馬，入就次。 通事舍人分引百官入立班，東西相向。 次引侍中、中書令、門下侍郎、中書侍郎及捧舁冊寶官，詣殿后幄次前立。 少頃，奉冊寶出幄次，由大安殿東降，至庭中褥位，權置訖，奉引冊寶官立於其後。 皇太子服遠遊冠、硃明衣出次，執圭，三師三少已下導從，立於門外。 侍中奏：「中嚴。」 符寶郎奉八寶由東西偏門分入，升置御座之左右。 侍中奏：「外辦。」 內侍承旨索扇，扇合，皇帝服通天冠、絳紗袍以出，曲直華蓋侍衛如常儀，鳴鞭，宮縣樂作。 皇帝出自東序，即御座，爐煙升，扇開簾卷，樂止。 典贊儀引皇太子入門，宮縣樂作，至位樂止。 師、少已下從入，立于皇太子位東南，西向。 典儀贊：「皇太子再拜。」 搢圭，舞蹈，又再拜，奏：「聖躬萬福。」 又再拜，引近東，西向立。 師、少已下並奉引冊寶官等，各赴百官東班，樂作，至位樂止。 通事舍人引百官俱橫班北向。 典儀贊：「拜。」 在位官皆再拜，搢笏，舞蹈，又再拜，起居，又再拜，畢，百官各還東西班。 師、少已下並行事官各還立位。 典贊儀引皇太子複受冊位，樂作，至位樂止。 侍中承旨，稱：「有制。」 皇太子已下應在位官皆再拜，躬身，侍中宣制曰：「冊某王為皇太子。」 又再拜。 通事舍人、太常博士引中書令詣讀冊位，中書侍郎引冊匣置於前，捧冊官西向跪捧，皇太子跪，讀畢，俯伏，興。 皇太子再拜。 中書令詣捧冊位，奉冊授皇太子，搢圭，跪受冊，以授右庶子，右庶子跪受，皇太子俯伏，興，右庶子以冊，興，置於床，中書令已下退複本班。 次通事舍人、太常博士引侍中詣奉寶位，門下侍郎引寶盝立於其右，侍中奉寶授皇太子，搢圭，跪受，以授左庶子，左庶子跪受，皇太子俯伏，興，左庶子以寶興，置於床，侍中已下退複本班。 典儀贊：「再拜。」 畢，引皇太子退。 初行，樂作，左右庶子帥其屬，舁冊寶床匣以出，出門，樂止。 侍中奏：「禮畢。」 內侍承旨索扇，扇合，簾降，鳴鞭，樂作，皇帝降座，入自西序還後閣，侍衛如來儀，扇開，樂止。 侍中奏：「解嚴。」 所司承旨，放仗衛以次出。 皇太子入次，改服公服，還東宮，導從如來儀。
That day the Ministry of War posted the yellow-banner guard formation inside and outside the Da'an Hall gates. At dawn civil and military officials and ritual officers entered their stations in full court dress. Eastern Palace officials in court dress rode from the Eastern Palace, dismounted outside the left Xianglong Gate, and entered their stations. Protocol secretaries led the officials in to stand in east-west formation. Next they led the Palace Attendant, Secretariat director, Chancellery and Secretariat vice directors, and book-and-seal bearers to stand before the canopy pavilion behind the hall. Shortly afterward the book and seal were brought from the canopy pavilion, carried down the eastern side of the Da'an Hall to the cushioned station in the courtyard, set down temporarily, with presentation officers behind them. The crown prince wore the distant-travel crown and vermilion-bright robe, emerged holding the jade tablet, with the Three Preceptors, Three Mentors, and attendants escorting him to stand outside the gate. The Palace Attendant reported: "The inner court is now secured." Seal-and-treasure officers brought the eight imperial treasures in through the eastern and western side gates and set them on either side of the throne. The Palace Attendant reported: "The outer preparations are complete." Inner attendants called for the fans, which closed; the emperor, wearing the Tongtian crown and crimson gauze robe, emerged with the usual canopy escort; the whip cracked and the palace ensemble played. The emperor emerged from the eastern side, took the throne, incense rose, the fans opened, the curtain was raised, and the music stopped. The master of ceremonial announcements led the crown prince through the gate to music from the palace ensemble, which ceased at his station. Preceptors, mentors, and attendants followed in and stood southeast of the crown prince's station, facing west. The master of ceremonies called: "The crown prince bows twice." He tucked the jade tablet, performed the dance, bowed twice again, and reported: "May Your Majesty enjoy ten thousand blessings." He bowed twice again, was led slightly forward to the east, and stood facing west. Preceptors, mentors, book-and-seal presentation officers, and others moved to the officials' eastern formation to music, which stopped at their stations. Protocol secretaries led all officials into north-facing horizontal ranks. The master of ceremonies called: "Bow." All officials bowed twice, tucked their tablets, performed the dance, bowed twice again, offered greetings, and bowed twice again; when finished they returned to east-west formation. Preceptors, mentors, and ritual officers each returned to their stations. The master of ceremonial announcements led the crown prince back to the investiture station to music, which ceased when he arrived. The Palace Attendant, receiving the command, declared: "There is an edict." The crown prince and all officials below him bowed twice and bowed low; the Palace Attendant proclaimed: "Prince [name] is invested as crown prince." They bowed twice again. Protocol secretaries and academicians led the Secretariat director to the reading station; the vice director set the book case before him; the book-bearer knelt facing west and presented it; the crown prince knelt; when reading was finished he prostrated himself and rose. The crown prince bowed twice. The Secretariat director presented the book to the crown prince, who tucked his tablet, knelt to receive it, and handed it to the Right Guardian of the Heir Apparent. The guardian knelt, received it, and set it on the couch as the director and others returned to formation. Next protocol secretaries led the Palace Attendant to present the seal; the Chancellery vice director stood with the seal case to his right. The crown prince received the seal and handed it to the Left Guardian of the Heir Apparent, who set it on the couch as the Palace Attendant and others returned to formation. The master of ceremonies called: "Bow twice." When finished, they led the crown prince to withdraw. As he set out, music played; the Left and Right Guardians led bearers carrying the book-and-seal couches and cases out through the gate, where the music stopped. The Palace Attendant reported: "The rites are complete." Inner attendants called for the fans, which closed; the curtain lowered; the whip cracked; music played as the emperor left the throne and withdrew through the western side to the rear pavilion with the usual escort; the fans opened and the music stopped. The Palace Attendant reported: "The strict watch is lifted." On command, the responsible offices dismissed the guard formations to depart in order. The crown prince entered his station, changed into official dress, and returned to the Eastern Palace with the same escort as before.
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冊後二日，兵部設黃麾仗于仁政殿門之內外，陳設並如大安殿之儀。 百官服朝服。 皇太子公服至次，改服遠遊冠、硃明衣。 通事舍人引百官入至階下立班，東西相向。 典贊儀引皇太子執圭出次，立於門外。 侍中奏：「中嚴。」 少頃，又奏：「外辦。」 皇帝出自東序，即座，簾卷。 通事舍人引百官俱橫班北向，典儀贊：「拜。」 在位官皆再拜，搢笏，舞蹈，又再拜，起居，又再拜，訖，分班。 皇太子捧表入，至拜表位立，俟閣門使將至，單跪捧表，閣門使接表，皇太子俯伏，興，典儀贊：「再拜。」 搢圭，舞蹈，又再拜。 俟讀表單，侍中承旨退稱：「有制。」 典儀贊：「再拜。」 興，躬身，侍中宣訖，典儀贊：「再拜。」 搢圭，舞蹈，又再拜。 引皇太子退。 侍中奏：「禮畢。」 扇合，鳴鞭，入西序，還後閣，侍衛如來儀。 侍中奏：「解嚴。」 放仗，百官以次出。 後二日，百官奉表稱賀，如常儀。
Two days after investiture, the Ministry of War posted the yellow-banner guard inside and outside the Renzheng Hall gates, with the same arrangements as at the Da'an Hall. All officials wore court dress. The crown prince arrived at his station in official dress and changed into the distant-travel crown and vermilion-bright robe. Protocol secretaries led the officials to stand below the steps in east-west formation. The master of ceremonial announcements led the crown prince out holding the jade tablet to stand outside the gate. The Palace Attendant reported: "The inner court is now secured." Shortly afterward he reported again: "The outer preparations are complete." The emperor emerged from the eastern side, took the throne, and the curtain was raised. Protocol secretaries led all officials into north-facing ranks; the master of ceremonies called: "Bow." All officials bowed twice, tucked their tablets, performed the dance, bowed twice again, offered greetings, bowed twice again, then divided into formation. The crown prince entered with his memorial and stood at the presentation station; when the Palace Gate commissioner approached he knelt on one knee to present it; after the commissioner received it the crown prince prostrated himself and rose; the master of ceremonies called: "Bow twice." He tucked the jade tablet, performed the dance, and bowed twice again. When the memorial had been read, the Palace Attendant withdrew and declared: "There is an edict." The master of ceremonies called: "Bow twice." They rose and bowed low; when the Palace Attendant had finished proclaiming, the master of ceremonies called: "Bow twice." He tucked the jade tablet, performed the dance, and bowed twice again. They led the crown prince to withdraw. The Palace Attendant reported: "The rites are complete." The fans closed; the whip cracked; the emperor withdrew through the western side to the rear pavilion with the usual escort. The Palace Attendant reported: "The strict watch is lifted." The guard was dismissed; officials departed in order. Two days later officials submitted congratulatory memorials following regular protocol.
13
正旦生日皇太子受賀儀
Ceremony for the Crown Prince to Receive Congratulations on New Year's Day and Birthday
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大定二年，世宗命有司議親王百官及妃主命婦見皇太子禮。 有司按唐、宋舊儀，擬親王宗室賀皇太子，依冊畢受賀禮。 然唐禮元正複有降階見伯叔、答群官再拜之文，又無妃主命婦見太子之禮。 稽古令文，應致恭之官相見，或貴賤殊隔，或長幼親戚，任從私禮。 自今若在東宮候皇太子，便服，則當從私禮接見。 若三師以下，遇皇太子誕日，在御前，則候皇太子先進酒畢，百官望皇太子再拜，班首跪進酒，又再拜。 若賜酒，即當殿跪飲畢，又再拜。 以為定制，命班行之。
In Dading 2, Emperor Shizong ordered the relevant offices to determine the protocol by which imperial princes, officials, consorts, princesses, and titled women would attend upon the crown prince. The relevant offices, following Tang and Song precedent, proposed that imperial princes and clansmen congratulate the crown prince using the post-investiture congratulations protocol. Tang ritual also required the crown prince on New Year's Day to descend the steps to greet uncles and return bows to officials, but included no protocol for consorts, princesses, or titled women to attend upon him. Ancient regulations held that when officials bound to show respect met, whether divided by rank or linked as elders, juniors, or kin, private ceremonial forms might apply. Henceforth, when awaiting the crown prince in the Eastern Palace in ordinary dress, one should receive him according to private ceremonial forms. On the crown prince's birthday, when the Three Preceptors and those below were before the emperor, they awaited the crown prince to offer wine first; then all officials bowed twice toward him; the lead official knelt to offer wine and bowed twice again. If wine was bestowed, they knelt in the hall, drank, and bowed twice again. This was established as fixed protocol and ordered observed throughout the court.
15
十二月晦，皇太子奏狀曰：「按禮文，親王並一品宗室皆北面拜伏，臣但答揖而已。 雖曰尊宗子，而在長幼惇敘之間，誠所未安。 當時遽蒙頒降，未獲謙讓。 明日元正，有司將舉此禮，伏望聖慈許臣答拜，庶敦親親友愛之義。」 上從其請，命尚書省頒下所司。
On the last day of the twelfth month the crown prince submitted a memorial: "By ritual text, imperial princes and first-rank clansmen all face north and prostrate themselves, while I need only return a bow with joined hands. Although this is said to honor the lineage head, I am uneasy with the breach of elder-junior kinship obligations. I had hastily received the promulgation and had no chance to decline modestly. Tomorrow on New Year's Day the offices will perform this rite; I beg imperial compassion to let me return bows, so that the duty of cherishing kin may be honored." The emperor granted his request and ordered the Department of State Affairs to promulgate it to the responsible offices.
16
若皇太子生日，則公服，左上露臺欄子外。 先再拜，二閣使齊揖入欄子內，拜跪，祝畢，就拜，興，復位，再拜，又再拜，棲台進酒，退跪。 候飲畢，接盞，復位，轉臺與執事者，再拜。 宣徽使以酒進，皇帝親賜酒，接盞稍退跪飲，畢，宣徽使接盞，復位再拜。 複揖入欄子內，跪搢笏，受賜物畢，出笏，興，復位，再拜，退更衣，入殿稍東，西向立。 皇妃等進勸生日酒，皇太子跪，皇妃等亦跪，飲畢，各再拜。 群官致賀，則其日質明，皆公服集於門外，少詹事奏：「請內嚴。」 又奏：「外備。」 典儀引升座，文武宮臣入，就庭下重行北向立，典儀曰：「再拜。」 在位官皆再拜，班首稍前跪奏：「元正首祚。」 生日則雲：「慶誕令辰，伏惟皇太子殿下福壽千秋。」 賀畢復位，典儀曰：「再拜。」 宮臣皆再拜，坐受，分東西序立。 次引東宮三師於殿上，三少於殿柱外，北向東上立。 皇太子詣南向褥位，典儀曰：「再拜。」 師、少皆再拜，班首同前稱賀，復位。 執事者酌酒一卮，班首奉進，樂作，飲訖，樂止。 回勸師、少畢，各復位。 典儀贊師，少再拜，皇太子答拜。 師、少出，皇太子就坐。 次引親王入欄子內，一品宗室於欄子外，余宗室序班庭下，拜致賀、進酒如上儀。 皇太子答拜畢，就坐。 複引隨朝三師三公宰執於殿上，三品以上職事官於露階上，四品以下於庭下，北向，每等重行以東為上，立。 皇太子詣褥位。 典儀曰：「再拜。」 上下皆再拜，畢，班首少前致賀，復位，執事者酌酒一卮，班首奉進，樂作，飲畢，樂止。 如有進獻如常儀。 回勸三師三公，餘殿上群官則令執事者以盤行酒，飲畢，典儀曰：「再拜。」 上下皆再拜，乃答拜，引群官以次出。 少詹事跪奏：「禮畢。」 自是歲賀為定制。
On the crown prince's birthday they wore official dress and stood outside the upper left terrace railing. When drinking was finished they received the cup, returned to position, handed the terrace to the officiants, and bowed twice. The Xuanhui Commissioner brought wine; the emperor personally bestowed it; they received the cup, withdrew slightly, knelt and drank; when finished the commissioner received the cup; they returned to position and bowed twice. Again they bowed with joined hands, entered the railing, knelt and tucked their tablets, received the bestowed objects, rose, returned to position, bowed twice, withdrew to change clothes, entered the hall slightly east, and stood facing west. Imperial consorts advanced birthday wine; the crown prince knelt; the consorts also knelt; when drinking was finished each bowed twice again. For officials' congratulations, at dawn that day all gathered outside the gate in official dress; the Junior Guardian memorialized: "Request that the inner court be secured." For officials' congratulations, at dawn that day all gathered outside the gate in official dress; the Junior Guardian memorialized: "Request that the inner court be secured." He reported again: "The outer preparations are complete." The master of ceremonial announcements led him to the throne; palace civil and military officials entered and stood in double rows below the courtyard facing north; the master of ceremonies called: "Bow twice." All officials bowed twice; the lead official knelt forward and reported: "The first fortune of New Year's Day." On a birthday they said: "Celebrating this auspicious birth; we bow before the crown prince: may blessings and longevity endure a thousand autumns." When congratulations were finished they returned to position; the master of ceremonies called: "Bow twice." Next the Eastern Palace Three Preceptors were led onto the hall platform and the Three Mentors outside the hall pillars, facing north in ascending order to the east. The crown prince went to the south-facing cushioned station; the master of ceremonies called: "Bow twice." Preceptors and mentors bowed twice; the lead official offered congratulations as before and returned to position. Officiants poured one cup of wine; the lead official presented it; music played; when drinking was finished the music stopped. When the return toast to preceptors and mentors was finished, each returned to position. The master of ceremonies called for preceptors and mentors to bow twice; the crown prince returned the bow. Preceptors and mentors withdrew; the crown prince took his seat. Next imperial princes were led inside the railing, first-rank clansmen outside it, and remaining clansmen in formation below the courtyard; they bowed, congratulated, and advanced wine as above. Next imperial princes were led inside the railing, first-rank clansmen outside it, and remaining clansmen in formation below the courtyard; they bowed, congratulated, and advanced wine as above. When the crown prince had finished returning bows, he took his seat. Again attending Three Preceptors, Three Excellencies, and chief ministers were led onto the hall platform; third-rank and above onto the terrace; fourth-rank and below into the courtyard below, each grade in double rows facing north with the east as the place of honor. The crown prince went to the cushioned station. The master of ceremonies called: "Bow twice." All above and below bowed twice; the lead official advanced slightly to congratulate and returned; officiants poured wine; the lead official presented it to music that ceased when drinking was finished. Presentations, if any, followed regular protocol. For the return toast to the Three Preceptors and Three Excellencies, remaining hall officials received wine on trays from officiants; when drinking was finished the master of ceremonies called: "Bow twice." All bowed twice, then returned bows, and led the officials out in order. The Junior Guardian knelt and reported: "The rites are complete." Annual congratulations were thereafter fixed as established protocol.
17
皇太子與百官相見儀
Ceremony for the Crown Prince to Audience with the Hundred Officials
18
三師三公欄子內北向躬揖，班首稍前問侯，皇太子離位稍前，正南立，答揖。 宰執及一品職事官扣欄子北向躬揖，答揖如前。 二品職事官欄子外向南躬揖，皇太子起揖。 三品職事官露階稍南躬揖，皇太子坐揖。 四品以下職事官庭下躬揖，跪問候，皇太子坐受。 太子太師、太傅、太保與隨朝三師同。 東宮三少與隨朝二品同。 詹事已下，並在庭下麵北，每品重行以東為上，再拜，稍前問候，又再拜，皇太子坐受。 大定二年所定也。 七年，定制，皇太子赴朝，許與親王宰執相見，餘官宗室並回避。 後亦許與樞密使副、御史大夫、判宗正、東宮三師相見。 九年，定制，凡皇太子出，于都門三裏外設褥位，三公宰執以下公服重行立，皇太子便服，三公宰執以下鞠躬，班首致辭雲：「青宮萬福。」 再拜，皇太子答拜，退。 迎、送皆同。
The Three Preceptors and Three Excellencies inside the railing bowed facing north with joined hands; the lead official advanced slightly to offer greetings; the crown prince left his seat slightly, stood due south, and returned the bow. Chief ministers and first-rank functional officials bowed at the railing facing north with joined hands; the crown prince returned the bow as before. Second-rank functional officials outside the railing bowed facing south with joined hands; the crown prince rose and returned the bow. Third-rank functional officials on the terrace slightly to the south bowed with joined hands; the seated crown prince returned the bow. Fourth-rank and below bowed in the courtyard with joined hands and knelt to offer greetings; the seated crown prince received them. The Grand Preceptor, Grand Tutor, and Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent followed the same forms as the attending Three Preceptors. The Eastern Palace Three Mentors followed the same forms as attending second-rank officials. The Guardian of the Heir Apparent and those below stood in the courtyard facing north by grade in double rows with the east as superior; they bowed twice, advanced slightly to greet, bowed twice again; the seated crown prince received them. In the seventh year it was fixed that when the crown prince attended court he might meet imperial princes and chief ministers, while other officials and clansmen withdrew. Later he was also permitted to meet the Bureau of Military Affairs deputies, the Censor-in-Chief, the Director of the Imperial Clan Court, and the Eastern Palace Three Preceptors. In the ninth year it was fixed that whenever the crown prince went out, a cushioned station was set three li outside the capital gate; the Three Excellencies, chief ministers, and those below in official dress stood in double rows; the crown prince in ordinary dress; they bowed the body; the lead official said: "May the Eastern Palace enjoy ten thousand blessings." In the ninth year it was fixed that whenever the crown prince went out, a cushioned station was set three li outside the capital gate; the Three Excellencies, chief ministers, and those below in official dress stood in double rows while the crown prince wore ordinary dress; they bowed the body and the lead official said: "May the Eastern Palace enjoy ten thousand blessings." They bowed twice; the crown prince returned the bow and withdrew. Welcoming and sending off followed the same protocol.