← Back to 遼史

卷五十一 志第二十: 禮志三 禮志四

Volume 51 Treatises 21: Rites 3 and 4

Chapter 51 of 遼史 · History of Liao
← Previous Chapter
Chapter 51
Next Chapter →
1
Treatise on Rites, Part Three (Military Rites)〉
2
Rites for the Emperor's Personal Campaign: these are usually performed in autumn and winter, though they may be adapted to the enemy and shifting circumstances, or held at no fixed season. Before troops take the field, the emperor must first announce the campaign at the ancestral temple. Three spirit tablets are then erected and offered sacrifice: to the Former Emperors, to the Road, and to the Army. A black ox and a white horse are slaughtered as offerings to Heaven and Earth. The sacrifice is usually performed beside a solitary tree; if no solitary tree is available, it is conducted wherever the camp is pitched. Sometimes the emperor dons armor, offers sacrifice at the palaces and temples of his predecessors, and then inspects the troops. Just before departure, one male and one female elk are sacrificed in an exorcistic rite. On the eve of battle, the horses' tails are bound, Heaven and Earth are invoked in prayer, and only then do the troops advance. When a city falls and the enemy is overcome, Heaven and Earth are honored with sacrifices of white and black sheep. On the army's return, one captured stallion and one captured ox are offered to Heaven and Earth. On departure a condemned prisoner is used; on return, a captured spy. The victim is bound to a stake, and the troops shoot wildly toward the direction of march until the arrows stand thick as quills on a hedgehog. This is called "Shooting the Ghost Arrows."
3
輿 使
La Rites: the La sacrifice is held on a chen day of the twelfth month. One day beforehand, an edict directs the Office of the Boar Hunt to choose the hunting ground. On that day, after the emperor and empress burn incense and bow to the sun, the beaters form a ring and the hunters are ordered to spread the left and right wings. The Office of the Boar Hunt announces that the ranks are ready. The emperor and empress mount their litters. The Yilie Mada present two jars of wine with dishes of food. The great princes of the Northern and Southern Offices and all ranks below present horses and garments. The emperor dismounts from his litter, completes the sacrifice to the east, and rides into the ring. The crown prince and imperial princes lead the officials in presenting wine, advancing in two wings. When the emperor takes the first hare, the ministers present wine and offer congratulations; each receives wine in return. At the midday feast, imperial princes and senior ministers each present their quarry. When the drinking is done, wine is bestowed on the assembled ministers, and the court returns to the palace. In the winter of the first year of Yingli (951), the Han court sent envoys to offer congratulations, and thereafter this became the established custom. During the Tonghe era (983–1011), the practice was discontinued.
4
Rites for Dispatching the Army: the regulations are set forth in the 《Treatise on Military Affairs》. ◎ Treatise on Rites, Part Four (Court and Guest Rites)〉
5
殿西 使 退 殿
Rites for the Regular Court Audience: at dawn, officials enter court in full audience dress and take their places according to rank. The inner attendants announce, 'The ranks are complete.' First the capital officials are led to form ranks outside the Three Gates. The duty registrar calls for obeisance; they bow twice and stand at attention. Next, civil and military officials from the Two Departments downward take their places facing the hall within the red steps. The various offices and attendance officials form vertical ranks and stand facing each other outside the east and west corridors. The duty commissioner and vice-commissioner of the Privy Council call for obeisance. All bow twice and stand at attention. They withdraw to their stations and change into informal court dress. The emperor ascends the hall and takes his seat. The Two Departments and capital officials within the red steps shout their assent and stand at attention. The Music Office, together with the Northern rank, complete their obeisance, and business is presented.
6
殿西殿
At Yanjing the audience is held in the Jianing Hall; at the Western Capital, in the Tongwen Hall. For full audience dress: futou cap, robe, and court tablet; for informal court dress: purple coat and cap.
7
殿 殿 退 西 殿
Rites for the Formal Audience: the emperor ascends the hall and takes his seat. The warning gongs fall silent. The Khitan and Han ranks before the hall take their places and stand according to rank. Next the Music Office rank is dismissed and withdraws in file. The capital officials enter, complete their bows, bow with clasped hands west of the right cross-street, and take their places in rank. Next the military rank enters, completes its bows, and takes its places. The civil rank enters, completes its bows, and takes its places. The Northern rank enters, completes obeisance, and forms ranks east of the left cross-street. Next the Two Departments enter, bow, announce obeisance on behalf of the chief minister and all officials below, complete their bows, and are led up to the hall to present business.
8
使 使使
The six ranks described above all perform seven bows in obeisance. Among them, officials without military commissioner titles whose rank leaders announce only names also perform seven bows. Withdrawal in file follows the same procedure as the regular audience. Officials bearing imperial orders from the Hanlin Academy join the civil rank. The Commissary for the Capital, the Three Departments, the Commandery, and the Pacification Office are classified as capital officials; the Directorate of Deployment, palace commissioners, vice palace commissioners, directorate registrars and below, and northern chief clerks and below of the various offices on the imperial progress are classified as military officials; the Institutes, Pavilions, Court of Judicial Review, rear-hall officials and below, Censorate, supernumerary personnel on the imperial progress, registrars, Astronomical Bureau, Hanlin Academy, and Medical Office are classified as civil officials.
9
In the winter of the second year of Tianqing (1023), members of the Music Office were all required to wear robes.
10
殿
Rites for Officials Receiving Audience: the emperor takes the throne. After the audience roster is read, officials enter from the left and bow. The herald announces that the civil and military officials, the chief minister, and all ranks below await audience. Led before the hall, they bow and perform obeisance—seven bows in all. The rank leader steps forward, thanks the imperial pronouncement, and performs five bows. When all have stood at attention, those of low stool rank and above are led forward to inquire, 'May Your Sacred Person enjoy ten thousand blessings.' The imperial messenger inquires, 'Was the journey arduous?' They bow. The usher announces that all are at attention, leads them up to the right, and prepares for the imperial inquiry. The remaining officials stand in attendance on the right.
11
輿
The imperial reply runs: 'You have long dwelt in your home districts and have come to attend upon the imperial carriage. The season may bring biting frost, or sweltering heat—you have surely endured much hardship on the road. May you each be safe and well. I trust this is understood.'
12
Rites for Inquiring After the Emperor's Health: when the emperor travels, the imperial procession reaches the naboi encampment and he sits in the imperial tent. Officials in informal dress inquire, 'May Your Sacred Person enjoy ten thousand blessings.' The usher calls for a second bow; all stand at attention. Business is then presented. The Imperial Household Commission and below wear regular dress; the Music Office follows the same rule as other officials. In the summer of the first year of Baoda (1121), a special edict required that names be announced and a second bow performed, without using the title 'chief minister.'
13
宿
Rites for the Emperor's Return to the Capital: one day beforehand, the Imperial Household Commission and below form ranks in informal dress, together with the various offices and Privy Council, and await orders at the lodging tent. At dawn on the appointed day, the emperor mounts the jade carriage. The Privy Council completes its proclamation to army and people, and the procession sets out. The chief minister and those below advance to the inner gate. The vice-commissioner completes the arrow verification. The communications registrar bows and reports, 'Your servant requests dismissal of the guard.' The rites are concluded.
14
使 使 使 退 退 使 使
Rites for Verifying the Arrows: the emperor rides the jade carriage to the inner gate. Northern and southern officials stand in facing ranks before the carriage. The arrow-verifying officer holds the female arrow and stands in the center of the gate. The eastern upper Privy Council commissioner goes to the carriage, holds the male arrow, and stands to the left of the carriage, then summons the arrow-verifying officer forward. The arrow-verifying officer bows and advances to within about five paces of the carriage, facing it. The commissioner says, 'Receive the arrow and proceed with verification.' The arrow-verifying officer bows and kneels, receives the arrow, raises it to verify the match, bows again, and reports, 'Inner and outer verification agree.' The commissioner says, 'By imperial decree, proceed with verification.' The arrow-verifying officer stands erect, withdraws to his former position in the gate, holds the arrow at his chest, and calls, 'Military officers and gate guard officers, advance.' The gate guard officers respond and open the gate. At the command both wings emerge together and stand in ranks to left and right. The arrow-verifying officer raises his right hand and calls, 'Present the arrow,' then calls, 'One imperial guard arrow is brought out from within; by imperial decree it is handed to the Left Golden Crow Guard for verification.' He calls, 'Do they match or not?' The response comes, 'They match, they match, they match'; he calls, 'Are they the same or not?' The response comes, 'They are the same, the same, the same.' This concludes the verification. The arrow-verifying officer advances again, takes his place, bows, and announces in full title that the subject reports the imperial arrow verification agrees, then withdraws to stand in the center of the gate. He calls, 'This arrow is respectfully handed to the Privy Council commissioner for entry.' When the rite is complete, the arrow is handed to the Privy Council commissioner and transferred to the Imperial Household Commission.
15
使使 使 殿 使殿 殿 退 西 殿 西殿使 退西 使殿 使使使 殿 使殿 使使使 使 使使使 殿殿 使西殿 便使退西 使 殿使西殿 殿 使西殿殿西殿 使使 殿使 使 使西殿西
Rites for Song Envoys' Audience with the Empress Dowager: Song envoys come to offer congratulations on her birthday and on New Year's Day. On the appointed day, officials enter court at dawn; the envoys arrive at their station. When the officials' ranks are complete, the empress dowager ascends the hall and takes her seat. The Imperial Household commissioner leads the rank before the hall in obeisance. When obeisance is complete, the rank withdraws in file. Next, after the Khitan officials finish their rank obeisance, officials who are to be seated are led up the hall and stand in their assigned places; All other officials who are not to be seated withdraw to the east side and stand in attendance. Han officials enter through the east tunnel gate, turn to face west, and bow. The chamberlain bows and announces that So-and-so and those below will perform obeisance. After seven bows in all, the herald calls for each to await orders. Officials who are to be seated are led up the hall and take their places standing. The Director of the Secretariat and the Great Prince go up the west steps into the hall, present the roster of the Song envoys and their attendants, and then take their places standing. All other officials who are not to be seated withdraw to the west side and stand in attendance. Next, the six lead and deputy Song envoys are ushered in through the east tunnel gate and stand in line facing the hall on the vermilion steps. The Privy Council commissioner comes down the east steps to receive the document casket. All those bearing the casket kneel; the commissioner tucks his tablet, stands, and takes the casket. He goes up the east steps into the hall, bows within the railing, announces "The seal is intact," and delivers the casket to the Privy Council to be opened. When the chief minister has finished reading it before the empress dowager, the six lead and deputy envoys are brought up the east steps into the hall and stand within the railing. The usher motions the birthday-congratulations envoy a step forward. The envoy prostrates and kneels to present attached obeisance, then rises and returns to his place. Next the envoy who has come to congratulate the empress dowager on New Year's Day is led forward to present attached obeisance, following the same procedure as before. The empress dowager conveys the inquiry: "May the Southern Court emperor enjoy ten thousand blessings and perfect health." The chamberlain motions the birthday envoy and the empress dowager's New Year's envoy a step forward. All kneel; only the birthday envoy replies, "At the time of our departure, his sacred person enjoyed ten thousand blessings." All prostrate and rise. They are led down the east steps and stand in line facing the hall on the vermilion steps. The usher brings the gifts in through the west tunnel gate and places the gift-carrying frames before the hall. Officers of the Crane Control guard perform obeisance and four bows. When the carrying frames have been taken out through the east side gate, the envoys are motioned to withdraw to the east, turn to face west, and all bow. The chamberlain bows and announces that the credentialed envoys of the Southern Court, Official So-and-so and those below, await audience. They perform ceremonial dance-bows and complete five bows; Without leaving the rank, they announce, "May his sacred person enjoy ten thousand blessings," and bow again; The head of the rank is motioned forward from the formation. After giving thanks for beholding the imperial countenance, they return to place, perform ceremonial dance-bows, and complete five bows. Each is called to ascend the hall and await orders, and the lead and deputy envoys are led up the west steps to take their positions. Attendants are summoned in through both tunnel gates, face the hall, and bow. Their names are announced; obeisance is called; they perform obeisance and complete four bows. Each is called to await orders, and they are led out in separate ranks through both tunnel gates. If the imperial announcement asks the envoys, "Your long journey over difficult terrain must have been arduous," they are led down the west steps. On the vermilion steps they perform ceremonial dance-bows and complete five bows. Each is called to ascend the hall and await orders, then they are brought up the west steps into the hall and stand in their assigned places. Khitan chamberlains and Han Privy Council commissioners together call for obeisance. Seated officials and the envoys all bow and shout, "Ten thousand years!" Each is called to take his seat, and broth and tea are served in succession. When the attendants who have served the meal leave through the hall gate, officials and envoys are motioned to rise and bow. Khitan chamberlains and Han Privy Council commissioners call out together. All bow and shout, "Ten thousand years!" Each is called to await orders. First the Song envoys are led down the west steps and out through the west tunnel gate. Then the officials are motioned out. When all have departed, the Privy Council gate reports that all is clear. The empress dowager departs.
16
使使 使 殿 使殿 殿 退 殿 殿 殿使 退 使殿 使殿使使 殿 使殿 使 使退 殿使 使 使 使使殿 殿 使殿 使 使使 殿 殿 使 使 使殿 殿
Rites for Song Envoys' Audience with the Emperor: Song envoys come to offer congratulations on the emperor's birthday and on New Year's Day. On the appointed day, officials enter court at dawn, and the envoys arrive at their station. "The ranks are complete" is announced, the ceremonial alert is sounded, and the emperor ascends the hall and takes his seat. The Imperial Household commissioner leads the rank before the hall in obeisance. When obeisance is complete, the rank withdraws in file. After the Khitan officials finish their rank obeisance, officials who are to be seated are led up the hall and stand in their assigned places; All other officials who are not to be seated withdraw to the north side and stand in attendance. Next Han officials are ushered in through the north tunnel gate, turn to face the hall, and bow. The chamberlain bows and announces that Official So-and-so and those below will perform obeisance. After seven bows, officials who are to be seated are led up the hall and take their places standing. The chief minister is brought up the south steps into the hall, presents the roster of the Song envoys and their attendants, and takes his place standing. All officials withdraw to the south side and stand in attendance. The Music Office enters and completes obeisance. The southern envoys are ushered in through the north tunnel gate and stand facing the hall on the vermilion steps. The Privy Council commissioner comes down the north steps to receive the document casket. Those bearing the casket kneel; the commissioner tucks his tablet, stands, and takes it at the north steps. He goes up into the hall, bows within the railing, announces "The seal is intact," and delivers the casket to the Privy Council to be opened. When the chief minister has finished reading before the emperor, the chamberlain brings the envoys up the north steps into the hall, and they stand within the railing. The birthday-congratulations envoy is motioned a step forward, prostrates and kneels, and presents attached obeisance. He prostrates and rises, then returns to his place. The envoy prostrates and kneels, delivers his report, prostrates and rises, and withdraws; They are led down the north steps. The envoys are motioned to the north, turn to face south, and bow. The chamberlain bows and announces that the credentialed envoys of the Southern Court, Official So-and-so and those below, await audience and obeisance. Seven bows are completed; The head of the rank is motioned forward from the formation, gives thanks for beholding the imperial countenance, performs ceremonial dance-bows, and completes five bows; Stepping forward from the rank, they give thanks for the distant escort, the imperial banquet, the imperial inquiry, and the medicinal broth. They perform ceremonial dance-bows and complete five bows. Each is called to await orders. They are led out and return to their station. The Privy Council commissioner conveys the imperial decree granting matching robes and a gold belt. Attendants and those of lower rank are summoned in for audience. The chamberlain calls the name of the rank leader and those below. They bow again; Without leaving the rank they announce, "May his sacred person enjoy ten thousand blessings." Obeisance is called again; they shout, "Ten thousand years!" Each is called to await orders. They are led out. The chamberlain conveys the imperial decree granting robes. When the envoys and attendants have finished putting on the granted robes, the chamberlain leads the envoys in. On the vermilion steps they face the hall and bow. The chamberlain calls for thanks for the imperial grace. They bow, perform ceremonial dance-bows, and complete five bows. They are called to ascend the hall and await orders. The envoys are brought up the south steps into the hall and take their places standing. Attendants are summoned in. Thanks for the grace is called; they bow and shout, "Ten thousand years!" The herald calls, "There is an edict granting a banquet." They bow again and shout, "Ten thousand years!" Each is called to await orders. The receiving officer leads them to stand beneath the north corridor. The imperial couch is brought in. Great ministers present wine, and the emperor drinks. Khitan chamberlains and Han Privy Council commissioners together call for obeisance. Seated officials and those standing in attendance all bow and shout, "Ten thousand years!" Each is called to await orders. When the toast is finished, obeisance is called. Seated officials all bow and shout, "Ten thousand years!" Each is called to take his seat, and wine is served. Imperial princes, envoys of equal rank, and the Song envoys join in the musical entertainment. If the imperial order commands them to drain their cups, all rise, drink to the bottom, and finish. They set down their cups, return to their places, and offer thanks. Obeisance is called, and all follow in bowing and shout, "Ten thousand years!" Each is called to take his seat. Next wine is served in turn to officials seated on floor mats and the like. If the imperial order commands them to drain their cups, thanks are called as before. When one round of wine on the hall dais is finished, attendants in the corridors below are called to bow and shout, "Ten thousand years!" Each is called to take his seat. If the conveyed order commands them to drain their cups, all bow and shout, "Ten thousand years!" Each is called to take his seat. Three rounds of wine are served on the hall dais, followed by tea and then dishes served in succession. After five rounds of wine, when the music ends, attendants in the corridors below are motioned to rise. Obeisance is called, and they shout, "Ten thousand years!" Each is called to await orders, and they are led out. At the final musical suite, officials and envoys all rise together and bow. Obeisance is called. Seated officials and the envoys all bow and shout, "Ten thousand years!" Each is called to await orders. The envoys are led down the south steps. On the vermilion steps they perform ceremonial dance-bows and complete five bows. Each is called to await orders. They are led out. Next all officials are led down from the hall and out. When all have departed, the Privy Council gate reports that all is clear. The emperor rises, and the clearing proclamation is sounded.
17
使使 殿殿 使西 殿 使使殿西殿 西 殿 使 殿 殿 殿使 殿 西殿 使殿 使 殿使 殿使 使西殿 使
Rites for the Special Banquet for Song Envoys: at dawn, officials enter court, and the Song envoys arrive at their station. The emperor ascends the hall. The ranks before the hall, the Music Office, and the Khitan civil and military ranks all follow the procedure of the initial audience. The Song envoys fall in with the Hanlin Academician rank, enter through the east tunnel gate, turn to face west, and bow. The chamberlain bows and announces that civil and military officials, Subject So-and-so and those below, will perform obeisance. Seven bows are performed. They give thanks for the summons to the banquet. After delivering their address, they perform ceremonial dance-bows and complete five bows. Each is called to ascend the hall and await orders. The chamberlain leads great ministers, envoys of equal rank, officials, the Song envoys, and officials entitled to seats on floor mats and in the side hall—all up the west steps into the hall to take their places standing; All other officials who are not to be seated exit through the west tunnel gate. Attendants are summoned in, perform obeisance, and give thanks for the granted banquet. They stand in both corridors, following the procedure of the initial audience. Two men supervise the cups. The Music Office bows again, and each is called to ascend the hall and await orders. The imperial couch is brought in, and great ministers present wine. The chamberlain and Privy Council commissioner call for obeisance and wine service, all following the procedure of the initial audience. Next wine is served in turn to officials seated on floor mats and in the side hall. When the conveyed order commands them to drain their cups, the usual procedure is followed. After one round of wine on the hall dais, attendants in both corridors are served wine in turn, just as before. Once cakes and tea have been served on the hall dais, the Music Office delivers its ceremonial address. Officials, the envoys, and attendants in the corridors below are motioned to rise. When the ritual acclamation ends, the officials and the rest are motioned to bow. Obeisance is called. All seated officials and those attending on the hall dais bow and shout, "Ten thousand years!" Each is called to take his seat. Next the attendants in the corridors below are called to bow, and the same procedure is followed. The banquet pauses. Officials are motioned to rise, the imperial couch is brought out, and the emperor rises and withdraws to the inner pavilion. Officials are led down the east and west steps from the hall, return to their stations, and are granted flowers within. The receiving officer leads the attendants out, and flowers are granted in the same manner. Once the flowers have been pinned in place, attendants are led back to stand in their places in both corridors. Next officials and the envoys are led in through both tunnel gates and again take their places standing on the hall dais. The emperor emerges from the inner pavilion and resumes his seat. The imperial couch is brought in, and seated officials, the envoys, and attending officials are motioned to bow. Obeisance is called; they shout, "Ten thousand years!" Each is called to take his seat. Attendants in both corridors are called in the same way. Tea is served, then wine, then dishes, then fruit. Nine rounds of wine are served on the hall dais, and envoys of equal rank join in the musical entertainment. When the music ends, attendants in both corridors are motioned to rise. Obeisance is called, they shout, "Ten thousand years!" and "Farewell to each of you" is announced. The receiving officer leads them out. At the final musical suite, officials and the envoys on the hall dais all rise. Obeisance is called, and they shout, "Ten thousand years!" Each is called to await orders. Officials and the envoys are led down the east and west steps from the hall. The Khitan rank gives thanks for the banquet and withdraws. Han officials and the envoys give thanks for the banquet in formation, perform ceremonial dance-bows, and complete five bows. "Farewell to each of you" is announced. When all have been led out, the Privy Council gate reports that all is clear. The emperor rises.
18
使使 殿殿殿 使 使 使 殿 殿 殿使 使 使退 殿殿
Rites for Song Envoys' Farewell Audience with the Empress Dowager on Birthday and New Year's Day: officials and the envoys form their ranks as in the special banquet rites. The empress dowager ascends the hall and takes her seat. Khitan civil and military officials before the hall complete obeisance and ascend the hall. The chief minister presents the roster of Song envoys and attendants for the farewell audience. When that is finished, they take their places standing. The chamberlain leads the envoys in through the north tunnel gate. They turn to face south and bow. The chamberlain bows deeply. He announces that the credentialed envoys of the Southern Court, Official So-and-so and those below, await their farewell audience. They bow again; Without leaving the rank, they announce, "May his sacred person enjoy ten thousand blessings," and bow again; Stepping forward from the rank, they express their reluctance to leave the court, deliver their farewell address, and bow again. Each is called to ascend the hall and await orders. The chamberlain leads them up the south steps into the hall, and they take their places standing. Attendants are led in, their names are announced, and they bow again; They announce, "May his sacred person enjoy ten thousand blessings," bow again, and shout, "Ten thousand years!" "Farewell to each of you" is announced, and they are led out. On the hall dais, seated officials and the envoys in their places are motioned to bow. Obeisance is called, and they shout, "Ten thousand years!" Each is called to take his seat. When soup and tea have been served, officials and the Southern envoys are motioned to rise and bow together with the seated officials. Obeisance is called, and they shout, "Ten thousand years!" Each is called to await orders and stand at attention. Six envoys are led inside the balustrade to bow and kneel. After receiving the letter casket they rise at once, are motioned a step forward, bow, receive the conveyed reply, and withdraw. They descend the north steps from the hall and, on the vermilion steps, face the hall and bow. The chamberlain announces, "Farewell to each of you," and leads them out. The officials withdraw.
19
使使 殿殿 使 使 使 使 使 使使 使使 使 殿使殿 使使 使 使 使殿 殿殿 使退 殿 殿
Rites for Song Envoys' Farewell Audience with the Emperor on Birthday and New Year's Day: officials enter court according to the usual rites, and the Song envoys arrive at their station. Outside the hall, garments are bestowed on the attendants. The emperor ascends the hall. The Imperial Household Commission and the Khitan civil and military ranks perform obeisance and ascend the hall, following the special banquet procedure. The Director of the Secretariat presents the roster of Song envoys and attendants for the farewell audience. All officials attend standing on the south side. When the Music Office completes obeisance, the chamberlain leads six envoys in through the north tunnel gate. North of the vermilion steps, they turn to face south and bow. The chamberlain bows deeply. He announces that the credentialed envoys of the Southern Court, Official So-and-so and those below, await their farewell audience. They bow again, perform obeisance, and express their reluctance to leave the court, following the rites for taking leave of the empress dowager. Each is called to await orders and stand upright. The envoys are motioned to bow. The Imperial Household Commission announces, "There is an edict." The envoys bow again, bow deeply, and stand upright. The Imperial Household commissioner announces, "Each of you is granted matching robes, gold belts, silk bolts, bows and arrows, saddles and horses, and the like — you should take note." The envoys stand upright. Three lead envoys are motioned a step forward. They prostrate and kneel, tuck their tablets, and the Privy Council gate commissioner presents the gifts listed on the separate register. When the presentation is complete, they prostrate and rise, return to their places, and stand at attention. Three deputy envoys are motioned forward to receive the grants, and the same procedure is followed. Thanks for the imperial grace is called. They perform ceremonial dance-bows and complete five bows. They are called to ascend the hall and await orders. The chamberlain leads the envoys up the south steps into the hall, and they take their places standing. Attendants are led in, thanks for the grace is announced, and they bow again; They perform obeisance and bow again. A banquet grant is announced, and they bow again; All shout, "Ten thousand years!" Each is called to await orders, and the receiving officer leads them to stand in both corridors. The imperial couch is brought in and the emperor drinks wine. The chamberlain and Privy Council commissioner call for officials and the envoys to bow and shout, "Ten thousand years!" — all as in the special banquet. Seated officials bow and shout, "Ten thousand years!" They take their seats, wine is served, and musical entertainment begins. Mat seating and both corridors all follow the same procedure; Dishes, tea, and further courses are served in the same manner. Once the steamed buns have been served, the attendants rise according to the enthronement envoy ceremony. At the final musical suite, officials and the envoys all rise, bow, and shout, "Ten thousand years!" as in the rites for taking leave of the empress dowager. The envoys descend from the hall, perform ceremonial dance-bows, and complete five bows. Each is called to ascend the hall and await orders. They are led up the north steps into the hall and stand inside the balustrade. The birthday and New Year's lead envoys are motioned a step forward and kneel together. After receiving the letter they rise, are motioned to perform a deep bow like a sounding stone bending, receive the obeisance inquiry, and withdraw. Led down the north steps from the hall, they all bow on the vermilion steps. The chamberlain announces, "Farewell to each of you," and leads them out through the south tunnel gate. Next officials on the hall dais are led out through the north and south tunnel gates. When all have departed, the Privy Council gate reports that all is clear.
20
使殿殿 使殿 使使 殿殿 殿 使 使殿使退西 使 使殿 使 使殿 使西殿 使 殿 使
Rites for Goryeo Envoys' Audience: officials in everyday dress perform obeisance, and officials who are to ascend the hall stand in order on the hall dais. The Privy Council gate submits the roster, and the Goryeo envoys are led in to stand facing the hall. They are led up to the open terrace to bow and kneel. After submitting the attached obeisance report they bow and rise. The Privy Council gate conveys the announcement, "The king inquires whether you are well." The envoys all kneel, and the lead envoy replies, "When we departed, we inquired after his well-being." They are led down from the terrace to stand facing the hall. Tribute items are brought in and arranged before the hall. After the Crane Control officers complete obeisance, the usher bows and announces that the King of Goryeo presents tribute with his greetings. The Imperial Household commissioner on the hall dais announces that the tribute is sent to the treasury. When the horses and carrying frames have been taken out, the envoys are led to withdraw, turn to face west, and bow. The chamberlain bows and announces that the Goryeo gratitude-and-tribute envoys, Official So-and-so and those below, await audience. They perform ceremonial dance-bows and complete five bows. Without leaving the rank, they announce, "May his sacred person enjoy ten thousand blessings," and bow again. Stepping forward from the rank, they give thanks for beholding the imperial countenance and perform five bows. Stepping forward from the rank, they give thanks for the distant escort and medicinal broth, perform five bows, and each is called to await orders. The envoys' personal offerings are brought in and arranged before the hall. Officers of the Crane Control guard perform obeisance. The usher bows and announces that the Goryeo gratitude-and-tribute envoys, Official So-and-so and those below, present tribute. The Imperial Household commissioner on the hall dais announces as before. The envoys are led up the west steps into the hall and stand in their assigned order. The emperor does not take the imperial couch; officials accompany the wine service. Khitan chamberlains announce, Han Privy Council commissioners call the rites, and they bow again, shout, "Ten thousand years!" and each take his seat. Three rounds of wine are served, with two kinds of dishes. If the imperial order commands them to drain their cups, they bow from their places, shout, "Ten thousand years!" and each is called to take his seat. For the dishes no herald's call is given. They rise, bow again, and shout, "Ten thousand years!" They are led down from the hall, perform ceremonial dance-bows, and bow five times. The usher calls for all to stand at attention. They are led out, and a separate envoy is assigned within the station to host them at the banquet. They rise. After garments are proclaimed and bestowed, they offer thanks from afar, complete five bows, and return to their lodge.
21
使殿 使 殿 使 使 殿使 使殿 殿 使
Rites for the Special Banquet for Goryeo Envoys: officials enter court, ranks are formed, and the emperor ascends the hall. The Imperial Household Commission, Music Office, Crane Control guards, and civil and military ranks perform obeisance, all according to the regular rites; they thank the imperial banquet proclamation, following the same procedure as for Song envoys. The usher calls for all to ascend the hall and stand at attention. Khitan officials thank the imperial banquet proclamation. The Goryeo envoys are summoned in, face south, and bow. The chamberlain bows and announces obeisance on behalf of the Goryeo gratitude-and-tribute envoys, officials so-and-so and below, and thanks for the banquet proclamation—in all, twelve bows. The usher calls for all to ascend the hall and stand at attention. Officials and envoy deputies take their places. A senior minister presents wine. The Khitan chamberlain announces, the Han Privy Council commissioner calls the ceremony, and all officials on the hall bow. The usher calls for all to stand at attention, and wine is served. The senior minister returns to his place. The usher calls for seated officials to bow, then calls for all to be seated as wine is served. If an edict orders them to drain their cups, the usher calls for another bow, then calls for all to be seated. The Music Office delivers a ceremonial address, and all officials rise. When the shouted refrain ends, the usher calls for another bow, then calls for all to be seated. At every bow, they shout, "Ten thousand years!" At the final musical suite, the officials rise and leave the hall. Khitan officials thank the host for the banquet. After the chief minister and those below have done so, the envoy deputies are led forward to give thanks in seven bows. The usher calls, "Each may depart in peace." Crane Control officers stand ready outside the gate. The Privy Council reports that all is in order. Attendance officials withdraw in file. On the following day they inquire after the emperor's health.
22
使殿 使使 殿 西殿 使
Rites for the Goryeo Envoys' Farewell Audience: officials perform obeisance and ascend the hall according to the regular procedure. The Privy Council reports the Goryeo envoys' farewell roster. Obeisance and expressions of reluctance to leave follow the same procedure as for Song envoys. The usher calls for all to ascend the hall and stand at attention. They are led up the western steps onto the hall and take their places. The Khitan chamberlain calls for obeisance, and they shout, "Ten thousand years!" The usher calls for all to be seated. The chief minister and those below host three rounds of wine with two kinds of dishes, all as at the first audience. After thanks are offered, the usher announces, "By imperial decree, a banquet," and they bow five times. The usher calls, "Each may depart in peace." They are led out, and a separate envoy is assigned within the station to host them at the banquet. When the rite is complete, garments are bestowed. They kneel to receive them and offer thanks from afar in five bows. They return to their lodge.
23
西使使殿 使 使 退 殿 使使 使 殿 使 使
Rites for the Western Xia Tribute Envoys' Audience: after the regular court audience, the envoys are led in from the left to the red steps and stand facing the hall. The envoys are led up to the open terrace and take their places. They bow with clasped hands and step forward, kneel and bow, present attached obeisance on behalf of their ruler, prostrate and rise, and return to their places. The Privy Council commissioner proclaims the inquiry, "Is so-and-so well?" They bow to hear the decree, kneel, and report, "So-and-so is well." They prostrate, rise, withdraw, and return to their places. They are led down to the left, to the red steps, and stand facing the hall. Tribute gifts are brought in from the right and removed to the left. When this is done, the Privy Council commissioner bows and announces the tribute envoys of the state by name who await audience—in all, seventeen bows. The usher calls for them to stand at attention, and they stand erect. If there are private offerings, when these are presented the envoys are motioned to bow. The usher announces, "The tribute has been received." The usher calls for them to stand at attention. They are led up the left onto the hall and take their places. Officials and envoys shout their assent together. After three rounds of wine, the envoys are led down to the left to the red steps to thank the host for the banquet in five bows. When this is done, the usher announces, "By imperial decree, a banquet," and they bow five times. They stand at attention and are led out to the right. The rites are concluded. A banquet is granted outside the palace. The Reception Office hosts it, and garments are also bestowed.
24
西使使使
Rites for the Western Xia Envoys' Farewell Audience: after the regular audience, the envoys are led in from the left. It is announced that the envoys of the state await farewell audience, and they bow twice. Without stepping forward from the rank, they perform obeisance and bow twice. They step forward from the rank, express reluctance to leave the court and deliver a farewell address, and bow twice again. Garments are bestowed, and they thank the emperor according to the regular procedure. If a banquet is granted, they bow five times. When the rite is complete, the usher calls, "Depart in peace," and they are led out to the right.
← Previous Chapter
Back to Chapters
Next Chapter →