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卷五十三 志第二十九 禮七

Volume 53 Treatises 29: Rites 7

Chapter 53 of 明史 · History of Ming
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Chapter 53
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1
Part One: Auspicious Rites
2
Enthronement; Grand Audience; Regular Audience; Crown Prince's Personal Audience; Princes' Coming to Court; Various Offices' Audience; Inner Palace Reception; Congratulations at the Eastern Palace; Grand Banquet; Bestowal of Honorific Titles
3
The second category of rites is the Auspicious Rites. Those performed at court include court assemblies, banquets, the bestowal of honorific titles and epithets, investiture edicts, the imperial lecture, and the presentation of memorials and petitions. Those performed at the Imperial Academy are known as the inspection of learning. From the Son of Heaven down to commoners, these are the capping ceremony and marriage. Those performed throughout the realm include the imperial tour, amnesty edicts, and the village drinking ceremony. Only the major ceremonies are recorded here. Ceremonies that share the same form are grouped under their respective categories.
4
The Enthronement Rite
5
簿 殿
On the day of accession, the emperor first announces the event and offers sacrifice to Heaven and Earth. When the rite is finished, he assumes the imperial throne at the Southern Suburb. The chancellor leads all officials and the capital's elderly residents in bowing, offering congratulations, and performing the ritual dance, shouting "Long live the emperor!" three times. Accompanied by the full imperial escort, he proceeds to the Imperial Ancestral Temple to bestow posthumous honorific titles and seals upon four generations of ancestors, then announces sacrifices at the altars of soil and grain. Upon returning, he dons full imperial regalia and takes his seat in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where all officials present memorials of congratulation.
6
西西 西 西 宿西 西 西 西 殿 殿西 殿 西 殿殿西西 殿 殿西 殿 殿西殿西 西 西
In advance, the Ceremonial Service places the memorial table in the northwest corner of the inner path on the red steps, and arranges bowing positions for the chancellor and all officials below him along the east and west sides of the inner path, with each rank in its own place in double rows facing north. The officials who present, unfold, and proclaim the memorial stand to the west of the memorial table, facing east. Two censorial officials charged with correcting ritual deportment stand south of the memorial table, one facing east and one facing west. Two garrison commanders stand on the east and west stairways, with twenty-four guard company commanders positioned to their south, slightly to the rear. Two officials who direct the ranks stand north of the civil and military officials' bowing positions, one facing east and one facing west. The general announcer and the ritual announcer stand north of the rank directors, with the general announcer on the west and the ritual announcer on the east. Four ushers for the civil and military ranks stand north of the officials' bowing positions, slightly to the rear, one pair facing east and one facing west. Two ushers for the hall-front rank stand south of the civil and military rank ushers. Two officials who carry the memorial table stand north of the civil and military rank ushers. Two officials who carry the hall memorial table stand on the west stairway, facing east. On the red steps, three commandery officials of the hall-front rank are positioned, facing east. Three officials of the Xuanhui Court stand facing west. Officials of the Ceremonial Guard stand to the left and right of the central hall gate, and eight guard battalion commanders are posted at the east and west hall gates, all facing east or west. Four whip-crackers stand south of the hall-front rank, facing north. Six generals stand on either side of the hall gate, and four celestial martial generals are posted at the four corners of the steps, all facing east or west. Inside the hall, the Imperial Seals Office places the seal table at the center, and the Ceremonial Service places the memorial table to its south. Civil and military attendants are arranged in two columns on the east and west sides of the hall: on the civil side, the diarist, supervising secretary, palace censor, and director of imperial seals; on the military side, the saber-bearing commanders—all facing east or west. The official who receives the memorial stands south of the civil attendant column, facing west. Two inner announcers stand south of the memorial-receiving official, and two curtain-rolling generals are posted before the curtain, all facing east or west.
7
簿 宿 殿西 退 退 殿西
On that day, the Imperial Guard displays the full ceremonial escort, arrays armored soldiers outside the Meridian Gate, lines up flags and regalia, sets out the five imperial carriages outside the Gate of Supreme Harmony, and two ceremonial attendants carry the memorial table inside. At the first drum signal, all officials in court dress take their places outside the Meridian Gate. The general announcer, ritual announcer, garrison officials, various guards, and attendant officials including the director of imperial seals enter the hall. At the third drum signal, the chancellor and all officials below him enter. The emperor, dressed in full regalia, ascends the imperial throne as great music and wind instruments strike up. The music ceases, the general rolls up the curtain, and the director of imperial seals places the imperial seal on the table. The Imperial Guard cracks the whip, and the rank ushers lead all officials to their bowing positions on the red courtyard. Music plays as they begin to move, and ceases once they reach their positions. The rank director calls the ranks to order, and the ritual announcer announces the bow. Music plays; they perform four bows and rise. The music ceases. The memorial-presenting officials and those assisting them enter through the west hall gate. The inner announcer announces the presentation of the memorial. The memorial-presenting official kneels and holds up the memorial. The memorial-receiving official inserts his tablet, kneels to receive the memorial, and places it on the table. He withdraws his tablet, rises, steps back, and stands facing east. The inner announcer announces the proclamation of the memorial. The memorial-proclaiming official steps forward, inserts his tablet, and kneels; the memorial-unfolding official inserts his tablet and kneels beside him. When the proclamation is finished, the unfolding official withdraws his tablet, returns the memorial to the table, and both withdraw. The proclaiming official prostrates himself and then rises. They all exit through the west hall gate and return to their positions. The ritual announcer announces the bow. Music plays; they perform four bows, and the music ceases. They insert their tablets, bow three times, and perform the ritual dance. They cup their hands and touch their foreheads, shouting "Long live the emperor!" three times. They withdraw their tablets, prostrate themselves, and rise. Music plays; they perform four final bows, and the congratulations are complete. The emperor then dispatches officials to invest the empress and crown prince by edict, and proclaims the accession edict to the realm.
8
簿 殿 簿 殿 殿 殿殿殿 殿殿
The Yongle Emperor's accession was hurried, and the deliberations on its rites are not recorded in detail. For the Hongxi Emperor's accession, the Directorate of Palace Equipment placed the imperial throne at the Gate of Supreme Harmony in advance; the Directorate of Astronomy set the timekeeping drums; the Imperial Seals Office prepared the seal table; and the Music Office set out the Harmonious Imperial Music—but did not play it. Early that morning, officials were dispatched to announce the accession to Heaven, Earth, and the ancestral altars, while the emperor in mourning dress made his announcement before the deceased emperor's spirit tablet. At the appointed hour, bells and drums sounded and the full ceremonial escort was deployed. The emperor, dressed in full regalia, took his seat at the Gate of Supreme Harmony. All officials in court dress entered through the Meridian Gate. The Court of State Ceremonial led the officiating officials through the rites and requested that the emperor ascend the throne. The emperor emerged through the central gate. He ascended the throne, and the whip was cracked. The officials presented their memorials, performed the prescribed rites, and the accession edict was promulgated—all according to established ceremony. From the Xuande Emperor onward, heirs apparent who succeeded to the throne followed the same procedure. In the sixteenth year of the Zhengde reign, the Jiajing Emperor entered the capital to succeed to the throne. A traveling hall was constructed in advance outside the Xuanwu Gate, facing south. A curtained imperial throne was set up, along with the Yishan crown and robes and the full ceremonial escort and grand carriage, all prepared in waiting. On the appointed day, all officials went out to the suburbs to welcome him. The imperial carriage entered the traveling hall, where the four-bow rite was performed. The following day, he entered through the Gate of Great Brightness. He reviewed the draft edict, changed the reign title, and in plain robes went to announce before the deceased emperor's spirit tablet. When this was finished, an incense table was set on the red steps of the Hall of Supreme Harmony. The emperor, dressed in full regalia, performed the rite of announcing his accession to Heaven and Earth. He proceeded to the Hall of Imperial Ancestors and the Hall of Imperial Consorts to make his announcements, then performed rites before the deceased emperor's spirit tablet, before Empress Dowager Cishou, and before Empress Zhuangsu in turn, and then took his seat in the Hall of Imperial Canopy. All officials entered in court dress. An edict was transmitted exempting full congratulations; the officials performed five bows and three prostrations instead. An official of the Court of State Ceremonial requested that the emperor ascend the hall; the emperor emerged through the central gate and took his seat in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. The whip was cracked, the bows were announced, and the edict was promulgated—all as prescribed.
9
The Grand Audience Rite
10
殿
In the Han dynasty's New Year's assembly rite, before the night water-clock had run seven marks, the bell sounded and the emperor received congratulations. Dukes, ministers, and officials below them came to court bearing gifts; those of two-thousand-bushel rank and above ascended the hall, shouted "Long live the emperor!", and only then was the banquet held. The Jin dynasty's Xianning Commentary distinguishes between morning congratulations and the daytime assembly. Under the Tang system, the emperor received court congratulations on New Year's Day, the winter solstice, the first day of the fifth month, and the Longevity Festival. The Song dynasty followed the same practice.
11
仿 殿 殿西 簿殿 西 殿西 西 殿殿西 西 殿 殿 殿 殿 殿
In the ninth month of the first year of the Hongwu reign, the Ming founder established the New Year's court assembly rite, which broadly resembled the enthronement rite. It was subsequently revised by imperial edict on several occasions and established as the standard middle regulations. For every New Year's Day and winter solstice, on the day before, the Imperial Seals Office places the imperial throne in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the seal table to its east, and an incense table on the southern red steps. The Music Office positions the Harmonious Imperial Music ensemble on the east and west sides inside the hall, facing north. At dawn the following day, the Embroidered Uniform Guard displays the ceremonial escort and regalia on the red steps and red courtyard, sets out the bright fans inside the hall, and lines up the imperial carriages on the red courtyard. Four whip-crackers are posted on the left and right, facing north. The Music Office sets out the great music ensemble on the east and west sides of the red steps, facing north, while the Ceremonial Protocol Office places the Shared Script and Jade-Silk tables on the eastern red steps. The Golden Guard posted guard officials inside the hall and on the red steps, and arrayed armored soldiers from the red courtyard to outside the Meridian Gate; the Embroidered Uniform Guard posted generals from the red steps to outside the Gate of Supreme Harmony and lined up flags and banners outside that gate—all in east-west columns. The Imperial Herds Office displayed ceremonial horses, rhinoceroses, and elephants south of the Civil and Military Towers, facing east or west. The dawn herald who announced the time stood on the east side of the inner path, near its northern end. Two censorial officials charged with correcting ritual deportment stood north of the red courtyard; two inner announcers were inside the hall; two outer announcers stood north of the red courtyard; and officials who transmitted edicts, proclaimed memorials, and the like were inside the hall—all facing east or west. At the first drum signal, all officials in court dress formed ranks outside the Meridian Gate. At the second signal, they entered through the left and right side gates, took their places on the east and west sides of the red courtyard, and stood facing north. At the third signal, the officiating officials proceeded to the Hall of Imperial Canopy, where the emperor in full regalia ascended the throne and the bell sounds ceased. The Ceremonial Protocol Office announced that the officiating officials should perform the rite; five bows were announced, and when these were finished, it was reported that the emperor should ascend the hall. The imperial carriage set out, and the Harmonious Music began to play. The Imperial Seals Office bore the seal forward as guiding officials led the way; the fans opened, the curtain was rolled up, the seal was placed on the table, and the music ceased. The whip was cracked and the time announced; the paired announcers called the officials to form ranks until all were aligned. The ritual announcer called for bows, and great music began to play. Four bows were announced; the officials rose as the music swelled. The ceremonial director announced the presentation of the memorial, and music played. Two supervising secretaries proceeded before the Shared Script table; rank-order ushers raised the memorial table, entered through the east gate, placed it in the hall, and the music ceased. The inner announcer announced the proclamation of the memorial heading. The official who proclaimed the memorial heading knelt, and when the proclamation was finished, prostrated himself and rose. The proclamation of the memorial was announced; the unfolding official took up the memorial; the proclaiming official advanced to the curtain; the outer announcer called out, and all officials knelt. When the proclamation was finished, both inner and outer announcers called out; the officials prostrated themselves and rose. The rank-order ushers raised the memorial table on the east side of the hall, and the outer announcer called for all officials to kneel. The substitute speech-offering official knelt in the center of the red steps and delivered the congratulatory address: "Your servant official So-and-so, on this New Year's Day, as the three yang forces open the season of renewal, all things are made new." For the winter solstice it says: "The pitch-pipe responds to the yellow bell seed, and the day has reached its utmost lengthening." "We respectfully consider that Your Majesty the Emperor has received Heaven's mandate and accepted its blessings, and upholds Heaven's eternal prosperity." When the congratulations were finished, the outer announcer called out, and all officials prostrated themselves and rose. Music played; they performed four bows and rose. The music ceased. The edict-transmitting official knelt and reported that he would transmit the edict, then exited through the east gate, came to the red steps, stood facing east, and declared, "There is an edict." The ritual announcer called for them to kneel and proclaimed the edict. For New Year's Day it says: "The celebration of the year's beginning—I share it with you all." For the winter solstice it says: "The celebration of the year's lengthening—I share it with you all." For the Longevity Sacred Festival the address says: "Your servant official So-and-so, on this sacred birthday of Your Majesty the Emperor, respectfully leads the civil and military officials in wishing you ten thousand years of life." No edict was transmitted on this occasion. The ritual announcer called for them to prostrate themselves and rise. The music ceased. They were called to insert their tablets, bow three times, and perform the ritual dance. They were called to kneel and perform the mountain shout; all officials cupped their hands and touched their foreheads, saying, "Long live the emperor!" The mountain shout was called again: "Long live the emperor!" The mountain shout was called a second time: "Long live the emperor for ten thousand ages!" Whenever "Long live the emperor!" was shouted, musicians and military officers responded in unison. They were called to withdraw their tablets, prostrate themselves, and rise as music played. Four final bows were announced; they rose, and the music ceased. The Ceremonial Protocol Office announced that the rite was finished, and the Harmonious Music began to play. The whip was cracked, and the imperial carriage set out. The imperial seal official bore the seal as guiding officials led the way to the Hall of Imperial Canopy, where the music ceased. All officials departed in turn.
12
殿 西
In the thirtieth year of the Hongwu reign, it was revised so that both the Shared Script and Jade-Silk tables were brought into the hall; after the memorial was proclaimed, they were raised and placed south of the seal table. In the sixteenth year of the Jiajing reign, it was revised so that the table for foreign tribute goods was placed on either side of the central path on the red steps, the timekeeping drum was set on the Civil Tower, and the great music ensemble was positioned east and west inside the Gate of Supreme Harmony, facing north. Other ceremonies were likewise subject to minor additions and reductions.
13
殿 殿
On the Beginning of Spring, the spring offering was presented; officials of the capital prefecture and counties raised the spring table up the east steps, knelt to place it on the central path of the red steps, then prostrated themselves and rose. Bows were announced, and music played. They performed four bows and rose, and the music ceased. Civil and military officials stood facing north; the speech-offering official proceeded to the east of the central path, knelt, and reported: "On this auspicious day of the new spring, it is fitting to offer congratulations." Bows were announced, and music played. They performed five bows and three prostrations, rose, and the music ceased. The Ceremonial Protocol Office announced that the rite was finished. In the eleventh year of the Zhengtong reign, when New Year's Day fell on the same day as the Beginning of Spring, the Ministry of Rites ruled that after Shuntian Prefecture officials presented the spring offering, all officials should immediately take their places to perform the New Year's congratulation rite. Under the old regulations, congratulation rites were performed on the winter solstice. In the ninth year of the Jiajing reign, the two suburban sacrifices were separated, and the winter solstice became the occasion for the great report to Heaven; on that day the celebration-of-completion rite was performed instead. The following day, the emperor proceeded to the inner hall to perform the seasonal sacrifice rite. He also proceeded before the empress dowager to perform congratulation rites, and only then took his seat in the Hall of Supreme Harmony to receive congratulations from the officials.
14
The Regular Audience Rite
15
殿殿
In ancient ritual, the Son of Heaven held court in three settings: the outer court, the inner court, and the leisure court. Emperor Xuan of Han held court once every five days. Under the Tang system, when the emperor daily received his ministers in the Purple Forbidden Hall it was called regular attendance; on the first and fifteenth of the month, when he received them in the Xuanzheng Hall, it was called entering the pavilion. In the Song dynasty, when attendant officials attended daily at the Chui Gong Hall it was called regular attendance; when the hundred offices attended at the Purple Forbidden Hall every five days it was called the six attendances; and when capital officials attended at the Purple Forbidden Hall on the first and fifteenth of the month it was called first-of-month attendance and mid-month attendance.
16
殿西 西殿 殿西
In the third year of the Hongwu reign, Ming regulations were established: on the first and fifteenth of each month, the emperor in leather cap and court robe took his seat in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and all officials in court dress on the east and west sides of the red courtyard performed two bows. The leader of the ranks advanced, and together with all officials bowed and said, "May Your Sacred Person enjoy ten thousand blessings." They returned to their positions, all bowed twice again, and divided into ranks standing opposite one another. If provincial, prefectural, censorial, or ministry officials had business to report, they ascended the hall by the west steps. When the presentations were finished they descended the steps, and all officials departed. In the seventeenth year, the first-and-fifteenth attendance rite was abolished. It was later revised so that on the first and fifteenth the emperor took the Hall of Supreme Harmony; officials of the regular audience stood in order on the red courtyard facing east or west; and officials offering thanks or taking leave stood in order outside the Gate of Supreme Harmony facing north. The emperor ascended the throne, and music played. Regular audience officials performed one bow and three prostrations; the music ceased, and they returned to their ranks. Officials offering thanks or taking leave stood in order outside the Gate of Supreme Harmony, facing north. The emperor ascended the throne, and music played. Regular audience officials performed one bow and three prostrations; the music ceased, and they returned to their ranks. When officials offering thanks or taking leave outside the Gate of Supreme Harmony had finished five bows and three prostrations, the imperial carriage set out.
17
殿鹿西 殿 殿殿 殿退 祿西 殿
For all morning audiences, the emperor took the Hall of Imperial Canopy; civil and military officials stood to the east and west outside the Deer Crest; the whip was cracked, and they performed the rites in order until finished. Officials of the fourth rank and above entered to attend inside the hall; those of the fifth rank and below remained where they were, standing facing north. Those with business to report stepped out of rank; when they had finished, the whip was cracked and they departed in order. If the emperor was to take the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the rites were first performed at the Hall of Imperial Canopy. When presentations were finished, officials of the fifth rank and below proceeded to the red courtyard and stood facing north; those of the fifth rank and above, together with members of the Hanlin Academy, supervising secretaries, and censors, waited at the central left and central right gates for the whip crack, then entered the hall to take their places in order and withdrew after the audience. Whenever officials were seated in attendance before the emperor, any official who had business to present had to stand; when finished, he sat down again. When the emperor walked on the red courtyard, he usually faced north rather than south, and when turning left or right he did not turn his back to the north. When the emperor ascended the Gate of Supreme Harmony and the red steps, attendant officials were forbidden to use the central path or the imperial path. In the twenty-fourth year, the officials who attended court were fixed: on the east were chief officials of the six ministries and censorate, chief censors of the thirteen circuits, the Office of Transmission, Court of Judicial Review, Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Court of the Imperial Stud, Yingtian Prefecture, Hanlin Academy, Eastern Palace, Court of Imperial Entertainments, Directorate of Astronomy, Imperial Seals Office, Imperial Medical Academy, Five Armies judicial officers, and capital county officials; on the west were commanders of the Five Armies, Embroidered Uniform Guard, and guard circuits, supervising secretaries, and secretarial draftsmen. The Ministry of Rites was also ordered to prepare audience placards for all officials, with ranks written in large characters and posted on the wooden railings to the left and right of the red courtyard, so that officials could stand in their proper order. In the twenty-sixth year, it was ordered that all who entered the hall must wear shoes.
18
西西 便殿
At the beginning of the Yongle reign, Grand Secretariat officials attending court were ordered to stand east of the Golden Terrace and the Embroidered Uniform Guard on the west; later they were moved to the imperial path, standing opposite one another east and west. In the fourth year he instructed the six ministries and close attendant officials: "The morning audience is mostly taken up with reports from the provinces. Afternoon business is lighter, and ruler and ministers can discuss matters at greater leisure. From now on, all matters requiring deliberation shall be taken up at the evening audience." In the fourth year he instructed the traveling Ministry of Rites: "Beijing's winter cold is severe; when ministers present business at the morning audience, they cannot endure standing so long. From now on, after the audience is finished, business shall be presented in the convenient hall inside the Right Shun Gate."
19
西 西 西 退
At the beginning of the Jingtai reign, the midday audience rite was established. For all midday audiences, the emperor took the Left Shun Gate and the seal table was set out. Officiating officials who had business to present waited outside the left side gate. The imperial carriage set out, and officials entered in order. Memorial-presenting officials of the Grand Secretariat, Five Offices, and six ministries, together with attendance officials of the six offices, stood in western order by the table; two attendance censors, two rank-order ushers, and four generals stood south of the table, facing north; one announcer stood east of the table, facing west; the Embroidered Uniform Guard and Court of State Ceremonial stood facing east; commanding generals and guard officials stood to the west of the generals. When the ministries had finished presenting business, the table was removed and all officials withdrew. If there were confidential matters, officials proceeded before the emperor to present them.
20
西西 便 西
In the ninth year of the Jiajing reign, it was ordered that after regular audience officials finished their rites, Grand Secretariat officials should ascend by the east steps and Embroidered Uniform Guard officials by the west steps, standing to the east and west of the imperial throne. When imperial commissioners or foreigners came to receive edicts, one workshop official bearing the edict stood behind the Grand Secretariat, slightly elevated; when the recipient had taken leave, the edict-bearing official received the decree and, descending the left steps along the imperial path, bestowed it. In the sixth year of the Longqing reign, an edict ordered that the emperor hold court on the third, sixth, and ninth days of each month. In the third year of the Wanli reign, four diarist attendance officials were ordered to stand above the eastern-rank supervising secretaries on regular audience days, slightly forward, so they could observe and record proceedings. At the midday audience, they stood west of the imperial throne, slightly to the south.
21
The order of entering court was fixed in the twenty-fourth year of the Hongwu reign: attendance generals entered first, then close attendants, then dukes, marquises, imperial sons-in-law, and earls, then the five offices and six ministries, and finally Yingtian Prefecture and miscellaneous capital officials. In the fourteenth year of the Chenghua reign, metropolitan graduates were ordered to follow the ranking of their assigned offices and stand behind incumbent officials.
22
The Crown Prince's Personal Audience Rite
23
殿
In the twenty-sixth year, court congratulations were moved to the Palace of Heavenly Purity. On that day, the emperor and empress ascended their thrones with attendants guiding as prescribed; ushers led the crown prince and his consort and the princes and their consorts before the imperial seats; four bows were announced, and they rose. The ritual announcer led the crown prince forward and called for kneeling; the usher called for the crown princess consort and all princes and their consorts to kneel as well. The crown prince delivered the congratulatory address as before, but no edict was transmitted. The crown prince prostrated himself and rose at the announcer's call; the princes did likewise; the crown princess and all princess consorts then rose. The ritual announcer led the crown prince back to his place. Bows were announced, and the crown prince and all below him performed four bows. When the rite was finished, they were led before the empress, and the bows before and after were performed just as in audience with the emperor. The address referred to her as "Mother Empress Your Highness." When the rite was finished, they departed. In the seventh year it was revised so that no congratulatory speech was offered and only eight bows were performed. Congratulations to the empress dowager followed the same rite.
24
The Princes' Coming-to-Court Rite
25
仿
In antiquity, princes came to court once every six years, within the cycle of the five degrees of mourning relationship. Han law prescribed four forms of audience ceremony. Under Wei regulations, feudatory princes were not permitted to come to court for audience. In the Taishi era of Jin, those coming to court from the four directions—from princes and dukes downward—were each divided into two rotations. After the Tang, imperial princes mostly did not take up residence in their assigned fiefs. The Ming modeled the ancient system of feudal enfeoffment; princes in their fiefs did not often come to court, but when they did the gifts bestowed were exceedingly generous.
26
殿 殿
Early in the Ming, whenever princes came to court, the imperial throne was set out in advance at the Hall of Supreme Harmony, following the regular ceremony. The princes waited in the eastern side chamber outside the Gate of Supreme Harmony. At the third drum signal, all officials entered and took their attendance positions. The usher led the prince in full regalia through the east gate, up the east steps, to his position. The prince's entourage took their positions on the red courtyard. Bows were announced; music played, and the prince and his entourage all performed four bows. They rose, and the music ceased. The prince entered through the hall's east gate as music played. The inner announcer guided him before the emperor, and the music ceased. The prince knelt, and all officials of his princely establishment knelt as well. The prince delivered his address: "Your son, the such-and-such Prince So-and-so, having come to court on this occasion, respectfully proceeds before Father Emperor Your Majesty to perform obeisance." He was called to prostrate himself and then rise. The prince exited through the east gate. Music played as he returned to the bowing position, then ceased. Bows were announced, and the prince rose. The entourage all performed four bows and rose. Music played, the imperial carriage set out, and the prince and all officials departed in order.
27
便殿 西 西
It was fixed in the twenty-sixth year of the Hongwu reign that at grand audiences all princes performed the eight-bow rite. At regular audiences, one bow. When uncles and elder brothers met the Son of Heaven, they performed ruler-minister rites at court and family rites in the informal hall. Uncles and elder brothers sat facing west and received four bows from the Son of Heaven. The Son of Heaven sat in the center facing south, honoring the principle of cherishing kinship while preserving the forms of ruler-minister ritual. For audiences with affinal kin, the empress's parents performed ruler-minister rites when meeting the emperor, while the empress performed family rites when meeting her parents. When the crown prince met the empress's parents, they stood facing west; the crown prince, facing east, performed four bows; the empress's parents stood to receive two bows and returned two bows.
28
The Various Offices' Audience Rite
29
殿 西西西西 殿
Under Ming regulations, officials throughout the realm came to court once every three years. Beginning on the sixteenth day of the twelfth month, the Court of State Ceremonial led them in for audience in turn. After the twenty-fifth, regional officials entered the Gate of Supreme Harmony each day with regular audience officials to perform rites; prefectural, subprefectural, and county officials, office chiefs, and native officials all performed rites outside the Meridian Gate. After the New Year's grand audience, regional officials stood in order before the Hall of Supreme Harmony; prefects and officials below them stood south of the Golden Water Bridge at the Gate of Supreme Harmony, following the regular audience rite. In the third year of the Tianshun reign, it was ordered that all regional officials entering court be ranked one grade below their capital counterparts. In the fifth year of the Wanli reign, it was ordered that for all audiences, the Nanjing prefect, the traveling directors of the Court of the Imperial Stud and Imperial Park, and the provincial administration and surveillance commissions should all have audience on the sixteenth day of the twelfth month, performing rites in the outer ranks. They proceeded through the right side gate to before the emperor, where Court of State Ceremonial officials led them in for audience in turn. Salt transport commissioners and officials from prefects downward were scheduled by province: Zhejiang and Jiangxi on the seventeenth, Shandong and Shanxi on the eighteenth, Henan and Shaanxi on the nineteenth, Huguang and the Southern Metropolitan Region on the twentieth, Fujian and Sichuan on the twenty-first, Guangdong and Guangxi on the twenty-second, Yunnan and Guizhou on the twenty-third, and the Northern Metropolitan Region on the twenty-fourth—each performing rites in the outer ranks before being led before the emperor for audience. If exempted from audience they did not appear, but still waited for the day of imperial audience to be led in. For New Year's congratulations, all entered before the hall to perform rites. Officials coming for audience, taking leave, offering thanks, or receiving grace wore formal robes; for New Year's they wore court dress and did not wear red shoes. For regular audiences they all wore brocade.
30
The Inner Palace Reception Rite
31
Only the Tang dynasty's Kaiyuan Rites records ceremonies for audience with the empress dowager, the empress receiving congratulations from ministers, and the empress meeting external titled ladies. Ming regulations include no rite for the empress to receive congratulations from ministers, but congratulation rites for imperial consorts and those below them on New Year's Day and the winter solstice were established by edict in the ninth month of the first year of the Hongwu reign.
32
使 使殿使 西 西 西 殿 殿 殿 殿 西殿西 殿 殿
For all inner-palace congratulations, the Directorate of Palace Eunuchs placed the empress's throne at the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. Regalia on the red steps was borne by inner eunuchs; regalia inside the hall was borne by female attendants. Female musicians were positioned outside the palace gate. The imperial noble consort's canopy was set to the west outside the palace gate, near the northern end; the princesses' canopy was set to the east outside the palace gate, slightly to the south; and external titled ladies' canopy was set to the south outside the gate, facing east or west. The empress, dressed in ceremonial robes, emerged from the inner chamber as the regalia moved and music began to play. She ascended the throne, and the music ceased. The reception director led external titled ladies through the east gate onto the inner path, where eastern and western ranks stood in attendance until all were in place. The imperial noble consort and all consorts were led through the east gate to the bowing position on the steps. Bows were announced; music played; they performed four bows and rose; the music ceased. They were led in through the hall's east gate as music played. The inner announcer guided them to the bowing position in the hall, and the music ceased. Kneeling was announced, and all consorts knelt. The imperial noble consort delivered the address: "Your concubines So-and-so and others, on this occasion of the year's beginning"; for the winter solstice: "the year's lengthening," "we respectfully proceed before Her Majesty the Empress to offer congratulations." When the address was finished, all prostrated themselves and rose; music played as they returned to their positions, then ceased. Bows were announced; music played; they performed four bows and rose; the music ceased. They descended the east steps and departed. The reception director led the princesses through the east gate to the bowing position on the steps, where they stood in order and performed rites as the imperial consorts had done. The reception director led external titled ladies to the bowing position on the central path before the hall. Bows were announced as prescribed. The rank leader ascended the west steps and entered through the hall's west gate as music played. The inner announcer guided them to the bowing position in the hall; the rank leader and all titled ladies knelt. The rank leader delivered the address: "Lady of such-and-such state, your concubines So-and-so and others offer congratulations." When the congratulations were finished, they withdrew and returned to their positions. The proclamation officer knelt to receive the edict, went out through the hall's middle gate, took his place east of the open terrace facing south, and announced, "There is an edict." All titled ladies knelt; the proclamation officer proclaimed the edict: "The celebration of the year's beginning—I share it with you all." Rise was announced. The proclamation officer reported that the proclamation of the edict was complete. The empress rose, and music began. She entered the inner pavilion gate, and the music ceased. All titled ladies withdrew. The congratulation rites for the grand empress dowager and the empress dowager followed the same procedure.
33
西殿 殿 殿 殿 殿 殿 西 殿 西 殿
In the twenty-sixth year of the Hongwu reign, the congratulation rites of the inner palace were revised: on the day before, female officials set up the imperial throne and incense table. On the day itself, inner-palace officials deployed regalia and positioned female musicians to the east and west of the red steps, facing north, and set a memorial table at the hall's east gate. When titled ladies arrived at the palace gate, the reception director led them in to their bowing positions, and female officials attended in full dress and formed the ranks. The Chief Superintendent of the Palace, the Chief Superintendent of Ceremonies, and other officials went within to escort her out; the empress emerged in full ceremonial dress to music, and bows were announced as in the earlier rite. Female officials carried the memorial table in through the hall's east gate to music. When they reached the center of the hall, the music ceased. Kneeling was announced, and all titled ladies knelt. The proclamation of the memorial heading was announced and completed by a female official; unfolding of the memorial was announced; the female official charged with proclaiming the memorial advanced to the table, unfolded and read it, then carried the table to the east side of the hall. All titled ladies rose; the reception director led the rank leader up the east steps and in through the hall's east gate to music. The inner announcer guided them to the center of the hall, and the music ceased. Kneeling was announced; the rank leader and all titled ladies knelt. When the rank leader had finished the address, all rose and departed through the west gate. Announcing bows and the proclamation officer's reading of the edict followed the prescribed rites, and the ceremony was complete. For the Thousand-Autumns Festival, the address reads: "On this occasion of the thousand-autumns festival, we respectfully proceed before Her Majesty the Empress to offer congratulations." No edict was transmitted. For titled ladies' attendance on the first and fifteenth of each month, the imperial throne was set within the palace that day, and regalia and female musicians were displayed. The empress took her seat; the ushering female official led titled ladies into formation—civil officials' wives to the east, military officials' wives to the west—each arranged according to her husband's rank. Bows were announced; music played; they performed four bows. When the rite was complete, they withdrew. Attendance was exempted on rainy days and in extreme cold or heat. Thereafter, titled ladies offered congratulations in audience, all at the Hall of Benevolent Wisdom. Audiences with the Eastern Palace consort followed the rite for audiences with the inner palace, but no order was transmitted.
34
The Eastern Palace Congratulations Rite
35
Nothing is recorded of this before the Han dynasty. In the time of Emperor Wen of the Sui, on the winter solstice all officials attended upon the crown prince, who set out music and received congratulations. Under Tang regulations, palace officials offering congratulations to the crown prince all performed ritual dance. Beginning in the Kaiyuan era, this rite was abolished. By precedent, when officials proceeded before the crown prince they addressed him only by name; only palace officials styled themselves his subjects. In the fourteenth year of the Hongwu reign, Remonstrating Secretary Zheng Xiangtong asked that ancient practice be restored; the emperor issued an edict ordering the ministers to deliberate. Compiler Wu Shen and others submitted their opinion: "The Eastern Palace is the great foundation of the state, the means by which the sacred person is succeeded and the throne of Heaven is received. The rites by which subjects show respect cannot be divided. We ask that all who address memorials to the Eastern Palace continue to style themselves subjects as before." The proposal was adopted.
36
殿殿西殿西殿殿西殿西 西殿 殿 殿 殿 退殿西 殿
For all audiences at the Eastern Palace, preparations were made in advance: the Keeper of the Imperial Seals set the crown prince's throne in the Hall of Literary Splendor; the Embroidered Uniform Guard deployed regalia outside the hall; the Music Office positioned grand music to the east and west inside the Gate of Literary Splendor, facing north; the Palace Guard arrayed armored soldiers and banners outside the gate; the Embroidered Uniform Guard posted twelve generals outside the hall's middle gate and outside the Gate of Literary Splendor, facing east and west; officials of the Ceremonial Protocol Office set a memorial table outside the hall's east gate, bowing positions for all officials to the east and west below the hall, and positions within the hall for officials charged with transmitting orders and proclaiming memorials. On that day, all officials proceeded to the area outside the Gate of Literary Splendor. The usher announced that preparations outside were complete; the crown prince emerged in full crown and robes to music. He ascended the throne, and the music ceased. All officials entered; bows were announced to music. They performed four bows and rose; the music ceased. The chancellor ascended the west steps to the bowing position within the hall, and all knelt. The chancellor delivered the address: "We, on this occasion when the three yang forces open the season of renewal and the ten thousand things are made new. Respectfully considering Your Highness the Crown Prince, may you abundantly receive bright blessings." When the address was finished, he prostrated himself, rose, and returned to his position. A household attendant carried the memorial table into the center of the hall; presenting, unfolding, proclaiming, and transmitting the memorial followed roughly the same procedure as for the empress. The order read: "On this triple yang, I wish to share the joyous celebration." The remainder followed the prescribed rites. For the winter solstice address, the phrasing was changed to: "The pitch accords with the Yellow Bell; the day marks the solstice when daylight begins to lengthen." For the transmitted order, the phrasing was changed to: "The festival of the year's lengthening." For the Thousand-Autumns Festival, the address read: "On this birthday of Your Highness the Crown Prince, we respectfully lead the civil and military officials in wishing you a thousand years of life." No order was transmitted. On the first and fifteenth of each month, after the regular court audience all officials proceeded to the area outside the gate of the Hall of Literary Splendor and stood to the east and west. The crown prince ascended the hall to music. All officials performed one bow. Officials presenting thanks for imperial grace or taking leave to bid farewell also performed the rite.
37
In the twelfth month of the first year of the Hongwu reign, the emperor held that the Eastern Palace tutors, being meritorious ministers of long service, deserved exceptional treatment, and ordered deliberation on the rites by which the Three Preceptors would congratulate the Eastern Palace. The ritual officials submitted their opinion: "Under Tang regulations, when ministers congratulated the Eastern Palace they performed four bows, and the crown prince returned the last two bows. When the Three Dukes offered congratulations, he returned bows both before and after. In recent times the rite of returning bows had fallen out of use, yet the rites due the Three Preceptors could not be neglected. It was proposed that for all grand congratulatory audiences, the crown prince's throne be set in the Hall of the Great Foundation, a cushion for returning bows in the center of the hall, and bowing positions for the Three Preceptors, Preceptor-Guest, and Preceptor of Virtue before the hall. The crown prince ascended the throne in ordinary dress; the Three Preceptors and Preceptor-Guest entered in ordinary dress and took their positions, standing facing north. The crown prince rose from his seat and faced south. Four bows were announced; the crown prince returned the last two bows."
38
殿殿殿西西 殿 殿 殿 殿 殿殿 西 西
In the sixth year, an edict ordered that when officials attended upon the crown prince, they should remove the knee covers and pendants from their court dress. In the twenty-ninth year, an edict ordered court ministers to deliberate on the rite for princes' audiences with the Eastern Palace. The ritual officials deliberated: when princes came to audience, the crown prince's seat was set in the center of the main hall; bowing positions for the princes were set outside and inside the hall gate; bowing positions for princely household officials were set to the east and west on the central path of the courtyard; and positions for attending officials were set in the courtyard, facing east and west. On the day, armored soldiers were arrayed, regalia displayed, and music set up as usual. The princes proceeded to the canopy outside the Eastern Palace gate; the crown prince emerged in ordinary dress to music. He ascended the throne, and the music ceased. The usher guided the princes in to take their positions outside the hall gate. As they began to move, music played; when they had taken their positions, the music ceased. They were guided in through the hall's east gate to music. The inner announcer guided them to their positions, where they stood facing north; the music ceased. Kneeling was announced; the prince and all princely household officials knelt and delivered the address: "On this occasion of such-and-such festival, we respectfully proceed before Your Highness the Crown Prince." When the address was finished, the prince and all princely household officials prostrated themselves and rose to music. They returned to their positions, and the music ceased. Bows were announced; music played; the prince and all princely household officials performed four bows. They rose, and the music ceased. When the rite was complete, the prince and each official withdrew in turn. The prince then proceeded to the rear hall to observe family rites. The crown prince and the prince both wore ordinary dress; the prince entered through the east gate of the Hall of Literary Splendor and proceeded to the rear hall. The prince faced west; the crown prince faced south. When the meeting rite was complete, they took their seats: the crown prince at the center facing south, with the princes arrayed to the east and west.
39
殿 殿
In the twenty-eighth year of the Jiajing reign, the Ministry of Rites memorialized that by precedent the crown prince received congratulatory audiences with his throne set in the center of the Hall of Literary Splendor, but now that yellow tiles had been installed there, it seemed he should avoid occupying so exalted a seat. The emperor said: "When the Eastern Palace receives congratulations, the seat should be set to the left of the Gate of Literary Splendor, facing south. Yet the guard of honor was not yet in place, so the matter was dropped." In the second year of the Longqing reign, when the crown prince was invested, an edict ordered that his throne be set in the eastern bay of the gate of the Hall of Literary Splendor to receive congratulations.
40
The Grand Banquet Rite
41
殿 殿
At Han grand court assemblies, ministers ascended the hall, called "ten thousand years," and raised their goblets. All officials received imperial banquets and grand music was performed. At Tang grand feasts, songs were performed as ministers ascended; sometimes the Nine Ensemble Troupes were set up in the hall courtyard. The Song held grand banquets for all ministers in the middle months of spring and autumn and on the Thousand-Autumns Festival, erecting mountain pavilions and elaborate stages with every extravagance. Under Ming regulations, there were grand banquets, medium banquets, regular banquets, and small banquets.
42
殿殿殿 殿 殿 殿 滿
In the first year of the Hongwu reign, a grand banquet for all ministers was held in the Hall of Supreme Heaven; officials of third rank and above ascended the hall while the rest were arrayed on the red steps, thereby fixing the rites for New Year's Day, Winter Solstice, and imperial birthday banquets at the Hall of Self-Discipline. In the twenty-sixth year, the grand banquet rite was revised and promulgated at the Hall of Supreme Heaven. In the first year of the Yongle reign, a grand banquet was held upon completion of the suburban sacrifice rite. In the nineteenth year, a grand banquet was held to mark the completion of the suburban altars, ancestral temple, and palace buildings in Beijing. Between the Xuande and Zhengtong reigns, court officials who did not attend were granted festival money in lieu of the banquet. For Beginning of Spring, the Lantern Festival, the eighth day of the fourth month, the Dragon Boat Festival, the Double Ninth Festival, and the eighth day of the twelfth month, banquets with music were bestowed upon all officials at the Gate of Supreme Heaven throughout the Yongle period. Thereafter all such banquets were held outside the Meridian Gate, without music. On Beginning of Spring, spring cakes were bestowed; on the Lantern Festival, glutinous rice balls; on the eighth day of the fourth month, non-falling pods—in the Jiajing period these were changed to wheat cakes. On the Dragon Boat Festival, cool cakes and zongzi were served; on the Double Ninth Festival, cakes; on the eighth day of the twelfth month, noodles—all were laid out outside the Meridian Gate, with seating arranged by official rank. In the winter of the fifth year of Xuande, snow had long been absent; when heavy snow finally fell in the twelfth month, the emperor showed the ministers his poem "Joy at Snow" and bestowed a snow-viewing banquet. The ministers submitted harmonizing verses; the emperor selected those bearing admonitory meaning, had them recorded, and wrote a preface for the collection. On the empress dowager's birthday in the fourth year of Zhengtong, a banquet was bestowed at the Meridian Gate. On the crown prince's Thousand-Autumns Festival during the Yongle period, ministers of departments and ministries, Eastern Palace staff, censorial officials, close attendants of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and memorial-presenting officials from throughout the realm were granted banquets in the Hall of Literary Splendor. After the Xuande reign, all such banquets were held outside the Meridian Gate. Meals were granted for sacrifices at the Circular Mound and Square Pond, the Prayer for Grain, the Morning Sun and Evening Moon rites, the ploughing ceremony, daily lectures at the Classics Colloquium, and Eastern Palace study sessions. At the empress's personal silkworm ceremony, meals were bestowed upon titled ladies of the inner and outer courts. For compiling and collating books, banquets were bestowed both when a bureau opened and when a work was completed. When Grand Secretaries completed their nine-year term review, a banquet was bestowed at the Ministry of Rites, with the Nine Ministers in attendance. The banquet bestowed upon newly passed jinshi was called the Grace and Glory banquet.
43
殿殿西殿西 殿殿殿 祿西西 西西西 殿西 殿 西殿 祿 祿 祿 殿 殿祿 祿 祿 西
For all grand feasts, the Office of the Imperial Seals set the imperial throne in the Hall of Supreme Heaven; the Embroidered Uniform Guard set yellow banners east and west outside the hall; and the Golden Guard and other guards posted twenty-four guard officers east and west of the hall. The Music Office set the Nine Performances of music and song inside the hall, grand music outside the hall, and three dance troupes and mixed companies below the hall. The Court of Imperial Entertainments set a wine pavilion to the west below the imperial throne, a food pavilion to the east below the imperial throne, and pavilions for delicacies and sauces to the east and west of the wine and food pavilions. The imperial banquet was laid east and west of the imperial throne; the crown prince's seat was placed east of the throne, facing west, with the princes arrayed in order to the south, facing each other east and west. Ministers of fourth rank and above took their places inside the hall, while those of fifth rank and below were seated in the east and west corridors; the Pitcher Office, Wine Service, and Food Service each performed their duties. When the appointed day arrived, the Office of Ceremonial requested the emperor's ascent to the throne. The imperial procession set out, and grand music began. When the emperor had ascended the throne, the music ceased. The whip was sounded, and the crown prince and imperial princes ascended the hall. Civil and military officials of fourth rank and above entered through the east and west gates and stood in the hall, while those of fifth rank and below stood on the red steps; bows were announced according to the rite. The Court of Imperial Entertainments presented the imperial banquet as grand music played. When the banquet reached the emperor, the music ceased. Inner palace attendants presented flowers. The Court of Imperial Entertainments opened the cups, poured wine, proceeded before the emperor, and presented the first cup. The Music Office performed "Melody of the Fiery Essence." Music played; inner and outer officials all knelt as the Music Office knelt and announced the presentation of wine. When the drinking was finished, the music ceased. All officials prostrated themselves, rose, and bows were announced according to the rite. Each took his seat in position, and the order-keepers proceeded to scatter flowers among the ministers. For the second cup, "Melody of Imperial Wind" was performed. Music played; the Court of Imperial Entertainments poured wine before the emperor while the order-keepers poured wine for the ministers. The emperor raised his wine, the ministers raised theirs, and the music ceased. Soup was presented; drums and pipes with rhythmic clappers led the way, and when the procession reached outside the hall, the drums and pipes fell silent. Music in the hall began; the ministers stood as Court of Imperial Entertainments officials presented soup, then sat again. The order-keepers served soup to the ministers. The emperor raised his chopsticks, the ministers raised theirs, the completion of the feast course was announced, and the music ceased. The military dance troupe entered and performed "Dance of Pacifying All Under Heaven." For the third cup, "Melody of Cherishing Imperial Brightness" was performed. Music played, and wine was presented as before. The music ceased, and "Dance of Pacifying the Four Barbarians" was performed. For the fourth cup, "Melody of Heaven's Way Passed Down" was performed; wine and soup were presented as before, followed by "Dance of Chariots and Script Uniting." For the fifth cup, "Melody of Reviving the Imperial Net" was performed; wine was presented as before, followed by "Dance of the Hundred Performances Responding." For the sixth cup, "Melody of Golden Tomb" was performed; wine and soup were presented as before, followed by "Dance of the Eight Barbarians Presenting Treasures." For the seventh cup, "Melody of Long Poplar" was performed; wine was presented as before, followed by "Dance of Lotus-Picking Boys." For the eighth cup, "Melody of Fragrant Wine" was performed; wine and soup were presented as before, followed by "Dance of Fish Leaping in the Deep." For the ninth cup, "Melody of Driving Six Dragons" was performed, and wine was presented as before. The Court of Imperial Entertainments collected the imperial cups, and the order-keepers collected the ministers' cups. Soup and the grand meal were presented; grand music played; the ministers stood, and when the presentation was complete they sat again as the order-keepers served their food. When the meal was finished, its completion was announced and the music ceased. The meal was cleared, and "Dance of the Hundred Flowers Troupe" was performed. The clearing of tables was announced; the Court of Imperial Entertainments cleared the imperial table while the order-keepers cleared the ministers' tables. The completion of the banquet was announced; all ministers left their seats and stood facing north. Bows were announced according to the rite, and the ministers divided to stand east and west. The Office of Ceremonial announced that the rite was complete; the imperial procession departed, the music ceased, and all withdrew in order. The medium banquet rite followed the same procedure, but only seven cups were presented. The regular banquet followed the medium banquet, but with one bow and three kowtows, and wine service stopping at three or five cups.
44
殿西
For all banquets held for titled ladies, ceremonial guards and female musicians were set up at the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. The empress in ordinary dress ascended to her seat; imperial consorts, the crown princess, princesses consort, and princesses likewise in ordinary dress emerged from their chambers and took their places, with titled ladies great and small each standing behind her seat. The chief minister's wife led the titled ladies in presenting the imperial food trays. The chief minister's wife carried longevity flowers, while outer titled ladies of second rank each presented food trays before the imperial consorts, crown princess, princesses consort, and princesses. Titled ladies great and small each took their seats, and attendants of the Palace Provision distributed longevity flowers inside the hall and in the east and west corridors. There were seven rounds of wine and five servings of food; pouring wine, presenting soup, and the beginning and stopping of music all followed the prescribed rite.
45
The Rite for Bestowing Honorific Titles and Commendatory Epithets
46
A son has no proper way to ennoble his father. Emperor Gaozu of Han, moved by the chief steward's words, honored the Grand Duke—an act Xun Yue criticized. When Emperor Ai of Jin wished to honor the imperial grand consort, Jiang An held that the Bright Ancestor's temple should be notified, thereby making clear that the matter lay beyond his own authority. The Song and Yuan statutes both record the rite for bestowing honorific titles upon the empress dowager, yet omit notification of the ancestral temple—a departure from proper rite. Under Ming regulations, when the Son of Heaven ascended the throne and installed his mother empress or mother consort as empress dowager, honorific titles were bestowed upon her. Thereafter, when the empress dowager was further honored on celebratory occasions, two or four characters were added as commendatory epithets. In the Shizong reign, honorific titles were bestowed upon both empresses dowager of the Two Palaces, extended to eight characters. For bestowing commendatory epithets an address was delivered, but for bestowing honorific titles only the seal and booklet were presented.
47
輿 輿輿輿 輿 輿 殿 殿 殿
The bestowal of honorific titles began when Emperor Xuanzong, upon ascending the throne, honored the empress dowager. In advance, officials were dispatched to announce the rite to Heaven, Earth, and the State Altars, while the emperor personally announced at the spirit tablets of Emperor Taizong and the late emperor. On that day bells and drums were sounded, and all officials wore court dress. At the Gate of Supreme Heaven, the booklet-and-seal ceremonial carriage and incense pavilion were set up. The Harmonious Central Court Music and grand music were prepared but not performed. Inner palace attendants set the empress dowager's throne and displayed ceremonial guards in the palace. The booklet-and-seal table was set before the throne; the emperor's bowing position was placed at the center of the red steps, and the princes' bowing positions within the red courtyard. Female musicians were prepared but did not perform. The emperor in full regalia took his place at the Gate of Supreme Heaven. The officials bearing the booklet and seal placed them in the carriage; inner attendants raised the carriage, and the emperor followed it, descended the steps, and mounted the imperial chariot. All officials stood south of the Golden Water Bridge facing north; when the carriage arrived they all knelt, and when it passed they rose. They followed to south of the bridge outside the Gate of Cherishing Virtue and stood facing north. The emperor reached inside the Gate of Cherishing Virtue and descended from the chariot. The empress dowager ascended to her seat. The carriage reached the red steps. The emperor entered through the left gate, proceeded to the right of the steps, and stood facing north. The princes in full regalia each took their positions. Four bows were announced; the emperor and all below the princes performed four bows. The officials bearing the booklet and seal entered through the central gate of the hall and stood to the left. The emperor entered through the left gate of the hall, proceeded to the bowing position and knelt, and the princes and all officials knelt as well. It was announced that the tablet should be inserted, then that the investiture document should be presented. The document-bearing official knelt and presented the investiture document; the emperor received it, and when the presentation was finished, an officiating official knelt to receive it and placed it on the left side of the table. It was announced that the seal should be presented, and the seal-bearing official knelt to present it. The emperor received the seal, and when the presentation was finished, an officiating official knelt to receive it and placed it on the right side of the table. It was announced that the tablet should be withdrawn and the investiture document proclaimed; an officiating official knelt and read it aloud. The emperor prostrated himself and rose, then exited through the left gate to the bowing position. Four bows were announced, and the call was transmitted so that all officials performed four bows as well. When the rite was finished, the imperial carriage set out. On that day, the emperor led the empress dowager to visit the Hall of Imperial Ancestors and the spirit tablet to perform the thanksgiving visit rite. When the rite was finished, the empress dowager returned to the palace, dressed in her leisure crown and robes, and ascended the throne. The emperor led the empress, imperial consorts, princes, princesses, and female officials of the six inner bureaus in performing congratulation rites. The following day, external titled ladies of the fourth rank and above performed the rite of presenting memorials and petitions. From the Xuande reign onward, the ceremony followed the same form. At the beginning of the Zhengtong reign, honoring the grand empress dowager followed the same ceremony. In the second month of the eighth year of the Tianshun reign, the titled ladies' address was expanded to read: "Lady So-and-so, your concubines So-and-so and others respectfully consider that Her Majesty the Empress Dowager dwells in the utmost seat of compassion and may forever receive blessings and long life." In the eighteenth year of the Hongzhi reign, honorific titles were bestowed on both palaces, and the empress dowager's address was changed to: "Dwelling in the compassionate inner quarters, may blessings and longevity flourish abundantly."
48
滿
In the second month of the first year of the Jiajing reign, when honorific titles were bestowed, the ceremonies at all four palaces were found excessively taxing and were therefore divided over two days. Because the mourning period for Emperor Wuzong had not yet been completed, Empress Zhuangsu was exempted from court congratulations, and titled ladies offering congratulations at the three palaces were likewise scheduled on separate days.
49
輿 仿
The bestowal of commendatory epithets began in the first month of the second year of the Tianshun reign, with the honoring of the empress dowager. The address read: "The succeeding emperor, your subject, respectfully considers that Her Majesty the Empress Dowager's merit and virtue are both lofty; may her commendatory epithet be gloriously elevated, may she forever receive blessings and long life, and may all within the realm rejoice together." The titled ladies' congratulatory memorial address read: "Lady So-and-so, your concubines So-and-so and others respectfully consider that Her Majesty the Empress Dowager's virtue matches the earth in its depth, that it fittingly accords with her commendatory designation, that her blessings and longevity are without limit, and that the people's hearts rejoice to uphold her." The remainder followed the regular ceremony. When an empress received a commendatory epithet or had one added, the ceremony followed this model. In the twenty-third year of the Chenghua reign, when the Ministry of Rites submitted the complete ceremony, it did not yet include rites for the crown princess consort; a special order was issued to add them.
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