1
志第三十二禮十 〈(嘉禮四賓禮)〉
Treatise 32: Rites Ten (Auspicious Rites IV: Guest Rites)〉
2
巡狩東宮監國皇長孫監國頒詔儀迎接詔赦儀進書儀進表箋儀鄉飲酒禮蕃王朝貢禮遣使之蕃國儀蕃國遣使進表儀品官相見禮庶人相見禮
Imperial tours; crown prince as regent; imperial eldest grandson as regent; promulgation of edicts; receiving edicts and amnesties; presenting books; presenting memorials and formal letters; village drinking rite; tributary audiences; envoys to foreign states; foreign envoys presenting memorials; meetings between officials of rank; meetings among commoners.
3
○巡狩之制
Regulations governing imperial tours.
4
永樂六年北巡,禮部行直省,凡有重事及四夷來朝與進表者,俱達行在所,小事達京師啓聞。 車駕將發,奏告天地、社稷、太廟、孝陵,祭大江、旗纛等神,軷祭於承天門。 緣途當祭者,遣官祭。 將至北京,設壇祭北京山川等神。 車駕至,奏告天地,祭境內山川。 扈從馬步軍五萬。 侍從,五府都督各一,吏、戶、兵、刑四部堂上官各一,禮、工二部堂上官各二,都察院堂上官一,御史二十四,給事中十九,通政、大理、太常、光祿、鴻臚堂上官共二十,翰林院、內閣官三,侍講、修撰、典籍等官六,六部郎官共五十四,餘不具載。 車駕將發,宴羣臣,賜扈從官及軍校鈔。 至北京,宴羣臣、耆老,賜百官及命婦鈔。 所過郡縣,官吏、生員、耆老朝見,分遣廷臣核守令賢否,即加黜陟。 給事、御史存問高年,賜幣帛酒肉。
In Yongle 6, during the northern tour, the Ministry of Rites instructed the directly governed provinces that important business, audiences from the four quarters, and memorial submissions were all to reach the mobile court, while minor matters were to be reported to the capital. Before the emperor set out, reports were made to Heaven and Earth, the altars of soil and grain, the Grand Temple, and the Xiaoling tomb; offerings were made to the Great River, battle banners, and kindred deities, and an exorcistic shamans' sacrifice was performed at the Gate of Accepting Heaven. Sacrifices required along the route were performed by dispatched officials. On approaching Beijing, altars were erected for offerings to the capital's mountains, rivers, and other deities. Upon arrival, reports were made to Heaven and Earth, and offerings were presented to the mountains and rivers of the realm. The escort numbered fifty thousand horse and foot. Those in attendance included one commissioner-in-chief from each of the Five Commissions; one chief minister each from Personnel, Revenue, War, and Justice; two each from Rites and Works; the Censorate's chief censor; twenty-four investigating censors; nineteen supervising secretaries; twenty chief ministers from Transmission, Review, Sacrifices, Entertainments, and Ceremonial combined; three from the Hanlin and Grand Secretariat; six lecturing, compiling, and archival officers; and fifty-four directors from the six ministries; the rest is not listed in full. Before departure the emperor banqueted the officials and granted paper money to those in the escort and to the military officers. At Beijing he entertained officials and elders and granted paper money to the entire bureaucracy and to titled ladies. At every commandery and county along the route, officials, students, and elders were received in audience; court ministers were sent out to judge the fitness of prefects and magistrates, who were promoted or dismissed on the spot. Supervising secretaries and censors called on the elderly and gave them silks, cloth, wine, and meat.
5
嘉靖十八年,幸承天。 先期親告上帝於玄極寶殿。 同日,告皇祖及睿宗廟,遣官分告北郊及成祖以下諸廟、社稷、日月、神祇。 駕出正陽門,后妃輦轎從。 錦衣衛設欽制武陣駕,衛卒八千,奉輿輦,執儀仗。 衛指揮前驅。 武重臣二員留守,兵部尚書參贊機務,各賜敕行事。 分命文武重臣,出督宣大、薊州、山海關,行九邊,亦各賜敕。 皇城及京城諸門,皆命文武大臣各一員坐守。 設警備扈駕官軍六千。 駕發,百官吉服送於彰義關外。 扈從官軍,略如永樂時數。 先發在途者免朝參,惟禮兵二部、鴻臚、太常、科道糾儀官及光祿寺從行。 過真定,望祭北嶽。 帝常服,從臣大臣及巡撫都御史吉服行禮。 衛輝,遣官祭濟瀆。 鈞州,望祭中嶽; 滎澤,祭河,禮如北嶽。 南陽,遣祭武當山。 途次古帝王、聖賢、忠臣、烈士祠墓,遣官致祭。 撫、按、三司迎於境上,至行宮,吉服朝見。 生員耆老,俱三十里外迎。 所過王府,親王常服候駕,隨至行宮,冕服朝見。 賜宴,宗室不許出。 至承天,詣獻皇帝廟謁告。 越四日,行告天禮於龍飛殿丹陛上,奉獻皇帝配。 更皮弁服,詣國社稷及山川壇行禮,次日,謁顯陵。 次日,從駕官上表賀,遂頒詔如儀。 回京,親謝上帝、皇祖、皇考,分遣官告郊、廟、社稷、羣神,行禮如初。
In Jiajing 18 the emperor traveled to Chengtian. Beforehand he personally reported to the Supreme Lord in the Hall of the Mysterious Ultimate. That same day he reported at the temples of his imperial grandfather and Ruizong, while officials were sent to announce at the northern suburban altar, the temples from Chengzu onward, and the altars of soil and grain, sun and moon, and the spirits. The procession left by the Gate of Correct Yang, with the empress and consorts following in palanquins. The Brocade-Coated Guard formed the imperial martial escort with eight thousand men to bear the carriages and palanquins and carry the ceremonial regalia. Guard commanders rode ahead as vanguard. Two senior military ministers stayed behind to hold the capital, the Minister of War assisting in state affairs; each received an edict empowering him to act. Senior civil and military ministers were dispatched to oversee Xuanda, Jizhou, Shanhaiguan, and the nine border sectors, each likewise receiving an edict of authority. Each gate of the Imperial City and the capital was assigned one senior civil or military minister to hold the post. Six thousand troops were detailed for security and escort duty. At departure the officials, in ceremonial dress, escorted the emperor beyond the Zhangyi Pass. The escort was roughly the same size as in the Yongle reign. Officials already on the road were excused from daily audience; only Rites and War, Ceremonial, Sacrifices, censorial and supervising officers for ritual discipline, and Imperial Entertainments traveled with the emperor. At Zhending he offered a distant sacrifice to the Northern Marchmount. The emperor wore ordinary dress, while accompanying grand ministers and the regional grand coordinators and censors-in-chief wore ceremonial dress to perform the rites. At Weihui officials were sent to sacrifice to the Ji River. At Junzhou, a distant sacrifice to the Central Marchmount; at Rong Marsh, sacrifice to the River with rites like those for the Northern Marchmount. At Nanyang officials were sent to sacrifice at Mount Wudang. At shrines and tombs of ancient rulers, sages, loyal ministers, and martyrs along the route, officials were sent to make offerings. Grand coordinators, surveillance commissioners, and the three provincial offices met him at the border; at the traveling palace they were received in audience in ceremonial dress. Students and elders alike welcomed him from thirty li out. At each princely residence the prince, in ordinary dress, awaited the emperor, followed to the traveling palace, and was received in full court regalia. He granted a banquet; members of the imperial clan were not allowed to leave. At Chengtian he went to the temple of the Xian Emperor to report his arrival. Four days later he performed the announcement to Heaven on the vermillion steps of the Dragon Ascent Hall, with the Xian Emperor as associate. Changing into the leather cap, he performed rites at the altars of soil and grain and of mountains and rivers; the next day he visited the Xian Mausoleum. The following day the escorting officials submitted congratulatory memorials, and an edict was promulgated as prescribed. On returning to the capital he personally gave thanks to the Supreme Lord, his imperial grandfather, and his imperial father, while officials were again sent to announce at the suburban altars, temples, altars of soil and grain, and the spirits, performing the rites as before.
6
○東宮監國
The crown prince as regent.
7
古制,太子出曰:「撫軍」,守曰:「監國」。 三代而下,惟唐太子監國結雙龍符,而其儀不著。
Under the ancient regulations, when the heir apparent went out it was termed "pacifying the army," and when he remained it was termed "supervising the state." After the Three Dynasties, only the Tang heir apparent, when acting as regent, bound the paired dragon tallies, but the ceremony itself is not recorded.
8
永樂七年,駕幸北京,定制,凡常朝,皇太子於午門左視事。 左右侍衛及各官啓事如常儀。 若御文華殿,承旨召入者方入。 凡內外軍機及王府急務,悉奏請。 有邊警,即調軍剿捕,仍馳奏行在。 皇城及各門守衛,皆增置官軍。 遇聖節、正旦、冬至,皇太子率百官於文華殿前拜表,行十二拜禮。 表由中門出,皇太子由左門送至午門,還宮。 百官導至長安右門外,文五品、武四品以上,及近侍官、監察御史,俱乘馬導三山門外,以表授進奏官。 至期,告天祝壽,行八拜禮。 其正旦、冬至、千秋節,百官於文華殿慶賀如常儀。 凡享太廟及社稷諸神之祭,先期敕皇太子攝祭。 其祀典神祇,太常寺於行在奏聞,遣官行禮。 凡四夷來朝,循例賜宴,命禮部遣送行在所。 凡詔書至,設龍亭儀仗大樂,百官朝服,出三山門外奉迎。 皇太子冕服迎於午門前,至文華殿,行五拜三叩頭禮,升殿展讀。 使者捧詔置龍亭中,皇太子送至午門外。 禮部官置詔書雲輿中,文武二品以上官迎至承天門,開讀如儀。 以鼓樂送使者詣會同館。 使者見皇太子,行四拜禮,賜宴於禮部。
In Yongle 7, when the emperor went to Beijing, regulations were set: for regular audiences the crown prince handled affairs to the left of the Meridian Gate. Left and right guards and all officials reported business in the usual manner. If the emperor was at the Literary Splendor Hall, only those summoned by edict might enter. All military affairs within and without and urgent princely business were to be submitted for decision. On a border alarm troops were immediately dispatched to suppress it, while a rapid report was still sent to the mobile court. Guards at the Imperial City and at every gate were all reinforced. On the emperor's birthday, New Year's Day, and the winter solstice, the crown prince led the officials in presenting a memorial before the Literary Splendor Hall with twelve prostrations. The memorial left by the central gate; the crown prince escorted it through the left gate to the Meridian Gate and then returned to the palace. The officials escorted it to beyond the Chang'an Right Gate; civil officials of fifth rank and above, military of fourth rank and above, intimate attendants, and investigating censors all rode out to the Three Mountain Gate and handed the memorial to the presenting officer. On the appointed day Heaven was announced to and longevity wished, with eight prostrations. On New Year's Day, the winter solstice, and the Thousand Autumns Festival, officials offered congratulations at the Literary Splendor Hall as usual. For all sacrifices at the Grand Temple and to the altars of soil and grain, the crown prince was beforehand ordered to officiate by proxy. For spirits in the canonical register, the Court of Sacrifices reported to the mobile court and dispatched officials to perform the rites. For audiences from the four quarters, banquets were granted as usual and the Ministry of Rites was ordered to escort the envoys to the mobile court. Whenever an imperial edict arrived, the dragon pavilion, guard of honor, and grand music were set up, and officials in court dress went out beyond the Three Mountain Gate to receive it. The crown prince, in full court regalia, received it before the Meridian Gate; at the Literary Splendor Hall he made five prostrations and three kowtows, ascended the hall, and read it aloud. The envoy placed the edict in the dragon pavilion; the crown prince escorted it to beyond the Meridian Gate. A Ministry of Rites officer placed the edict in the cloud carriage; civil and military officials of second rank and above escorted it to the Gate of Accepting Heaven, where it was opened and read as prescribed. Drums and music escorted the envoy to the Hall of Joint Harmony. The envoy was received by the crown prince and made four prostrations; a banquet was given at the Ministry of Rites.
9
十二年北征,復定制。 常朝於文華殿視事,文武啓事,俱達北京。 嘉靖十八年南巡,命皇太子監國。 時太子幼,命輔臣一人居守,軍國機務悉聽啓行。
In the twelfth year, on the northern campaign, regulations were revised again. Regular audiences were held at the Literary Splendor Hall, and civil and military reports all went to Beijing. In Jiajing 18, on the southern tour, the crown prince was ordered to act as regent. Because the heir was young, one assisting minister was left in charge; all military and civil affairs were to be decided on memorial and executed.
10
○皇太孫監國
The imperial eldest grandson as regent.
11
永樂八年,帝自北京北征。 時皇太子已監國於南,乃命皇長孫居北京監國。 時宣宗未冠,及冠始加稱皇太孫云。
In Yongle 8 the emperor marched north from Beijing. Because the crown prince was already regent in the south, the imperial eldest grandson was ordered to remain at Beijing as regent. At the time the future Xuanzong Emperor had not yet come of age; only after his capping was he styled imperial eldest grandson.
12
其制,每日皇長孫於奉天門左視事,侍衛如常儀。 諸司有事,具啓施行。 若軍機及王府要務,一啓皇太子處分,一奏聞行在所。 聖節,設香案於奉天殿,行禮如常儀。 天下諸司表文俱詣北京。 四夷朝貢俱送南京,武選及官民有犯,大者啓皇太子,小者皇長孫行之。 皇親有犯,啓皇太子所。 犯情重及謀逆者,即時拘執,命皇親會問。 不服,乃命公、侯、伯、五府、六部、都察院、大理寺會皇親再問,啓皇太子,候車駕回京,奏請處分。
Under this arrangement the imperial eldest grandson handled affairs daily to the left of the Gate of Accepting Heaven, with guards as usual. When any office had business, it was reported in full and executed. For military affairs and urgent princely business, one report went to the crown prince for decision and one memorial was sent to the mobile court. On the emperor's birthday an incense table was set up in the Hall of Accepting Heaven and rites were performed as usual. Memorials from all offices throughout the realm were sent to Beijing. Tributary missions from the four quarters were sent to Nanjing; for military appointments and offenses by officials and commoners, major cases went to the crown prince and minor ones were handled by the imperial eldest grandson. If an imperial kinsman offended, the matter was reported to the crown prince. In cases of grave offense or treason the culprit was immediately detained and imperial kinsmen were ordered to conduct a joint inquiry. If he did not submit, dukes, marquises, earls, the Five Commissions, six ministries, Censorate, and Court of Review joined the imperial kinsmen in a second inquiry, reported to the crown prince, and awaited the emperor's return before memorializing for disposition.
13
○頒詔儀
Promulgation of edicts.
14
凡頒命四方,有詔書,有赦書、有敕符、丹符,有制諭、手詔。 詔赦,先於闕廷宣讀,然後頒行。 敕符等,則使者齎付所授官,祕不敢發。 開讀迎接,儀各不同。
Commands issued to the four quarters took the form of edicts, amnesties, commission tallies and vermilion tallies, regulatory pronouncements, and handwritten edicts. Edicts and amnesties were first read aloud at the palace court, then promulgated. Commission tallies and the like were delivered by envoys to the appointed official, who kept them sealed and dared not open them. The ceremonies for opening, reading, and receiving them differed in each case.
15
洪武二十六年,定頒詔儀。 設御座於奉天殿,設寶案於殿東,陳中和韶樂於殿內,設大樂於午門及承天門外,設宣讀案於承天門上,西南向。 清晨,校尉擎雲蓋於殿內簾前,百官朝服班承天門外,公侯班午門外,東西向。 皇帝皮弁服,升殿如儀。 禮部官捧詔書詣案前,用寶訖,置雲蓋中。 校尉擎雲蓋,由殿東門出。 大樂作,自東陛降,由奉天門至金水橋南午門外,樂作,公侯前導,迎至承天門上。 鳴贊唱排班,文武官就位,樂作。 四拜,樂止。 宣讀展讀官升案,稱有制,衆官跪。 禮部官捧詔書,授宣讀官。 宣訖,禮部官捧置雲蓋中。 贊禮唱俯伏興,樂作。 四拜,樂止。 舞蹈山呼,又四拜。 儀禮司奏禮畢,駕興。 禮部官捧詔書分授使者,百官退。
In Hongwu 26 the protocol for promulgating edicts was established. The imperial throne was set up in the Hall of Accepting Heaven; the seal table on the hall's east side; Central Harmony music inside the hall; grand music outside the Meridian Gate and the Gate of Accepting Heaven; and the proclamation table on the Gate of Accepting Heaven, facing southwest. At dawn guards bore the cloud canopy before the hall curtain; officials in court dress lined up outside the Gate of Accepting Heaven; dukes and marquises lined up outside the Meridian Gate, facing east and west. The emperor, in the leather cap, ascended the hall as prescribed. A Ministry of Rites officer carried the edict to the table; after the seal was applied, it was placed in the cloud canopy. Guards bore the cloud canopy out through the hall's east gate. Grand music played as they descended the eastern steps, passed from the Gate of Accepting Heaven to south of the Golden Water Bridge outside the Meridian Gate, with dukes and marquises leading the escort up to the Gate of Accepting Heaven. The herald called ranks to form; civil and military officials took their places; music played. Four prostrations were made; music ceased. The proclamation and reading officers ascended the table, announced that there was an imperial command, and all officials knelt. A Ministry of Rites officer carried the edict and handed it to the proclamation officer. After the proclamation, a Ministry of Rites officer placed it back in the cloud canopy. The ritual herald called "prostrate and rise"; music played. Four prostrations were made; music ceased. They danced and shouted the mountain call, then made four more prostrations. The Office of Ceremonial announced that the rites were complete, and the emperor departed. Ministry of Rites officers distributed the edicts to the envoys, and the officials withdrew.
16
嘉靖六年續定,鴻臚官設詔案,錦衣衛設雲蓋盤於奉天殿內東,別設雲盤於承天門上。 設彩輿於午門外,鴻臚官設宣讀案於承天門上。 百官入丹墀侍立,帝冕服升座,如朝儀。 翰林院官捧詔書從,至御座前東立。 百官入班,四拜,出至承天門外。 贊頒詔,翰林院官捧詔書授禮部官,捧至雲盤案上。 校尉擎雲蓋,俱從殿左門出,至午門外,捧詔置彩輿內。 公侯伯三品以上官前導,迎至承天門上,宣讀贊拜,俱如上儀。 禮部官捧詔書授錦衣衛官,置雲匣中,以彩索系之龍竿,頒降。 禮部官捧置龍亭內,鼓樂迎至禮部,授使者頒行。 隆慶六年,詔出至皇極門,即奏禮畢,駕還。
In Jiajing 6 the protocol was revised: Ceremonial officials set up the edict table; the Brocade-Coated Guard placed the cloud-canopy tray on the east side inside the Hall of Accepting Heaven, with a separate cloud tray on the Gate of Accepting Heaven. A ceremonial carriage was placed outside the Meridian Gate, and Ceremonial officials set up the proclamation table on the Gate of Accepting Heaven. Officials entered the vermillion courtyard and stood in attendance; the emperor, in full court regalia, took the throne as at a regular audience. Hanlin officials carried the edict in attendance and stood to the east before the throne. The officials formed ranks, made four prostrations, and went out beyond the Gate of Accepting Heaven. The herald called for promulgation; Hanlin officials handed the edict to Ministry of Rites officers, who carried it to the cloud-tray table. Guards bore the cloud canopy out through the hall's left gate to beyond the Meridian Gate and placed the edict in the ceremonial carriage. Dukes, marquises, earls, and officials of third rank and above led the escort up to the Gate of Accepting Heaven; proclamation, reading, and prostrations followed the protocol above. Ministry of Rites officers handed the edict to Brocade-Coated Guard officers, who placed it in the cloud casket, tied it with colored cord to the dragon pole, and lowered it for promulgation. Ministry of Rites officers placed it in the dragon pavilion; drums and music escorted it to the Ministry of Rites, where it was handed to envoys for distribution. In Longqing 6, once the edict reached the Gate of Supreme Ultimate, the rites were declared complete and the emperor returned.
17
○迎接詔赦儀
Receiving edicts and amnesties.
18
洪武中定。 凡遣使開讀詔赦,本處官具龍亭儀仗鼓樂,出郭迎。 使者下馬,奉詔書置龍亭中,南向,本處官朝服行五拜禮。 衆官及鼓樂前導,使者上馬隨龍亭後,至公廨門。 衆官先入,文武東西序立,候龍亭至,排班四拜。 使者捧詔授展讀官,展讀官跪受,詣開讀案。 宣讀訖,捧詔授朝使,仍置龍亭中。 衆官四拜,舞蹈山呼,復四拜畢。 班首詣龍亭前,跪問皇躬萬福,使者鞠躬答曰:「聖躬萬福。」 衆官退,易服見使者,並行兩拜禮。 復具鼓樂送詔於官亭。 如有出使官在,則先守臣行禮。
Established in the Hongwu reign. Whenever envoys arrived to open and read edicts and amnesties, local officials prepared the dragon pavilion, guard of honor, and music and went outside the walls to receive them. The envoy dismounted, placed the edict in the dragon pavilion facing south, and local officials in court dress made five prostrations. Officials and music led the way; the envoy mounted and followed the dragon pavilion to the government compound gate. Officials entered first; civil and military officials stood in order to east and west; when the dragon pavilion arrived they formed ranks and made four prostrations. The envoy handed the edict to the unrolling officer, who knelt to receive it and went to the reading table. After the proclamation and reading, he handed the edict to the court envoy, who placed it back in the dragon pavilion. The officials made four prostrations, danced and shouted the mountain call, and made four more prostrations to conclude. The rank leader went before the dragon pavilion, knelt, and inquired after the emperor's health; the envoy bowed and answered: "His Majesty enjoys myriad blessings." The officials withdrew, changed dress, received the envoy, and each made two prostrations. Again they prepared drums and music and escorted the edict to the official rest pavilion. If a dispatched official was present, the local defending official performed the rites first.
19
○進書儀
Presenting books.
20
進書儀惟《實錄》最重。 皇帝具袞冕,百官朝服,進表稱賀。 其餘纂修書成,則以表進。 重錄書及玉牒,止捧進。 茲詳載進《實錄》儀,餘可推見云。
Of all protocols for presenting books, that for the Veritable Records was the most important. The emperor wore full ceremonial robes, officials wore court dress, and a congratulatory memorial was presented. When other compiled works were completed, they were presented by memorial. For recopied books and the jade genealogy, presentation by bearing alone sufficed. Here the protocol for presenting the Veritable Records is recorded in detail; the rest may be inferred.
21
建文時,《太祖實錄》成,其進儀無考。 永樂元年,重修《太祖實錄》成。 設香案於奉天殿丹陛正中,表案于丹陛之東,設寶輿於奉天門,設鹵簿大樂如儀。 史官捧《實錄》置輿中,帝御殿如大朝儀。 百官詣丹墀左右立,鴻臚官引寶輿至丹陛上,史官舉《實錄》置於案,遂入班。 鴻臚官奏進《實錄》,序班舉《實錄》案,以次由殿中門入,班首由左門入。 帝興,序班以《實錄》案置於殿中。 班首跪於案前,贊史官皆跪。 序班並內侍官舉《實錄》案入謹身殿,置於中。 帝復座。 贊俯伏,班首俯伏,興。 復位,贊四拜。 贊進表,序班舉表案,由左門入,置於殿中。 贊宣表,贊衆官皆跪。 宣訖,俯伏,興,四拜,進《實錄》官退於東班,百官入班。 鴻臚官奏慶賀,各官四拜興。 贊有制,史官仍入班。 贊跪,宣制云:「太祖高皇帝、高皇后功德光華,纂述詳實。 朕心歡慶,與卿等同之。」 宣訖,俯伏興,三舞蹈,又四拜,禮畢。
In the Jianwen reign, when the Veritable Records of Taizu were completed, the presentation protocol is not recorded. In Yongle 1 the revised Veritable Records of Taizu were completed. An incense table was placed at the center of the vermillion steps of the Hall of Accepting Heaven, a memorial table to the east, a treasure carriage at the Gate of Accepting Heaven, and ceremonial guard and grand music as prescribed. Historiographers placed the Veritable Records in the carriage; the emperor took the hall as at a grand audience. Officials stood to left and right in the vermillion courtyard; Ceremonial officials led the treasure carriage to the vermillion steps; historiographers placed the Veritable Records on the table and then joined the ranks. Ceremonial officials announced the presentation of the Veritable Records; ushers carried the Veritable Records table in through the central hall gate in order, the rank leader through the left gate. The emperor rose; ushers placed the Veritable Records table in the center of the hall. The rank leader knelt before the table; the herald called for all historiographers to kneel. Ushers and inner attendants carried the Veritable Records table into the Hall of Self-Cultivation and placed it in the center. The emperor resumed his seat. The herald called "prostrate"; the rank leader prostrated and rose. He returned to his place; the herald called for four prostrations. The herald called for presentation of the memorial; ushers carried the memorial table in through the left gate and placed it in the center of the hall. The herald called for proclamation of the memorial and for all officials to kneel. After the proclamation they prostrated and rose, made four prostrations; the officials who had presented the Veritable Records withdrew to the eastern rank, and all officials took their places. Ceremonial officials announced congratulations; each official made four prostrations and rose. The herald announced an imperial command; historiographers again joined the ranks. The herald called to kneel; the command was proclaimed: "The meritorious virtue of Taizu the High Emperor and the High Empress shines forth; the compilation is detailed and true. My heart rejoices, and I share this with you all." After the proclamation they prostrated and rose, performed three dances, made four more prostrations, and the rites were complete.
22
萬曆五年,《世祖實錄》成,續定進儀。 設寶輿、香亭、表亭於史館前,帝袞冕御中極殿,百官朝服侍班。 監修、總裁、纂修等官,朝服至館前。 監修官捧表置表亭中,纂修官捧《實錄》置寶輿中,鴻臚官導迎。 用鼓樂傘蓋,由會極門下階,至橋南,由中道行。 監修、總裁等官隨表亭後,由二橋行至皇極門。 《實錄》輿由中門入,表亭由左門入,至丹墀案前。 監修官捧表置於案,纂修官捧《實錄》置於案,俱侍立於石墀東。 內殿百官行記訖,帝出御皇極殿。 監修、總裁等官入,進《實錄》、進表俱如永樂儀。 次日,司禮監官自內殿送《實錄》下殿,仍置寶輿中,用傘蓋,與監修總裁官同送皇史宬尊藏。
In Wanli 5 the Veritable Records of Shizu were completed, and the presentation protocol was revised. A treasure carriage, incense pavilion, and memorial pavilion were set before the Historiography Office; the emperor in full ceremonial robes took the Central Ultimate Hall; officials in court dress stood in attendance. Supervising compilers, chief compilers, and compiling officials in court dress came before the office. The supervising compiler placed the memorial in the memorial pavilion; compiling officials placed the Veritable Records in the treasure carriage; Ceremonial officials led the escort. With drums, music, and parasols they descended the steps of the Gate of Converging Ultimate to south of the bridge and proceeded along the central path. Supervising and chief compilers followed the memorial pavilion across the two bridges to the Gate of Imperial Ultimate. The Veritable Records carriage entered through the central gate and the memorial pavilion through the left gate, both reaching the tables before the vermillion courtyard. The supervising compiler placed the memorial on the table and compiling officials placed the Veritable Records on the table; all stood in attendance to the east of the stone courtyard. When the inner-hall officials had finished their procession, the emperor came forth to the Gate of Imperial Ultimate. Supervising and chief compilers entered; presentation of the Veritable Records and the memorial followed the Yongle protocol. The next day Directorate of Ceremonial officials escorted the Veritable Records down from the inner hall, placed them again in the treasure carriage under parasols, and together with supervising and chief compilers conveyed them to the Imperial History Vault for honored storage.
23
○進表箋儀
Presenting memorials and formal letters.
24
明初定制,凡王府遇聖節及冬至、正旦,先期陳設畢。 王冕服就位四拜,詣香案前跪。 進表訖,復位,四拜,三舞蹈,山呼,又四拜。 百官朝服隨班行禮。 進中宮箋儀如之,惟不舞蹈山呼。 進皇太子箋,王皮弁服,行八拜禮,百官朝服隨班行禮。
Under regulations fixed at the beginning of Ming, whenever a princely establishment observed the emperor's birthday, the winter solstice, or New Year's Day, arrangements were completed in advance. The prince, in full court regalia, took his place and made four prostrations, then went before the incense table and knelt. After presenting the memorial he returned to his place, made four prostrations, three dances, the mountain call, and four more prostrations. Officials in court dress followed the ranks in performing the rites. The protocol for presenting a formal letter to the empress was the same, except without dancing or the mountain call. For presenting a formal letter to the crown prince, the prince wore the leather cap and performed eight prostrations; officials in court dress followed the ranks.
25
凡進賀表箋,皇子封王者,於天子前自稱曰:「第幾子某王某」,稱天子曰:「父皇陛下」,皇后曰:「母后殿下」。 若孫,則自稱曰:「第幾孫某王某」,稱天子曰:「祖父皇帝陛下,。」 皇后曰:「祖母皇后殿下」。 若弟,則自稱曰:「第幾弟某封某」,稱天子曰:「大兄皇帝陛下」,皇后曰:「尊嫂皇后殿下」。 侄則自稱曰:「第幾侄某封某」,稱天子曰:「伯父皇帝陛下」,「叔父皇帝陛下」,皇后曰:「伯母皇后殿下」,「叔母皇后殿下」。 若尊屬,則自稱曰:「某封臣某」,稱天子曰:「皇帝陛下」,皇后曰:「皇后殿下」。 若從孫以下,則稱「從孫、再從孫、三從孫某封某」,皆稱皇帝皇后曰:「伯祖、叔祖皇帝陛下」,「伯祖母、叔祖母皇后殿下」。 至世宗時,始令各王府表箋,俱用聖號,不得用家人禮。
For all congratulatory memorials and formal letters, when an imperial son was enfeoffed as prince, before the emperor he styled himself "the such-and-such son, Prince So-and-so," the emperor as "Imperial Father, Your Majesty," and the empress as "Imperial Mother, Your Highness." If a grandson, he styled himself "the such-and-such grandson, Prince So-and-so," and the emperor as "Grandfather Emperor, Your Majesty," and the empress as "Grandmother Empress, Your Highness." If a younger brother, he styled himself "the such-and-such younger brother, enfeoffed as such-and-such," the emperor as "Elder Brother Emperor, Your Majesty," and the empress as "Honored Sister-in-law Empress, Your Highness." If a nephew, he styled himself "the such-and-such nephew, enfeoffed as such-and-such," the emperor as "Paternal-uncle Emperor, Your Majesty" or "Maternal-uncle Emperor, Your Majesty," and the empress as "Paternal-aunt Empress, Your Highness" or "Maternal-aunt Empress, Your Highness." If a senior kinsman, he styled himself "such-and-such enfeoffment, subject So-and-so," the emperor as "Emperor, Your Majesty," and the empress as "Empress, Your Highness." If a collateral grandson or below, he styled himself "collateral grandson," "second collateral grandson," or "third collateral grandson, enfeoffed as such-and-such," and all styled the emperor and empress as "Paternal-great-uncle or maternal-great-uncle Emperor, Your Majesty" and "Paternal-great-aunt or maternal-great-aunt Empress, Your Highness." By the time of the Shizong Emperor, all princely memorials and formal letters were ordered to use the sacred titles and not family-style forms of address.
26
凡在外百官進賀表箋,前一日,結綵於公廨及街衢。 文武官各齋沐,宿本署。 清晨,設龍亭於庭中,設儀仗鼓樂於露臺,設表箋案於龍亭前,香案於表箋案前,設進表箋官位於龍亭東。 鼓初嚴,各官具服。 次嚴,班首具服詣香案前,滌印用印訖,以表箋置於案,退立幕次。 三嚴,各官入班四拜,班首詣香案前。 贊跪,衆官皆跪。 執事者以表箋跪授班首,班首跪授進表官,進表官跪受,置龍亭中。 班首復位,各官皆四拜,三舞蹈,山呼,四拜。 金鼓儀仗鼓樂百官前導,進表官在龍亭後東。 至郊外,置龍亭南向,儀仗鼓樂陳列如前,文武官侍立。 班首取表箋授進表官,進表官就於馬上受表,即行,百官退。
For all officials outside the capital presenting congratulatory memorials and formal letters, colored hangings were put up the day before at the government compound and along the streets. Civil and military officials each purified themselves and lodged at their offices. At dawn a dragon pavilion was set in the courtyard, guard of honor and music on the open terrace, memorial tables before the dragon pavilion, an incense table before them, and the memorial-presenting officer's station to the east of the dragon pavilion. At the first drum signal each official donned full dress. At the second signal the rank leader in full dress went before the incense table, washed and applied the seal, placed the memorial and formal letter on the table, and withdrew to the side pavilion. At the third signal each official entered the ranks and made four prostrations; the rank leader went before the incense table. The herald called to kneel; all officials knelt. Attendants knelt and handed the memorial and formal letter to the rank leader, who knelt and handed them to the presenting officer, who knelt to receive them and placed them in the dragon pavilion. The rank leader returned to his place; all officials made four prostrations, three dances, the mountain call, and four prostrations. Gongs, drums, guard of honor, music, and officials led the way; the presenting officer stood to the east behind the dragon pavilion. At the suburban outskirts the dragon pavilion was set facing south, guard of honor and music arrayed as before, and civil and military officials stood in attendance. The rank leader handed the memorial and formal letter to the presenting officer, who received the memorial mounted and set out at once; the officials withdrew.
27
○鄉飲酒禮
The village drinking rite.
28
《記》曰:「鄉飲酒之禮廢,則爭鬥之獄繁矣。」 故《儀禮》所記,惟鄉飲之禮達於庶民。 自周迄明,損益代殊,而其禮不廢。 洪武五年,詔禮部奏定鄉飲禮儀,命有司與學官率士大夫之老者,行於學校,民間里社亦行之。 十六年,詔班《鄉飲酒禮圖式》於天下,每歲正月十五日、十月初一日,於儒學行之。
The Record says: "When the village drinking rite is abandoned, lawsuits of strife and contention multiply." Therefore among what the Ceremonial Rites records, only the village drinking rite reaches down to the common people. From Zhou down to Ming the rite was revised age by age, yet it was never abandoned. In Hongwu 5 an edict ordered the Ministry of Rites to establish the village drinking ritual; local officials and school officers were to lead elder gentry-scholars in performing it at schools, and village community altars among the populace did so as well. In year 16 an edict distributed the Diagram of the Village Drinking Ceremony empire-wide; each year on the fifteenth day of the first month and the first day of the tenth month it was performed at county schools.
29
其儀,以府州縣長吏爲主,以鄉之致仕官有德行者一人爲賓。 擇年高有德者爲僎賓,其次爲介,又其次爲三賓,又其次爲衆賓,教職爲司正。 贊禮、贊引、讀律,皆使能者。 前期,設賓席於堂北兩楹之間,少西,南面; 主席於阼階上,西面; 介席於西階上,東面; 僎席於賓東,南面; 三賓席於賓西,南面。 皆專席不屬。 衆賓六十以上者,席於西序,東面北上。 賓多則設席於西階,北面東上; 僚佐席於東序,西面北上。 設衆賓五十以下者位於堂下西階之西,當序,東面北上。 賓多則又設位於西階之南,北面東上。 司正及讀律者,位於堂下阼階之南,北面西上。 設主之贊者位於阼階之東,西面北上。 設主及僚佐以下次於東廊,賓介及衆賓次於庠門之外,僎次亦在門外。 設酒尊於堂上東南隅,加勺冪,用葛巾; 爵洗於阼階下東南; 篚一於洗西,實以爵觶; 盥洗在爵洗東。 設卓案於堂上下席位前,陳豆於其上。 六十者三豆,七十者四豆,八十者五豆,九十者六豆,堂下者二豆。 主人豆如賓之數,皆實以菹醢。 至期,賓將及門,執事者進報曰:「賓至。」 主人率僚屬出迎於門外,主西面,賓以下皆東面。 三揖三讓,而後升堂,相向再拜,升坐。 執事者報僎至,迎坐如前儀。 贊禮唱司正揚觶。 司正詣盥洗位,次詣爵洗位,取觶於篚,洗觶。 升自西階,詣尊所酌酒,進兩楹之間,北面立。 在坐者皆起,司正揖,僎賓以下皆報揖。 司正乃舉觶,言曰:「恭惟朝廷,率由舊章。 敦崇禮教,舉行鄉飲,非爲飲食。 凡我長幼,各相勸勉。 爲臣竭忠,爲子盡孝,長幼有序,兄友弟恭。 內睦宗族,外和鄉里,無或廢墜,以忝所生。」 言畢,贊禮唱司正飲酒。 飲畢,揖報如初。 司正復位,僎賓以下皆坐。 贊禮唱讀律令,執事舉律令案於堂之中。 讀律令者詣案前,北向立讀,皆如揚觶儀。 有過之人俱赴正席立聽,讀畢復位。 贊禮唱供饌,執事者舉饌案至賓前,次僎,次介,次主,三賓以下各以次舉訖。 贊禮唱獻賓,主降詣盥洗及爵洗位,洗爵酌酒,至賓前,置於席。 稍退,兩拜,賓答拜。 又詣僎前,亦如之。 主退復位。 贊禮唱賓酬酒,賓起,僎從之,詣盥洗爵洗位如儀。 至主前,置爵。 賓、僎、主皆再拜,各就坐。 執事者於介、三賓、衆賓以下,以次斟酒訖。 贊禮唱飲酒,或三行,或五行。 供湯三品畢。 贊禮唱徹饌,在坐者皆興。 僎、主、僚屬居東,賓、介、三賓、衆賓居西,皆再拜。 贊禮唱送賓,以次下堂,分東西行,仍三揖出庠門而退。 里中鄉飲略同。
In the ceremony the prefectural, departmental, or county chief magistrate served as host, and one retired district official noted for virtue and conduct served as guest of honor. The eldest and most virtuous man was chosen as assistant guest, then the intercessor, then the third guests, then the general guests; school officers served as marshal of the ceremony. Ritual announcer, usher, and statute reader were all drawn from men of ability. Beforehand the guest's seat was placed between the hall's northern pillars, slightly west, facing south; the host's seat on the eastern steps, facing west; the intercessor's seat on the western steps, facing east; the assistant guest's seat east of the guest, facing south; the third guests' seats west of the guest, facing south. Each had an individual seat, not adjoining another's. General guests aged sixty and above sat in the western wing, facing east and ranked from south to north. If there were many guests, seats were also set on the western steps, facing north and ranked from west to east; staff assistants sat in the eastern wing, facing west and ranked from south to north. Places for general guests under fifty were set below the hall west of the western steps, level with the wing, facing east and ranked from south to north. If there were many guests, places were also set south of the western steps, facing north and ranked from west to east. The marshal and statute reader stood below the hall south of the eastern steps, facing north and ranked from east to west. The host's ushers stood east of the eastern steps, facing west and ranked from south to north. The host and staff waited in the eastern corridor; the guest, intercessor, and general guests waited outside the school gate; the assistant guest also waited outside. A wine jar was placed in the hall's southeastern corner, with ladle and cover draped in hemp cloth; the goblet-washing basin southeast below the eastern steps; one basket west of the basin, holding goblets and cups; the hand-washing basin stood east of the goblet-washing basin. Tables were set before each seat above and below the hall, with dishes laid out upon them. A man of sixty received three dishes, of seventy four, of eighty five, of ninety six; those below the hall received two. The host's dishes matched the guest's count; all were filled with pickled meats and relishes. When the day came and the guest was nearing the gate, attendants stepped forward and announced: "The guest has arrived." The host led his staff out to welcome them beyond the gate; the host faced west, the guest and all below him faced east. After three bows and three deferrals they ascended the hall, exchanged two facing bows, and sat down. Attendants announced the assistant guest's arrival; he was welcomed and seated by the same protocol. The ritual announcer called for the marshal to raise the goblet. The marshal went to the hand-washing place, then to the goblet-washing place, took a cup from the basket, and washed it. He ascended the western steps, poured wine at the jar, advanced between the two pillars, and stood facing north. All who were seated rose; the marshal bowed, and the assistant guest and all below returned the bow. The marshal then raised the goblet and said: "Reverently consider that the court follows the ancient statutes. We promote ritual teaching and hold the village drinking ceremony; it is not for food and drink alone. All of us, elder and younger, should exhort and encourage one another. As subjects give full loyalty; as sons give full filial piety; let elder and younger keep their order; let elder brothers be friendly and younger brothers deferential. Be harmonious within the clan and at peace with neighbors abroad; let none neglect these duties and disgrace those who gave them life." When he had finished speaking, the ritual announcer called for the marshal to drink. When the drinking was finished, bows were exchanged as before. The marshal returned to his station; the assistant guest and all below sat down. The ritual announcer called for the reading of statutes; attendants carried the statute case to the center of the hall. The statute reader went before the case, stood facing north, and read; the ceremony matched that for raising the goblet. All who had committed offenses came forward to the main seats to stand and listen; when the reading was done they returned to their places. The ritual announcer called for food to be served; attendants brought trays first to the guest, then the assistant guest, intercessor, and host; from the third guests downward each was served in turn until all were done. The ritual announcer called for the host to present wine to the guest; the host descended, washed at the hand-washing and goblet-washing places, poured wine, came before the guest, and set the goblet on his seat. He withdrew a step, bowed twice, and the guest returned the bow. He then did the same before the assistant guest. The host withdrew and returned to his seat. The ritual announcer called for the guest to return the toast; the guest rose, the assistant guest followed, and both went to the hand-washing and goblet-washing places as prescribed. They came before the host and set down the goblet. Guest, assistant guest, and host all bowed twice and resumed their seats. Attendants poured wine for the intercessor, third guests, general guests, and those below, each in turn until all were served. The ritual announcer called for drinking; three rounds or five rounds were observed. Three rounds of hot water were served, and that concluded the course. The ritual announcer called for the food to be cleared; all who were seated rose. The assistant guest, host, and staff stood on the east; the guest, intercessor, third guests, and general guests on the west; all bowed twice. The ritual announcer called for the guest to be escorted out; they descended in order, divided east and west, bowed three times again, and withdrew through the school gate. Village drinking in the neighborhoods followed much the same form.
30
二十二年,命凡有過犯之人列於外坐,同類者成席,不許雜於善良之中,著爲令。
In year 22 it was ordered that anyone who had committed an offense was seated in the outer ranks; those of the same kind formed a separate group and were not allowed to sit among the virtuous; this was written into law.
31
三曰賓禮,以待蕃國之君長與其使者。 宋政和間,詳定五禮,取《周官·司儀》掌九儀賓客擯相,詔王南鄉以朝諸侯之義,故以朝會儀列爲賓禮。 按古之諸侯,各君其國,子其民,待以客禮可也,不可與後世之臣下等。 茲改從其舊,而百官庶人相見之禮附焉。
Third are guest rites, for receiving the rulers of foreign states and their envoys. During the Zhenghe reign of Song the Five Rites were fixed in detail; drawing on the Offices of Zhou · Protocol Master, which governs the nine ceremonies for receiving and ushering guests, and on the principle of the king facing south to receive the feudal lords, court audience ceremony was therefore classified as guest rites. In antiquity each feudal lord ruled his own state and cherished his people as children; guest ceremony was appropriate for them and they could not be treated like later subjects. Here the former arrangement is restored, with ceremonies for meetings among officials and commoners appended.
32
○蕃王朝貢禮
Tributary audience of foreign kings.
33
蕃王入朝,其迎勞宴饗之禮,惟唐製爲詳。 宋時,蕃國皆遣使入貢,所接見惟使臣而已。
When a foreign king came to court, the protocols for welcoming, comforting, banqueting, and entertaining were most fully set out under the Tang. In Song times foreign states sent envoys to present tribute; only the envoys were received in audience.
34
明洪武二年定制:凡蕃王至龍江驛,遣侍儀、通贊二人接伴。 館人陳蕃王座於廳西北,東向。 應天府知府出迎,設座於廳東南,西向。 以賓主接見。 宴畢,知府還,蕃王送於門外。 明日,接伴官送蕃王入會同館,禮部尚書即館宴勞。 尚書至,蕃王服其國服相見。 宴饗迎送俱如龍江驛。 酒行,用樂。 明日,中書省奏聞,命官一員詣館,如前宴勞。 侍儀司以蕃王及從官具服,於天界寺習儀三日,擇日朝見。 設蕃王及從官次於午門外,蕃王拜位於丹墀中道,稍西,從官在其後。 設方物案于丹墀中道東西。 知班二,位於蕃王拜位北,引蕃王舍人二,位於蕃王北,引蕃王從官舍人二,位於蕃王從官北,俱東西相向。 鼓三嚴,百官入侍。 執事舉方物案,蕃王隨案由西門入,至殿前丹墀西,俟立。 皇帝服通天冠、絳紗袍御殿。 蕃王及從官各就拜位,以主物案置拜位前。 贊四拜訖,引班導蕃王升殿。 宣方物官以方物狀由西陛升,入殿西門,內贊引至御前。 贊拜,蕃王再拜,跪,稱賀致詞。 宣方物官宣狀。 承製官宣制訖,蕃王俯伏,興,再拜,出殿西門,復位。 贊拜,蕃王及其從官皆四拜。 禮畢,皇帝興,蕃王以下出。 樂作樂止皆如常。 見皇太子於東宮正殿,設拜位於殿外。 皇太子皮弁服升座,蕃王再拜,皇太子立受。 蕃王跪稱賀,致詞訖,復位再拜,皇太子答拜。 蕃王出,其從官行四拜禮。 見親王,東西相向再拜,王答拜。 俱就座,王座稍北。 禮畢,揖而出。 見丞相、三公、大都督、御史大夫皆鈞禮。 蕃王陛辭,如朝見儀,不傳制。 中書省率禮部官送龍江驛,宴如初。
In Hongwu 2 regulations were fixed: whenever a foreign king reached Longjiang Station, two masters of ceremony and protocol announcers were sent to receive and accompany him. The station keeper placed the foreign king's seat in the northwest of the hall, facing east. The prefect of Yingtian came out to welcome him and set a seat in the southeast of the hall, facing west. They met as host and guest. When the banquet was over the prefect withdrew, and the foreign king saw him off at the gate. The next day the receiving officers escorted the foreign king to the Reception Hall, where the Minister of Rites banqueted and comforted him on the spot. When the minister arrived, the foreign king wore his national dress to receive him. Banquet, entertainment, welcoming, and send-off all followed the Longjiang Station protocol. When wine was served, music was played. The next day the Secretariat reported to the throne, and an official was appointed to go to the hall and banquet him as before. The Directorate of Ceremonies had the foreign king and his attendants fully robed; they rehearsed the ceremony at Tianjie Temple for three days, then a day was chosen for the court audience. Stations for the foreign king and his attendants were set outside the Meridian Gate; the foreign king's bowing place was on the central path of the Red Steps, slightly west, with his attendants behind him. Tables for tribute goods were set east and west along the central path of the Red Steps. Two order-keepers stood north of the foreign king's bowing place; two ushers for the foreign king stood north of him, and two ushers for his attendants north of them; all faced one another east and west. At the third drum of the triple salute the officials entered to attend. Attendants carried in the tribute tables; the foreign king followed them through the western gate to the west side of the Red Steps before the hall and stood waiting. The emperor wore the communication crown and crimson gauze robe and took the throne. The foreign king and his attendants each took their bowing places; the main tribute table was set before the bowing place. When the four bows were announced and completed, the ushering corps guided the foreign king up the hall. The tribute-presenting officer, bearing the inventory of tribute goods, ascended the western steps, entered the hall's western gate, and was led by the inner announcer before the emperor. An announcer called for bowing; the foreign king bowed twice, knelt, and offered congratulations and a formal address. The tribute-presenting officer read the inventory aloud. When the edict-reciting officer had finished proclaiming the edict, the foreign king prostrated himself, rose, bowed twice, left by the hall's western gate, and returned to his place. An announcer called for bowing; the foreign king and his attendants all performed four bows. When the rite was complete the emperor rose, and the foreign king and those below withdrew. The starting and stopping of music followed the usual practice. He was received by the crown prince in the Eastern Palace's main hall; a bowing place was set outside the hall. The crown prince, wearing the leather cap, ascended and took his seat; the foreign king bowed twice, and the crown prince received the bow standing. The foreign king knelt and offered congratulations; when his address was finished he returned to his place, bowed twice, and the crown prince returned the bow. When the foreign king withdrew, his attendants performed the four-bow ceremony. In meeting imperial princes they faced one another east and west, bowed twice, and the prince returned the bow. Each took a seat; the prince's seat was set slightly to the north. When the rite was complete they bowed and withdrew. In meeting the chancellor, the Three Dukes, the regional commander-in-chief, and the chief censor, all followed the standard mutual rite. For the foreign king's farewell audience, the protocol matched a court audience, but no edict was relayed. The Secretariat led Ministry of Rites officers to escort him to Longjiang Station, with a banquet as before.
35
二十七年四月,以舊儀煩,命更定。 凡蕃國來朝,先遣禮部官勞於會同館。 明日,各具其國服,如嘗賜朝服者則服朝服,於奉天殿朝見。 行八拜禮畢,即詣文華殿朝皇太子,行四拜禮。 見親王亦如之,王立受,答後二拜。 從官隨蕃王后行禮。 凡遇宴會,蕃王居侯伯之下。
In Hongwu 27, fourth month, because the old protocol had grown burdensome, an order was issued to revise it. Whenever foreign states came to court, Ministry of Rites officers were first sent to welcome them at the Hall of Joint Harmony. The next day each wore his state's dress; those who had previously been granted court dress wore court dress, and had their audience at the Hall of Accepting Heaven. When the eight bows were complete, they went at once to the Literary Splendor Hall to attend the crown prince, performing four bows. In meeting imperial princes it was the same: the prince stood to receive, and after the return bow they bowed twice again. Attendant officials followed the foreign king in performing the rite. At banquets the foreign king was seated below marquises and earls.
36
凡蕃國遣使朝貢,至驛,遣應天府同知禮待。 明日至會同館,中書省奏聞,命禮部侍郎於館中禮待如儀。 宴畢,習儀三日,擇日朝見。 陳設儀仗及進表,俱如儀。 承製官詣使者前,稱有制。 使者跪,宣制曰:「皇帝問使者來時,爾國王安否?」 使答畢,俯伏,興,再拜。 承製官稱有後制,使者跪。 宣制曰:「皇帝又問,爾使者遠來勤勞。」 使者俯伏,興,再拜。 承製官覆命訖,使者復四拜。 禮畢,皇帝興,樂作止如儀。 見東宮四拜,進方物訖,復四拜。 謁丞相、大都督、御史大夫,再拜。 獻書,復再拜。 見左司郎中等,皆鈞禮。
Whenever foreign states sent tribute envoys, upon reaching the post station a vice prefect of Shuntian Prefecture was dispatched to receive them with courtesy. The next day they went to the Hall of Joint Harmony; the Secretariat reported to the throne, and the vice minister of Rites was ordered to receive them at the hall as prescribed. After the banquet they practiced the rites for three days, then a day was chosen for the audience. Setting out the guard of honor and presenting the memorial both followed the prescribed protocol. The edict-reciting officer went before the envoy and announced that there was an edict. The envoy knelt; the edict was proclaimed: "The emperor asks: when you set out, was your king in good health?" When the envoy had answered, he prostrated himself, rose, and bowed twice. The edict-reciting officer announced there was a further edict; the envoy knelt. The edict was proclaimed: "The emperor further asks: you have traveled far in toil." The envoy prostrated himself, rose, and bowed twice. When the edict-reciting officer had reported completion, the envoy again performed four bows. When the rites were complete the emperor rose; music played and ceased as prescribed. Four bows to the crown prince; after presenting tribute objects, four bows again. They paid court to the chancellor, regional commander-in-chief, and chief censor, bowing twice. They presented written works and again bowed twice. In meeting Left Department director-rank officials and the like, all followed the standard mutual rite.
37
凡錫宴,陳御座于謹身殿。 設皇太子座於御座東,諸王座於皇太子下,西向,設蕃王座於殿西第一行,東向,設文武官座於第二、第三行,東西向。 酒九行,上食五次,大樂、細樂間作,呈舞隊。 蕃國從官坐於西廡下,酒數食品同,不作樂。 東宮宴蕃王,殿上正中設皇太子座,設諸王座於旁,東西向; 蕃王座於西偏,諸王之下,東向; 三師、賓客、諭德位於殿上第二行,東西向; 蕃王從官及東宮官位於西廡,東向北上。 和聲郎陳樂,光祿寺設酒饌,俱如謹身殿儀。 或宰相請旨宴勞,則設席於中書省後堂,賓西主東。 設蕃王從官及左右司官坐於左司。 教坊司陳樂於堂及左司南楹。 蕃王至省門外,省官迎入,從官各從其後。 升階就坐,酒七行,食五品,作樂,雜陳諸戲。 宴畢,省官送至門外。 都督府御史臺宴如之。 其宴蕃使,禮部奉旨錫宴於會同館。 館人設坐次及御酒案,教坊司設樂舞,禮部官陳龍亭於午門外。 光祿寺官請旨取御酒,置龍亭,儀仗鼓樂前導。 至館,蕃使出迎於門外。 執事者捧酒由中道入,置酒於案。 奉旨官立於案東,稱有制,使者望闕跪。 聽宣畢,贊再拜。 奉旨官酌酒授使者,北面跪飲畢,又再拜。 各就坐,酒七行,湯五品,作樂陳戲如儀。 宴畢,奉旨官出,使者送至門外。 皇太子錫宴,則遣宮官禮待之。 省府臺亦置酒宴會,酒五行,食五品,作樂,不陳戲。
Whenever a banquet was bestowed, the imperial throne was set up in the Hall of Self-Cultivation. The crown prince's seat was set east of the imperial throne; princes' seats below him, facing west; the foreign king's seat in the first row on the west side of the hall, facing east; and civil and military officials' seats in the second and third rows, facing east and west. There were nine rounds of wine and five courses; grand and fine music alternated, and dance troupes were presented. Attendant officials of foreign states sat beneath the western gallery; the wine rounds and food were the same, but no music was performed. When the Eastern Palace banqueted the foreign king, the crown prince's seat was set at the center of the hall, with princes' seats beside him facing east and west; the foreign king's seat on the western side, below the princes, facing east; masters, guests of honor, and tutors in the second row on the hall platform, facing east and west; attendant officials of the foreign king and Eastern Palace officials at the western gallery, facing east toward the north. Harmonizers arrayed music and the Directorate of Imperial Entertainments set out wine and food—all as in the Hall of Self-Cultivation protocol. Or if the chancellor requested permission to banquet and comfort them, seats were set in the Secretariat's rear hall, guest west and host east. Seats for the foreign king's attendants and Left and Right Department officials were set in the Left Department. The Imperial Music Bureau arrayed music in the hall and on the southern eaves of the Left Department. When the foreign king reached outside the Secretariat gate, Secretariat officials welcomed him in; attendants each followed behind. They ascended the steps and took their seats; there were seven rounds of wine and five courses, with music and various entertainments. When the banquet was finished, Secretariat officials escorted him to outside the gate. Banquets at the Regional Military Commission and Censorate followed the same protocol. For banqueting foreign envoys, the Ministry of Rites, by imperial decree, bestowed a banquet at the Hall of Joint Harmony. The hall staff set seating order and the imperial wine table; the Imperial Music Bureau set music and dance; and Ministry of Rites officers set up the dragon pavilion outside the Meridian Gate. Directorate of Imperial Entertainments officers requested permission, took imperial wine, placed it in the dragon pavilion, and led the way with guard of honor, drums, and music. Upon reaching the hall, the foreign envoy came out to welcome them outside the gate. Attendants bore the wine in along the central way and placed it on the table. The edict-bearer stood east of the table, announced there was an edict, and the envoy faced the palace and knelt. When the proclamation was heard to completion, the herald called for a second bow. The edict-bearer poured wine and handed it to the envoy; facing north he knelt, drank, finished, and bowed twice again. Each took his seat; there were seven rounds of wine and five courses of soup, with music and entertainments as prescribed. When the banquet was finished, the edict-bearer withdrew; the envoy escorted him to outside the gate. When the crown prince bestowed a banquet, palace officials were dispatched to receive them with courtesy. The Secretariat, prefectural government, and Censorate also held banquets with five rounds of wine and five courses, music performed, but no entertainments.
38
○遣使之蕃國儀
Envoys to foreign states.
39
凡遣使、賜璽綬及問遣慶弔,自漢始。 唐使外國,謂之入蕃使,宋謂之國信使。 明祖既定天下,分遣使者奉詔書往諭諸國,或降香幣以祀其國之山川。 撫柔之意甚厚,而不傷國體,視前代爲得。
Dispatching envoys, bestowing seals and cords, and sending condolences and congratulations all began in Han. Tang envoys to foreign states were called envoys entering the foreign lands; Song called them envoys of imperial trust. After the Ming founder had pacified the realm, he separately dispatched envoys bearing edicts to instruct the various states, or sent down incense and silks to sacrifice to their mountains and rivers. The intent to soothe and cherish was very generous, yet without harming dynastic dignity—regarded as an improvement over previous dynasties.
40
,凡遣使,翰林院官草詔。 至期,陳設如常儀。 百官入侍,皇帝御奉天殿。 禮部官捧詔書,尚寶司奏用寶,以黃銷金袱裹置盤中,置於案。 使者就拜位四拜,樂作止如儀。 承製官至丹陛稱有制,使者跪。 宣制曰:「皇帝敕使爾某詔諭某國,爾宜恭承朕命。」 宣訖,使者俯伏,興,四拜。 禮部官奉詔降自中陛,以授使者。 使者拜出午門,置龍亭內。 駕興,百官出。
Whenever envoys were dispatched, Hanlin Academy officials drafted the edict. When the day arrived, furnishings were set out as in the usual protocol. The hundred officials entered attendance; the emperor took the Hall of Accepting Heaven. Ministry of Rites officers bore the edict; the Office of Imperial Seals reported the use of the seal; it was wrapped in yellow gold-thread brocade, placed in a tray, and set on the table. The envoy took his bowing position and performed four bows; music played and ceased as prescribed. The edict-reciting officer reached the vermillion steps and announced there was an edict; the envoy knelt. The edict was proclaimed: "The emperor commands you, So-and-so, to bear an edict instructing such-and-such a state; you must respectfully receive Our command." When the proclamation was finished, the envoy prostrated himself, rose, and performed four bows. Ministry of Rites officers bore the edict down the central steps and handed it to the envoy. The envoy bowed and exited the Meridian Gate, placing the edict in the dragon pavilion. The imperial carriage rose; the hundred officials withdrew.
41
使者入蕃國境,先遣人報於王,王遣使遠接。 前期於國門外公館設幄結綵,陳龍亭香案,備金鼓儀仗大樂。 又於城內街巷結綵,設闕亭於王殿上,設香案於其前。 設捧詔官位殿陛之東北,宣詔展詔官以次南,俱西向。 詔使至,迎入館。 王率國中官及耆老出迎於國門外,行五拜禮。 儀仗鼓樂導龍亭入,使者隨之。 至殿上,置龍亭於正中。 使者立香案東,蕃王位殿庭中北向,衆官隨之。 使者南向立,稱有制,蕃王以下皆四拜。 蕃王升自西階,詣香案前跪。 三上香,俯伏,興,衆官同。 蕃王復位。 使者詣龍亭前,取詔書授捧詔官。 捧詔官捧詣開讀案,授宣詔官。 宣詔官受詔,展詔官對展,蕃王以下皆跪聽。 宣訖,仍以詔置龍亭。 蕃王以下皆俯伏,興,四拜,三舞蹈,復四拜。 凡拜皆作樂。 禮畢,使者以詔書付所司頒行。 蕃王與使者分賓主行禮。
When the envoy entered foreign territory, he first sent someone to report to the king; the king dispatched envoys to welcome him from afar. In advance, outside the national gate at the reception lodge, canopies were set up with colored hangings; a dragon pavilion and incense table were arrayed; and gongs, drums, guard of honor, and grand music were prepared. Within the city, streets and lanes were hung with colored festoons; a pavilioned gate was set on the king's hall, with an incense table before it. The edict-bearer's station was northeast of the hall steps; edict-proclaiming and edict-unfolding officials stood in order to the south, all facing west. When the edict envoy arrived, he was welcomed into the lodge. The king led the state's officials and elders to welcome outside the national gate, performing five bows. Guard of honor, drums, and music led the dragon pavilion in; the envoy followed. Upon reaching the hall platform, the dragon pavilion was placed at the center. The envoy stood east of the incense table; the foreign king at the center of the hall courtyard facing north; all officials followed. The envoy stood facing south and announced there was an edict; the foreign king and all below performed four bows. The foreign king ascended by the western steps and knelt before the incense table. Thrice offering incense, he prostrated himself and rose—all officials did likewise. The foreign king returned to his place. The envoy went before the dragon pavilion, took the edict, and handed it to the edict-bearer. The edict-bearer bore it to the edict-reading table and handed it to the edict-proclaiming officer. The proclaiming officer received the edict; the unfolding officer unfolded it facing him; the foreign king and all below knelt to listen. When the proclamation was finished, the edict was again placed in the dragon pavilion. The foreign king and all below prostrated themselves, rose, performed four bows, three dances, and four more bows. Every bow was accompanied by music. When the rites were complete, the envoy handed the edict to the relevant office for promulgation. The foreign king and the envoy exchanged guest and host courtesies.
42
其賜蕃王印綬及禮物,宣制曰:「皇帝敕使爾某,授某國王印綬,爾其恭承朕命。」 至蕃國,宣制曰:「皇帝敕使某,持印賜爾國王某,並賜禮物。」 餘如儀。
When bestowing the seal cord on the foreign king, the edict proclaimed: "The emperor commands you, So-and-so, to confer upon the king of such-and-such a state the seal and cord; you must respectfully receive Our command." Upon reaching the foreign state, the edict proclaimed: "The emperor commands Envoy So-and-so to bear the seal and bestow it upon your king So-and-so, together with gifts." The rest followed the prescribed protocol.
43
○蕃國遣使進表儀
Foreign envoys presenting memorials.
44
洪武二年定。 所司於王宮及國城街巷結綵,設闕庭於殿上正中。 前設表箋案,又前設香案。 使者位於香案東,捧表箋二人於香案西。 設龍亭於殿庭南正中,儀仗鼓樂具備。 清晨,司印者陳印案於殿中,滌印訖,以表箋及印俱置於案。 王冕服,衆官朝服。 詣案前用印畢,用黃袱裹表,紅袱裹箋,各置於匣中,仍各以黃袱裹之。 捧表箋官捧置於案。 引禮引王至殿庭正中,衆官位其後。 贊拜,樂作。 再拜,樂止。 王詣香案前跪,衆官皆跪,三上香訖。 捧表官取表東向跪進王,王授表以進於使者。 使者西向跪受,興,置於案。 贊興,王復位。 贊拜,樂作,王與衆官皆四拜。 樂止,禮畢。 捧表箋官捧表前行。 置於龍亭中,金鼓儀仗鼓樂前導。 王送至宮門外,還; 衆官朝服送至國門外。 使者乃行。
Fixed in Hongwu 2. The relevant offices hung colored festoons at the royal palace and throughout the capital's streets and lanes; a pavilioned courtyard was set at the center of the hall platform. Before it a memorial table was set, and before that an incense table. The envoy stood east of the incense table; two officials bearing the memorial stood west of the incense table. A dragon pavilion was set at the due south center of the hall courtyard; guard of honor, drums, and music were fully prepared. At dawn the seal keeper set out the seal desk in the hall; after washing the seal, he placed the memorial, formal letter, and seal together on the desk. The king wore full ceremonial robes; the officials wore court dress. After going before the desk and applying the seal, they wrapped the memorial in yellow cloth and the formal letter in red, placed each in a case, and wrapped each case again in yellow cloth. The officials bearing the memorial and formal letter placed them on the desk. A protocol guide led the king to the center of the hall courtyard, with the officials standing behind him. An announcer called for bowing; music began. They bowed twice; the music stopped. The king went before the incense table and knelt; all officials knelt and completed three offerings of incense. The memorial-bearer took the memorial, faced east, knelt, and presented it to the king, who handed it to the envoy. The envoy faced west, knelt to receive it, rose, and placed it on the desk. An announcer called to rise; the king returned to his place. An announcer called for bowing; music began; the king and all officials performed four bows. The music stopped; the rites were complete. The memorial bearers took up the memorial and proceeded. They placed it in the dragon pavilion; gongs, drums, guard of honor, and music led the way. The king escorted them to beyond the palace gate and returned. The officials in court dress escorted them to beyond the state gate. The envoy then set out.
45
○品官相見禮
Meetings between officials of rank.
46
凡官員揖拜,洪武二十年定,公、侯、駙馬相見,各行兩拜禮。 一品官見公、侯、駙馬,一品官居右,行兩拜禮,公、侯、駙馬居左,答禮。 二品見一品亦如之。 三品以下仿此。 若三呂見一品,四品見二品,行兩拜禮。 一品二品答受從宜,餘品仿此。 如有親戚尊卑之分,從行私禮。 三十年令,凡百官以品秩高下分尊卑。 品近者行禮,則東西對立,卑者西,高者東。 其品越二、三等者,卑者下,尊者上。 其越四等者,則卑者拜下,尊者坐受,有事則跪白。
As for bowing and salutation among officials: set in Hongwu 20, when dukes, marquises, and imperial sons-in-law met, each performed the two-bow rite. When a first-rank official met a duke, marquis, or imperial son-in-law, the first-rank official stood on the right and performed the two-bow rite; the duke, marquis, or imperial son-in-law stood on the left and returned the courtesy. Second rank meeting first rank followed the same rule. Third rank and below followed this pattern. If third rank met first rank, or fourth rank met second rank, they performed the two-bow rite. First- and second-rank officials returned the courtesy as appropriate; other ranks followed the same rule. Where kinship determined senior and junior standing, private rites took precedence. An order of Hongwu 30: all officials distinguished senior from junior by rank and grade. When those close in rank exchanged courtesies, they stood facing east and west—the junior to the west, the senior to the east. If ranks differed by two or three grades, the junior stood below and the senior above. If they differed by four grades, the junior bowed from below while the senior sat to receive it; if there was business to report, the junior knelt and spoke.
47
凡文武官公聚,各依品級序坐。 若資品同者,照衙門次第。 若王府官與朝官坐立,各照品級,俱在朝官之次。 成化十四年定,在外總兵、巡撫官位次,左右都督與左右都御史並,都督同知與副都御史並,都督僉事與僉都御史並,俱文東武西。 伯以上則坐於左。 十五年重定,都御史系總督及提督軍務者,不分左右副僉,俱坐於左。 總兵官雖伯,亦坐於右。
Whenever civil and military officials gathered in public, each took a seat according to rank. If credentials and rank were equal, seating followed the order of the yamen. If princely establishment officials sat or stood with court officials, each followed rank, all placed after court officials. Fixed in Chenghua 14: outside the capital, regional commanders and grand coordinators were seated with Left and Right Chief Commander paired with Left and Right Censor-in-Chief, Vice Commander with Vice Censor-in-Chief, and Assistant Commander with Assistant Censor-in-Chief—civil officials to the east, military to the west. Barons and above sat on the left. Revised again in the fifteenth year: censors-in-chief serving as grand coordinators or directors of military affairs, whether left, right, vice, or assistant, all sat on the left. The regional commander, even if holding the rank of baron, still sat on the right.
48
凡官員相遇迴避,洪武三十年定,駙馬遇公侯,分路而行。 一品、二品遇公、侯、駙馬,引馬側立,須其過。 二品見一品,趨右讓道而行。 三品遇公、侯、駙馬,引馬迴避,遇一品引馬側立,遇二品趨右讓道而行。 四品遇一品以上官,引馬迴避,遇二品引馬側立,遇三品趨右讓道而行。 五品至九品,皆視此遞差。 其後盡遵行。 文職雖一命以上,不避公、侯、勳戚大臣; 而其相迴避者,亦論官不論品秩矣。
Whenever officials met and gave way: set in Hongwu 30, when an imperial son-in-law met a duke or marquis, they took separate roads. First- and second-rank officials meeting dukes, marquises, or imperial sons-in-law reined in and stood aside until they had passed. Second rank meeting first rank hastened to the right and yielded the road. Third rank meeting dukes, marquises, or imperial sons-in-law reined aside; meeting first rank, reined in and stood aside; meeting second rank, hastened to the right and yielded the road. Fourth rank meeting officials of first rank or above reined aside; meeting second rank, reined in and stood aside; meeting third rank, hastened to the right and yielded the road. Fifth through ninth rank all followed this pattern in descending steps. Thereafter the rule was fully observed. Civil officials of ninth rank and above did not give way to dukes, marquises, or meritorious kin among the great ministers; Yet when they did give way to one another, it was office that mattered, not rank and grade.
49
凡屬官見上司,洪武二十年定,屬官序立於堂階之上,總行一揖,上司拱手,首領官答揖。 其公幹節序見上司官,皆行兩拜禮,長官拱手,首領官答禮。
Whenever subordinate officials met their superior: set in Hongwu 20, subordinates stood in order on the hall steps and performed one salutation together; the superior cupped his hands, and the chief subordinate returned the salutation. On seasonal occasions of official business when meeting the superior, all performed the two-bow rite; the chief official cupped his hands, and the chief subordinate returned the courtesy.
50
凡官員公座,洪武二十年定,大小衙門官員,每日公座行肅揖禮。 佐貳官揖長官,長官答禮。 首領官揖長官、佐貳官,長官、佐貳官拱手。
Whenever officials held public seating: set in Hongwu 20, officials of yamens large and small performed the formal salutation rite at daily public seating. Deputy officials saluted the chief; the chief returned the courtesy. Chief subordinates saluted the chief and deputies; the chief and deputies cupped their hands.
51
○庶人相見禮
Meetings among commoners.
52
洪武五年令,凡鄉黨序齒,民間士農工商人等平居相見及歲時宴會謁拜之禮,幼者先施。 坐次之列,長者居上。 十二年令,內外官致仕居鄉,惟於宗族及外祖妻家序尊卑,如家人禮。 若筵宴,則設別席,不許坐於無官者之下。 與同致仕官會,則序爵; 爵同,序齒。 其與異姓無官者相見,不須答禮。 庶民則以官禮謁見。 凌侮者論如律。 二十六年定,凡民間子孫弟侄甥婿見尊長,生徒見其師,奴婢見家長,久別行四拜禮,近別行揖禮。 其餘親戚長幼悉依等第,久別行兩拜禮,近別行揖禮。 平交同。
An order of Hongwu 5: in neighborhood ordering by age, when scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants met in daily life or at seasonal feasts and visits, the younger initiated the courtesy first. In seating order, the elder held the upper place. An order of Hongwu 12: retired officials living in the countryside ordered senior and junior only within their clan and maternal grandfather's wife's family, as in family rites. At banquets a separate seat was provided; they were not to be seated below those without official rank. When meeting fellow retired officials, they ordered themselves by ennobled rank; if ranks were equal, by age. When meeting unrelated persons without office, they need not return the courtesy. Commoners paid respects according to official rites when meeting them. Those who insulted them were punished according to law. Fixed in Hongwu 26: among the people, when sons, grandsons, younger brothers, nephews, and sons-in-law met elders; when students met their teachers; when servants met the household head—after long separation they performed the four-bow rite; after recent separation, the salutation rite. All other kin by senior and junior standing followed their degrees—after long separation the two-bow rite; after recent separation, the salutation rite. Among equals, the same rule applied.