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卷五十六 志第三十二 禮十

Volume 56 Treatises 32: Rites 10

Chapter 56 of 明史 · History of Ming
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1
Treatise 32: Rites Ten (Auspicious Rites IV: Guest Rites)〉
2
使使
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
Regulations governing imperial tours.
4
祿
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
殿 輿 祿 殿
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
The crown prince as regent.
7
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
殿 調 殿 殿 殿殿 使 輿 使 使
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
殿
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
The imperial eldest grandson as regent.
11
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
殿
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
Promulgation of edicts.
14
使
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
殿殿殿西 殿西 殿 殿 使退
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
殿 輿 殿輿 竿 使
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
Receiving edicts and amnesties.
18
使 使 使 西 使 使 使 退使 使
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
Presenting books.
20
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
殿輿簿 輿殿 輿 殿 殿 殿 殿 退
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
輿殿 輿 輿 殿殿 殿殿輿
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
Presenting memorials and formal letters.
24
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
殿 殿 殿 殿殿 殿 殿
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
宿 退 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
The village drinking rite.
28
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
使 西 西 西 西 西 西 西 西西 西 西 西 西 西 西 退 退 西 西退
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
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
使 ·
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
Tributary audience of foreign kings.
33
使使
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
西 西 西 西 西 西殿西 殿 殿 西殿西 殿西 殿殿 西
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
殿 殿
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
使 使 使使 使 使 使 使 使
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
殿 西殿西西 西 殿西 西 殿西 西 祿殿 西 使 祿 使 使 使 使
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
使
Envoys to foreign states.
39
使 使使使 使
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
使 殿 使 使 使 使 使 使
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
使使 殿 殿西 使 使 殿 使殿 使 西 使 使 使
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
使 使
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
使
Foreign envoys presenting memorials.
44
殿 使西 殿 殿 殿 使 使西 使
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
Meetings between officials of rank.
46
仿 仿 西西
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
西
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
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
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
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
Meetings among commoners.
52
婿
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.
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