Volume 88 Treatises 63: Rites 7, Jia Li Yi

志六十三

Treatise 63

禮七（嘉禮一）

Rites 7 ( Auspicious Rites 1)

登極儀授受儀太后垂簾儀親政儀大朝儀常朝儀御門聽政附古太上皇帝三大節朝賀儀太皇太后皇太后皇后三大節朝賀儀

Enthronement rites; transmission and receipt rites; empress-dowager curtain administration; personal rule; grand and regular audiences; gate audiences for hearing affairs—with appended rites for the retired emperor's three great festivals, and for the grand empress dowager, empress dowager, and empress on their three great festivals

大宴儀上尊號徽號儀尊封太妃太嬪儀附冊立中宮儀冊紀嬪儀附主冊皇太子儀太子千秋節附冊諸王儀冊公主附知二曰嘉禮。屬於天子者，曰朝會、燕饗、冊命、經筵諸典。行於庶人者，曰鄉飲酒禮。而婚嫁之禮，則上與下同也。周官「以嘉禮親萬民」，體國經野，罔不繇此。茲舉其大者，附以儀之同者，著於篇。

Grand banquets; bestowal of honorific and emblem titles; ennoblement of grand consorts and grand concubines; investiture of the empress and of consorts and concubines; chief investiture of the crown prince and his longevity festival; investiture of princes and princesses—with a note that all belong to Auspicious Rites. For the Son of Heaven they comprise court assemblies, banquet feasts, investiture patents, and classics lectures. Among commoners the chief example is the village drinking ceremony. Marriage rites, however, are observed alike from the throne to the people. The Offices of Zhou says, "With auspicious rites draw the myriad people near"—in ordering the state and mapping the wilds, nothing is outside their scope. Here the chief ceremonies are presented; shared procedures are appended, and the whole is set down in this chapter.

登極儀清初太祖創業，建元天命，正月朔即位，貝勒、群臣集殿前，按翼序立。皇帝御殿，皆跪。八大臣出班，跪進上尊號表，侍臣受，跪御前宣讀。帝降座，焚香告天，率貝勒、群臣行禮，三跪九叩，畢，復座，貝勒等各率旗屬慶賀。太宗踐阼亦如之。

Enthronement rites: At the founding of the Qing, Taizu established the Tianming era; on New Year's Day he took the throne, and beile and ministers assembled before the hall and stood in wing order. When the emperor entered the hall, all knelt. Eight great ministers stepped forward, knelt, and presented the memorial for an honorific title; attendants received it and, kneeling before the throne, read it aloud. The emperor left his seat, burned incense and reported to Heaven, and led beile and ministers in three kneelings and nine kowtows; when the rite was done he resumed his seat, and each beile led his banner followers in congratulations. Taizong's accession followed the same rite.

天聰十年，改元崇德，建國號曰大清。前期誓戒三日，築壇，備鹵簿。屆日，帝率群臣詣天壇祗告。禮成，奉御寶官先行，帝自中階登壇升座，貝勒等三跪九叩。畢，眾跪，貝勒分左右列。奉寶官跪獻，帝受寶，轉授內院官，群臣行禮如初。畢，皆跪，宣讀官奉滿、蒙、漢三體表文立壇東，以次畢讀，群臣行禮訖，復位，奏樂，駕還宮。翼日帝御殿，群臣表賀，三跪九叩，次執事官行禮如前儀。於是賜宴，頒赦詔。八年，世祖嗣服，遣官告壇、廟如初禮，唯不設鹵簿，不作樂，不賜宴。

In Tiancong 10 the era was changed to Chongde and the state was proclaimed Great Qing. Three days beforehand the court fasted and abstained; an altar was built and the ceremonial guard prepared. On the day appointed the emperor led the ministers to the Altar of Heaven for the reverent report. When the rite was finished the officer bearing the imperial seal went first; the emperor ascended by the central steps and took his seat on the altar, and the beile performed three kneelings and nine kowtows. When that was done all knelt; the beile formed ranks to left and right. The seal-bearer knelt and presented the seal; the emperor received it and handed it to an Inner Court officer, and the ministers performed the rite as before. When finished all knelt; the reading officer, holding the trilingual memorial, stood east of the altar and read each text in turn; when the ministers' rite was done they returned to place, music sounded, and the procession returned to the palace. The next day the emperor entered the hall; ministers presented congratulatory memorials with three kneelings and nine kowtows, and officiating officers then performed the rite as before. A banquet was then granted and an amnesty edict promulgated. In year 8 Shizu succeeded; officers reported at altar and temple as in the first rite, but without the guard of honor, music, or banquet.

順治元年十月朔，定鼎燕京，先期太常官除壇壝，司禮監設座案。屆日，遣官告廟、社，備大駕鹵簿，帝御祭服，出大清門，詣南郊，告天地。禮成，導入天壇東幄次易禮服。御座，群臣跪，禮部尚書引大學士一人升自東階，正中北面跪，學士一人自案上奉寶授大學士，祗受，致辭云：「皇帝君臨萬國，諸王文武群臣不勝歡忭。」訖，轉授學士，學士跪受，陳於案，復位。群臣禮畢，駕還宮。鴻臚寺官設御案皇極門中，檐東設表案，王、貝勒等序立內金水橋北，文武官序立橋南，俱東西鄉。樂作，帝御座則止。鳴鞭。執事官階上行禮畢，就位。王率群臣進表，行禮畢，鳴鞭，駕還宮。越九日甲子，頒詔如制。

On the first day of the tenth month of Shunzhi 1, when the capital was fixed at Yanjing, the Court of Imperial Sacrifices cleared the altar enclosure beforehand and the Directorate of Ceremonial set seats and tables. On the appointed day officers reported at temple and altar; the great imperial guard was prepared; the emperor in sacrificial robes went out the Daqing Gate to the southern suburbs to report to Heaven and Earth. When the rite was finished he was led into the eastern tent at the Altar of Heaven to change into court dress. He took the throne; ministers knelt; the Minister of Rites led one Grand Secretary up the eastern steps to kneel at the center facing north; an academician took the seal from the table and presented it to the Grand Secretary, who received it reverently and said: "The emperor rules the myriad states; princes and civil and military ministers cannot contain their joy." When finished he handed it to the academician; the academician knelt to receive it, placed it on the table, and returned to place. When the ministers' rite was finished the procession returned to the palace. The Court of Imperial Entertainments set the imperial table in the center of the Huangji Gate; east of the eaves stood the memorial table; princes and beile lined up north of the Inner Golden Water Bridge and officials south of it, all facing east or west. Music began and ceased when the emperor took the throne. The whip was sounded. Officiating officers performed the rite on the steps and took their places. The prince led ministers in presenting memorials; when the rite was finished the whip sounded and the procession returned to the palace. Nine days later, on jiazi day, an edict was promulgated as prescribed.

聖祖纘業，分遣官祭告天地、宗社，帝衰服詣几筵行三跪九叩禮，祗告受命。御側殿易禮服，詣太皇太后、皇太后兩宮，各行三跪九叩禮。遂乘輿出乾清門，御中和殿，內大臣等執事官行禮。復御太和殿，王公百官上錶行禮如儀。不宣讀，不作樂，不設宴。王公入，賜茶畢，還宮。反喪服，就苫次，頒詔。世宗承大統，一如前儀，惟罷賜茶。高宗以後，儲宮嗣立者並同。

When Shengzu continued the enterprise, officers reported at Heaven, Earth, and the ancestral temple; the emperor in mourning dress went to the mourning couch and performed three kneelings and nine kowtows to report that he had received the mandate. He changed into court dress in a side hall and went to the grand empress dowager and empress dowager, performing three kneelings and nine kowtows at each palace. He then rode out the Gate of Heavenly Purity to the Hall of Central Harmony, where inner grand ministers and officiating officers performed the rite. He again entered the Hall of Supreme Harmony; princes and officials presented memorials and performed the rite as prescribed. There was no public reading, no music, and no banquet. Princes entered, tea was granted, and they returned to the palace. He resumed mourning dress, went to the mourning shed, and promulgated an edict. Shizong's succession followed the same rite, except that tea was not granted. From Gaozong onward, when the heir apparent succeeded, the procedure was the same.

授受儀古內禪儀。初高宗享國日久，嘗諭年至八十六歲即歸政。逮乾隆六十年，詔曰：「自古帝王內禪，非其時怠荒，即其時多故，倉猝授受，禮無可采。今國家全盛，其詳議典禮以聞。」於是諏吉定儲位，以明年為嗣皇帝元年。禮臣上儀注。先期遣官祭告廟、社，屆日所司設御座太和殿。左右幾二，正中寶案，稍南東西肆；東楹詔案，西楹表案，南北肆；黃案居丹陛中。檻內敷嗣皇帝拜褥。殿前陳鹵簿，門外步輦。午門外五輅、馴象、仗馬、黃蓋、雲盤，檐下設中和韶樂，門外丹陛大樂。內閣學士奉傳位詔陳東案，禮部官陳賀表西案，大學士等詣乾清門請寶陳左幾，大學士二人分立兩檐下，王公百官序立。朝鮮、安南、暹羅、廓爾喀使臣列班末。欽天監官詣乾清門報時，嗣皇帝朝服出毓慶宮，時後扈內大臣二人率侍衛二十人集乾清門外，導引禮部長官二人立門階下，前引大臣十人立殿後階下。太上皇帝禮服乘輿出，嗣皇帝從諸臣前引後扈。午門鳴鐘鼓，至殿後降輿。太上皇帝御中和殿升座，嗣皇帝殿內西鄉立，鴻臚寺官引執事大臣按班，不贊，行九叩禮。侍班者趨出，就外朝位，中和韶樂作，奏元平章。太上皇帝御太和殿，嗣皇帝侍立如初。樂止，階下鳴鞭三，丹陛大樂作，奏慶平章。嗣皇帝詣拜位立，王公立丹陛上，百官及陪臣立丹墀下，鳴贊官贊「跪」，嗣皇帝率群臣跪。贊「宣表」，宣表官入，奉表至檐下正中跪，大學士二人左右跪，展表，樂止。宣訖，還奉原案，退。贊「興」，嗣皇帝退立左旁，西鄉，大學士二人導近御前跪。左大學士請寶，跪奉太上皇帝，太上皇帝親授嗣皇帝，嗣皇帝跪受，右大學士跪接，陳右幾。嗣皇帝詣拜位，樂作，贊「跪，叩，興」，率群臣行九叩禮。贊「退」，樂止，禮成。鳴鞭如初。中和韶樂作，奏和平章。太上皇帝還宮。內監豫設樂懸，太上皇帝御內殿，公主，福晉，暨皇孫、皇曾元孫未錫爵者，行禮慶賀。

Transmission and receipt rites: the ancient inner abdication ceremony. Gaozong had long ruled and once declared that at eighty-six he would return the government. In Qianlong 60 an edict said: "From antiquity, inner abdication was either mistimed through neglect or troubled by events; hurried transmission left no rite worth adopting. Now the state is in full prosperity; deliberate fully on the canonical rites and report." Auspicious days were chosen to fix the heir's position, and the next year became the succeeding emperor's first year. The ritual officials submitted the protocol. Beforehand officers reported at temple and altar; on the day the relevant offices set the imperial seat in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Two tables left and right; at the center a seal table, set out slightly south to east and west; at the east pillar an edict table, at the west pillar a memorial table, set out north and south; a yellow table stood in the middle of the red steps. Within the railing the succeeding emperor's kneeling cushion was spread. Before the hall the guard of honor was arrayed; outside the gate the sedan chair. Outside the Meridian Gate stood the five chariots, trained elephants, ceremonial horses, yellow canopy, and cloud trays; under the eaves Zhonghe ceremonial music; outside the gate Dandi grand music. A Grand Secretariat academician placed the abdication edict on the east table; a Ministry of Rites officer placed the congratulatory memorial on the west; Grand Secretaries fetched the seal from the Gate of Heavenly Purity and set it on the left table; two Grand Secretaries stood under the eaves; princes and officials stood in order. Envoys from Korea, Annam, Siam, and Gurkha stood at the end of the ranks. The Astronomical Bureau announced the hour at the Gate of Heavenly Purity; the succeeding emperor in court dress left the Palace of Cultivation of Youth; afterward two inner grand ministers with twenty guards assembled outside the gate; two chief Ministry of Rites officers stood below the gate steps; ten leading ministers below the rear hall steps. The retired emperor in court dress rode out; the succeeding emperor followed, with ministers leading before and escorting behind. Bells and drums sounded at the Meridian Gate; at the rear of the hall they descended from the palanquin. The retired emperor entered the Hall of Central Harmony and ascended the throne; the succeeding emperor stood to the west inside; the Court of Imperial Entertainments led officiating ministers by rank without prompts in nine kowtows. Attendants hurried to outer court positions; Zhonghe ceremonial music played the Yuanping movement. The retired emperor entered the Hall of Supreme Harmony; the succeeding emperor attended as before. Music ceased; the whip sounded thrice below the steps; Dandi grand music played the Qingping movement. The succeeding emperor went to the kneeling place; princes stood on the red steps; officials and envoys in the courtyard below; the herald called "Kneel," and the succeeding emperor led ministers in kneeling. The herald called "Proclaim the memorial"; the proclaiming officer carried the memorial to kneel at the center under the eaves; two Grand Secretaries knelt left and right and unfolded it; music ceased. When the reading was finished he returned it to the original table and withdrew. The herald called "Rise"; the succeeding emperor withdrew to the left facing west; two Grand Secretaries guided him to kneel near the throne. The left Grand Secretary requested the seal and presented it to the retired emperor; the retired emperor personally handed it to the succeeding emperor, who knelt to receive it; the right Grand Secretary knelt to take it and placed it on the right table. The succeeding emperor went to the kneeling place; music played; the herald called "Kneel, kowtow, rise," and he led ministers in nine kowtows. The herald called "Withdraw"; music ceased; the rite was complete. The whip sounded as before. Zhonghe ceremonial music played the Heping movement. The retired emperor returned to the palace. Eunuchs had set musical stands beforehand; the retired emperor entered the inner hall; princesses, fujin, and imperial grandsons and great-grandsons not yet ennobled performed congratulations.

嗣皇帝易禮服，祗俟保和殿暖閣，內閣學士豫奉傳位詔及御寶陳太和殿中案，禮部官奉登極賀表陳東案，扈引者集保和殿外。欽天監報時，嗣皇帝御中和殿，執事者按班行禮，不贊。禮畢，嗣皇帝御太和殿登極。作樂，止樂，宣表，行禮，悉准前式。禮畢，退，復位。大學士進，奉詔，出中門，授禮部尚書。尚書跪受，興，奉置黃案，行三叩禮。復奉詔陳雲盤，儀制司一人跪受，興，自中道出。禮成，俱退，嗣皇帝還宮。大學士等詣乾清門送寶，禮部恭鐫詔書頒行。

The succeeding emperor changed into court dress and waited in the warm pavilion of the Hall of Preserving Harmony; Grand Secretariat academicians had placed the abdication edict and seal on the central table in the Hall of Supreme Harmony; Ministry of Rites officers placed the enthronement memorial on the east table; escorts assembled outside the Hall of Preserving Harmony. The Astronomical Bureau announced the hour; the succeeding emperor entered the Hall of Central Harmony; officiators performed the rite by rank without prompts. When the rite was finished the succeeding emperor entered the Hall of Supreme Harmony to ascend the throne. Music was played and stopped; the memorial proclaimed; the rite performed—all as in the former pattern. When the rite was finished they withdrew and returned to place. A Grand Secretary advanced, received the edict, went out the central gate, and handed it to the Minister of Rites. The minister knelt to receive it, rose, placed it on the yellow table, and performed three kowtows. He again received the edict, placed it on the cloud tray; an officer of the Directorate of Ceremonial knelt to receive it, rose, and went out by the central way. When the rite was complete all withdrew; the succeeding emperor returned to the palace. Grand Secretaries went to the Gate of Heavenly Purity to return the seal; the Ministry of Rites carved the edict and promulgated it.

垂簾儀咸豐十一年，文宗崩，穆宗幼沖嗣位。御史董元醇奏請皇太后暫權朝政，稱旨，命王大臣等議垂簾儀制。議上，懿旨猶謂「垂簾非所樂為，唯以時事多艱，王大臣等不能無所稟承，姑允所請」云。於是仲冬月朔，帝奉兩宮皇太后御養心殿聽政，王公大臣集殿門外，行禮如儀。凡召見內外臣工，兩宮皇太后、皇帝同御養心殿，太后前垂簾。或召某臣進見，議政王、御前大臣番頒之。引見外官，則御養心殿前殿，議政王、御前大臣率侍衛等按班分立，太后前垂簾設案，進各員銜名，豫擬諭旨，分別錄注。皇帝前設案，各長官依例進綠頭簽，議政王等奉陳案上，引見如常儀。皇太后簡單內某名鈐印，已，授王大臣傳旨。其臣工請安摺，並具三分以進。各省、各路軍事摺報，凡應降諭旨者，議政王等請旨繕擬後，次日呈閱頒行。唯撰擬文句，仍本帝意，宣示臣工，宜書曰「朕」。

Curtain administration rites: In Xianfeng 11 Wenzong died and Muzong succeeded as a child. Censor Dong Yuanchun asked the empress dowager temporarily to hold court authority; the memorial pleased the throne, and princes and great ministers were ordered to draft curtain administration protocol. When deliberation was submitted, the empress's rescript still said, "Curtain administration is not what I desire; only because affairs are difficult and princes and great ministers cannot be without counsel, I provisionally grant the request." On the first day of mid-winter the emperor led the two empresses dowager to hear affairs at the Hall of Mental Cultivation; princes and great ministers assembled outside the gate and performed the rite as prescribed. Whenever officials within and without were summoned, the two empresses dowager and the emperor together entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation; a curtain hung before the empresses. When a minister was summoned, the prince regent and grand ministers before the throne announced it in rotation. For outer officials the front hall was used; the prince regent and grand ministers led guards by rank; before the empresses stood curtain and table; titles were presented and rescripts drafted beforehand and noted separately. Before the emperor a table was set; chiefs presented green-head memorials as usual; the prince regent placed them on the table; presentation followed ordinary protocol. The empress dowager selected a name inside and affixed the seal; when finished she handed it to princes and great ministers to transmit the decree. Officials' audience memorials were submitted in three copies. Military memorials from provinces and routes requiring rescripts were drafted by the prince regent after requesting instructions, then presented for review and promulgated the next day. Only in drafting sentences the emperor's intent was still followed; in instructing officials the text should read "I."

同治十三年，德宗入繼文宗，王公大臣復請兩宮皇太后垂簾，悉准同治初成式。光緒六年，慈安皇太后薨，慈禧皇太后始專垂簾，制十三年歸政，德宗以時艱尚棘，凡召見、引見，仍升座訓政，設紗屏以障焉。

In Tongzhi 13 Dezong succeeded Wenzong; princes and great ministers again asked the two empresses dowager to administer behind the curtain—all approved as at the start of Tongzhi. In Guangxu 6 Empress Dowager Ci'an died; Empress Dowager Cixi alone held the curtain; government was to be returned in thirteen years; because affairs were still difficult, Dezong for summons and presentations still ascended the throne to instruct, with gauze screens as a barrier.

親政儀同治十二年正月，兩宮皇太后歸政，穆宗行親政典禮，先期遣告天、地、廟、社，屆日陳皇太后儀駕、皇帝法駕鹵簿，設表案慈寧宮門，檻內敷皇帝拜褥，太和殿內東旁設詔案，東次表案，丹陛中案各一。午門外設龍亭、香亭，內閣學士奉皇帝慶賀表文納諸櫝，捧出。大學士從至永康左門外，大學士接櫝，至慈寧門，升東階，陳案上，退。內侍舉案入，庋慈寧宮寶座東，內閣學士奉詔陳殿中黃案，禮部官奉王公百官賀表陳東次黃案。凡將軍、提、鎮賀表置龍亭內。鴻臚寺官引和碩親王以下，入八分公以上暨蒙古王公等集隆宗門外，不入八分公以下二品大臣以上集長信門外，三品以下集午門外。欽天監報時，帝御禮服乘輿出隆宗門，至永康左門外降，王以下隨行，至慈寧門，帝升東階，及門左，西鄉立。日講官四人在西階，東鄉立。前引大臣率侍衛在儀駕末，分左右立。皇太后出御慈寧宮，中和樂作，奏豫平章，升座，樂止。帝就拜位，丹陛樂作，奏益平章。王公大臣侍衛等循次鄉上立，贊「拜跪」，帝率群臣三跪九拜。時西楹下置御史二，鳴贊官二。儀駕末及午門外御史、禮部官、鳴贊官各二，藉以侍儀。永康左門及諸門內外並置鳴贊官，接續外傳。午門外各官隨同行禮，鳴贊官贊「禮成」，帝復位。王大臣各復位立，皇太后還宮，禮部尚書奏「禮成」，然後帝還宮。俄復出御中和殿，執事官行禮畢，趨出就外朝立，帝御太和殿，樂作，升座，樂止，鳴鞭三，王公百官行禮。其宣表、頒詔並如前制。光緒十三年德宗親政仿此。

Personal rule rites: In the first month of Tongzhi 12 the two empresses dowager returned government; Muzong performed personal rule; beforehand officers reported at Heaven, Earth, temple, and altar; on the day the empress dowager's guard and emperor's legal guard were arrayed; a memorial table at the Cining Palace gate; the emperor's kneeling cushion within the railing; inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony an edict table on the east, an east memorial table, and a central courtyard table. Outside the Meridian Gate stood a dragon pavilion and incense pavilion; a Grand Secretariat academician placed the emperor's congratulatory memorial in the casket and carried it out. Grand Secretaries followed to outside the Yongkang Left Gate; a Grand Secretary received the casket, reached the Cining Gate, ascended the eastern steps, placed it on the table, and withdrew. Inner attendants lifted the table inside and set it east of the throne; a Grand Secretariat academician placed the edict on the yellow table; Ministry of Rites officers placed princes' and officials' congratulatory memorials on the east-side yellow table. Congratulatory memorials of generals, governors, and commanders were placed in the dragon pavilion. The Court of Imperial Entertainments led princes of the first rank down, nobles of the eighth rank up, and Mongol princes outside the Longzong Gate; nobles below the eighth rank and ministers of the second rank up at the Changxin Gate; third rank and below at the Meridian Gate. The Astronomical Bureau announced the hour; the emperor in court dress rode out the Longzong Gate and descended outside the Yongkang Left Gate; princes followed; at the Cining Gate he ascended the eastern steps and stood west-facing at the gate's left. Four lecturers on the western steps stood facing east. Leading ministers with guards stood at the end of the guard, left and right. The empress dowager came out; Zhonghe music played the Yuping movement; she ascended the throne; music ceased. The emperor went to the kneeling place; Dandi music played the Yiping movement. Princes, great ministers, and guards stood in turn; the herald called "Bow and kneel"; the emperor led ministers in three kneelings and nine kowtows. Two censors stood below the western pillar; two herald officers. At the end of the guard and outside the Meridian Gate were two censors, Ministry of Rites officers, and two herald officers each to assist. Outside the Yongkang Left Gate and at other gates herald officers relayed calls outward. Officials outside the Meridian Gate performed the rite together; the herald called "Rite complete"; the emperor returned to place. Princes and great ministers returned to stand; the empress dowager returned; the Minister of Rites reported "Rite complete"; then the emperor returned. Shortly afterward he entered the Hall of Central Harmony; officiators finished and hurried to the outer court; he entered the Hall of Supreme Harmony; music played; he ascended; music ceased; the whip sounded thrice; princes and officials performed the rite. Proclaiming the memorial and promulgating the edict followed the former regulation. In Guangxu 13 Dezong's personal rule followed this.

大朝儀天命元年，始行元旦慶賀，制朝儀。天聰六年，行新定朝儀，此班朝所繇始，崇德改元，定元旦進表箋及聖節慶賀儀。順治八年，定元旦、冬至、萬壽聖節為三大節。康熙八年，定正朝會樂章，三大節並設。大朝行禮致慶，王以下各官、外籓王子、使臣咸列班次，所司陳鹵簿、樂懸如制。太和殿東具黃案。質明，王、貝勒、貝子集太和門，不入八分公以下官集午門外。禮部奉表置亭內，校尉舁行至午門外陳兩旁，奉表入太和殿列案上。鴻臚卿引王、貝勒等立丹陛。鳴贊官引群臣暨進表官入兩掖門，序立丹墀。朝鮮、蒙古諸臣自西掖門入，立西班末。糾儀御史立西檐下東鄉者二人，丹陛、丹墀東西相鄉者各四人，東西班末八人，鳴贊官立殿檐者四人，陛、墀皆如之。丹陛南階三級，鑾儀衛官六人司鳴鞭。欽天監報時，皇帝出御中和殿，執事官行禮畢，趨外朝視事。駕出，前導、後扈如儀。午門鳴鐘鼓，中和樂作，御太和殿，樂止。內大臣分立前後，侍衛又次其後護守之。起居注官四人立西旁金柱後，大學士，學士，講、讀學士，正、少詹事立東檐下。御史、副僉都御史立西檐下，鑾儀衛官贊「鳴鞭」，鳴贊官贊「排班」，王公百官就拜位立跪。宣表官奉表出，至殿下正中北鄉跪，大學士二人展表，宣表官宣訖，置原案，丹陛樂作，群臣皆三跪九叩。退，就立原次。鴻臚寺官引朝鮮等使臣，理籓院官引蒙古使臣就拜次，三跪九叩，丹陛樂作，禮畢，樂止，退立如初。賜坐，群臣暨外臣皆就立處一跪三叩，序坐。賜茶畢，復鳴鞭三，中和樂作，駕還宮。樂止，群臣退。

Grand audience rites: In Tianming 1 New Year's congratulations were first held and court audience protocol established. In Tiancong 6 the newly fixed court audience was performed—ranked audiences began here; when Chongde changed the era, New Year's memorial and sacred-day congratulation protocols were fixed. In Shunzhi 8 New Year's Day, winter solstice, and the Longevity Sacred Festival were fixed as the three great festivals. In Kangxi 8 regular court audience music was fixed; for the three great festivals it was fully provided. At the grand audience congratulations were offered; princes, officials of every rank, and outer-domain princes and envoys took their ranks; the relevant offices arrayed guard and music as prescribed. East of the Hall of Supreme Harmony a yellow table was prepared. At dawn princes and beile assembled at the Gate of Supreme Harmony; officials below the eighth rank outside the Meridian Gate. The Ministry of Rites placed the memorial in the pavilion; guards carried it to either side outside the Meridian Gate; it was brought into the hall and set on the table. The Court of Imperial Entertainments led princes and beile to the red steps. Herald officers led ministers and memorial presenters through the side gates to the courtyard. Korean and Mongol ministers entered by the western side gate and stood at the end of the western rank. Discipline censors: two facing east under the western eaves; four east and west on steps and courtyard; eight at rank ends; four heralds under the eaves—the same on steps and courtyard. South of the red steps, three levels; six Imperial Guard officers sounded the whip. The Astronomical Bureau announced the hour; the emperor came out to the Hall of Central Harmony; officiators finished and hurried to the outer court. When the procession went out, front guide and rear escort followed protocol. At the Meridian Gate bells and drums sounded; Zhonghe music played; he entered the Hall of Supreme Harmony; music ceased. Inner grand ministers stood before and after; guards behind to protect. Four diarists stood behind the western pillars; Grand Secretaries, academicians, lecturers, and mentors stood under the eastern eaves. Censors stood under the western eaves; guard officers called "Sound the whip"; heralds called "Form ranks"; princes and officials went to the kneeling place and knelt. The proclaiming officer carried the memorial to kneel at the center below facing north; two Grand Secretaries unfolded it; when finished he replaced it; Dandi music played; all performed three kneelings and nine kowtows. They withdrew and stood in their original places. The Court of Imperial Entertainments led Korean envoys; the Domains office led Mongol envoys to kneel with three kneelings and nine kowtows; when finished they withdrew and stood as before. Seats were granted; ministers and envoys at their places performed one kneeling and three kowtows and sat in order. When tea was finished the whip sounded thrice; Zhonghe music played; the procession returned. Music ceased; ministers withdrew.

初制，外官元日朝覲，集保和殿前行禮，康熙二十六年後罷。乾隆六年，定行在聖節朝賀行禮。二十四年，定大朝百官班次，設立紅漆木牌。五十四年，增置都察院長官二人，科、道三十六人，分立品級山旁整朝序。又高宗初年，文三品、武二品以上賜茶，餘惟記注官、外國使臣與焉。嘉慶二年罷賜茶。令甲，元旦、萬壽節午時設宴，冬至節次日受賀。萬壽節先謁太廟，次詣皇太后宮行禮，畢，受賀。直省文武官值三大節，俱設香案，朝服望闕行禮，滿、蒙、漢軍分兩翼，漢官分文東武西。

Originally outer officials on New Year's Day attended before the Hall of Preserving Harmony; after Kangxi 26 this was discontinued. In Qianlong 6 congratulations on sacred days while traveling were regulated. In year 24 grand audience ranks were fixed and red lacquer name boards established. In year 54 two chief censors and thirty-six censors and remonstrators were added beside the rank hills to keep order. Early in Gaozong's reign civil third rank and military second rank and above received tea; others only diarists and foreign envoys. In Jiaqing 2 granting tea was discontinued. By regulation New Year's and Longevity banquets were at noon; winter solstice congratulations came the next day. On Longevity Festival the ancestral temple was visited first, then the empress dowager's palace; when finished congratulations were received. Direct-province officials on the three great festivals set incense tables and faced the palace in court dress; Manchu, Mongol, and Han banners formed two wings; Han officials divided civil east, military west.

常朝儀太祖丙辰建元後，益勤國政，五日一視朝，焚香告天，宣讀古來嘉言懿行及成敗興廢所由，訓誡臣民，然未垂為定制也。崇德初，始定儀注，設大駕鹵簿，王以下各官朝服，俟帝出宮，樂作。御殿，升座，樂止。賜坐，諸臣各依班次，一叩就座。部、院官出班奏事畢，駕還宮。順治九年，給事中魏象樞言：「故事有朔、望朝，有早朝、晚朝、內朝、外朝，今縱不能如往制，請一月三朝，以副厲精圖治至意。」楊簧亦言：「舊例百官每月十一朝，似太繁數，今每日入朝奏事，較十一朝不為少，應定每月初五、十五、二十五日行朝參禮。」自是遂定逢五視朝制。尋定見朝、辭朝、謝恩各官，俱常朝日行禮。帝御太和殿，引見畢，賜坐賜茶，悉准常儀。如是日不御殿，各官行禮午門外。外籓來朝暨貢使，亦常朝日行禮，如速返，則不拘朝期，即赴午門行禮，外官應速赴任者亦然。

Regular audience rites: After Taizu established the era in bingchen he grew more diligent, holding court every five days, burning incense, reporting to Heaven, and reading ancient exemplars and causes of rise and fall to instruct subjects—yet this was not yet permanent regulation. Early in Chongde protocol was fixed; the great guard was set out; princes and officials in court dress waited; music played. He entered the hall and ascended the throne; music ceased. Seats were granted; each minister by rank performed one kowtow and sat. When ministries and courts had reported the procession returned. In Shunzhi 9 Remonstrator Wei Xiangsu said: "Formerly there were new- and full-moon, early, late, inner, and outer audiences; even if we cannot match antiquity, let there be three audiences a month to fulfill striving to govern." Yang Huang also said: "The old rule was eleven audiences a month—too frequent; daily reporting is no less; let the 1st, 15th, and 25th be fixed for attendance." Thereupon viewing court on fives was fixed. Soon presentation, farewell, and gratitude audiences were fixed for regular audience days. The emperor entered the Hall of Supreme Harmony; after presentations seats and tea followed regular protocol. If he did not enter the hall that day, officials performed the rite outside the Meridian Gate. Outer audiences and tribute envoys used regular days; if they must return quickly they went at once to the Meridian Gate; outer officials hurrying to post likewise.

又定常朝御殿，王公入殿中旁坐如次。康熙八年，定公、侯、伯以下各官為六班，按次列坐，後復改為九班。九年，諭都察院糾察王大臣失儀。二十年，置常朝糾儀御史及司員。雍正二年，遣侍衛四人監察朝班，定視朝日天未明，鴻臚寺官二人引左右翼官入西掖門依班坐。鼓嚴，起立聽贊，自仗南引進，整齊班列，行禮如儀。乾隆初，敕大小各官依內廷官例，黎明坐班。十六年，諭部院大臣董率庶僚，常朝按期赴班，毋曠闕。

It was also fixed that at regular audiences princes sat in the hall beside the throne by rank. In Kangxi 8 nobles down to earls were six seated shifts; later nine shifts. In year 9 the Censorate was ordered to discipline princes and great ministers for lapses. In year 20 regular audience discipline censors and clerks were established. In Yongzheng 2 four guards supervised ranks; before dawn on audience days two Entertainments officers led wing officials through the western side gate to sit by rank. When the drum sounded they rose; from south of the guard they were led in, ranks aligned, and the rite performed. Early in Qianlong all officials were ordered to sit on duty at dawn by inner-court example. In year 16 great ministers were ordered to lead subordinates to attend regular audiences without absence.

光緒九年，更定朝制，凡新除授各官，鴻臚寺列銜名交內閣，屆日禮部尚書、鴻臚卿請駕御殿，導各官謝恩行禮，王公百官侍鹵簿後。不御殿，文武官則坐班午門外。其時刻，春冬以辰正，夏秋以卯正，遇雨雪及國忌則免。坐班日，鴻臚寺官按翼定位，王公集太和門外，東西各二班，百官集午門外，東西各九班，糾儀御史吏、禮司員各四人，分列班首末，並西面北上。屆時吏、禮司員受職名，糾儀官環班稽察，復位坐。有間，以次出。

In Guangxu 9 the system was revised: for new appointments the Entertainments Court listed titles to the Grand Secretariat; on the day the Minister of Rites and director requested the hall and led gratitude; princes and officials attended behind the guard. If he did not enter the hall, officials sat on duty outside the Meridian Gate. Hours: spring and winter at chen proper, summer and autumn at mao proper; rain, snow, or national mourning excused it. On sitting-duty days officers placed by wing; princes outside the Gate of Supreme Harmony in two ranks; officials outside the Meridian Gate in nine ranks; four discipline clerks at head and tail, facing west north-up. At the hour clerks received duty names; discipline officers circled ranks, inspected, and sat again. After a while they left in order.

御門聽政儀，清初定制，每日聽政，必御正門，九卿科道齊集啟奏，率以為常。雍正初，始定御門典禮，凡部院所進本有未經奉旨者，摺本下內閣，積若干，傳旨某日御門辦事。是日，乾清門正中設御榻、黼扆、本案一。黎明，部院奏事大臣暨陪奏官屬畢集庭內。帝升座，侍衛左右立，記注官升西階，部院官升東階，各就列跪，尚書前，侍郎後，陪奏官又後。尚書一人奉本匣折旋而進，詣本案前，跪陳於案，興，少退，趨東楹，轉入班首。跪，口奏某事，畢，興，少退，率屬循階左降。其奏事次序，戶、禮、兵、工四部輪班首上，三法司直第三班，吏部直第六班，宗人府則列部院前，翰詹科道及九卿會奏則居部院後，各依班進奏如初。至吏部奏事，兼帶領各部番直司員八人，引見畢，始退。內閣侍讀學士二人升東階，詣案前跪，舉本匣，興，退。翰詹科道暨侍衛俱退。時欽派讀本滿學士一人，奉摺本匣升東階，折旋而退，大學士從，依班次跪。記注官少進東鄉立，奉匣學士詣案前跪啟匣，取摺本依次啟奏，帝降旨宣答。大學士等承旨訖，興，自東階降，記注官自西階降。駕還宮。奏事時，令翰林官記注，自順治二年始。

Gate audience for hearing affairs: Early Qing fixed that daily hearing must be at the main gate; Nine Ministers and censors assembled to report—as constant practice. Early in Yongzheng gate audience canon was fixed: undecreed ministry memorials accumulated in the Grand Secretariat; when several piled up, an edict fixed a gate-audience day. That day at the center of the Gate of Heavenly Purity stood couch, screen, and main table. At dawn reporting ministers and attendants assembled in the courtyard. The emperor ascended; guards stood left and right; diarists on the western steps; ministry officials on the eastern steps knelt by rank—ministers before, vice-ministers after, attendants last. One minister carried the casket, turned to the main table, knelt and placed it, rose, withdrew, hurried to the eastern pillar, and entered the head of the rank. He knelt, reported the item, rose, withdrew, and led subordinates down the steps left. Order: Revenue, Rites, War, Works rotated lead; three judicial offices third shift; Personnel sixth; Imperial Clan before ministries; Hanlin, censors, and Nine Ministers' joint memorials after—each reporting as at first. When Personnel reported it also led eight rotating clerks; after presentations they withdrew. Two reader-academicians ascended the eastern steps, knelt before the table, lifted the casket, rose, and withdrew. Hanlin, censors, and guards withdrew. One appointed Manchu academician read folded memorials, bearing the casket up the eastern steps, turning and withdrawing; Grand Secretaries followed and knelt by rank. The diarist advanced facing east; the academician knelt, opened the casket, read folded memorials in order; the emperor replied. Grand Secretaries received edicts, rose, descended east; the diarist descended west. The procession returned. During reporting Hanlin were ordered to record—from Shunzhi 2.

先是奏事春夏以卯正，秋冬以辰初。康熙二十一年，命展御門晷刻，春夏改辰初，秋冬辰正。越二年，御史衛執蒲請以五日或二三日為期，聖祖諭：「政治務在精勤，始終不宜有間。」二十五年，置科道各二人侍班，列起居注官上。二十七年，省起居注官，其侍班翰林，令啟奏摺本時即退。雍正初，復設起居注官，增二人。又令編檢四人侍班，列科道上。乾隆二年，命修撰、編、檢依科道例，懸數珠，肅朝儀。嘉慶十八年，諭宣本承旨時，御前大臣及侍衛毋退，著為令。

Previously reporting was mao proper spring-summer, chen initial autumn-winter. In Kangxi 21 gate-audience hours were extended: spring-summer to chen initial, autumn-winter to chen proper. Two years later Censor Wei Zhipu asked five- or two-three-day intervals; Shengzu said: "Government requires precision and diligence throughout; there should be no interval." In year 25 two censors and remonstrators attended on duty above the diarists. In year 27 diarists were reduced; attending Hanlin withdrew when folded memorials were read. Early in Yongzheng diarists were restored and two added. Four compilers and revisers were ordered on duty above censors. In Qianlong 2 compilers and revisers wore prayer beads by censor example to keep decorum. In Jiaqing 18 an edict said that when reading memorials and receiving edicts, grand ministers and guards must not withdraw—made regulation.

太上皇帝三大節朝賀儀嘉慶元年，高宗傳位仁宗，尊為太上皇帝，定朝賀儀。屆日陳法駕、鹵簿、樂懸如授受儀，太和殿設三案，表亭舁至午門，慶賀表文陳東案，筆硯陳西案。質明，王公百官朝服，外國使臣服本國服，集闕下。皇帝禮服，俟保和殿暖閣。太上皇帝乘輿出，至太和殿北階降，中和韶樂作，奏元平章，御殿升座，樂止。帝殿內西鄉立，鳴鞭三，贊「排班」，丹陛大樂作，奏慶平章。帝就拜位，北鄉，時鴻臚官分引群臣暨外使肅班立，贊「進」，贊「跪，叩，興」。帝率群臣行三跪九叩禮。畢，帝旋位立，眾退，復班次，樂止。鳴鞭，中和韶樂作，奏和平章。太上皇帝還宮，樂止。帝御殿，群臣進錶行禮如儀。

Retired emperor three great festivals congratulatory audience: In Jiaqing 1 Gaozong abdicated to Renzong and was honored retired emperor; congratulatory rites were fixed. That day legal guard, escort, and music were as in transmission rites; three tables in the Hall of Supreme Harmony; the congratulatory pavilion at the Meridian Gate; text east, writing implements west. At dawn princes and officials in court dress; foreign envoys in national dress below the palace. The emperor in court dress waited in the warm pavilion of the Hall of Preserving Harmony. The retired emperor rode out and descended at the north steps; Zhonghe played Yuanping; he entered and ascended; music ceased. The emperor stood west inside; the whip thrice; "Form ranks"; Dandi played Qingping. The emperor at the kneeling place facing north; Entertainments led ministers and envoys; "Advance," then "Kneel, kowtow, rise." The emperor led ministers in three kneelings and nine kowtows. When finished the emperor stood again; the crowd re-formed ranks; music ceased. The whip sounded; Zhonghe played Heping. The retired emperor returned; music ceased. The emperor entered the hall; ministers presented memorials as prescribed.

太皇太后、皇太后、皇后三大節朝賀儀順治八年，定元旦慈寧宮階下設皇太后儀杖、樂器，皇太后御宮，樂作。升座，樂止。帝率內大臣、侍衛詣宮行三跪九叩禮。畢，公主、福晉以下，都統、子、尚書命婦以上，行六肅三跪三叩禮。作樂如初，大設筵宴。冬至、聖壽節同，唯冬至罷宴。康熙八年，定元日太皇太后、皇太后儀駕、中和韶樂、丹陛大樂全設。帝率王公大臣、侍衛暨都統、子、尚書以上官，先朝太皇太后宮，次詣皇太后宮，行禮如儀。畢，皇后率公主、福晉、命婦行禮亦如之。二十一年，諭京、外進表官集午門外行禮。尋置糾儀御史，分列宮門外、午門外儀駕末，嚴監視。

Grand empress dowager, empress dowager, and empress three great festivals: In Shunzhi 8 on New Year's Day staffs and instruments were set on Cining steps; the empress dowager entered; music played. She ascended; music ceased. The emperor led inner grand ministers and guards with three kneelings and nine kowtows. When finished, princesses and fujin down to commandants' wives of third rank performed six courtesies, three kneelings, and three kowtows. Music as before; a great banquet was set. Winter solstice and sacred longevity were the same; winter solstice omitted the banquet. In Kangxi 8 on New Year's Day full guard, Zhonghe, and Dandi music were all set. The emperor led princes, great ministers, guards, and officials of commandant rank and above first to the grand empress dowager, then the empress dowager, as prescribed. When finished the empress led princesses, fujin, and wives likewise. In year 21 memorial presenters within and without the capital assembled outside the Meridian Gate. Soon discipline censors stood outside palace gates and at the guard's end outside the Meridian Gate.

乾隆十二年，定慶賀皇太后許二品命婦入班，尋諭世爵朝賀增入男爵。嘉慶二十五年，諭值皇太后三大節，將軍、督、撫、提、鎮具表慶賀，罷遞黃摺祝文。道光元年元旦，大學士先進皇帝慶賀表文，帝始率群臣詣宮行禮。同治元年，皇太后、皇帝同御慈寧宮受賀，明年，改御養心殿。王、公、二品以上官，集慈寧門外，三品以下集午門外，朝鮮使臣列西班末，按班行禮，不贊。冬至、聖壽節同。唯遇大慶年，俟皇太后升殿後，增用宣表例。光緒二年，皇太后聖壽，皇帝親進表文，餘儀同。

In Qianlong 12 second-rank wives entered empress-dowager congratulations; soon ennobled males were added. In Jiaqing 25 on the empress dowager's three great festivals generals, governors, and commanders submitted memorials; yellow folded felicitations were discontinued. On Daoguang 1 New Year's Day Grand Secretaries first presented the emperor's memorial; then he led ministers to the palace. In Tongzhi 1 empress dowager and emperor received congratulations at Cining; next year they moved to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Second rank and above outside Cining Gate; third rank and below outside Meridian Gate; Korean envoys at western rank end; by rank without prompts. Winter solstice and sacred longevity were the same. Only in great celebration years, after the empress dowager ascended, proclaiming the memorial was added. In Guangxu 2 on the empress dowager's sacred birthday the emperor personally presented the memorial; the rest was the same.

皇后向無受群臣賀儀，順治間，定元旦慶賀，儀仗全設。皇后詣皇太后宮行禮畢，還宮，自公主及命婦俱詣皇后宮朝賀。冬至、千秋節同。康熙時，定皇后先詣太皇太后宮，次皇太后宮行禮，還宮升座，自公主迄鎮國將軍夫人，公、侯迄尚書命婦，咸朝服行禮。雍正六年，始令皇后千秋節王公百官咸蟒袍補服，後准此行。攝六宮事皇貴妃千秋節，儀同皇后。

The empress had no rite of receiving ministers' congratulations; in Shunzhi New Year's congratulations used full guard. After rites at the empress dowager's she returned; princesses and wives all congratulated at the empress's palace. Winter solstice and longevity festival were the same. In Kangxi the empress first visited grand empress dowager, then empress dowager, returned and ascended; princesses down to commandants' wives and dukes' down to ministers' wives in court dress performed the rite. In Yongzheng 6 on the empress's longevity festival princes and officials wore python robes and rank badges; later made constant. For the noble consort administering the six palaces, longevity rites matched the empress's.

大宴儀凡國家例宴，禮部主辦，光祿寺供置，精膳司部署之。建元定鼎宴，崇德初，太宗改元建號，設宴篤恭殿。順治元年，定鼎燕京，設筵宴、設寶座皇極門正中，帝升座，賜百官坐，賜茶、進酒，俱一跪一叩。宴畢謝恩如初禮。是日賜宴，有內監數輩先行拜舞，諭：「朝賀大典，內監不得沿明制入班行禮。」裁抑宦官自此舉始。

Grand banquet rites: Statutory banquets were led by the Ministry of Rites, supplied by the Court of Imperial Entertainments, deployed by Fine Foods. Capital-fixing banquet: Early in Chongde when Taizong changed era and state, a banquet was set in the Palace of Respect and Reverence. In Shunzhi 1 when Yanjing was fixed, a throne stood at Huangji Gate center; the emperor ascended; seats, tea, and wine were granted—each one kneeling and one kowtow. When finished gratitude followed the first rite. That day several eunuchs bowed and danced first; an edict said: "At the great congratulation eunuchs must not follow Ming practice and enter the ranks." Restraining eunuchs began with this.

元日宴，崇德初，定制，設宴崇政殿，王、貝勒、貝子、公等各進筵食牲酒，外籓王、貝勒亦如之。順治十年，令親王、世子、郡王暨外籓王、貝勒各進牲酒，不足，光祿寺益之，御筵則尚膳監供備。康熙十三年罷，越數歲復故。二十三年，改燔炙為餚羹，去銀器，王以下進餚羹筵席有差。

New Year's banquet: Early Chongde banquets in the Chongzheng Hall; princes, beile, beizi, and dukes presented feast meat and wine; outer princes likewise. In Shunzhi 10 princes, imperial sons, commandery princes, and outer princes each presented meat and wine; Fine Foods supplemented shortfalls; the imperial table by the Kitchen Directorate. Discontinued in Kangxi 13; after several years restored. In year 23 roasting became stew; silver removed; graded stew tables for princes down.

雍正四年，定元旦宴儀，是日巳刻，內外王、公、台吉等朝服集太和門，文武各官集午門。設御筵寶座前，內大臣、內務府大臣、禮部、理籓院長官視設席。丹陛上張黃幔，陳金器其下，鹵簿後張青幔，設諸席。鴻臚寺官引百官入，理籓院官引外籓王公入。帝御太和殿，升座，中和韶樂作，王大臣就殿內，文三品、武二品以上官就丹陛上，餘就青幔下，俱一叩，坐。賜茶，丹陛大樂作，王以下就坐次跪，復一叩。帝飲茶畢，侍衛授王大臣茶，光祿官授群臣茶，復就坐次一叩。飲畢，又一叩，樂止。展席冪，掌儀司官分執壺、爵、金卮，大樂作，群臣起。掌儀司官舉壺實酒於爵，進爵大臣趨跪，則皆跪。掌儀司官授大臣爵，大臣升自中陛，至御前跪進酒。興，自右陛降，復位，一叩，群臣皆叩。大臣興，復自右陛升，跪受爵，復位，跪。掌儀司官受虛爵退，舉卮實酒，承旨賜進爵大臣酒。王以下起立，掌儀司官立授卮，大臣跪受爵，一叩，飲畢，俟受爵者退，復一叩，興，就坐位，群臣皆坐。樂止，帝進饌。中和清樂作，分給各筵食品，酒各一卮，如授茶儀。樂止，蒙古樂歌進。畢，滿舞大臣進，滿舞上壽。對舞更進，樂歌和之。瓦爾喀氏舞起，蒙古樂歌和之，隊舞更進。每退俱一叩。雜戲畢陳。訖，群臣三叩。大樂作，鳴鞭，韶樂作，駕還宮。

In Yongzheng 4 New Year's protocol was fixed; at si hour princes and taiji at the Gate of Supreme Harmony; officials at the Meridian Gate. Imperial table before the throne; inner grand ministers and Rites and Domains chiefs oversaw seats. Yellow canopy on the red steps with gold below; green canopy and other seats behind the guard. Entertainments led officials in; Domains led outer princes in. The emperor entered and ascended; Zhonghe played; great ministers inside; civil third and military second on red steps; rest under green canopy—one kowtow and sit. Tea granted; Dandi played; princes knelt at seats and kowtowed again. When the emperor finished tea, guards and Entertainments served great ministers and officials; they kowtowed again at seats. When drinking finished, again one kowtow; music ceased. Covers spread; ceremonial officers held pots, cups, and goblets; grand music; ministers rose. Officers filled cups; when the advancing minister knelt, all knelt. Officers handed the cup; the great minister ascended central steps, knelt, and presented wine. He rose, descended right, returned, one kowtow; all kowtowed. He rose, ascended right again, knelt to receive the cup, returned, and knelt. Officers took the empty cup; raised the goblet and by edict granted wine to the presenter. Princes rose; officers handed goblets; the great minister knelt, kowtowed, drank, kowtowed again, rose, and sat; all sat. Music ceased; the emperor ate. Zhonghe clear music; food and one goblet per table as with tea. Music ceased; Mongol music entered. Manchu dance ministers advanced; Manchu dance offered longevity. Facing dance advanced; music harmonized. Waljarka dance rose; Mongol music harmonized; rank dance advanced again. Each withdrawal one kowtow. Miscellaneous entertainments followed. When finished ministers performed three kowtows. Grand music; the whip; Shao music; return to the palace.

冬至宴，順治間制定如元旦儀，後往往停罷。元會宴，凡元正朝會，歲有常經，遇萬壽正慶，或十年國慶，特行宴禮。乾隆三十五年、五十五年，聖制元會作歌，宴儀如前。惟行酒後，慶隆舞進，司章歌作，司舞飾面具，乘禺馬，進揚烈舞。司弦箏阮節抃者，以次奏技。喜起舞，大臣入，行三叩禮，循歌聲按隊起舞，歌闋，笳吹進，番部合奏進，內府官引朝鮮俳，回部、金川番童陳百戲，為稍異耳。

Winter solstice banquet: Fixed in Shunzhi like New Year's; afterward often suspended. New Year assembly banquet: The New Year court has its annual constant; major Longevity or ten-year national celebrations add a special banquet. In Qianlong 35 and 55 the emperor composed New Year assembly songs; banquet protocol unchanged. After wine the Qinglong dance entered; the Director of Seals sang; masked dancers on fish-dragon mounts advanced the Yanglie dance. Zither, pipa, and clapper players performed in turn. Xilai dance: ministers entered, three kowtows, danced by ranks to the song; then horns, frontier ensembles, Korean players, Turkestani and Jinchuan children presented entertainments—slightly different.

千秋宴，為康熙五十二年創典，設暢春園。凡直省現官、致仕漢員暨士庶等，年六十五以上至九十者咸與。遣子孫、宗室執爵授飲，分給食品，諭毋起立，以示優崇。乾隆五十年，設宴乾清宮，自王、公訖內、外文、武大臣暨致仕大臣、官員、紳士、兵卒、耆農、工商與夫外籓王、公、台吉，回部、番部土官、土舍，朝鮮陪臣，齒逾六十者，凡三千餘人。其大臣七十以上，餘九十以上者，子孫得扶掖入宴。年最高者，如百五歲司業銜郭鍾岳等，得隨一品大臣同趨黼座，親與賜觴。宴罷，頒賞珍物有差。嘉慶初元再舉，設宴皇極殿，與宴者三千五十六人，邀賞者五千人。上自榑槐，下逮袀襏，以至蒙、回、番部、朝鮮、安南、暹羅、廓爾喀陪價，略其年甲，咸集丹墀，誠盛典也。

Longevity banquet for the aged: Created Kangxi 52 at the Garden of Exuberant Spring. Incumbent direct-province officials, retired Han officials, and commoners aged sixty-five to ninety were included. Sons, grandsons, and clansmen held cups; food was distributed; they were told not to rise—in honor. In Qianlong 50 a banquet at the Palace of Heavenly Purity included princes through merchants, frontier chiefs, and Korean attendants over sixty—more than three thousand. Ministers over seventy and others over ninety could be supported by sons and grandsons. The oldest, such as Guo Zhongyue at one hundred five, approached the throne with first-rank ministers and received cups in person. When finished treasured gifts were bestowed by grade. At Jiaqing's beginning it was held again at the Hall of Imperial Supremacy; 3,056 attended; 5,000 received gifts. From high to low, Mongol, Muslim, frontier, Korean, Annamese, Siamese, and Gurkha attendants without age limit—all in the courtyard; a great ceremony.

大婚宴，順治八年，大婚禮成，設宴如元旦儀。並進皇太后筵席牲酒，嗣後仿此。

Grand wedding banquet: In Shunzhi 8 after the grand wedding a banquet like New Year's was set. The empress dowager's banquet meat and wine were also presented; afterward likewise.

耕耤宴，順治十一年舉行，命曰「勞酒」。

Ploughing and silk banquet: Shunzhi 11; called "reward wine."

凱旋宴，自崇德七年始。順治十三年定制，凡凱旋陛見獲賜宴。乾隆中，定金川，宴瀛台；定回部，宴豐澤園；及平兩金川，錫宴紫光閣。其時所俘番童有習鍋莊及甲斯魯者，番神儺戲，亦命陳宴次，後以為常。道光八年，回疆奠定，錫宴正大光明殿，是日大將奉觴上壽，帝親賜酒，命侍衛頒從征大臣酒，餘如常儀。

Triumph banquet: From Chongde 7. Fixed Shunzhi 13: after triumph audience a banquet was granted. In mid-Qianlong, when Jinchuan was pacified, a banquet at the Ocean Terrace; when Turkestan was pacified, at Fengze Garden; when both Jinchuan were pacified, at the Hall of Purple Splendor. Captured frontier children who knew Guozhuang, Asilu, and spirit-mask plays were ordered at the banquet; afterward constant. In Daoguang 8 when Turkestan was settled a banquet at the Hall of Great Light; the commander offered longevity; the emperor granted wine and guards served expedition ministers; rest as usual.

宗室宴，乾隆十一年，設宴瀛台，賜宗室王公，遵旨長幼列坐，行家人禮，並引至淑清院流杯亭遊覽，賜酒果。四十八年，設宴乾清宮，命皇子、王、公等暨三、四品頂戴宗室千三百有八人入宴。其因事未與宴者咸與賞，都凡二千人。嘉慶九年，設筵惇敘殿，略同瀛台宴。

Imperial clan banquet: Qianlong 11 at the Ocean Terrace; elders and juniors by age with family rites; also the Floating Cup Pavilion with wine and fruit. Year 48 at the Palace of Heavenly Purity: princes, dukes, and third- and fourth-rank clansmen—1,308 entered. Absentees received gifts; in all two thousand. Jiaqing 9 at the Hall of Cordial Kinship; like the Ocean Terrace banquet.

外籓宴，歲除日設保和殿，賜蒙古王、公等，凡就位、進茶、饌爵、行酒、樂舞、謝恩，並如元會儀。其來朝進貢，送親入覲，或御賜恩宴，或宴禮部，取旨供備。至諸國朝貢，如朝鮮、安南、琉球、荷蘭遣使來京，亦有例宴。乾隆間，緬甸使臣陪宴萬樹園，以其國樂器五種合奏。厥後凡遇筵宴，備陳准部、回部、安南、緬甸、廓爾喀樂。

Outer-domain banquet: New Year's Eve at the Hall of Preserving Harmony for Mongol princes and dukes; seats, tea, food, wine, music, dance, and gratitude as New Year assembly. For tribute audiences, escorting kin, imperial grace banquets, or Ministry of Rites banquets—supply followed edict. Korea, Annam, Ryukyu, and Holland envoys also had statutory banquets. In Qianlong Burmese envoys banqueted at the Garden of Ten Thousand Trees with five national instruments. Thereafter Zunbu, Turkestan, Annam, Burma, and Gurkha music was provided.

又順治中，定制鄉試宴順天府，會試及進士傳臚宴禮部。餘如臨雍、經筵、修書、初舉日講、臨幸翰林院、繕寫神牌，亦賜宴如例。衍聖公、正一真人來朝，纂實錄、會典皆於禮部設宴雲。

Also in Shunzhi: provincial banquet at Shuntian, metropolitan and palace banquets at the Ministry of Rites. Lecturing at the Academy, classics lecture, compilation, first lecture, Hanlin visit, and spirit-tablet copying also had banquets by precedent. When the Duke of Continuing Sage and the True One of Orthodox Unity came, or veritable records and codes were finished—banquets at the Ministry of Rites.

上尊號徽號儀清初太祖、太宗建元，群臣皆上尊號，其禮即登極儀也。康熙中，臣民合辭擬上尊號。至六旬聖壽，復籥請。聖祖諭言無裨治道，皆不允行。迄高宗敉定邊陲，王大臣猶以上尊號請，亦未俞納。惟新君踐阼，奉母后為皇太后、皇太后為太皇太后，則上尊號。國家行大慶，則上徽號，或二字、或四字，遞進以致推崇。

Honorific and emblem title rites: Early Qing Taizu and Taizong eras had ministers offer honorific titles—the enthronement rite. In Kangxi subjects jointly drafted an honorific title. At the sixtieth sacred birthday they memorialized again. Shengzu said it did not benefit governance and refused. When Gaozong pacified the frontiers, great ministers still requested; he also refused. Only when a new ruler made his mother empress dowager and the empress dowager grand empress dowager was an honorific bestowed. At great state celebrations an emblem title was bestowed—two or four characters in succession.

順治八年，上孝庄皇后尊號，其徽號曰「昭聖慈壽」。先期祭告，帝躬上奏書。屆期太和殿陳皇帝法駕，慈寧宮陳皇太后儀駕，供設咸備。王公集太和門，大臣集右翼門，各官集午門，分翼立。帝升殿，中和韶樂作，奏海上蟠桃章，帝閱冊、寶畢，執事官分置亭內，鑾儀校舁行，前冊亭，後寶亭。帝率群臣從駕至慈寧門，入宮立陛東，禮部侍郎、內閣學士奉冊、寶入，大學士奉宣讀冊、寶文入，侍立左旁，帝就拜位，王公百官依班位序立。皇太后御宮，中和韶樂作，奏豫平章，升座，樂止。贊「跪」，帝率群臣跪。奏「進冊」，大學士右旁跪進，興，退，帝受冊，恭獻，大學士左旁跪接，興，陳中案。奏「進寶」，如前儀。贊「宣冊」，宣冊官至案前北面跪，啟函宣讀訖，仍納之，興，退。贊「宣寶」同，仍置原案。女官四人舉案陳宮階上。丹陛大樂作，奏益平章，帝率群臣三跪九叩。午門外各官承傳隨班行禮。禮成，皇太后起座，中和韶樂作，奏履平章，還宮。皇后率六宮、公主以下詣宮慶賀。翼日，帝御太和殿，王公百官上表慶賀，頒詔如制。是歲大婚禮成，加上徽號禮亦如之。

In Shunzhi 8 Empress Xiaozhuang's honorific was bestowed; the emblem was "Brilliant Sage, Kind, and Long-lived." Beforehand reports were made; the emperor personally presented the memorial. That day the emperor's guard at the Hall of Supreme Harmony; the empress dowager's at Cining; offerings prepared. Princes at the Gate of Supreme Harmony; great ministers at the Right Wing Gate; officials at the Meridian Gate by wing. The emperor ascended; Zhonghe played Sea-Pacing Peach; after reviewing patent and seal, officiators placed them in pavilions; guards carried—patent first, seal after. The emperor led ministers to Cining, stood east of the steps; a vice minister and academician carried patent and seal in; Grand Secretaries read texts at the left; the emperor at the kneeling place; princes and officials by rank. The empress dowager entered; Zhonghe played Yuping; she ascended; music ceased. The herald called "Kneel"; the emperor led ministers in kneeling. Music: "Present the patent"; the Grand Secretary presented from the right; the emperor received and offered it; the Grand Secretary received from the left and placed it on the central table. Music: "Present the seal"—the same. The herald: "Proclaim the patent"; the officer knelt, opened the case, read, returned it, and withdrew. The herald: "Proclaim the seal"—the same; replaced on the original table. Four female officers lifted the table to the palace steps. Dandi played Yiping; the emperor led ministers in three kneelings and nine kowtows. Officials outside the Meridian Gate followed by relay. When complete the empress dowager rose; Zhonghe played Lüping; she returned. The empress led the six palaces and princesses to congratulate. Next day the emperor entered the Hall of Supreme Harmony; princes and officials congratulated; an edict promulgated. That year after the grand wedding, adding an emblem title followed the same rite.

康熙初元，加上徽號，時以諒陰，不奏書，不行禮，不朝賀。凡大婚、親政、冊立皇后、武功告成、皇太后大慶、上徽號並如常儀。

In Kangxi's first year an emblem title was added; in mourning for the father, no memorial, rite, or congratulations. Grand wedding, personal rule, empress investiture, military success, empress dowager celebrations, and emblem titles followed regular protocol.

乾隆四十一年，金川平，上徽號，皇太后諭帝春秋高，不宜過勞，令豫陳冊寶，至時行禮，罷宣讀表文，後仿此。

In Qianlong 41 when Jinchuan was pacified an emblem was bestowed; the empress dowager said the emperor should not overwork; patent and seal were prepared beforehand; proclaiming the memorial discontinued; afterward followed.

道光九年，平回疆，上皇太后徽號，緬甸國王遣使進金葉賀表，緬王進表自此始。

In Daoguang 9 when Turkestan was pacified an emblem for the empress dowager; Burma's king sent golden-leaf congratulations—Burmese royal memorials began here.

尊封太妃進冊寶如前儀，唯內監舉案陳太妃座前，帝行禮，太妃起避立座旁。次日御殿受賀同。若遣官將事，禮部尚書朝服詣內閣，冊寶舁出，偕大學士送之，至宮門外，內監入獻太妃、太嬪，受訖，禮成。冊寶初制用金，康、乾時兼用嘉玉，道光後專以玉為之。凡尊封皇貴妃、貴太嬪，並用冊寶，太妃用冊印，太嬪用冊。

Ennobling grand consort followed former protocol; eunuchs placed the table before her seat; the emperor performed the rite; she stood aside. Next day receiving congratulations in the hall was the same. If officers were dispatched, the Minister of Rites in court dress fetched patent and seal from the Grand Secretariat and sent them to the gate; eunuchs presented to grand consort and grand concubine. Patents and seals were originally gold; Kangxi and Qianlong also used jade; after Daoguang only jade. Imperial noble consort and noble grand concubine used patent and seal; grand consort patent and stamp; grand concubine patent only.

冊立中宮儀崇德初元，孝端文皇后以嫡妃正位中宮，始行冊立禮。是日設黃幄清寧宮前，幄內陳黃案，其東冊寶案。王公百官集崇政殿，皇帝御殿閱冊寶。正、副使二人持節，執事官舉冊寶至黃幄前，皇后出迎。使者奉冊寶陳案上，西鄉立，宣讀冊文，具滿、蒙、漢三體，以次授右女官，女官跪接獻皇后，後以次跪受，轉授左女官，亦跪接，陳黃案。次宣寶、受寶亦如之。使者出，覆命，皇后率公主、福晉、命婦至崇政殿御前六肅三跪三叩。畢，還宮升座，妃率公主等行禮，王公百官上表慶賀，賜宴如常儀。

Investiture of the empress: Early Chongde the principal consort took the central palace and investiture began. That day a yellow canopy before Pure Tranquility; within, a yellow table; east, patent and seal tables. Princes and officials at the Chongzheng Hall; the emperor reviewed patent and seal. Principal and deputy envoys held staffs; officiators carried patent and seal; the empress welcomed. Envoys placed patent and seal west; trilingual text read; right female officer received and presented; the empress knelt to receive and handed left; placed on the yellow table. The seal was proclaimed and received likewise. Envoys reported; the empress led princesses, fujin, and wives to the emperor with six courtesies, three kneelings, and three kowtows. She returned and ascended; consorts led princesses; princes and officials congratulated; banquet as usual.

康熙十六年，冊立孝昭仁皇后，前期補行納采、大徵如大婚禮。親詣奉先殿告祭，天地、太廟後殿則遣官祭告。至日設節案太和殿中，東西肆；左右各設案一，南北肆。帝御殿閱冊寶，王公百官序立，正、副使立丹陛上，北鄉，宣制官立殿中門左。宣制曰：「某年月日，冊立妃某氏為皇后，命卿等持節行禮。」於是正、副使持節前行，校尉舁冊寶亭出協和門，至景運門，以冊寶節授內監，奉至宮門，皇后迎受。行禮畢，內監出，還節使者，使者覆命，帝率群臣詣太皇太后、皇太后宮行禮。翼日，皇后禮服詣兩宮及帝座前行禮。

In Kangxi 16 investiture of the Filial and Manifest Benevolent Empress supplemented betrothal and grand gift like grand wedding. The emperor reported at the Ancestral Temple; Heaven, Earth, and Grand Temple rear hall by dispatched officers. That day a staff table center of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, east and west; left and right one table each, north and south. The emperor reviewed patent and seal; princes and officials in order; envoys on red steps north; proclaiming officer left of central gate. The proclamation: "On such a date, Consort So-and-so is invested empress; hold the staff and perform the rite." Envoys advanced; guards carried the pavilion to Jingyun Gate; eunuchs carried patent, seal, and staff; the empress welcomed. When finished eunuchs returned the staff; envoys reported; the emperor led ministers to both empresses dowager. Next day the empress in court dress performed rites before both palaces and the throne.

乾隆二年，冊立孝賢純皇后，如常儀。命頒詔，著為家法。

In Qianlong 2 investiture of the Filial and Worthy Pure Empress followed regular protocol. An edict was promulgated and made household law.

嘉慶元年，立孝淑睿皇后，冊命日，會太上皇帝千秋宴訖還宮，帝、後詣前行禮。帝御殿，正、副使持節，禮成，先詣太上皇宮門前覆命，餘如常儀。

In Jiaqing 1 on the patent day, after the retired emperor's longevity banquet, the emperor and empress performed the rite before him. The emperor entered the hall; envoys held staffs; when finished they first reported at the retired emperor's gate; rest as usual.

冊封妃、嬪，亦自崇德初元始，四妃同日受封，屆時命使持節冊封如禮。妃等率公主、福晉、命婦詣帝前六肅三跪三叩，後前亦如之，妃前則行四肅二跪二叩，妃等相對各二肅一跪一叩。康熙時，貴妃、七嬪與中宮同日封，諸嬪有冊無寶。乾隆十三年，定皇妃攝六宮事，體制宜崇，祭告如冊中宮儀。次日朝皇太后，拜跪甬路左旁。道光三年，諭嗣後封嬪罷祭告，即與妃同日受封亦然，著為令。

Investiture of consorts and concubines began early Chongde; four consorts same day; envoys with staffs by protocol. Consorts led wives to the emperor with six courtesies, three kneelings, three kowtows; before the empress likewise; before a consort four courtesies, two kneelings, two kowtows; consorts to each other two courtesies, one kneeling, one kowtow. In Kangxi noble consort and seven pin were ennobled with the empress; lesser consorts had patents without seals. In Qianlong 13 when the imperial consort administered six palaces, reports matched empress investiture. Next day audience at empress dowager; bowing left of the central path. In Daoguang 3 ennobling pin discontinued reports; even same-day with consorts—made regulation.

冊立皇太子儀康熙十四年，立嫡子允礽為皇太子，先期祭告，玉帛香版，皆皇帝躬視。屆日御殿傳制，與冊立中宮同。正使授冊，副使授寶。行禮畢，正、副使覆命。帝率皇太子祭告奉先殿，皇太子拜褥敷檻外，並詣帝、後宮行禮。翼日，帝御殿受賀、頒詔如常儀。王公進箋皇太子前致慶，皇太子詣武英殿與親、郡王等行禮。外省文武官並箋賀如儀。

Crown prince investiture: Kangxi 14 Yunreng invested; beforehand reports; jade, silk, and incense personally viewed by the emperor. That day he entered the hall and transmitted the decree—as for empress investiture. Principal envoy presented patent; deputy presented seal. When finished principal and deputy envoys reported. The emperor led the crown prince to the Ancestral Temple; kneeling cushion outside the railing; also before emperor and empress. Next day the emperor received congratulations and promulgated an edict as usual. Princes felicitated before the crown prince; he went to the Hall of Military Glory with princes. Outer-province civil and military officials felicitated by memorial as prescribed.

遇太子千秋節，太子先詣奉先殿致祭，隨詣皇帝前行禮，還毓慶宮，旋御惇本殿受賀。王公百官二跪六叩，畢，還宮，群臣退。

On his longevity festival he reported at the Ancestral Temple, performed before the emperor, returned to Cultivation of Youth, then Secure the Root for congratulations. Princes and officials two kneelings and six kowtows; when finished he returned; ministers withdrew.

厥後允礽廢立，迄晚年儲位未定。五十年後，大學士王掞七上密疏，請建國本，六十年，復申前請，觸聖怒。至乾、嘉後，始明宣不立儲貳諭旨，開國固未嘗有也。

Afterward Yunreng was deposed and restored; to old age the heir was unsettled. Fifty years later Wang Yan seven secret memorials for an heir; in year 60 he repeated and provoked anger. From Qianlong and Jiaqing edicts declared no heir apparent—the founding never had it.

冊封諸王儀崇德元年，定冊封日，王、貝勒序立崇政殿前，內院官奉制冊、印陳於案，俟旨授封。諸王等皆跪，宣冊官、奉冊官並立案東，次第宣畢，奉冊、印授諸王等。王等祗受，轉授從官，復位。禮畢，隨奉冊官赴清寧宮，詣帝、後前行禮，三跪九叩。遂出大清門，諸王等互賀，俱二跪六叩。還邸，福晉、夫人各行慶賀。府僚致賀諸王，二跪六叩，貝勒僚屬一跪三叩。

Investiture of princes: Chongde 1 investiture day fixed; princes and beile before Chongzheng Hall; Inner Court placed patent and seal awaiting decree. All knelt; proclaiming officers east of the table; when read they presented patent and seal. Princes received, handed to attendants, and returned. When finished they followed to Pure Tranquility and performed three kneelings and nine kowtows before emperor and empress. Then out Daqing Gate princes congratulated each other—two kneelings and six kowtows. At residence fujin and wives congratulated; staff to princes two kneelings six kowtows; beile staff one kneeling three kowtows. Staff congratulated princes—two kneelings and six kowtows; a beile's staff one kneeling and three kowtows.

康熙十二年定制，凡冊封，簡正、副使二人，前一日，殿堂上設節案，香案，冊寶案，堂前儀衛、樂懸備陳。屆期，正、副使詣太和殿奉節出，校尉舁冊寶亭赴王府，王率府僚跪迎門外。正、副使奉冊寶節分陳各案，立節案東，王立案西。行禮畢，王詣香案前跪，聽宣制冊，使者授冊寶，王祗受，復位，行禮如初。使者奉節覆命，王率府僚跪送，迎送俱用樂。封親王曰寶，郡王曰印，貝勒有制冊無印。行禮謝恩並同。初制，封親王世子用金冊，郡王鍍金銀冊，貝勒授誥命，旋改用紙制冊。咸豐十年，諭冊封親王用銀質鍍金，以恭親王奕訢王爵世襲，仍制金冊。

Kangxi 12: each investiture chose principal and deputy envoys; the day before staff, incense, and patent tables; guard and music before the hall. That day envoys received staffs at the Hall of Supreme Harmony; guards carried the pavilion to the residence; the prince knelt outside the gate. Envoys placed patent, seal, and staff on tables; stood east of the staff table; the prince stood west. When finished the prince knelt at the incense table, heard the patent, received patent and seal, returned, and performed as before. The envoy returned the staff; the prince escorted kneeling; welcome and send-off with music. A commandery prince received a seal, his son an imprint; a beile had a patent without imprint. Rite, gratitude, and report were the same. Originally an imperial prince's son received a gold patent, a commandery prince gilded silver, a beile an edict—soon paper patents. In Xianfeng 10 commandery princes used silver gilded with gold; Prince Gong Yixin's hereditary title still received a gold patent.

冊封公主，封使至，公主率侍女迎儀門右，使者奉制冊入，陳門前黃案上，移置堂前幄內。公主升西階，六肅三跪三叩，宣訖，授侍女，公主跪受，行禮如初。使者覆命，仍送儀門外。是日帝升殿，公主至御前，次入後宮，並六肅三跪三叩。又次詣諸妃前，各四肅二跪二叩，還府，府屬慶賀，餘如封親王儀。凡固倫公主、和碩公主，同輩者封長公主，長者封大長公主，並給金冊雲。

Investiture of princesses: When the envoy arrived the princess welcomed right of the ceremonial gate; the envoy placed the patent on the yellow table and moved it into the hall canopy. The princess ascended the western steps with six courtesies, three kneelings, and three kowtows; when the reading was finished she gave it to a maid; she knelt to receive and performed the rite as before. The envoy reported and escorted outside the ceremonial gate. That day the emperor ascended the hall; the princess came before the throne, then the inner palace—each with six courtesies, three kneelings, and three kowtows. Next she went before each consort with four courtesies, two kneelings, and two kowtows; at the residence the household staff congratulated; the rest like commandery prince investiture. For all gulun and heshuo princesses, peers were ennobled chief princess and elders chief grand princess, and all were granted gold patents.

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