1
禮十三 〈（嘉禮一）〉 ○上尊號儀高宗內禪儀上皇太后皇太妃冊寶儀
Rites 13 (Auspicious Rites 1) ○ Ceremonies for conferring honorific titles, for Gaozong's abdication, and for presenting seals and regalia to the empress dowager and imperial consort dowager
2
舊史以飲食、婚冠、賓射、饗宴、脤膰、慶賀之禮為嘉禮，又以歲時朝會、養老、宣赦、拜表、臨軒命官附之，今依《政和禮》，分朝會為賓禮，餘如其舊雲。
Earlier histories classified the rites of dining, capping and marriage, guest archery, banquets, offerings of raw and cooked meat, and congratulatory celebrations as auspicious rites, and grouped with them seasonal court assemblies, honoring the aged, amnesty proclamations, memorial presentations, and appointments made at the imperial audience. Following the 《Zhenghe Rites》, court assemblies are now classified as guest rites; the remainder are treated as before.
3
尊號之典，唐始載於禮官。 宋每大祀，群臣詣東上閣門，拜表請上尊號，或三上，或五上，多謙抑弗許。 如允所請，即奏命大臣撰冊文及書冊寶。 其受冊多用祀禮畢日，禦正殿行禮，禮畢，有司以冊寶詣閣門奉進入內。 建隆四年，群臣三上表上尊號，詔俟郊畢受冊。 前三日，遣官奏告天地、宗廟、社稷，遂為定制。
The institution of honorific titles was first entered in the rites offices under the Tang. Under the Song, at each major state sacrifice ministers would go to the Eastern Upper Gatehouse and submit memorials asking that an honorific title be conferred—sometimes three submissions, sometimes five—and the emperor would most often decline out of modesty. If the request was accepted, the court would order senior ministers to draft the patent text and inscribe the patent and imperial seal. Receipt of the patent usually took place on the day the sacrificial rites concluded. The emperor would proceed to the main hall to perform the ceremony; when it ended, the responsible offices carried the patent and seal to the gatehouse and presented them for entry into the inner palace. In Jianlong 4, 963, the ministers submitted three memorials requesting an honorific title; an edict ordered that the patent be received after the suburban sacrifice was completed. Three days beforehand, officials were dispatched to report to Heaven and Earth, the ancestral temples, and the altars of soil and grain; this thereafter became standard practice.
4
其儀：有司宿設崇元殿仗衛，文武百官並集朝堂之次，攝太尉奉冊於案，吏部侍郎一員押，司徒奉寶於案，禮部侍郎一員押，以五品、六品清資官充舉冊、舉寶官，皆承之以匣，覆之以帕，俱詣殿門外之東、太尉之前。 大樂令帥工人入就位，諸侍衛官及宰執、兩製、供奉官等立於殿階下香案前左右，如常入閣儀。 侍中奏中嚴外辦，所司承旨索扇，扇上，皇帝袞冕，禦輿出自西房，樂作，即御坐，扇開，樂止。 符寶郎奉寶如常儀，禮直官、通事舍人分引太尉以下文武群官應北面位者，各就橫行位，太常卿於冊案前導至丹墀西階上少東，北向置訖。 太尉、司徒、吏部禮部侍郎各入本班立定，典儀讚百官再拜舞蹈，三稱萬歲，又再拜起居訖，又再拜，分班序立。 禮直官引太常卿隨行，吏部侍郎押冊案以次序行，太尉從之，禮部侍郎次押寶案行，司徒從之，詣西階，至解劍褥位。 其讀冊中書令、讀寶侍中，候冊案將至，先升於前楹間第一柱北對立。 太尉解劍、脫舄訖，吏部侍郎押冊案先升，太尉從升，當御坐前。 太尉搢笏，北面奉冊案稍前跪置訖，俯伏，興，少退，東向立； 中書令進當冊案前，讀冊訖，俯伏，興，又搢笏，奉冊於褥，東向冊函，北向進跪置御坐前，與舉冊官降還侍立位，太尉亦降，納舄、帶劍。 禮部侍郎押寶案升，司徒隨升，北面跪置，侍中讀寶訖，置冊之南，俱復位，其納舄、帶劍、俯伏，一如上儀。 典儀讚在位官皆再拜，禮直官、通事舍人引太尉至西階下，解劍、舄升，當御坐前跪賀， 〈（其詞中書門下撰。）〉 賀訖復位，皆再拜，如讀冊寶儀。 侍中升至御坐前承旨，退，臨階西向稱“有制”，典儀讚再拜訖，宣曰：“朕以鴻儀昭舉，保命會昌，迫於群情，祗膺顯號。 退循寡昧，惕懼增深。 所賀知。 ”宣訖復位，典儀讚再拜舞蹈，三稱萬歲，又再拜訖。 侍中升階奏禮畢，降復位，扇上，樂作，帝降坐，禦輿入自東房，扇開，樂止。 侍中版奏解嚴，中書侍郎帥奉案官升殿，跪奉冊置於案，次門下侍郎奉寶如奉冊禮，通事舍人讚引詣東上閣門狀進，所司承旨放仗，百官再拜訖，退如常儀。 自後受冊皆如之。 禮畢，賜百官食於朝堂。
The procedure was as follows. The relevant offices set up the guard of honor at Chongyuan Hall overnight. Civil and military officials assembled in the outer court. The acting Grand Commandant placed the patent on a table, escorted by a vice minister of the Ministry of Personnel; the Minister of Education placed the imperial seal on a table, escorted by a vice minister of the Ministry of Rites. Fifth- and sixth-rank officials of pure qualification served as patent-bearers and seal-bearers, each carrying the object in a case covered with cloth. All proceeded to the east side of the hall gate, before the Grand Commandant. The Director of Great Music led the musicians to their stations. Guard officers, chief ministers, Hanlin academicians, and attendance officials took their places to the left and right of the incense table below the hall steps, following the usual privy-council entry ceremony. The Palace Attendant announced that the inner vigil was complete and outer preparations ready. On imperial order the attendants raised the fans. The emperor, in full ceremonial regalia, emerged in the imperial carriage from the west chamber to music, took the throne, and when the fans were opened the music ceased. The Seal and Talisman Attendant presented the seal in the usual manner. Ritual officers and Communications Chamberlains led the Grand Commandant and all civil and military officials assigned north-facing positions to their transverse ranks. The Minister of Rites guided the patent table from before it to a spot slightly east on the western steps of the red terrace and set it down facing north. The Grand Commandant, Minister of Education, and the vice ministers of Personnel and Rites each took their proper ranks. The master of ceremonies directed the officials to bow twice and perform the dance, shout "Long live the emperor!" three times, bow twice again and report on the emperor's health, bow twice more, and stand in order by division. Ritual officers led the Minister of Rites forward. The vice minister of Personnel escorted the patent table in procession, followed by the Grand Commandant; the vice minister of Rites next escorted the seal table, followed by the Minister of Education. They proceeded to the western steps, to the mat where sword and shoes were removed. The Director of the Secretariat, who was to read the patent, and the Palace Attendant, who was to read the seal, waited until the patent table was approaching, then ascended first and stood facing each other north of the first pillar between the front columns. After the Grand Commandant removed his sword and shoes, the vice minister of Personnel escorted the patent table up first, with the Grand Commandant following, until they stood before the imperial throne. The Grand Commandant inserted his tablet, faced north, advanced the patent table slightly, knelt and set it down, prostrated himself, rose, stepped back a little, and stood facing east; The Director of the Secretariat advanced to the patent table, read the patent, prostrated himself, rose, inserted his tablet again, placed the patent on the mat, enclosed it in its case facing east, then advanced facing north, knelt, and set it before the imperial throne. He and the patent-bearer descended and returned to their standing positions; the Grand Commandant also descended, put on his shoes, and girded on his sword. The vice minister of Rites escorted the seal table up, with the Minister of Education following. They faced north, knelt, and set it down. The Palace Attendant read the seal and placed it south of the patent. All returned to their positions; putting on shoes, girding the sword, and prostrating followed the same procedure as above. The master of ceremonies directed all officials present to bow twice. Ritual officers and Communications Chamberlains led the Grand Commandant to the foot of the western steps. He removed his sword and shoes, ascended, and knelt before the imperial throne to offer congratulations, (The congratulatory text was drafted by the Secretariat and Chancellery.) When the congratulations were finished he returned to his position. All bowed twice, following the procedure for reading the patent and seal. The Palace Attendant ascended before the throne to receive the edict, withdrew, and standing at the steps facing west announced, "His Majesty has decreed." After the master of ceremonies directed the officials to bow twice, he proclaimed: "Because the great ceremony has been brilliantly performed and the mandate to preserve life and bring prosperity received, compelled by the feelings of the multitude, I reverently accept this illustrious title. Reflecting on my limited merit and much obscurity, my vigilance and fear grow ever deeper. I acknowledge your congratulations." When the proclamation ended he returned to his position. The master of ceremonies directed the officials to bow twice and perform the dance, shout "Long live the emperor!" three times, and bow twice again. The Palace Attendant ascended the steps and reported that the rites were complete, then descended and returned to his position. The fans were raised and music sounded. The emperor left the throne and entered by imperial carriage from the east chamber; when the fans were opened the music ceased. The Palace Attendant reported on the placard that the vigil was dismissed. The vice chancellor of the Secretariat led the table-offering officers up the hall, knelt, and placed the patent on the table. Next the vice chancellor of the Chancellery presented the seal in the same manner as the patent. Communications Chamberlains directed them to the Eastern Upper Gatehouse to submit the entry report. On imperial order the guard of honor was dismissed. After the officials bowed twice, they withdrew in the usual manner. Thereafter, receipt of the patent always followed this procedure. When the rites were complete, the officials were given a meal in the court hall.
5
熙寧元年，宰臣曾公亮等上表請加尊號，詔不允。 先是，翰林學士司馬光言：“尊號起唐武後、中宗之世，遂為故事。 先帝治平二年，辭尊號不受，天下莫不稱頌聖德。 其後佞臣建言，國家與契丹常有往來書，彼有尊號而中國獨無，足為深恥。 於是群臣復以非時上尊號，論者甚為朝廷惜之。 今群臣以故事上尊號，臣愚以為陛下聰明睿知，雖宜享有鴻名，然踐祚未久，又在亮陰之中，考之事體，似未宜受。 陛下誠能斷以聖意，推而不居，仍令更不得上表請，則頌歎之聲將洋溢四海矣。 ”詔賜光曰：“覽卿來奏，深諒忠誠。 朕方以頻日淫雨，甲申地震，天威彰著，日虞傾禍。 被此鴻名，有慚面目，況在亮陰，亦難當是盛典。 今已批降指揮，可善為答辭，使中外知朕至誠慚懼，非欺眾邀名。 ”其後，宰臣數上表請，終不允。
In Xining 1, 1068, Chief Minister Zeng Gongliang and others submitted a memorial requesting an additional honorific title; an edict refused. Earlier, Hanlin Academician Sima Guang had written: "Honorific titles began in the reigns of Empress Wu and Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and thereafter became precedent. The late emperor in Zhiping 2, 1065, declined an honorific title, and the whole realm praised his sagely virtue. Later, sycophantic ministers argued that because the court and the Khitan regularly exchanged letters, and they bore honorific titles while China alone did not, this was a profound disgrace. The ministers then again requested an honorific title at an inopportune time, which commentators deeply regretted on the court's behalf. Now the ministers are requesting an honorific title by precedent. Your servant is foolish enough to think that although Your Majesty's intelligence and wisdom certainly merit a great name, you have not long been on the throne and are still in mourning; considering the circumstances, it seems premature to accept. If Your Majesty can decide by your own sagely judgment, decline the title, and order that no further memorials be submitted, praise will resound throughout the realm. " An edict to Guang read: "Having read your memorial, I deeply appreciate your loyalty. I am facing days of incessant heavy rain and an earthquake on the jiashen day; Heaven's majesty is clearly manifest, and I daily fear impending disaster. To bear this great name would shame me; moreover, while in mourning it would be difficult to undertake such a grand ceremony. I have now issued orders. Craft an appropriate reply so that court and country alike know my sincere shame and fear, and that I am not deceiving the people to win renown. " Thereafter the chief ministers submitted several more memorials, but in the end the request was never granted.
6
徽宗內禪，欽宗上尊號曰教主道君太上皇帝，居龍德宮。 靖康元年正月朔，朝賀畢，車駕詣龍德宮賀，百官班門外，宰執進見如儀。
When Huizong abdicated, Qinzong conferred on him the honorific title Supreme Emperor, Lord Who Teaches the Way, and he took up residence at Longde Palace. On New Year's Day of Jingkang 1, 1126, after the court congratulations were finished, the imperial carriage proceeded to Longde Palace to offer congratulations. Officials formed ranks outside the gate, and the chief ministers entered audience according to ceremony.
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高宗內禪。 紹興三十二年六月十日禦劄：“皇太子可即皇帝位，朕稱太上皇帝，退處德壽宮，皇后稱太上皇后。 應軍國事並聽嗣君處分。”
Gaozong's Abdication. On the tenth day of the sixth month of Shaoxing 32, 1162, an imperial note read: "The crown prince may immediately ascend the throne. I shall be styled Supreme Emperor and retire to Deshou Palace; the empress shall be styled Supreme Empress. All military and state affairs shall be left to the disposition of the succeeding ruler.
8
十一日，行內禪之禮。 有司設仗紫宸殿，宰臣、文武百僚立班，皇帝出宮，鳴鞭，禁衛諸班直、親從儀仗並內侍省執骨朵使臣等並迎駕，自讚常起居。 皇帝升禦坐，知閣門官以下並內侍都知、禦帶以下一班起居，次管軍一班起居，次宰執以下常起居訖，左仆射陳康伯、知樞密院事葉義問、參知政事汪澈、同知樞密院事黃祖舜升殿奏曰：“臣等不才，輔政累年，罪戾山積，乃蒙容貸，不賜誅責。 今陛下超然獨斷，高蹈堯、舜之舉，臣等心實欽仰。 但自此不獲日望清光，犬馬之情，不勝依戀。 ”因再拜辭，相與泣下，幾至號慟。 帝亦為之流涕曰：“朕在位三十六年，今老且病，久欲閑退，此事斷自朕心，非由臣下開陳，卿等當悉力以輔嗣君。 ”康伯等復奏曰：“皇太子仁聖，天下所共知，似聞謙遜太過，未肯便禦正殿。 ”帝曰：“朕前此固嚐與之言，早來禁中又麵諭之，即步行徑趨側殿門，欲還東宮，已再三敦勉邀留，今在殿後矣。 ”宰執降階，皇帝降坐，鳴鞭還內。 宰臣文武百僚並退，立班，聽宣詔訖，再拜舞蹈，三稱萬歲，再拜訖，班權退，復追班入，詣殿下立班。
On the eleventh day the inner-abdication ceremony was performed. The relevant offices set up the guard of honor at Zichen Hall. Chief ministers and all civil and military officials formed ranks. The emperor left the palace to the crack of the whip. Palace guards on duty, the personal attendants' escort, and Inner Service attendants bearing maces all welcomed the imperial progress with the usual health report. The emperor ascended the throne. The Director of the Gatehouse and below, together with the Director of the Inner Service and Imperial Girdle Attendants, reported on the emperor's health in one rank; next the commanders of the guard did so; then the chief ministers reported as usual. Left Vice Director Chen Kangbo, Director of the Bureau of Military Affairs Ye Yiwen, Vice Director of the Secretariat Wang Che, and Associate Director of the Bureau of Military Affairs Huang Zushun ascended the hall and said: "We are without talent and have assisted in government for many years. Our offenses are piled like mountains, yet we have been spared execution or punishment. Now Your Majesty has acted with transcendent resolve, loftily following the example of Yao and Shun, and we are filled with admiration. But from now on we shall no longer daily behold your presence, and our devotion as your humble servants cannot overcome our attachment. " They bowed twice in farewell, wept together, and were nearly overcome with grief. The emperor wept as well and said: "I have reigned thirty-six years. I am old and ill and have long wished to retire. This decision came from my own heart, not from my ministers. You must all devote yourselves to assisting the new emperor. " Kangbo and the others added: "The crown prince's benevolence and sagacity are known throughout the realm, but we hear he is excessively modest and has not yet been willing to take the main throne. " The emperor said: "I had already spoken with him about this. Early this morning in the inner palace I instructed him again in person. He immediately walked straight to the side hall gate, intending to return to the Eastern Palace. I have urged and detained him two or three times; he is now behind the hall. " The chief ministers descended the steps. The emperor left the throne, the whip was sounded, and he returned to the inner palace. Chief ministers and all civil and military officials withdrew and formed ranks. After the edict was proclaimed they bowed twice, performed the dance, shouted "Long live the emperor!" three times, and bowed twice again. The ranks temporarily withdrew, then were called back in and took their places below the hall.
9
少頃，新皇帝服履袍，涕泣出宮。 禁衛諸班直、親從儀仗等迎駕，起居，鳴鞭。 內侍扶掖皇帝至禦榻，涕泣再三，不坐，內侍傳太上皇帝聖旨，請皇帝升御坐，皇帝升御坐東側坐。 知閣門官以下一班起居、稱賀，次管軍官一班起居、稱賀，次文武百僚橫行北向立，舍人當殿稱文武百僚宰臣陳康伯以下起居、稱賀，皇帝降御坐，側身西向不坐。 俟宰臣以下再拜舞蹈、三稱萬歲、起居、稱賀畢，康伯等升殿奏：“臣等言：願陛下即御坐，以正南面，上副太上皇帝傳授之意。 ”帝愀然曰：“君父之命出於獨斷，此大位，懼不敢當，尚容辭避。 ”康伯等再奏：“茲者伏遇皇帝陛下應天順人，龍飛寶位，第以駑下之材，恐不足以仰輔新政，然依乘風雲千載之遇，實與四海蒼生不勝幸慶。 ”再拜賀畢，奏事而退。 宰執下殿，皇帝還內，鳴鞭。 宰執文武百僚赴祥曦殿，候太上皇帝登輦，扈從至德壽宮而退。
Shortly afterward the new emperor, wearing court robes, emerged from the palace in tears. Palace guards on duty and the personal attendants' escort welcomed the imperial progress, reported on the emperor's health, and sounded the whip. Inner attendants supported the emperor to the imperial couch. He wept repeatedly and would not sit. Inner attendants conveyed the Supreme Emperor's edict requesting that he ascend the throne. The emperor ascended and sat on the east side of the throne. The Director of the Gatehouse and below reported on the emperor's health and offered congratulations in one rank; next the commanders of the guard did the same; then civil and military officials stood in transverse ranks facing north. The Chamberlain announced that civil and military officials, including Chief Minister Chen Kangbo and below, were reporting on the emperor's health and offering congratulations. The emperor left the throne, turned aside facing west, and did not sit. When the chief ministers and others had finished bowing twice, performing the dance, shouting "Long live the emperor!" three times, reporting on his health, and offering congratulations, Kangbo and the others ascended the hall and said: "We beg Your Majesty to take the throne at once and face due south, in fulfillment of the Supreme Emperor's intent in passing on the succession. " The emperor, with a sorrowful expression, said: "My father and sovereign decided this on his own. This great position—I fear I dare not accept it and must still ask to decline. " Kangbo and the others added: "We humbly encounter Your Majesty responding to Heaven and following the people, ascending the throne like a dragon soaring aloft. With our meager talents we fear we may not suffice to assist the new government, yet to ride the winds of this once-in-a-millennium moment is a fortune beyond measure for all the people under Heaven. " After bowing twice and finishing their congratulations, they presented their business and withdrew. The chief ministers left the hall. The emperor returned to the inner palace to the crack of the whip. Chief ministers and all civil and military officials went to Xiangxi Hall, waited for the Supreme Emperor to mount his carriage, escorted him to Deshou Palace, and then withdrew.
10
翌日，詣德壽宮朝見。 前期，儀鸞司設大次於德壽宮門內，小次於殿東廊西向。 其日，俟皇帝出即御坐，從駕臣僚、禁衛等起居如常儀。 皇帝降禦坐，乘輦至德壽宮，文武百僚詣宮門外迎駕，起居訖，前導官、太常卿、閣門官、太常博士、禮直官先入，詣大次前，分左右立定，俟皇帝降輦入，次御史台、閣門、太常寺報文武百僚入，詣殿庭北向立定。 前導官導皇帝入小次，簾降，俟太上皇帝即御坐，小次簾卷，前導官導皇帝升殿東階，詣殿上折檻前，奏請拜，皇帝再拜訖，前導官導皇帝稍前，躬奏聖躬萬福訖，復位，再拜訖，導皇帝詣太上皇帝御坐之東，西向立。 殿下在位官皆再拜，搢笏，三舞蹈，三叩頭，出笏就拜，又再拜，班首不離位，奏聖躬萬福，又再拜，班退，前導官以次退，從駕官歸幕次，以俟從駕。 太上皇帝駕興，皇帝從，入見太上皇后，如宮中之儀。 皇帝還內，如來儀。 每遇正旦、冬至及朔望，並依上儀。
The next day he proceeded to Deshou Palace for an audience. In advance, the Directorate of Ceremonial Insignia set up the great resting pavilion inside the gate of Deshou Palace and the small resting pavilion in the eastern corridor of the hall, facing west. On that day, when the emperor emerged he immediately took the throne. Accompanying officials and guards reported on his health in the usual manner. The emperor left the throne and rode in his carriage to Deshou Palace. Civil and military officials went outside the palace gate to welcome him. After the health report, advance officers, the Minister of Rites, gate officers, Doctors of Rites, and ritual officers entered first and took their places to the left and right before the great resting pavilion, waiting for the emperor to dismount and enter. Next the Censorate, Gatehouse, and Temple of Rites announced the entry of all officials, who proceeded to the hall courtyard and stood facing north. Advance officers led the emperor into the small resting pavilion and lowered the curtain. When the Supreme Emperor had taken the throne, the curtain was raised. Advance officers led the emperor up the eastern steps to before the folding balustrade and requested that he bow. After the emperor bowed twice, they led him slightly forward to report on the Supreme Emperor's health, then led him back to bow twice again, and finally to stand west of the Supreme Emperor's throne, facing west. All officials below the hall bowed twice, inserted their tablets, performed the dance three times and kowtowed three times, withdrew their tablets and completed the bow, then bowed twice again. The head of the rank, without leaving his place, reported on the Supreme Emperor's health and bowed twice more. The ranks withdrew; advance officers withdrew in order; accompanying officials returned to the tent quarters to await the imperial departure. When the Supreme Emperor's carriage set out, the emperor followed and entered to see the Supreme Empress according to inner-palace ceremony. The emperor returned to the inner palace by the same route. On New Year's Day, the winter solstice, and the new and full moons, the same procedure was followed.
11
十二日，帝詣德壽宮，以雨，百僚免入見，上就宮中行禮。 自後詣宮，若行宮中禮，即不集百官陪位。 十三日，詔令宰臣率百官於初二日、十六日詣德壽宮起居。 又詔：“朕欲每日一朝德壽宮，修晨昏之禮。 麵奉慈訓，恐廢萬機，勞煩群下，不蒙賜許。 禮官宜重定其期，如前代朝朔望，甚為疏闊，朕不敢取。 ”於是禮部、太常寺言：“《漢書》高皇帝五日一朝太上皇，乞依此故事，每五日一次詣德壽宮朝見，如宮中禮。”
On the twelfth day the emperor proceeded to Deshou Palace. Because of rain, officials were excused from entering, and the emperor performed the rites within the palace. Thereafter, when the emperor went to the palace to perform inner-palace rites, officials were not assembled to attend. On the thirteenth day an edict ordered the chief ministers to lead all officials to Deshou Palace on the second and sixteenth of each month to report on the Supreme Emperor's health. Another edict read: "I wish to visit Deshou Palace every day and observe the rites of morning and evening attendance. To receive my father's instruction in person would, I fear, neglect the myriad affairs of state and burden my ministers, and this was not permitted. The ritual officers should set a new schedule. The practice of former dynasties, attending only on the new and full moons, is far too infrequent, and I dare not adopt it. " The Ministry of Rites and the Temple of Rites then reported: "The 《Book of Han》 records that Emperor Gaozu of Han attended the Supreme Emperor once every five days. We request following this precedent and visiting Deshou Palace once every five days, using inner-palace ceremony.
12
帝始禦後殿，宰臣陳康伯等奏：“臣等朝德壽宮，太上皇宣諭，車駕每至宮，必於門外降輦，已再三勉諭，既行家人之禮，自宜至殿上降輦。 ”帝曰：“太上有旨不須五日一朝，隻朝朔望，朕心未安，宜令有司詳議。 如宮門降輦，臣子禮所當然。 ”於是禮部、太常言：“除朝朔望外，乞於每月初八、二十三日詣德壽宮起居，如宮中儀。 ”自後皆遵此製，如值雨、盛暑、祁寒，臨期承太上特旨乃免。
When the emperor first proceeded to the rear hall, Chief Minister Chen Kangbo and others reported: "When we attended at Deshou Palace, the Supreme Emperor instructed that whenever Your Majesty's carriage arrives at the palace you must dismount outside the gate. He has urged this repeatedly. Since this is a family rite, you should naturally dismount at the hall. " The emperor said: "The Supreme Emperor has instructed that attendance every five days is not required and that visits should be limited to the new and full moons. I am not at ease with this and order the relevant offices to deliberate further. Dismounting at the palace gate is what a subject's ritual propriety requires. " The Ministry of Rites and the Temple of Rites then proposed: "Apart from attendance on the new and full moons, we request visits to Deshou Palace on the eighth and twenty-third of each month to report on the Supreme Emperor's health, using inner-palace ceremony. " Thereafter this regulation was followed. Visits were excused only when rain, extreme heat, or severe cold intervened and the Supreme Emperor issued a special edict on the appointed day.
13
十一月冬至，上詣德壽宮稱賀上壽，禮畢，入見太后，如宮中禮。 自後冬至並同。 隆興元年正月朔，帝率百官詣德壽宮，如冬至儀。 自後正旦並同。
On the winter solstice in the eleventh month the emperor proceeded to Deshou Palace to offer congratulations and wish the Supreme Emperor long life. When the rites were complete, he entered to see the empress dowager according to inner-palace ceremony. Thereafter the winter solstice was always observed in the same way. On New Year's Day of Longxing 1, 1163, the emperor led all officials to Deshou Palace, following the winter solstice ceremony. Thereafter New Year's Day was always observed in the same way.
14
淳熙十六年，孝宗內禪，皇太子即皇帝位； 紹熙五年，光宗內禪，皇子嘉王即皇帝位，並如紹興三十二年故事。
In Chunxi 16, 1189, Xiaozong abdicated and the crown prince immediately ascended the throne; In Shaoxi 5, 1194, Guangzong abdicated, and the prince, the Prince of Jia, immediately ascended the throne; everything followed the precedent of Shaoxing 32.
15
太皇太后、皇太后、皇太妃冊禮。 建隆元年，詔尊母南陽郡太夫人為皇太后，仍令所司追冊四親廟。 後不果行。 至道三年四月，尊太宗皇后李氏為皇太后，宰臣等詣崇政殿門表賀皇帝，又詣內東門表賀皇太后。 乾興元年，真宗遺製尊皇后劉氏為皇太后，淑妃楊氏為皇太妃，亦不果行冊禮。
Ceremonies for patenting the grand empress dowager, empress dowager, and imperial consort dowager. In Jianlong 1, 960, an edict honored the emperor's mother, Lady Nanyang, as empress dowager and ordered the relevant offices to confer posthumous patents at the four kin temples. In the end this was not carried out. In the fourth month of Zhidao 3, 997, Empress Li, consort of Emperor Taizong, was honored as empress dowager. Chief ministers went to the gate of Chongzheng Hall to submit congratulatory memorials to the emperor, then to the Inner Eastern Gate to submit congratulatory memorials to the empress dowager. In Qianxing 1, 1022, by Zhenzong's testamentary instructions Empress Liu was honored as empress dowager and Pure Consort Yang as imperial consort dowager, but the patent ceremony was likewise not performed.
16
天聖二年，宰臣王欽若等五表請上皇太後尊號。 十一月，郊祀畢，帝御天安殿受冊，百官稱賀畢，再序班。 侍中奏中嚴外辦，禮儀使奏發冊寶，帝服通天冠、絳紗袍，秉珪以出。 禮儀使、閣門使導帝隨冊寶降自西階，內臣奉至殿庭，置橫街南東向褥位，冊在北，寶在南，帝立殿庭北向褥位，奉冊寶官奉冊寶案，太常卿、吏部、禮部侍郎引置當中褥位。 禮儀使奏請皇帝再拜，在位官皆再拜。 太尉、司徒就冊寶位，帝搢珪跪，奉冊授太尉，又奉寶授司徒，皆搢笏東向跪受，興，奉冊寶案置於近東西向褥位。 禮儀使奏請皇帝歸禦幄，易常服，乘輿赴文德殿後幄，百官班退赴朝堂，太尉、司徒奉冊寶至文德殿外幄，太尉以下各就次以俟。
In Tiansheng 2, 1024, Chief Minister Wang Qinruo and others submitted five memorials requesting an honorific title for the empress dowager. In the eleventh month, after the suburban sacrifice was completed, the emperor proceeded to Tian'an Hall to receive the patent. After officials had offered congratulations, the ranks were re-formed. The Palace Attendant announced that inner strictness and outer preparation were complete. The commissioner of ceremonial propriety announced the issuance of the patent and seal. The emperor, wearing the Tongtian cap and crimson gauze robe and holding the jade tablet, came forth. The commissioner of ceremonial propriety and the director of the gatehouse guided the emperor down the western steps, following the patent and seal. Inner attendants carried them to the hall court and set them on an eastern-facing cushion south of the cross street, with the patent to the north and the seal to the south. The emperor stood on a northern-facing cushion in the hall court while officials bearing the patent and seal carried the patent and seal table. The Director of the Temple of Rites and the vice ministers of Personnel and Rites led them forward and placed them on the central cushion. The commissioner of ceremonial propriety requested that the emperor bow twice, and all officials in attendance did likewise. The Grand Commandant and the Minister over the Masses took their places at the patent and seal. The emperor inserted the jade tablet and knelt, presenting the patent to the Grand Commandant and then the seal to the Minister over the Masses. Both inserted their tablets and knelt facing east to receive them, then rose and carried the patent and seal table to a nearby eastern-facing cushion. The commissioner of ceremonial propriety requested that the emperor return to the imperial curtain, change into ordinary dress, and ride the imperial carriage to the rear curtain of Wende Hall. Officials withdrew in ranks to the court hall. The Grand Commandant and Minister over the Masses carried the patent and seal to the outer curtain of Wende Hall, and the Grand Commandant and those below each took their stations to wait.
17
侍中奏中嚴外辦，太后服儀天冠、袞衣以出，奏《隆安之樂》，行障、步障、方團扇，侍衛垂簾，即御坐，南向，樂止。 太常卿導冊案至殿西階下，各歸班，在位者皆再拜。 太尉押冊案，司徒奉冊，中書令讀冊訖，侍中押寶案，司徒奉寶，侍中讀寶畢，太尉、司徒詣香案前，分班東西序立。 尚宮讚引皇帝詣皇太后坐前，帝服靴袍，簾內行稱賀禮，跪曰：“嗣皇帝臣某言：皇太后陛下顯崇徽號，昭煥寰瀛，伏惟與天同壽，率土不勝欣抃。 ”俯伏，興，又再拜，尚宮詣御坐承旨，退，西向稱：“皇太后答曰：皇帝孝思至誠，貫於天地，受茲徽號，感慰良深。 ”帝再拜，尚宮引歸禦幄，太尉率百官稱賀，奏《隆安之樂》，太后降坐還幄，樂止。 侍中奏解嚴，所司放仗，百官再拜退。 太后還內，內外命婦稱賀太后、皇帝於內殿，在外命婦及兩京留司官並奉表稱賀。 自是，上皇太后尊號禮皆如之。
The Palace Attendant announced that inner strictness and outer preparation were complete. The empress dowager, wearing the Yitian cap and ceremonial robe, came forth to the music 《Long'an》. Processional screens, walking screens, and square round fans were deployed, attendants lowered the curtain, and she took the imperial seat facing south. The music then ceased. The Director of the Temple of Rites guided the patent table to the foot of the western steps of the hall. Each official returned to rank, and all in attendance bowed twice. The Grand Commandant escorted the patent table while the Minister over the Masses bore the patent, and the Director of the Secretariat read the patent. The Palace Attendant escorted the seal table while the Minister over the Masses bore the seal, and the Palace Attendant read the seal. The Grand Commandant and Minister over the Masses then proceeded to the incense table and stood in ranks to the east and west. The Senior Lady of the Palace announced and led the emperor to the empress dowager's seat. Wearing boots and robe, the emperor performed the congratulatory rite within the curtain, knelt, and said: "The succeeding emperor, your subject, reports: Your Majesty the Empress Dowager has been granted this elevated honorific title, brilliantly illuminating all within the seas. May you share Heaven's longevity; throughout the land none can contain their joy. " He prostrated himself, rose, and bowed twice again. The Senior Lady of the Palace went to the imperial seat to receive instructions, withdrew, and facing west announced: "The empress dowager replies: The emperor's filial devotion is utterly sincere and reaches through Heaven and Earth. In receiving this honorific title, my gratitude and consolation are profound. " The emperor bowed twice. The Senior Lady of the Palace led him back to the imperial curtain. The Grand Commandant led all officials in offering congratulations to the music 《Long'an》. The empress dowager left the seat and returned to the curtain, and the music ceased. The Palace Attendant announced the lifting of strictness. The relevant offices dismissed the guard of honor, and officials bowed twice and withdrew. The empress dowager returned to the inner palace. Titled ladies within and without the palace offered congratulations to the empress dowager and emperor in the inner hall, and titled ladies outside the palace and officials remaining on duty in the two capitals all submitted congratulatory memorials. Thereafter, ceremonies for conferring honorific titles on the empress dowager all followed this model.
18
熙寧二年，神宗尊皇太后曹氏為太皇太后，詣文德殿跪奉玉冊授攝太尉曾公亮、金寶授攝司徒韓絳，又跪奉皇太后高氏玉冊授攝太尉文彥博、金寶授攝司徒趙抃，禮畢，百官稱賀。
In Xining 2, 1069, Shenzong honored Empress Dowager Cao as grand empress dowager. At Wende Hall he knelt and presented the jade patent to Acting Grand Commandant Zeng Gongliang and the gold seal to Acting Minister over the Masses Han Jiang. He knelt again and presented the jade patent of Empress Dowager Gao to Acting Grand Commandant Wen Yanbo and the gold seal to Acting Minister over the Masses Zhao Bian. When the rites were complete, all officials offered congratulations.
19
哲宗即位，詔尊太后高氏為太皇太后，皇后向氏為皇太后，德妃朱氏為皇太妃。 禮部議：“皇太妃生日節序物色，其冠服之屬如皇后例，稱慈旨，慶賀用箋。 太皇太后、皇太后於皇太妃稱賜，皇帝稱奉，百官不稱臣。 皇帝問皇太妃起居用箋，皇太妃答皇帝用書。 ”宰臣請特建太皇太后宮曰崇慶，殿曰崇慶、曰壽康； 皇太后宮曰隆祐，殿曰隆祐、曰慈徽。
When Zhezong ascended the throne, an edict honored Empress Dowager Gao as grand empress dowager, Empress Xiang as empress dowager, and Virtuous Consort Zhu as imperial consort dowager. The Ministry of Rites deliberated: "On the imperial consort dowager's birthday, seasonal gifts, and her caps and robes should follow the empress's precedent. She is addressed as 'benevolent decree,' and congratulatory communications should use the letter form. The grand empress dowager and empress dowager use the term 'bestow' when addressing the imperial consort dowager; the emperor uses 'present'; and officials do not style themselves as her subjects. When the emperor inquired after the imperial consort dowager's health, he used the letter form; when she replied to the emperor, she used the document form. " Chief ministers requested that a separate palace be built for the grand empress dowager, called Chongqing, with halls named Chongqing and Shoukang; and that the empress dowager's palace be called Longyou, with halls named Longyou and Cihui.
20
元祐二年，詔太皇太后受冊依章獻明肅皇后故事，皇太后受冊依熙寧二年故事，皇太妃與皇太后同日受冊，令太常禮官詳定儀注。 右諫議大夫梁燾請對文德殿，太皇太后曰：“大臣欲行此禮，予意謂必難行。 ”燾對曰：“誠如聖慮，願堅執勿許。 且母後權同聽政，蓋出一時不得已之事，乞速罷之。 ”中書舍人曾肇亦言：“太皇太后聽政以來，止於延和殿，受遼使朝見，亦止於禦崇政殿，未嚐踐外朝。 今皇帝述仁祖故事，以極崇奉之禮，太皇太後儻以此時特下明詔，發揚皇帝孝敬之誠，而固執謙德，止於崇政殿受冊，則皇帝之孝愈顯，太皇太后之德愈尊，兩義俱得，顧不美歟？ ”太皇太后欣然納之，乃詔將來受冊止於崇政殿。 尋以天旱權罷。 未幾，太師文彥博等以時雨溥澍，秋稼有望，請舉行冊禮，凡三請乃從。 九月六日，發太皇太后冊寶於大慶殿，發皇太后、太妃冊寶於文德殿，行禮如儀。
In Yuanyou 2, 1087, an edict ordered that the grand empress dowager receive the patent according to the precedent of Empress Dowager Zhangxian Mingsu, that the empress dowager receive it according to the Xining 2 precedent, and that the imperial consort dowager receive it on the same day as the empress dowager. Officials of the Temple of Rites were ordered to determine the ceremonial regulations in detail. Right Remonstrance Grandee Liang Tao requested an audience at Wende Hall. The grand empress dowager said: "The senior ministers wish to perform this ceremony, but in my view it will surely be difficult to carry out. " Tao replied: "It is truly as Your Majesty considers. I urge you to hold firm and not grant permission. Moreover, the empress dowager's co-regency was a temporary measure born of necessity. I beg that it be ended at once. " Secretariat Drafter Zeng Zhao also said: "Since the grand empress dowager began hearing government, she has remained at Yanhe Hall. Even when receiving audiences with Liao envoys she has proceeded only to Chongzheng Hall and has never entered the outer court. Now the emperor follows the precedent of Emperor Renzong and offers the utmost ceremony of exalted service. If the grand empress dowager were at this time to issue a clear edict displaying the emperor's filial reverence while firmly holding to modest virtue and receiving the patent only at Chongzheng Hall, the emperor's filial piety would shine all the more brightly and the grand empress dowager's virtue would be all the more honored. Both aims would be served—would that not be admirable? " The grand empress dowager gladly accepted this, and an edict was issued that in future the patent would be received only at Chongzheng Hall. Soon afterward, because of drought, the ceremony was temporarily suspended. Before long, Grand Preceptor Wen Yanbo and others, noting that timely rain had abundantly moistened the earth and the autumn harvest gave promise, requested that the patent ceremony be performed. After three requests, permission was granted. On the sixth day of the ninth month, the grand empress dowager's patent and seal were issued at Daqing Hall, and the empress dowager's and imperial consort dowager's patents and seals were issued at Wende Hall. The rites were performed according to ceremony.
21
紹聖元年，詔：“奉太皇太后旨，皇太妃特與立宮殿名，坐六龍輿，張糸散，出入由宣德正門。 ”有司請應宮中並依稱臣妾，外命婦入內準此； 百官拜箋稱賀，稱殿下。
In Shaosheng 1, 1094, an edict read: "Following the grand empress dowager's instructions, the imperial consort dowager was specially granted her own palace and hall names, the use of the six-dragon carriage, deployment of silk streamers, and entry and exit through the Xuande Main Gate. " The relevant offices requested that within the palace all should address her as subject and consort, and that titled ladies from outside entering the palace should follow the same standard; and that officials, bowing and submitting letters of congratulation, should address her as "Your Highness."
22
徽宗即位，加哲宗太妃號曰聖瑞，既又禦文德殿，冊命元符皇后劉氏為太后，並依皇后禮製。
When Huizong ascended the throne, he added the title Shengrui to Zhezong's imperial consort dowager. He then proceeded to Wende Hall and by patent appointed Empress Liu of the Yuanfu era as empress dowager, all according to the empress's ritual regulations.
23
建炎元年五月，冊元祐皇后為隆祐太后，令所司擇日奉上冊寶，時方巡幸，不克行禮； 遙尊韋賢妃為宣和皇后。 紹興七年三月，詔略曰：“宣和皇后夙擁慶羨，是生眇衝，乃骨肉之至親，偕父兄而時邁。 十年地阻，懷《陟岵》、《凱風》之思； 萬里使還，奉上皇、寧德之諱。 宜尊為皇太后，令所司擇日奉上冊寶。 ”太常寺言：“請依祖宗故事，俟三年之喪終製，然後行禮。 ”時翰林學士朱震言：“唐德宗建中上太后沈氏尊號時，沈太后莫知所在，猶供張含元殿，具袞冕，出左序，立東方，再拜奉冊。 今太后聖體無恙，信使相望，豈可不舉揚前憲？ 臣又聞，三年之製，惟天地、社稷越紼行事。 德宗以大曆十四年即位，明年改元建中，時行易月之製，故以冕服行事。 今陛下退朝之服，盡如禮製，謂當供張別殿，遣三公奉冊，冊藏於有司，恭俟來歸。 願下禮官講明。 ”詔從之。 禮部、太常言：“寶文欲乞以‘皇太后寶’四字為文，合差撰冊文官一員，書冊文官一員，書篆寶文官一員，並差執政。 ”十年，營建皇太后宮，以慈寧為名。 十二月，帝自常禦殿詣慈寧殿遙賀皇太后，奉上冊寶。
In the fifth month of Jianyan 1, 1127, the empress of the Yuanyou era was patented as Empress Dowager Longyou, and the relevant offices were ordered to choose a day and present the patent and seal. At the time the court was on tour and could not perform the ceremony; from afar Worthy Consort Wei was honored as Empress Xuanhe. In the third month of Shaoxing 7, 1137, an edict in summary read: "Empress Xuanhe long enjoyed blessed favor and thereby bore the young sovereign. She is our closest kin by blood, yet departed with her father and elder brothers in their time. For ten years the land lay between us, and we cherish the longing expressed in 《Ascending the Hill》 and 《Balmy Breeze》; an envoy returned from ten thousand li and brought word of the posthumous names of the Retired Emperor and Ningde. She should be honored as empress dowager, and the relevant offices are ordered to choose a day and present the patent and seal. " The Temple of Rites reported: "We request following ancestral precedent and waiting until the three-year mourning is fully completed before performing the ceremony. " At the time Hanlin Academician Zhu Zhen said: "When Tang Dezong in the Jianzhong era conferred an honorific title on Empress Dowager Shen, her whereabouts were unknown. Yet the court still prepared Hanyuan Hall, laid out the ceremonial robe and cap, came out from the left sequence, stood facing east, and bowed twice in presenting the patent. Now the empress dowager is in good health and messengers pass continually between us. How can we fail to uphold the former precedent? Your subject has also heard that under the three-year mourning regulation, only rites to Heaven and Earth and the altars of soil and grain may be performed by passing the mourning sash aside. Dezong ascended the throne in Dali 14 and changed the era name to Jianzhong the following year. At that time the shortened-month mourning regulation was in force, so he performed the ceremony in cap and robe. Now Your Majesty's dress after retiring from court fully follows ritual regulation. I propose that a separate hall be prepared, the Three Ducal Ministers be dispatched to present the patent, the patent be stored with the relevant offices, and the ceremony await her return with all due respect. I ask that the ritual officers be ordered to clarify this matter. " An edict approved the proposal. The Ministry of Rites and the Temple of Rites reported: "For the seal inscription we request the four characters 'Empress Dowager's Seal.' One official should be assigned to draft the patent text, one to inscribe it, and one to inscribe the seal text in seal script; all should be drawn from the chief ministers. " In the tenth year, the empress dowager's palace was built and named Cining. In the twelfth month the emperor proceeded from Changyu Hall to Cining Hall to offer congratulations from afar to the empress dowager and present the patent and seal.
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十二年八月，皇太后還慈寧宮，十月十八日，奉進冊寶。 其日張設慈寧殿，設坐殿中，皇太后服禕衣即御坐，本殿官設冊寶於殿下，慈寧宮事務官並本殿官並朝服詣殿下，再拜，搢笏，舉冊寶奉進； 先進冊，次進寶，進畢，降坐，易禕衣，服常服。 皇帝詣慈寧殿賀，如宮中儀，次宰臣率百僚拜表稱賀。
In the eighth month of the twelfth year the empress dowager returned to Cining Palace. On the eighteenth day of the tenth month the patent and seal were formally presented. On that day Cining Hall was prepared and a seat placed in the hall. The empress dowager, wearing the yi robe, took the imperial seat. Officials of the hall set the patent and seal below the hall. Officials in charge of Cining Palace affairs and hall officials alike, in court dress, proceeded below the hall, bowed twice, inserted their tablets, and raised the patent and seal to present them; the patent was presented first and then the seal. When the presentation was complete, she left the seat, changed out of the yi robe, and put on ordinary dress. The emperor proceeded to Cining Hall to offer congratulations according to inner-palace ceremony. Chief ministers then led all officials in bowing and submitting congratulatory memorials.
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三十二年六月，詔上太上皇帝、太上皇后尊號，集議以聞。 左仆射陳康伯等言：“五帝之壽，惟堯最高，百王之聖，惟堯獨冠。 今茲高世之舉，視堯有光，恭請上太上皇帝尊號曰光堯壽聖太上皇帝，太上皇后尊號曰壽聖太上皇后。 ”詔恭依，仍令禮部、太常討論禮儀以聞。 左仆射陳康伯撰太上皇帝冊文，兼禮儀使、參政汪澈書冊文並篆寶，知樞密院葉義問撰太上皇后冊文，同知樞密院事黃祖舜書冊文。
In the sixth month of the thirty-second year, an edict ordered honorific titles for the Supreme Emperor and Supreme Empress, and deliberations were assembled and reported. Left Vice Director Chen Kangbo and others said: "Among the Five Emperors, only Yao lived longest; among the hundred kings, only Yao stood supreme in sagely virtue. Now this exalted act surpassing the age shines when compared with Yao. We respectfully request conferring on the Supreme Emperor the honorific title Guangyao Shousheng Supreme Emperor and on the Supreme Empress the honorific title Shousheng Supreme Empress. " An edict respectfully approved the proposal and ordered the Ministry of Rites and the Temple of Rites to discuss the ceremonial regulations and report. Left Vice Director Chen Kangbo drafted the Supreme Emperor's patent text. Concurrent Commissioner of Ceremonial Propriety and Vice Grand Councilor Wang Che inscribed the patent text and carved the seal in seal script. Director of the Bureau of Military Affairs Ye Yiwen drafted the Supreme Empress's patent text, and Vice Director of the Bureau of Military Affairs Huang Zushun inscribed it.
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八月十四日，奉上冊寶。 是日，陪位文武百僚、太傅以下行事官，並朝服入詣大慶殿下立班。 皇帝自內服履袍入禦幄，服通天冠、絳紗袍出至大慶殿，詣冊寶褥位前再拜，在位官皆再拜訖，皇帝行發冊寶授太傅之禮如儀。 禮畢，皇帝還幄，服履袍還內，文武百僚退。
On the fourteenth day of the eighth month the patent and seal were presented. On that day civil and military officials attending in place and acting officials from the Grand Preceptor downward, all in court dress, entered and took their ranks below Daqing Hall. The emperor, wearing court robes within, entered the imperial curtain. Wearing the Tongtian cap and crimson gauze robe he came forth to Daqing Hall, proceeded to the patent and seal cushion, and bowed twice. After all officials in attendance had bowed twice, the emperor performed the rite of issuing the patent and seal and presenting them to the Grand Preceptor according to ceremony. When the rites were complete, the emperor returned to the curtain, changed into court robes, and returned to the inner palace. Civil and military officials withdrew.
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儀仗鼓吹， 〈（備而不作。）〉 護衛冊寶，太傅以下行事官導從冊寶至德壽宮。 皇帝自祥曦殿服履袍乘輦，至德壽宮大次降輦，陪位文武官入殿庭立班定，太傅以下行事官從冊寶入殿，皇帝服通天冠、絳紗袍升殿，詣西向褥位立，太上皇帝自宮服履袍即坐，皇帝北向四拜起居訖，次太傅以下皆四拜起居。
Guard of honor and ceremonial music, (Prepared but not performed.) escorted the patent and seal as acting officials from the Grand Preceptor downward guided them to Deshou Palace. The emperor, wearing court robes, rode the imperial carriage from Xiangxi Hall. At the great side hall of Deshou Palace he dismounted. Civil and military officials attending in place entered the hall court and took their fixed ranks. Acting officials from the Grand Preceptor downward followed the patent and seal into the hall. The emperor, wearing the Tongtian cap and crimson gauze robe, ascended the hall and stood at the western-facing cushion. The Supreme Emperor, wearing court robes within the palace, took his seat. The emperor, facing north, bowed four times in reporting on his health. The Grand Preceptor and those below then all bowed four times in reporting on health.
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次行奉冊之禮，中書令、參知政事史浩讀冊，攝侍中葉義問讀寶，讀訖，退復位。 皇帝再拜稱賀曰：“皇帝臣某稽首言：伏惟光堯壽聖太上皇帝陛下冊寶告成，鴻名肇正，與天同壽，率土均歡。 ”皇帝再拜，次侍中承旨宣答曰：“皇帝孝通天地，禮備古今，勉受鴻名，良深感慰。 ”皇帝再拜訖，西向立，次太傅以下再拜稱賀致詞曰：“攝太傅、尚書左仆射臣康伯等稽首言：伏惟光堯壽聖太上皇帝陛下肅臨寶位，誕受丕稱，獨推天父之尊，普慰帝臣之願。 ”奏訖，再拜舞蹈。 次侍中承旨宣答曰：“光堯壽聖太上皇帝聖旨：倦勤滋久，佚老是圖，勉受嘉名，但增感慰。 ”又再拜舞蹈。 次太上皇帝降坐入宮，皇帝後從壽聖太上皇后冊寶入宮。
Next came the rite of presenting the patent. Director of the Secretariat and Vice Grand Councilor Shi Hao read the patent, and Acting Palace Attendant Ye Yiwen read the seal. When the reading was finished, they withdrew and returned to their places. The emperor bowed twice and offered congratulations, saying: "The emperor, your subject, kowtows and reports: Humbly considering that Your Majesty the Guangyao Shousheng Supreme Emperor's patent and seal are now complete and the great name newly established, may you share Heaven's longevity; throughout the land all rejoice equally. " The emperor bowed twice. The Palace Attendant then received instructions and proclaimed the reply: "The emperor's filial piety reaches through Heaven and Earth and his rites are complete through past and present. I reluctantly accept this great name, and my gratitude and consolation are profound. " When the emperor had finished bowing twice, he stood facing west. The Grand Preceptor and those below then bowed twice and offered congratulations with a formal address: "Acting Grand Preceptor and Director of the Left Secretariat, your subject Kangbo and others kowtow and report: Humbly considering that Your Majesty the Guangyao Shousheng Supreme Emperor solemnly presides over the throne and has newly received this great title, uniquely extending the honor due Heaven's father and universally fulfilling the wishes of the emperor's ministers. " When the address was finished, they bowed twice and performed the dance. The Palace Attendant then received instructions and proclaimed the reply: "The Guangyao Shousheng Supreme Emperor's edict: Weariness in diligence has long grown; retirement and old age are my aim. I reluctantly accept this fine name, but my gratitude and consolation only increase. " Again they bowed twice and performed the dance. Next the Supreme Emperor left his seat and entered the palace. The emperor followed with the Shousheng Supreme Empress's patent and seal into the palace.
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皇帝詣太上皇后坐前北向立，太上皇后升坐，皇帝四拜起居，行奉上冊寶之禮，讀冊官陳子常讀冊，讀寶官梁康民讀寶，讀訖復位，皇帝再拜稱賀致詞曰：“皇帝臣某稽首言：伏惟壽聖太上皇后殿下德茂坤元，禮崇大號，寶書翕受，歡抃無疆。 ”皇帝再拜，次宣答官承旨宣答曰：“壽聖太上皇后教旨：皇帝祲容載蕆，顯號來膺，誠孝通天，但深感惕。 ”皇帝再拜訖，太上皇后降坐入宮。 次太傅以下文武百僚就德壽殿下拜箋稱賀以俟，皇帝服履袍乘輦還內。 十六日，宰臣率文武百僚詣文德殿拜表稱賀。
The emperor proceeded before the Supreme Empress's seat and stood facing north. The Supreme Empress ascended and took her seat. The emperor bowed four times in reporting on her health and performed the rite of presenting the patent and seal. Patent Reader Chen Zichang read the patent and Seal Reader Liang Kangmin read the seal; when the reading was finished they returned to their places. The emperor bowed twice and offered congratulations with a formal address: "The emperor, your subject, kowtows and reports: Humbly considering that Your Highness the Shousheng Supreme Empress's virtue flourishes in the earth's origin and rites honor this great title, the precious document is graciously received and our joy knows no bounds. " The emperor bowed twice. The reply-proclaiming official then received instructions and proclaimed the reply: "The Shousheng Supreme Empress's instruction: The emperor's reverent bearing carries deep sincerity; the illustrious title comes to be received; his sincere filial piety reaches through Heaven—but my feeling of deep reverence and caution is profound. " When the emperor had finished bowing twice, the Supreme Empress left her seat and entered the palace. Next civil and military officials from the Grand Preceptor downward, below Deshou Hall, bowed and submitted letters of congratulation to wait. The emperor, wearing court robes, rode the imperial carriage and returned to the inner palace. On the sixteenth day chief ministers led all civil and military officials to Wende Hall to bow and submit congratulatory memorials.