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卷一百二十一 志第七十四 禮二十四

Volume 121 Treatises 74: Rites 24

Chapter 121 of 宋史 · History of Song
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Chapter 121
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Rites 24 (Military Rites) ○ Ma sacrifice; military reviews; accepting surrender and presenting captives; field hunts; cuju; rituals to rescue the sun; and drum-beating
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The ma sacrifice was the army's ritual offering and rightly belonged at the head of military rites. Martial drills followed, with accepting surrender and presenting captives ranked after them. Field hunting and the rites below it were likewise arranged by kind.
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The main army banner was called the ya banner; whenever troops marched out they had to sacrifice to it, and this was called the ma rite. When the Later Wei took the field they also set up a great standard topped with a tassel head. When Emperor Taizong marched against Hedong, on the eve of his departure from the capital he sent Right Assistant Gentleman Pan Shenxiu outside the city to offer a shao-lao victim to Chiyou and perform the ma rite for the ya banner; He also sent Assistant Compiler Li Juyuan to the qi-watching altar in the northern suburbs with incense, willow branches, lamp oil, milk porridge, honey cakes, and fruit to sacrifice to the Northern Heavenly King.
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宿 西
During the Xianping reign an edict directed the Court of Imperial Sacrifices to establish the ma ritual. The responsible office cleared ground for an altar, ringed the double embankments with blue cord, hung curtains, and set out tablets marking the places of the army ya and the six great banners. Each tablet was seven inches square and three fen thick overall. The rite was performed on a gang day, with full offerings prepared. The prescribed victim was the da-lao, though sheep and pigs were used in its place. The silk offerings were one zhang and eight chi long—white for the army ya and black for the six great banners. The commander-in-chief made the primary offering, the deputy commander the secondary, and a deployment commander the tertiary; all wore military dress and kept a night of ritual purification. Generals and officers stood in attendance. When the rite ended the silk offerings were burned and the drums anointed with blood from a single victim. On another chosen day they also sacrificed to the Horse Ancestor and the Horse Altar. Military reviews still followed the institutions of earlier dynasties. Because Taizu and Taizong campaigned in every direction and personally directed martial drills, they did not always follow the fixed ritual and did not always hold reviews in the same place. They excavated a drill pool outside the Vermilion Bright Gate to practice naval warfare. They also built a drill terrace at Yang Village west of the city, and in the ninth month of autumn held a grand review at which they and their attending ministers mounted the terrace to watch.
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殿 殿使退使 退 西 西退 殿 使殿殿 使 便 殿殿使宿使 殿 殿使 殿 殿殿 殿 殿 殿 殿 沿 宿 殿 西 鹿 殿 退 殿 殿 使殿西 殿西 殿 殿 殿 殿 殿 使 退 殿 仿
Emperor Zhenzong ordered officials to select ground at Dongwu Village outside the Splendid Radiance Gate as a parade ground, raise a high terrace, place a pavilion upon it, and build a traveling palace. That night at the third watch the Palace Front and Imperial Guard horse and foot units marched out through the city gates. At dawn the emperor rode out on horseback; his attendants all wore military dress and were given narrow-sleeved robes. When he reached the traveling palace the armies formed before the terrace, facing one another on left and right, with infantry and cavalry interlinked for twenty li while the various guard companies flanked and followed behind. When the responsible office reported that the ranks were formed, the emperor mounted the terrace facing east, took his seat in a military tent, and summoned his ministers to sit and watch. Palace Front Commander-in-Chief Wang Chao held the five-direction flags to regulate advance and retreat; signal platforms were also raised between the two formations, and men with flags matching those on the terrace coordinated the movements. When the yellow flag was first raised, the armies bowed. Raising the red flag sent the cavalry forward; raising the green flag sent the infantry forward. Whenever a flag moved the drums rolled and the soldiers shouted until the sound shook the countryside a hundred li away; each unit charged three times before withdrawing. Next the white flag was raised; the armies bowed again and shouted "Long live the emperor." The responsible office reported that the formations were firm and orderly and the soldiers brave and sharp; they wished to run another round, but the emperor ordered them to stop, and the black flag was raised to dismiss the troops. The army on the left skirted the right formation to return and marched out through the northwest corner before the terrace; the army on the right skirted the left formation to return and marched out through the southwest corner before the terrace; both withdrew in triumph. He then summoned his ministers to a feast while the Music Office performed. Returning to the Eastern Flowery Gate, he reviewed the armies as they returned to camp; the Imperial Entertainers played below the tower, and he again seated his ministers and bestowed drink upon them. The next day he again bestowed drink on his close ministers at the Secretariat, on army generals and officers in camp, on inner-service staff at the Armory, and on the various guard companies outside the palace gates. Emperor Shenzong reviewed at the Chongzheng Hall the shield-bearers trained by Left Treasury Deputy Commissioner Bian Bin, then ordered the Palace Front Foot Army Bureau to select the strongest men and train them by the regulations. From then on garrison troops, rotating frontier armies, and the three-circuit militia of the capital region were all summoned for personal review according to their skills. Whenever the imperial guards, frontier troops, and militia were reviewed, their leaders were ranked by excellence and rewarded with gold and silk; the highest performers, such as Chao, were even appointed to office through clerk selection, while their commanders received preferential advancement in rank. Jingyuan Military Commissioner Cai Ting drilled the generals in horsemanship; his inspections were thorough and his formations disciplined. After he entered office as Vice Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs, he spoke to the throne and had the troops brought for trial review. Formerly the seven armies' camp formation commanders were tested, but their scores were uneven and contradicted one another. The review officials were ordered to gather and fix an Eight Armies method. When the army method was complete, it was promulgated to all circuits. Later the Nine Armies method was also established; one army's camp formation was reviewed on the good grass south of the city, and rewards were given in every case. When reviewing repeating crossbows at the artillery ground, and on informal-session days when newly recruited troops were reviewed, they were ordered to practice battle according to precedent. In the sixth month of the third year of Jianyan, Emperor Gaozong told his chief ministers, "I wish to review the troops in person. " Chief Minister Lü Yihao said, "At a time when military force is paramount, this is exactly as it should be. Our ancestors never neglected military preparedness—for example, they cut the Golden Bright Pool chiefly to practice naval warfare. " Zhang Jun said, "Whenever our ancestors went out on the third-day-of-the-third-month excursion, they always ordered the guards to shoot on horseback and rewarded them thereby—this too was a way of keeping martial discipline. " The emperor said, "Before long I shall order each general to review the men and horses under his command. I shall summon you all to watch together, so that you may know whether the generals are capable. " Later, because of an imperial tour, the plan was not carried out. In the first month of the fifth year of Shaoxing he first attended the Archery Hall and reviewed shooting by the various guard companies, the Palace Front Bureau's army instructors, the personal attendants and inner guard close troops, and the supervising officers commanding the close troops. In all there were 1,260 men, every sixty forming one platoon. An edict then ordered the Ministry of Revenue to disburse 1,000 taels of gold to the Bureau of Military Affairs reward treasury for consolation payments. In the third month he attended the Archery Hall and reviewed fifty wrestlers including Zhao Qing; they were promoted in rank and given money and silver in varying amounts. In the eighth month he attended the Archery Hall and reviewed Chen Yu, a commoner youth from Shaozhou sent up by the Guangdong Military Commission, as he tested the divine-arm bow; Chen was specially appointed Advance Martial Company Commander, granted a purple narrow-sleeved robe and silver belt, and assigned as an agent of that circuit's military commission. In the eleventh month of the fourteenth year he reviewed Palace Front horse and foot soldiers skilled in the martial arts; rewards varied. From this time it was held every year in the winter month and was called the Winter Instruction. In the tenth month of the thirtieth year he attended the Archery Hall and brought in the three-commandery commanders, associate commanders, leaders, and associate leaders to shoot within the palace; an edict ordered that the remaining men due to enter the inner hall for instruction should receive the customary annual gifts by grade as each bureau tested and distributed them (According to the old practice, each year the three commanderies' officers and soldiers were brought in for instruction. On this day only commanders and leaders were brought in, hence this edict.) On the twenty-fifth day of the fourth month of the thirty-second year he specially sat behind the partition door of the Archery Hall and had the old and new Palace Gate guards presented for shooting. In the eleventh month of the second year of Qiandao he visited the great drill ground outside the Awaiting-Tide Gate, then visited the White Stone drill ground. The officials who should accompany the imperial progress, from the Splendid Dawn Hall onward, all wore military dress for attendance and accompanied the progress there and back. Inner-service troops, imperial guards, and palace guard officers accompanied the progress; the chief ministers and below were excused from accompanying. Food was bestowed at each tent station; after the evening meal was served they were excused from reporting "Long live the emperor," tea was omitted, and they accompanied the progress back within the palace. On the twenty-fourth day he visited the great drill ground outside the Awaiting-Tide Gate, took the morning meal, then visited the White Stone drill ground to review the troops. The three commanderies led their generals and officers to guide the imperial progress to White Stone; the emperor mounted the terrace; after the three-commandery commanders and leader-officers had paid their respects, the yellow flag was raised and all the armies shouted "Long live the emperor!" three times and bowed; the three commanderies' army supervisors reported and received instructions; and the horse army mounted and encircled the drill ground. When the white flag was raised, the horse armies of the three bureaus linked head to tail; when the red flag was raised they closed toward the terrace in a ring and halted at one stroke of the gong. The troops and horses each took their places within the encirclement and stood in a circular formation. The hunting archers rode out at the sound of the drum to shoot deer and hares, and halted at one stroke of the gong. At repeated strokes of the gong the hunting archers each returned to their formations. When the yellow flag was raised the hunting archers came below the imperial terrace and presented what they had taken. The emperor then comforted and rewarded them, bestowing saddles, horses, and gold belts on the generals and gifts on the soldiers as well. The armies rejoiced tumultuously and, beating drums, took their places. The common people watching were piled like a mountain. The weather had long been overcast and gloomy; when the emperor went out to the suburbs the clouds and mist broke apart and wind and sun cleared. The emperor sent word to Palace Front Supervisor Wang Qi and others, "In the instruction of the other day the army discipline was strict and orderly, no one was noisy or disorderly, and the divisions joined and separated as they should—I am very pleased; this is all your effort. " Qi and the others said, "This is due to Your Majesty's divine martial transformation and the six armies' respectful diligence. Your servants wish to use this to exterminate treacherous villains for Your Majesty. " In the tenth month of the fourth year the Palace Front Bureau reported, "We have surveyed the level ground along Maotan east of the riverbank north of Dragon King Hall; it can serve as a drill ground. We have already built the general's terrace; when the day comes the horse and foot armies of the three bureaus will all be in full equipment, wearing armor and carrying colored weapons; they will first go to the drill ground below to set up camp and arrange themselves; when the imperial progress ascends the terrace they will heed the gold and drum signals for attendance, and then by seniority change formations for instructional review. Whenever the sacred progress goes out to the suburbs, apart from the imperial guards, we wish to select from this bureau's battle-entry horse army eight hundred mounted men with bows, arrows, and weapons, formed into sixteen companies to lead and follow before and after the ceremonial guard—eight companies each way, fifty men per company; going and returning along the route each will perform the army's drum, flute, and great music. We also wish to select from this bureau's drill-entry formations one thousand foot soldiers of the various armies' personal attendants, together with three leader-generals; on the day they will first go below the general's terrace and divide left and right; around the rear wall they will leave open ground of thirty paces to accommodate the imperial guards, and outside that stand in a triple ring. " On the sixteenth day. The imperial carriage arrived at the beach. The armies' men and horses had camped in tents lined up on the east of the drill ground the day before. On that day the three commanderies' army supervisors and each army's leader-generals and officers guided the imperial progress on horseback to the Protect-the-Sacred Foot Army great drill-ground pavilion, then donned armor and went on to the beach. The emperor mounted the terrace; after the three commanderies had paid their respects, Acting Palace Front Supervisor Wang Kui reported that the men and horses of the three bureaus were assembled; the yellow flag was raised and the armies shouted and bowed three times. Kui reported and requested permission to begin instruction from the start. The central army sounded the horn; the gate-corner flags were reversed and the camp issued forth; horse and foot armies clustered into formations; and the drums ceased. Three successive drumbeats sounded; the cavalry mounted; the infantry raised their flags and spears. At the fourth drumbeat the white flag went up; the central command's drums and flags answered in turn; and the square formation shifted into a defensive posture against the enemy. After one more drum signal, the infantry on all four sides took up a defensive fighting stance and pressed forward as they fought; the cavalry emerged from the formation and assumed battle positions. After another drum signal, each unit returned to its assigned ground. At the fifth drumbeat the yellow flag was raised; the circular formation shifted into a self-enclosing defensive ring. The sequence was carried out as before and completed. At the third drumbeat the red flag went up; the formation changed to a wedge array, with the armies linked in succession and slanted in fish-scale lines—tapered in front and broad in rear—as a formation for charging the enemy. This too followed the earlier sequence through to completion. Wang Kui reported that the drill was complete and sought the emperor's orders. The green flag was raised; the troops shifted into the straight-line formation for dismissing the drill; the drums fell silent; and a single gong stroke signaled the halt. Three heavy drumbeats sounded; the cavalry dismounted; the infantry lowered their flags and spears in unison; and all moved according to regulation. Delighted, the emperor doubled the soldiers' rewards. The soldiers cheered and thanked him for his grace according to ritual. Horns sounded; the units massed into formation; and the drill ended with the companies marching off. The infantry split east and west to lead the columns away; the cavalry crossed below the imperial terrace; each unit in turn demonstrated great-blade combat skills; and then wheeled guns, fire lances, and smoke guns were presented. During the Zhe Mountain encirclement hunt, horse-and-foot army commander Xiao Zheba presented the roebuck, deer, and other quarry he had taken below the imperial terrace; the men and horses finished their parade drill. The emperor changed back to ordinary dress, rode to the Chariot Court, and summoned the Palace Front Bureau dispatch officers Ma Dingyuan and Hou Yanchang, granting each a horse; Yanchang was also promoted from prepared general to deputy general. Imperial wine was brought forward, and the emperor said to Wang Kui, "Today's drill review—the timing of advances and halts, the splitting and reuniting of units, the army's discipline—all of this is your doing. " Kui replied, "Your Majesty's divine martial prowess is known throughout the realm. With the bearing of the imperial armies, who would dare be lax! " The wine granted was full measure for all; Kui said that with army and horse duties he dared not drink; the emperor said, "Take a little. " The emperor personally reduced most of the portion. When he had drunk, he thanked the emperor and withdrew. The emperor then summoned Li Shunju, supervisor of the Imperial Guard Horse Bureau, and asked, "How do today's reviewed troops compare with the armies of former times? " Shunju replied, "The troops reviewed today have all been personally trained by Your Majesty in peacetime, treated with deep kindness, and given generous rewards; their loyalty and courage are a hundred times what they were—nothing like the armies of old. " The prescribed ritual: when the emperor arrived at Xiangxi Hall, the gate guards and imperial guards—all in military dress—received him and performed the regular attendance greeting. When the emperor arrived, the Director of the Gate Bureau and officials below him, all in military dress, performed the regular attendance greeting; then it was finished. The emperor rode out with his attendants to the great drill ground outside Chaohao Gate, where they dismounted below the imperial tent; he entered the tent to change, then emerged in golden armor; the gate guards and imperial guards received him and cried, "Long live the emperor." The emperor rode to the drill ground terrace, dismounted, mounted the platform, and entered the tent. The chief councillors, imperial princes, envoys of ministerial rank, regular Gate Bureau appointees, sword-girdled imperial guards, and palace guard officers who accompanied the emperor ascended the platform and stood facing one another on east and west sides of the tent hall. The army commanders were ordered to mount the platform in full armor with imperial weapons and ceremonial maces; they stood on the west side of the south face of the tent hall, waiting for an inner-court attendant to call them into formation. The emperor emerged from the tent; the gate guards and imperial guards received him and cried, "Long live the emperor." When the emperor came out, the Gate Bureau ushered in the Palace Front horse-and-foot commanders and leader-officers from the three bureaus for the regular attendance greeting; then it was done. Next, adjutants and junior officers of the three bureaus performed the regular attendance greeting at the drum signal. Next the Palace Commander, mace in hand, went before the imperial seat and requested permission to drill the straight-line formation. When that drill was finished, he again went before the imperial seat and requested permission to drill the circular formation. When that drill was finished, he again went before the imperial seat and requested permission to drill the wedge formation. When that drill was finished, he again went before the imperial seat to announce the review complete, then returned to his station. An inner attendant conveyed the imperial order to the Palace Front grand marshal; after the armies received the order and thanked the emperor, a dispatch officer led the three bureaus' commanders, leaders, and adjutants in a double bow of thanks; then each returned to his unit. The emperor rose, entered the tent to change clothes, then came out again. The emperor took his seat; ushers led the chief councillors to kneel and stand behind him, awaiting the imperial tea service. The usher announced that they might sit; the chief councillors bowed and answered "Yes"; then they straightened and took their seats. At the first round of wine they rose and knelt behind; when the emperor had finished drinking, the usher announced they might sit; they bowed, answered "Yes," and stood upright. When their own wine was served, they took their cups, drank, and handed the cups to palace attendants. Next the usher announced the food service; everything proceeded according to ritual. At the fourth round the emperor's order to urge them to drink was conveyed; through the imperial pharmacy came the order that they need not bow; the usher received it and announced that no bow was required, then announced they might sit. The fifth round of urging to drink followed the same ritual as the fourth. When the wine and food were finished, the imperial tea service was brought forward. Ushers led the chief councillors to stand in double rows at the tent hall; through the imperial pharmacy came the order that they need not bow; the usher received it, bowed to the councillors, and announced that no bow was required; each stood at attention, descended the steps, and returned to their tent stations. The emperor rose, rode to the Chariot Court, and dismounted. The emperor emerged from the tent and went to the upper story of the Chariot Court gate tower; he granted wine to the imperial princes, who bowed twice in thanks; Next he granted wine to ministerial envoys, regular appointees, and army commanders, Gate Bureau officials, sword-girdled imperial guards, and palace guard officers; Each group bowed twice in thanks in turn; when finished, they again stood facing one another as before. Next the imperial princes brought cups forward and offered wine to the emperor; when he had drunk, the group bowed twice in thanks; When the emperor had finished viewing, he rose, came down from the Chariot Court gate tower, and returned to the tent. The imperial princes and those below withdrew; the emperor rode out through the Chariot Court gate; the gate guards and imperial guards received him and cried, "Long live the emperor." The emperor rode to the great drill ground outside Chaohao Gate; all officials who should accompany him also in military dress mounted and rode back with him. The emperor rode in through Hening Gate and, at Xiangxi Hall, dismounted and returned to the palace. The rest follows this procedure. In the twelfth month of Chunxi 4, a grand military review was held at Maotan. In the eleventh month of year 10, a grand review was held at Long Mountain. In the tenth month of year 16, a grand review was held at the great drill ground south of the city. All followed the ritual described above. In the tenth month of Qingyuan 1, because the emperor was in mourning seclusion, he had the chief councillors conduct the drill review at the great drill ground. In the tenth month of year 2, a grand review was held at Maotan. In the twelfth month of Jiatai 2, the emperor visited the drill ground outside Chaohao Gate for a grand review. A grand review was planned for the fourth month of Duanping 2, but the summer heat prevented it from being held.
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殿 使 使 使 使 殿使使 殿 西 西 西西 西 西 使
Accepting Surrender and Presenting Captives. When Emperor Taizu pacified Shu and Meng Chang surrendered, he ordered officials to adapt earlier dynasties' ceremonial protocols for a surrender rite. The day before Chang's arrival, the imperial throne and guard of honor were set up in Chongyuan Hall according to the New Year's assembly rite. On the appointed day, cavalry and infantry were marshaled along both sides of the Heavenly Street; plain mats and cushions for Chang and his entourage were placed outside Mingde Gate, with a table for the memorial on the north side of Cross Street. An interpreter attendant led Chang and his officials, dressed in plain robes and gauze caps, to stand in order facing north. Chang knelt, offered the memorial to the gate commissioner, returned to his place, and awaited orders. When the memorial reached the throne, attendant ministers read it aloud; the gate commissioner received the imperial order and went out. Chang and his party prostrated themselves. An interpreter attendant helped Chang to his feet, and his officials rose as well; an imperial pronouncement absolved them of guilt; Chang and his party bowed twice and cried, "Long live the emperor." The wardrobe commissioner presented the granted court robes, caps, and belts; Chang and his party bowed twice, knelt, and received them; they changed clothes, mounted horses, and dismounted at Shenglong Gate; the officials dismounted at Qiyun Gate and took their assigned places. The emperor, in ordinary dress, took the throne; officials entered first, paid their respects, and stood in formation. The gate commissioner ushered in Chang and his party; they performed the ceremonial bow of thanks. Chang was summoned to ascend the hall; the gate commissioner led him up the eastern steps; a pacification commissioner received the imperial order and reassured him. Chang came before the throne, bowed and answered the emperor's inquiries; then he returned to his place and left with his officials after the ceremonial bow. The Secretariat led the officials in offering congratulations; then the emperor hosted a banquet for close ministers and Chang in Daming Hall. When Lingnan was pacified and Liu Chang was captured, the emperor ordered officials to draft the captive-presentation rite. When Liu Chang arrived, the emperor took his place at Mingde Gate; guards of honor were drawn up; the armies and officials in ordinary dress stood in ranks before the gate tower. A separate captive-presentation station was set up south of the east-west cross streets, facing north; His generals and officers took positions before the captive-presentation station, on the north side facing west. Officials led warriors who bound Liu Chang and the others with white cords; a victory report was carried ahead to lead the procession. Reaching the Grand Temple's southwest gate, Liu Chang and the others all dismounted, entered the South Spirit Gate, and stood facing west on the northern rise; supervising generals and officers stood in order to the south. When the announcement rite was finished, they left through the southwest gate, mounted, and were escorted to the Grand Earth Altar according to the same procedure. They were then escorted to the west side of the imperial road south of the gate tower, where they dismounted and stood awaiting orders. The generals and officers presenting the captives wore military dress with swords at their belts. The acting attendant-in-chief announced by wooden tablet that the middle watch was strict; the officials' ranks were set; A wooden-tablet announcement reported that outer preparations were complete; the emperor, in ordinary dress, took the throne. After the officials had performed the ceremonial greeting, an interpreter attendant led Liu Chang to the captive-presentation station; his generals and officers performed the ceremonial bow before the gate tower; then the victory-report table was brought before the tower facing north and the pronouncement was delivered to the Secretariat and Chancellery according to the pronouncement protocol. The interpreter attendant knelt, received the victory report, and passed it to the Secretariat; the Chancellery forwarded it to the acting Minister of War. Next the acting Minister of Punishments went before the gate tower, knelt, and reported that the captives were handed over to the responsible authorities. The emperor summoned Liu Chang and rebuked him; Liu Chang prostrated himself awaiting punishment. An edict ordered the execution of his ministers Gong Chenshu and others; Liu Chang's bonds and those of his brother Baoxing and the rest were specially remitted; they were granted court robes, caps, belts, boots, tablets, gifts, saddles, and horses; and each donned his new garments and lined up below the tower to give thanks. After the officials had offered congratulations, the guard of honor was dismissed according to ritual. When Southern Tang was pacified, the emperor took his place at Mingde Gate; a victory report led Li Yu, his sons and brothers, and his officials—dressed in plain robes—to await judgment for their crimes. At first, officials asked to follow the Liu Chang captive-presentation procedure. The emperor held that Li Yu had acknowledged Song suzerainty, unlike Liu Chang, who had defied imperial orders; he therefore suppressed the victory report and sent a gate commissioner to receive the imperial order and absolve him.
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使 西 西 退 退 西 殿 西 殿 輿輿 使 退西 西西 退 西 退 使 殿 殿
When Emperor Taizong marched against Taiyuan and Liu Jiyuan surrendered, the emperor visited the north side of the city, drew up guards of honor, set out music, and hosted a banquet for his attending ministers on the city terrace. Liu Jiyuan led his officials, dressed in plain robes, to stand below the terrace. He sent a gate commissioner to proclaim an imperial order absolving them of guilt, then summoned Liu Jiyuan and personally reassured him. The attending ministers went to the traveling palace to offer congratulations. Because they were in camp at the time, the full ceremony was not performed. When Liu Jiyuan reached the capital, an edict ordered the temple announcement and presentation rite at the Grand Temple. The day before, the responsible office arranged the setting according to the usual temple-announcement protocol. At dawn on the announcement day, a scholar of ceremonies led the grand marshal to his place; an interpreter attendant led Liu Jiyuan to stand facing east below the western stairs, while his officials stood in double ranks. A proclaimer directed the grand marshal to bow twice; when that was done, the scholar of ceremonies led him to wash hands and receive the libation cup according to usual rite, then to the eastern stairs to remove his sword and shoes. He ascended the first chamber to present offerings and bow twice; the chief temple invocator knelt, read the prayer text aloud, and he bowed twice again. An interpreter attendant led Liu Jiyuan and his officials to stand facing north below the western stairs before the chamber; an usher proclaimed, "The emperor personally took the field, recovered Hedong, and the false ruler Liu Jiyuan and the officials of his false regime are present." The proclaimer called for them to bow twice; when the bows were finished, they withdrew. They then proceeded to the second, third, fourth, and fifth chambers, each according to the same procedure as the first. The scholar of ceremonies led the grand marshal down the stairs, where he girded on his sword, put on his shoes, and returned to his place. The proclaimer called for another bow; the grand marshal, Liu Jiyuan, and the others all bowed twice and withdrew. The prayer tablets were burned in the abstinence lodge. Because Liu Jiyuan had already been granted an official appointment, he was not styled a captive. In Yuanfu 2, the Western Tibetan king Longzai, the Miaochuan chieftain Xiazheng, and others surrendered; the court ordered full ceremonial regulations drawn up. On the surrender-acceptance day the emperor took his place at Xuande Gate, arranged all guard shifts and the upper-four-army guard of honor, and the armies stood in formation dressed in plain robes. Each surrendering party appeared in tribal dress; after inquiry, an imperial rescript absolved them of guilt, and each was granted court robes, caps, and belts according to rank. The officials offered congratulations, and the emperor then took his place again at Zichen Hall and hosted a banquet. When Emperor Zhezong died, the Bureau of Military Affairs kept Longzai and his party at the Western Capital awaiting instructions. An edict abolished the ceremony of taking position on the gate tower with guards drawn up; they were received only in audience at the rear hall. Longzai formed one rank, a Khitan princess another, Western Xia and Uyghur princesses came next, Xiazheng formed a rank, and Bian Sibo with his kinsmen followed. The corresponding tribal leaders each followed their own chief and paid their respects in turn. Monks, nuns, and princesses all wore tribal dress and performed tribal obeisance. All were granted caps and robes; after they had given thanks, food and wine were bestowed outside Heng Gate. At the start of the Zhenghe reign, the Ritual Discussion Bureau submitted the Rites for Accepting Surrender. The emperor rode the imperial carriage up Xuande Gate tower, then descended and took his seat in the imperial pavilion; officials, surrendering kings, and tribal officials formed their ranks below the tower, as in the great general-amnesty ceremony. The east upper pavilion gate led them up the tower with red-cord rank tokens; on the tower, an east upper pavilion gate officer relayed the order through an inner attendant to request the fans. When the fans closed, the emperor took the throne and the curtain was raised. An inner attendant again proclaimed the fans open, and the guards took their stations according to usual protocol. All guard ranks and close attendants encircled the surrendering kings and their party to welcome the imperial progress and themselves performed the usual attendance greeting. Next an usher proclaimed the usual attendance greeting for the soldiers holding the ceremonial implements. Next the supervising officials for the surrendering kings' envoys and the accompanying former tribal officials performed the usual attendance greeting. Next a ritual officer and ushers led the officials to stand facing north in ranks; a proclaimer called for bows; all officeholders performed the ceremonial bow twice, cried "Long live the emperor" three times, and bowed twice again. The head of the rank reported that the emperor enjoyed ten thousand blessings; they bowed twice again and withdrew, and the officials each took their east-west positions. Ushers led the surrendering kings, dressed in the robes and caps of their own countries, to stand facing north before the tower; women stood slightly to the west, monks farther west, and nuns behind them. Inner Secretariat officials went before the throne to receive the imperial order and transmitted it to the east upper pavilion gate officer on the tower, who recorded it. A red-strip bag lowered the decree to the foot of the tower; the east upper pavilion gate officer received the order and withdrew. The surrendering kings and those below prostrated themselves. When the east upper pavilion gate officer arrived, he ordered an interpreter attendant to help them rise; the chiefs and those below all stood and bowed. The pavilion gate proclaimed that there was an edict; the surrendering kings and those below bowed twice, while the monks and nuns only bowed and cried, "Long live the emperor." The pavilion gate recorded the edict and handed it to the supervising officials; the surrendering kings and their party bowed and listened to the inquiry. If there was a further memorial, the pavilion gate recorded it and again led them up the tower with the red-cord bag. If there was no further memorial, Inner Secretariat officials went before the throne to receive the order and transmitted it to the pavilion gate officer on the tower, who proclaimed that the edict absolving them of guilt had been issued. An usher proclaimed thanks for the emperor's grace; the surrendering kings and those below bowed twice, cried "Long live the emperor," and returned to their ordered ranks. Inner Secretariat officials went before the throne to receive the order and transmitted it to the pavilion gate officer on the tower, who proclaimed an edict granting each of them court robes, caps, and belts. The pavilion gate officer below the tower received the order and had the granted gift screens set out on the west side. An usher proclaimed that there was an edict; the surrendering kings and those below bowed twice and bowed deeply. The usher announced each item granted, and when the gifts had been bestowed, they bowed twice again and cried, "Long live the emperor." If offices were granted, thanks were proclaimed and they bowed twice; all then returned to their stations and changed into the garments they had been given. Ushers first led the surrendering kings and those below, up to those who had been granted Remote Commandery rank and above, to stand north of the tower facing east; they were directed to bow twice, cry "Long live the emperor," and bow twice again; next the women wearing caps and ceremonial robes were directed to bow twice. The monks and nuns gave thanks separately and were led back. Next the standing attendants on the tower were directed to offer congratulations and bow twice. A ritual officer and ushers separately led the officials to stand facing north in ranks; when the bow was finished, the head of the rank stepped slightly forward, prostrated himself, knelt, and offered congratulations in words composed by the Secretariat for the occasion; when congratulations were finished, he returned to his place. Those in office again performed the ceremonial bow twice, cried "Long live the emperor" three times, and bowed twice again. The east upper pavilion gate officer advanced to the front of the tower to receive the order and, before the head of the rank, proclaimed that there was an imperial pronouncement. A proclaimer called for bows; all officeholders bowed twice. The response was read aloud in words composed by the Academy of Scholarly Worthies for the occasion; they were again directed to bow twice, cry "Long live the emperor" three times, and bow twice again. Before the Bureau of Military Affairs on the tower, an official knelt and memorialized, saying, "Your subject, official X, reports." When the rite was finished, an inner attendant requested the fans; the fans closed, the curtain fell, and the emperor left the throne. An inner attendant proclaimed the fans open; the responsible office received the order and dismissed the guard of honor; a whip sounded below the tower, and the officials bowed twice and withdrew. In the third month of Kaixi 3, Sichuan pacification vice commissioner An Bing sent in a box the head of the rebel Wu Xi, together with ritual objects he had unlawfully manufactured, the edict by which the Jin had enfeoffed him King of Shu, and the Jin seal he had received. On the third day of the fourth month, the Ministry of Rites and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices set out the precedents for presenting enemy heads. When the box containing Wu Xi's head arrived, Lin'an Prefecture dispatched guards, and the Palace Command sent two hundred armored soldiers together with chief justice officials to escort it to the main hall for examination. For the presentation reports at the Grand Temple and the separate temples, senior imperial clansmen from the southern rank were assigned; for the reports at the Grand Earth and Grain altars, attendant ministers were assigned. Each spent the day before in ritual abstinence at the sacrificial site; on the appointed day they performed the presentation rite. The chief justice and the Palace Command coordinated the timing, escorted the box containing the head, and set it in place to await the ceremony. When the presentation rite was finished, the head was exposed at the market for three days, then handed over to the chief justice for storage in the vault. In Duanping 1, the Jin dynasty fell. In the fourth month, the Jinghu commissioner sent up a box containing the bones of Wanyan Shouxu; officials were dispatched to announce the event at the ancestral temple and the altars of state according to ritual. Field Hunting. In Jianlong 2, Emperor Taizu first conducted regulated field hunts in the near suburbs. The forbidden army was first sent out to form the hunting enclosure, and the Five Workshops followed with fierce birds of prey and fine hounds. The emperor personally shot three fleeing hares, and the attending officials presented horses in tribute and offered congratulations. Thereafter hunts were mostly held in autumn and winter or in the first month in the four suburbs; attending officials were sometimes granted narrow-sleeved robes and warm boots, and imperial princes and others who scored hits were given horses.
8
西 使 駿
When Emperor Taizong was about to march north, he conducted a martial review hunt in the near suburbs; because many poachers were taking foxes and hares, he ordered the practice forbidden. A guard soldier seized another man's deer and was liable to death; the emperor said, "If we execute him, later ages will surely say that I valued beasts more than human lives." He specially remitted the man's punishment. The emperor often conducted hunt reviews on La day and told his attending ministers, "To go out hunting on La day accords with the season, and to slacken the reins while following game is not idle dissipation." On the return he visited the Lecture-on-Arms Terrace, set out music, and granted his ministers drink. Thereafter he hunted in the western suburbs and personally shot five fleeing hares. An edict noted that in antiquity the seasonal hunts used captured game to offer at the ancestral temple, but that rite had long fallen into disuse and could now be restored. Thereupon it was established as a fixed practice. The emperor by nature disliked archery and hunting; an edict abolished pleasure hunting in the near districts except when responsible offices were performing ritual duties, released all hawks and hounds kept by the Five Workshops, and forbade prefectures to present hawks as tribute. Then Dingnan army commissioner Zhao Baozhong presented a hawk called "Sea East Green"; an edict returned it to him as a gift. On La day only the imperial princes were ordered to hunt briefly in the near suburbs, and the functions of the Five Workshops were abolished. Emperor Zhenzong again ordered that a dozen or so of the hawks and falcons raised by the hawk-training corps be kept on hand so that the imperial princes could perform seasonal rites. Enclosed hunting pastures were opened, and common people were permitted to farm and graze there.
9
殿 使 輿 殿 西 殿西 西 使使使殿 使 殿西 西 殿 殿西 殿 殿 殿
By Emperor Renzong's reign, memorialists argued that the regulated field-hunt system served both to accord with the seasons and to train martial affairs, and they asked that the rite be restored. Thereupon an edict ordered the Bureau of Military Affairs to draft and fix the regulations. On hunt day, at the fifth drumbeat the emperor took his place at the inner east gate, granted his attending officials three rounds of wine, and had the Junrong ensemble perform. He then visited Qionlin Garden gate and granted his attendants food. He then hunted at Yang Village, banqueted in the pavilion hall, and had the Directorate of Music perform. He dispatched an envoy to gallop-present the captured game as offerings at the Grand Temple. He then summoned local elders to question them in person and bestowed food, drink, tea, and silk upon them, while Five Workshops soldiers received silver and silk in varying amounts. Chief Councillor Jia Changzhao and others said, "Your Majesty has for a time visited the near suburbs and hunted according to the season, taking fresh kill to the temple altar—this displays filial virtue; you have ascended high ground to review military stores—this displays martial training; you have questioned elders and honored them with ranked feasting—this nourishes the aged; you have consoled field workers and granted them bounty—this encourages farming. In a single outing of the imperial carriage, all four virtues were fulfilled at once. We humbly ask that this be transmitted to the Historiography Bureau. The request was approved. The next year he hunted again south of the city at East Han Village. From Yujin Garden he left his carriage and mounted; thousands of horsemen were divided into left and right wings and regulated with drums and banners. The combined hunting enclosure was more than ten li across, and the units coordinated with one another. The emperor held the reins on the center path, personally wielded bow and arrows, and repeatedly brought down game. At that time, residents along the road, or people who kept foxes, hares, ducks, and pheasants, drove them into the enclosure. The emperor said that field hunting trains martial affairs and is not merely about what is taken, and he had them all released. He remitted one year's rent on farmland within the enclosure and summoned local elders for consolatory visits. Thereafter, because remonstrances were numerous, hunting in the near districts was abolished. From that time until the fall of the Northern Song at Jingkang, hunting was never resumed. Cuju ball-play was originally a pastime of the army. Emperor Taizong ordered officials to work out its ceremonial regulations in detail. In the third month they gathered for cuju at the Hall of Great Brightness. Officials cleared a field and set up goalposts east and west, each more than one zhang tall, carved with golden dragons at the top, mounted on stone lotus pedestals below, and decorated with colored embroidery. The players were divided into left and right teams; two Hanlin academicians guarded the goals, two guardsmen held small red flags and announced the score, and Imperial Dragon officers in brocade robes carrying Geshu clubs patrolled the field. Below the hall steps, sun and moon banners were set up on the east and west. The Music Bureau placed Kuche-style drums and musicians in both corridors, five drums to each side. Five drums were also placed beneath the banners at each of the east and west goals. The Gate Secretariat prepared the team rosters in advance for the emperor's approval. Imperial princes, close ministers, military and civil commissioners of every rank, prefects, imperial sons-in-law, bureau commissioners and their deputies, palace attendants, and palace guards all took part. Officials on the two teams—members of the imperial clan and officers below commissioner rank—wore embroidered garments in contrasting colors; the left team wore yellow brocade; the right team wore purple brocade; cuju palace attendants on the left wore purple embroidery and those on the right scarlet embroidery, with black leather boots and ornate folded-up brim caps. The Imperial Stud supplied trained horses with saddles and bridles. The emperor mounted and rode out while the Music Bureau performed the full Liangzhou suite; bureau commissioners and lower officials went ahead as escorts, and attending ministers received him. When he reached the hall the ministers expressed their thanks; they were summoned in turn to mount horses with braided tails; the teams entered from both side wings and formed up in the west wing. The emperor mounted and halted southwest of center court. A eunuch opened a golden casket, produced a vermilion-lacquered ball, and tossed it out before the hall. The protocol officer announced: "The imperial team will play toward the east goal." The emperor struck the ball as the Music Bureau played and the drums sounded. When the ball passed through the goal, banners were waved, bells rang, and the drums fell silent. The emperor turned his horse; attending ministers offered cups in congratulation and presented tribute gifts. Wine was granted; they bowed in formation, and after drinking remounted their horses. The emperor struck again, and only then ordered the princes and senior ministers to gallop and join the contest. Drums were beaten beneath the goal banners. As players neared the goal, drums were beaten urgently in each wing in succession. When the ball went through the goal, the drums sounded three diminishing beats. Twenty-four embroidered banners were placed beside the goals, and empty racks were set below the east and west hall steps. Each time a team scored, a banner was placed on the rack to record it. When the emperor scored, the music briefly halted and attending officials shouted "Long live the emperor!" When ministers scored the crowd cried approval, and the scorer dismounted to give thanks. After all three rounds were complete, he returned to the hall and summoned attending ministers to drink. There were also players on foot and players mounted on donkeys and mules; palace attendants sometimes formed teams for sport as entertainment. Rescuing the Sun: Beating Drums. In the first year of Jianlong the Directorate of Astronomy reported an eclipse on the first day of the fifth month and requested that weapons, armor, and helmets be put away. The matter was referred to the responsible offices, which requested that the emperor withdraw from the main hall and wear plain dress, that officials remain at their posts, and that envoys be dispatched to sacrifice at the Great Altars of Soil and Grain according to precedent. On the first day of the fifth month in the fourth year of Jingde there was a solar eclipse. The emperor withdrew from the main hall and suspended audience with government business.
10
殿 殿 殿使 殿 殿 西西西 西 殿
On the first day of the fourth month in the first year of Zhihe there was a solar eclipse, whereupon an edict of grace was issued: the reign title was changed, court dress was altered, the emperor withdrew from the main hall, and meals were reduced. All officials went to the eastern upper Gate Secretariat and submitted memorials asking the emperor to resume audience in the main hall and restore regular meals. Only after three such memorials did he assent. On the day itself officers were dispatched to sacrifice at the Great Altars, but rain and thunder kept the sky overcast; not until the shen hour was the eclipse visible, with more than nine-tenths of the sun obscured. All officials offered congratulations. Earlier, at the beginning of the Huangyou reign, because of a solar eclipse the court held no congratulatory audiences for three days and officials submitted memorials instead. In the fourth year of Jiayou an edict declared that for the New Year's Day eclipse no memorials need be submitted; from the twenty-first day of the twelfth month the emperor ceased holding court in the front hall, reduced his meals, cancelled the banquet for Liao envoys, and suspended music. On the day itself officers were still dispatched to sacrifice at the Great Altars. After three memorials from the officials he resumed audience in the main hall and restored regular meals. On the first day of the sixth month in the sixth year there was a solar eclipse, and an edict directed ritual officials to verify the relevant precedents. The emperor wore plain dress, did not hold court in the main hall or conduct government business, and all officials suspended routine affairs and remained at their posts. Two days before the new moon, the Director of the Suburban and Altar Rites and gate attendants guarded the four gates; the gate-patrol surveillance officer and the Director of Music led workers holding direction-colored banners and pennants, placing them beneath the buildings at each gate. Dragon-and-serpent drums were positioned accordingly: at the east gate, in the north schoolhouse facing south; at the south gate, in the east schoolhouse facing west; at the west gate, in the south schoolhouse facing north; and at the north gate, in the west schoolhouse facing east. One squad leader with a sword led five guardsmen bearing the five kinds of weapons and stood outside the drums. Spears stood to the east, halberds to the south, axes and battle-axes to the west, and pikes to the north. The Director of the Suburban and Altar Rites set up a spear at the altar, with red silk cords wound three times around the four corners. A yellow banner was also set up to the north, followed by one dragon-and-serpent drum, one bow, and four sets of arrows. All the weapon-bearers and drummers stood in silence, waiting until the Directorate of Astronomy reported a change in the sun; then the workers raised their banners and beat the drums; the announcing officer performed the sacrifice while the chief invoker read the prayer, its words expressing the idea of reproving yin and assisting yang. When the astronomy officer announced that the eclipse had ended, the drums fell silent. If the sky was overcast and the eclipse could not be seen, drums were not beaten; thereafter, whenever there was a solar eclipse, the same regulations were followed. In the fourth year of Zhiping an edict declared: "In antiquity, when the sun was eclipsed the hundred offices kept to their duties, reverencing heaven's warning and preparing for the unexpected; that we now omit this alone is far from a ruler's careful reverence." Let the Secretariat discuss and implement it. " On the first day of the fourth month in the sixth year of Xining there was a solar eclipse, and an edict ordered altered dress, withdrawal from the hall, and reduced meals according to precedent. Capital sentences throughout the realm were commuted and crimes below exile were pardoned.
11
祿 退
In the Zhenghe reign regulations were issued for the "Rite for Beating Drums at the New Moon": officials set out jade, silk offerings, baskets, and vessels at the Great Altars according to ceremony. At each of the altar's four gates and near the north side below the mound, a drum was placed and banners and pennants were set up in the colors of their respective directions. Below the mound a yellow banner was erected on a ten-chi pole with an eight-chi pennant. On the day of the sacrificial announcement, before the appointed hour, the Director of the Imperial Kitchen led his staff to prepare the food offerings, which the Minister of Imperial Entertainments inspected; next the surveillance censor, ceremonial officer, chief invoker, and Director of the Imperial Kitchen were led in to take their places, then the announcing officer; all bowed twice; next the censor, ceremonial officer, and chief invoker ascended and took their places. The Director of the Imperial Kitchen went to the wine vessel; the announcing officer washed his hands, proceeded to the Great Altars, offered incense three times, presented silk and jade, bowed twice, and returned to his place. Shortly afterward the announcing officer washed his hands again, took the cup and poured libations three times, set down the cup, prostrated himself and rose, stood briefly, and the chief invoker was led before the spirit seat to kneel and read the prayer. The announcing officer bowed twice and withdrew, and the drums were beaten. Before the appointed hour that day, an astronomy officer stood below the mound to watch the sun. The Director of Music led ten workers in direction-colored dress to stand on either side of the drums and wait. When the astronomy officer announced a change in the sun, the workers beat the drums in unison. When the sun brightened again, the astronomy officer announced that the eclipse had ended, and the drums fell silent. On that day routine business was suspended, and the hundred offices each remained at their posts according to the old regulations.
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◎ Rites 24 (Military Rites) ○ Ma sacrifice; military reviews; accepting surrender and presenting captives; field hunts; cuju; rituals to rescue the sun; and drum-beating
13
The ma sacrifice was the army's ritual offering and rightly belonged at the head of military rites. Martial drills followed, with accepting surrender and presenting captives ranked after them. Field hunting and the rites below it were likewise arranged by kind.
14
The main army banner was called the ya banner; whenever troops marched out they had to sacrifice to it, and this was called the ma rite. When the Later Wei took the field they also set up a great standard topped with a tassel head. When Emperor Taizong marched against Hedong, on the eve of his departure from the capital he sent Right Assistant Gentleman Pan Shenxiu outside the city to offer a shao-lao victim to Chiyou and perform the ma rite for the ya banner; He also sent Assistant Compiler Li Juyuan to the qi-watching altar in the northern suburbs with incense, willow branches, lamp oil, milk porridge, honey cakes, and fruit to sacrifice to the Northern Heavenly King.
15
宿
During the Xianping reign an edict directed the Court of Imperial Sacrifices to establish the ma ritual. Officials cleared ground for an altar, ringed it with two embankments bound in blue cord, hung curtains and canopies, and set up spirit tablets for the army ya banner and the six great standards. The tablets were seven cun square and three fen thick. Sacrifice was performed on a yang day with full food offerings prepared. The prescribed victim was the great offering, but sheep and pigs were substituted. The silk offerings were one zhang and eight chi long—white for the army ya and black for the six great banners. The commander-in-chief made the primary offering, the deputy commander the secondary, and a deployment commander the tertiary; all wore military dress and kept a night of ritual purification. Generals and officers stood in attendance. When the rite ended the silk offerings were burned and the drums anointed with blood from a single victim. On another chosen day they also sacrificed to the Horse Ancestor and the Horse Altar.
16
西
Military reviews still followed the institutions of earlier dynasties. Because Taizu and Taizong campaigned in every direction and personally directed martial drills, they did not always follow the fixed ritual and did not always hold reviews in the same place. They excavated a drill pool outside the Vermilion Bright Gate to practice naval warfare. They also built a drill terrace at Yang Village west of the city, and in the ninth month of autumn held a grand review at which they and their attending ministers mounted the terrace to watch.
17
殿 殿使退使 退 西 西退 殿
Emperor Zhenzong ordered officials to select ground at Dongwu Village outside the Splendid Radiance Gate as a parade ground, raise a high terrace, place a pavilion upon it, and build a traveling palace. That night at the third watch the Palace Front and Imperial Guard horse and foot units marched out through the city gates. At dawn the emperor rode out on horseback; his attendants all wore military dress and were given narrow-sleeved robes. When he reached the traveling palace the armies formed before the terrace, facing one another on left and right, with infantry and cavalry interlinked for twenty li while the various guard companies flanked and followed behind. When the responsible office reported that the ranks were formed, the emperor mounted the terrace facing east, took his seat in a military tent, and summoned his ministers to sit and watch. Palace Front Commander-in-Chief Wang Chao held the five-direction flags to regulate advance and retreat; signal platforms were also raised between the two formations, and men with flags matching those on the terrace coordinated the movements. When the yellow flag was first raised, the armies bowed. Raising the red flag sent the cavalry forward; raising the green flag sent the infantry forward. Whenever a flag moved the drums rolled and the soldiers shouted until the sound shook the countryside a hundred li away; each unit charged three times before withdrawing. Next the white flag was raised; the armies bowed again and shouted "Long live the emperor." The responsible office reported that the formations were firm and orderly and the soldiers brave and sharp; they wished to run another round, but the emperor ordered them to stop, and the black flag was raised to dismiss the troops. The army on the left skirted the right formation to return and marched out through the northwest corner before the terrace; the army on the right skirted the left formation to return and marched out through the southwest corner before the terrace; both withdrew in triumph. He then summoned his ministers to a feast while the Music Office performed. Returning to the Eastern Flowery Gate, he reviewed the armies as they returned to camp; the Imperial Entertainers played below the tower, and he again seated his ministers and bestowed drink upon them. The next day he again bestowed drink on his close ministers at the Secretariat, on army generals and officers in camp, on inner-service staff at the Armory, and on the various guard companies outside the palace gates.
18
使殿殿 使 便
Emperor Shenzong reviewed at the Chongzheng Hall the shield-bearers trained by Left Treasury Deputy Commissioner Bian Bin, then ordered the Palace Front Foot Army Bureau to select the strongest men and train them by the regulations. From then on garrison troops, rotating frontier armies, and the three-circuit militia of the capital region were all summoned for personal review according to their skills. Whenever the imperial guards, frontier troops, and militia were reviewed, their leaders were ranked by excellence and rewarded with gold and silk; the highest performers, such as Chao, were even appointed to office through clerk selection, while their commanders received preferential advancement in rank. Jingyuan Military Commissioner Cai Ting drilled the generals in horsemanship; his inspections were thorough and his formations disciplined. After he entered office as Vice Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs, he spoke to the throne and had the troops brought for trial review. Formerly the seven armies' camp formation commanders were tested, but their scores were uneven and contradicted one another. The review officials were ordered to gather and fix an Eight Armies method. When the army method was complete, it was promulgated to all circuits. Later the Nine Armies method was also established; one army's camp formation was reviewed on the good grass south of the city, and rewards were given in every case. When reviewing repeating crossbows at the artillery ground, and on informal-session days when newly recruited troops were reviewed, they were ordered to practice battle according to precedent.
19
In the sixth month of the third year of Jianyan, Emperor Gaozong told his chief ministers, "I wish to review the troops in person. " Chief Minister Lü Yihao said, "At a time when military force is paramount, this is exactly as it should be. Our ancestors never neglected military preparedness—for example, they cut the Golden Bright Pool chiefly to practice naval warfare. " Zhang Jun said, "Whenever our ancestors went out on the third-day-of-the-third-month excursion, they always ordered the guards to shoot on horseback and rewarded them thereby—this too was a way of keeping martial discipline. " The emperor said, "Before long I shall order each general to review the men and horses under his command. I shall summon you all to watch together, so that you may know whether the generals are capable. " Later, because of an imperial tour, the plan was not carried out.
20
殿殿使宿使 殿 殿使 殿 殿殿 殿
In the first month of the fifth year of Shaoxing he first attended the Archery Hall and reviewed shooting by the various guard companies, the Palace Front Bureau's army instructors, the personal attendants and inner guard close troops, and the supervising officers commanding the close troops. In all there were 1,260 men, every sixty forming one platoon. An edict then ordered the Ministry of Revenue to disburse 1,000 taels of gold to the Bureau of Military Affairs reward treasury for consolation payments. In the third month he attended the Archery Hall and reviewed fifty wrestlers including Zhao Qing; they were promoted in rank and given money and silver in varying amounts. In the eighth month he attended the Archery Hall and reviewed Chen Yu, a commoner youth from Shaozhou sent up by the Guangdong Military Commission, as he tested the divine-arm bow; Chen was specially appointed Advance Martial Company Commander, granted a purple narrow-sleeved robe and silver belt, and assigned as an agent of that circuit's military commission. In the eleventh month of the fourteenth year he reviewed Palace Front horse and foot soldiers skilled in the martial arts; rewards varied. From this time it was held every year in the winter month and was called the Winter Instruction. In the tenth month of the thirtieth year he attended the Archery Hall and brought in the three-commandery commanders, associate commanders, leaders, and associate leaders to shoot within the palace; an edict ordered that the remaining men due to enter the inner hall for instruction should receive the customary annual gifts by grade as each bureau tested and distributed them (According to the old practice, each year the three commanderies' officers and soldiers were brought in for instruction. On this day only commanders and leaders were brought in, hence this edict.) On the twenty-fifth day of the fourth month of the thirty-second year he specially sat behind the partition door of the Archery Hall and had the old and new Palace Gate guards presented for shooting.
21
殿 殿
In the eleventh month of the second year of Qiandao he visited the great drill ground outside the Awaiting-Tide Gate, then visited the White Stone drill ground. The officials who should accompany the imperial progress, from the Splendid Dawn Hall onward, all wore military dress for attendance and accompanied the progress there and back. Inner-service troops, imperial guards, and palace guard officers accompanied the progress; the chief ministers and below were excused from accompanying. Food was bestowed at each tent station; after the evening meal was served they were excused from reporting "Long live the emperor," tea was omitted, and they accompanied the progress back within the palace. On the twenty-fourth day he visited the great drill ground outside the Awaiting-Tide Gate, took the morning meal, then visited the White Stone drill ground to review the troops. The three commanderies led their generals and officers to guide the imperial progress to White Stone; the emperor mounted the terrace; after the three-commandery commanders and leader-officers had paid their respects, the yellow flag was raised and all the armies shouted "Long live the emperor!" three times and bowed; the three commanderies' army supervisors reported and received instructions; and the horse army mounted and encircled the drill ground. When the white flag was raised, the horse armies of the three bureaus linked head to tail; when the red flag was raised they closed toward the terrace in a ring and halted at one stroke of the gong. The troops and horses each took their places within the encirclement and stood in a circular formation. The hunting archers rode out at the sound of the drum to shoot deer and hares, and halted at one stroke of the gong. At repeated strokes of the gong the hunting archers each returned to their formations. When the yellow flag was raised the hunting archers came below the imperial terrace and presented what they had taken. The emperor then comforted and rewarded them, bestowing saddles, horses, and gold belts on the generals and gifts on the soldiers as well. The armies rejoiced tumultuously and, beating drums, took their places. The common people watching were piled like a mountain. The weather had long been overcast and gloomy; when the emperor went out to the suburbs the clouds and mist broke apart and wind and sun cleared. The emperor sent word to Palace Front Supervisor Wang Qi and others, "In the instruction of the other day the army discipline was strict and orderly, no one was noisy or disorderly, and the divisions joined and separated as they should—I am very pleased; this is all your effort. " Qi and the others said, "This is due to Your Majesty's divine martial transformation and the six armies' respectful diligence. Your servants wish to use this to exterminate treacherous villains for Your Majesty.
22
殿 沿 宿 殿 西 鹿 殿 退 殿 殿 使殿西 殿西 殿 殿 殿 殿 殿 使 退 殿 仿
In the tenth month of the fourth year the Palace Front Bureau reported, "We have surveyed the level ground along Maotan east of the riverbank north of Dragon King Hall; it can serve as a drill ground. We have already built the general's terrace; when the day comes the horse and foot armies of the three bureaus will all be in full equipment, wearing armor and carrying colored weapons; they will first go to the drill ground below to set up camp and arrange themselves; when the imperial progress ascends the terrace they will heed the gold and drum signals for attendance, and then by seniority change formations for instructional review. Whenever the sacred progress goes out to the suburbs, apart from the imperial guards, we wish to select from this bureau's battle-entry horse army eight hundred mounted men with bows, arrows, and weapons, formed into sixteen companies to lead and follow before and after the ceremonial guard—eight companies each way, fifty men per company; going and returning along the route each will perform the army's drum, flute, and great music. We also wish to select from this bureau's drill-entry formations one thousand foot soldiers of the various armies' personal attendants, together with three leader-generals; on the day they will first go below the general's terrace and divide left and right; around the rear wall they will leave open ground of thirty paces to accommodate the imperial guards, and outside that stand in a triple ring. " On the sixteenth day. The imperial carriage arrived at the beach. The armies' men and horses had camped in tents lined up on the east of the drill ground the day before. On that day the three commanderies' army supervisors and each army's leader-generals and officers guided the imperial progress on horseback to the Protect-the-Sacred Foot Army great drill-ground pavilion, then donned armor and went on to the beach. The emperor mounted the terrace; after the three commanderies had paid their respects, Acting Palace Front Supervisor Wang Kui reported that the men and horses of the three bureaus were assembled; the yellow flag was raised and the armies shouted and bowed three times. Kui reported and requested permission to begin instruction from the start. The central army sounded the horn; the gate-corner flags were reversed and the camp issued forth; horse and foot armies clustered into formations; and the drums ceased. Three successive drumbeats sounded; the cavalry mounted; the infantry raised their flags and spears. At the fourth drumbeat the white flag went up; the central command's drums and flags answered in turn; and the square formation shifted into a defensive posture against the enemy. After one more drum signal, the infantry on all four sides took up a defensive fighting stance and pressed forward as they fought; the cavalry emerged from the formation and assumed battle positions. After another drum signal, each unit returned to its assigned ground. At the fifth drumbeat the yellow flag was raised; the circular formation shifted into a self-enclosing defensive ring. The sequence was carried out as before and completed. At the third drumbeat the red flag went up; the formation changed to a wedge array, with the armies linked in succession and slanted in fish-scale lines—tapered in front and broad in rear—as a formation for charging the enemy. This too followed the earlier sequence through to completion. Wang Kui reported that the drill was complete and sought the emperor's orders. The green flag was raised; the troops shifted into the straight-line formation for dismissing the drill; the drums fell silent; and a single gong stroke signaled the halt. Three heavy drumbeats sounded; the cavalry dismounted; the infantry lowered their flags and spears in unison; and all moved according to regulation. Delighted, the emperor doubled the soldiers' rewards. The soldiers cheered and thanked him for his grace according to ritual. Horns sounded; the units massed into formation; and the drill ended with the companies marching off. The infantry split east and west to lead the columns away; the cavalry crossed below the imperial terrace; each unit in turn demonstrated great-blade combat skills; and then wheeled guns, fire lances, and smoke guns were presented. During the Zhe Mountain encirclement hunt, horse-and-foot army commander Xiao Zheba presented the roebuck, deer, and other quarry he had taken below the imperial terrace; the men and horses finished their parade drill. The emperor changed back to ordinary dress, rode to the Chariot Court, and summoned the Palace Front Bureau dispatch officers Ma Dingyuan and Hou Yanchang, granting each a horse; Yanchang was also promoted from prepared general to deputy general. Imperial wine was brought forward, and the emperor said to Wang Kui, "Today's drill review—the timing of advances and halts, the splitting and reuniting of units, the army's discipline—all of this is your doing. " Kui replied, "Your Majesty's divine martial prowess is known throughout the realm. With the bearing of the imperial armies, who would dare be lax! " The wine granted was full measure for all; Kui said that with army and horse duties he dared not drink; the emperor said, "Take a little. " The emperor personally reduced most of the portion. When he had drunk, he thanked the emperor and withdrew. The emperor then summoned Li Shunju, supervisor of the Imperial Guard Horse Bureau, and asked, "How do today's reviewed troops compare with the armies of former times? " Shunju replied, "The troops reviewed today have all been personally trained by Your Majesty in peacetime, treated with deep kindness, and given generous rewards; their loyalty and courage are a hundred times what they were—nothing like the armies of old. " The prescribed ritual: when the emperor arrived at Xiangxi Hall, the gate guards and imperial guards—all in military dress—received him and performed the regular attendance greeting. When the emperor arrived, the Director of the Gate Bureau and officials below him, all in military dress, performed the regular attendance greeting; then it was finished. The emperor rode out with his attendants to the great drill ground outside Chaohao Gate, where they dismounted below the imperial tent; he entered the tent to change, then emerged in golden armor; the gate guards and imperial guards received him and cried, "Long live the emperor." The emperor rode to the drill ground terrace, dismounted, mounted the platform, and entered the tent. The chief councillors, imperial princes, envoys of ministerial rank, regular Gate Bureau appointees, sword-girdled imperial guards, and palace guard officers who accompanied the emperor ascended the platform and stood facing one another on east and west sides of the tent hall. The army commanders were ordered to mount the platform in full armor with imperial weapons and ceremonial maces; they stood on the west side of the south face of the tent hall, waiting for an inner-court attendant to call them into formation. The emperor emerged from the tent; the gate guards and imperial guards received him and cried, "Long live the emperor." When the emperor came out, the Gate Bureau ushered in the Palace Front horse-and-foot commanders and leader-officers from the three bureaus for the regular attendance greeting; then it was done. Next, adjutants and junior officers of the three bureaus performed the regular attendance greeting at the drum signal. Next the Palace Commander, mace in hand, went before the imperial seat and requested permission to drill the straight-line formation. When that drill was finished, he again went before the imperial seat and requested permission to drill the circular formation. When that drill was finished, he again went before the imperial seat and requested permission to drill the wedge formation. When that drill was finished, he again went before the imperial seat to announce the review complete, then returned to his station. An inner attendant conveyed the imperial order to the Palace Front grand marshal; after the armies received the order and thanked the emperor, a dispatch officer led the three bureaus' commanders, leaders, and adjutants in a double bow of thanks; then each returned to his unit. The emperor rose, entered the tent to change clothes, then came out again. The emperor took his seat; ushers led the chief councillors to kneel and stand behind him, awaiting the imperial tea service. The usher announced that they might sit; the chief councillors bowed and answered "Yes"; then they straightened and took their seats. At the first round of wine they rose and knelt behind; when the emperor had finished drinking, the usher announced they might sit; they bowed, answered "Yes," and stood upright. When their own wine was served, they took their cups, drank, and handed the cups to palace attendants. Next the usher announced the food service; everything proceeded according to ritual. At the fourth round the emperor's order to urge them to drink was conveyed; through the imperial pharmacy came the order that they need not bow; the usher received it and announced that no bow was required, then announced they might sit. The fifth round of urging to drink followed the same ritual as the fourth. When the wine and food were finished, the imperial tea service was brought forward. Ushers led the chief councillors to stand in double rows at the tent hall; through the imperial pharmacy came the order that they need not bow; the usher received it, bowed to the councillors, and announced that no bow was required; each stood at attention, descended the steps, and returned to their tent stations. The emperor rose, rode to the Chariot Court, and dismounted. The emperor emerged from the tent and went to the upper story of the Chariot Court gate tower; he granted wine to the imperial princes, who bowed twice in thanks; Next he granted wine to ministerial envoys, regular appointees, and army commanders, Gate Bureau officials, sword-girdled imperial guards, and palace guard officers; Each group bowed twice in thanks in turn; when finished, they again stood facing one another as before. Next the imperial princes brought cups forward and offered wine to the emperor; when he had drunk, the group bowed twice in thanks; When the emperor had finished viewing, he rose, came down from the Chariot Court gate tower, and returned to the tent. The imperial princes and those below withdrew; the emperor rode out through the Chariot Court gate; the gate guards and imperial guards received him and cried, "Long live the emperor." The emperor rode to the great drill ground outside Chaohao Gate; all officials who should accompany him also in military dress mounted and rode back with him. The emperor rode in through Hening Gate and, at Xiangxi Hall, dismounted and returned to the palace. The rest follows this procedure.
23
In the twelfth month of Chunxi 4, a grand military review was held at Maotan. In the eleventh month of year 10, a grand review was held at Long Mountain. In the tenth month of year 16, a grand review was held at the great drill ground south of the city. All followed the ritual described above. In the tenth month of Qingyuan 1, because the emperor was in mourning seclusion, he had the chief councillors conduct the drill review at the great drill ground. In the tenth month of year 2, a grand review was held at Maotan. In the twelfth month of Jiatai 2, the emperor visited the drill ground outside Chaohao Gate for a grand review. A grand review was planned for the fourth month of Duanping 2, but the summer heat prevented it from being held.
24
殿 使 使 使 使 殿使使 殿
Accepting Surrender and Presenting Captives. When Emperor Taizu pacified Shu and Meng Chang surrendered, he ordered officials to adapt earlier dynasties' ceremonial protocols for a surrender rite. The day before Chang's arrival, the imperial throne and guard of honor were set up in Chongyuan Hall according to the New Year's assembly rite. On the appointed day, cavalry and infantry were marshaled along both sides of the Heavenly Street; plain mats and cushions for Chang and his entourage were placed outside Mingde Gate, with a table for the memorial on the north side of Cross Street. An interpreter attendant led Chang and his officials, dressed in plain robes and gauze caps, to stand in order facing north. Chang knelt, offered the memorial to the gate commissioner, returned to his place, and awaited orders. When the memorial reached the throne, attendant ministers read it aloud; the gate commissioner received the imperial order and went out. Chang and his party prostrated themselves. An interpreter attendant helped Chang to his feet, and his officials rose as well; an imperial pronouncement absolved them of guilt; Chang and his party bowed twice and cried, "Long live the emperor." The wardrobe commissioner presented the granted court robes, caps, and belts; Chang and his party bowed twice, knelt, and received them; they changed clothes, mounted horses, and dismounted at Shenglong Gate; the officials dismounted at Qiyun Gate and took their assigned places. The emperor, in ordinary dress, took the throne; officials entered first, paid their respects, and stood in formation. The gate commissioner ushered in Chang and his party; they performed the ceremonial bow of thanks. Chang was summoned to ascend the hall; the gate commissioner led him up the eastern steps; a pacification commissioner received the imperial order and reassured him. Chang came before the throne, bowed and answered the emperor's inquiries; then he returned to his place and left with his officials after the ceremonial bow. The Secretariat led the officials in offering congratulations; then the emperor hosted a banquet for close ministers and Chang in Daming Hall.
25
西 西 西西 西 西
When Lingnan was pacified and Liu Chang was captured, the emperor ordered officials to draft the captive-presentation rite. When Liu Chang arrived, the emperor took his place at Mingde Gate; guards of honor were drawn up; the armies and officials in ordinary dress stood in ranks before the gate tower. A separate captive-presentation station was set up south of the east-west cross streets, facing north; His generals and officers took positions before the captive-presentation station, on the north side facing west. Officials led warriors who bound Liu Chang and the others with white cords; a victory report was carried ahead to lead the procession. Reaching the Grand Temple's southwest gate, Liu Chang and the others all dismounted, entered the South Spirit Gate, and stood facing west on the northern rise; supervising generals and officers stood in order to the south. When the announcement rite was finished, they left through the southwest gate, mounted, and were escorted to the Grand Earth Altar according to the same procedure. They were then escorted to the west side of the imperial road south of the gate tower, where they dismounted and stood awaiting orders. The generals and officers presenting the captives wore military dress with swords at their belts. The acting attendant-in-chief announced by wooden tablet that the middle watch was strict; the officials' ranks were set; A wooden-tablet announcement reported that outer preparations were complete; the emperor, in ordinary dress, took the throne. After the officials had performed the ceremonial greeting, an interpreter attendant led Liu Chang to the captive-presentation station; his generals and officers performed the ceremonial bow before the gate tower; then the victory-report table was brought before the tower facing north and the pronouncement was delivered to the Secretariat and Chancellery according to the pronouncement protocol. The interpreter attendant knelt, received the victory report, and passed it to the Secretariat; the Chancellery forwarded it to the acting Minister of War. Next the acting Minister of Punishments went before the gate tower, knelt, and reported that the captives were handed over to the responsible authorities. The emperor summoned Liu Chang and rebuked him; Liu Chang prostrated himself awaiting punishment. An edict ordered the execution of his ministers Gong Chenshu and others; Liu Chang's bonds and those of his brother Baoxing and the rest were specially remitted; they were granted court robes, caps, belts, boots, tablets, gifts, saddles, and horses; and each donned his new garments and lined up below the tower to give thanks. After the officials had offered congratulations, the guard of honor was dismissed according to ritual.
26
使
When Southern Tang was pacified, the emperor took his place at Mingde Gate; a victory report led Li Yu, his sons and brothers, and his officials—dressed in plain robes—to await judgment for their crimes. At first, officials asked to follow the Liu Chang captive-presentation procedure. The emperor held that Li Yu had acknowledged Song suzerainty, unlike Liu Chang, who had defied imperial orders; he therefore suppressed the victory report and sent a gate commissioner to receive the imperial order and absolve him.
27
使 西 西 退 退
When Emperor Taizong marched against Taiyuan and Liu Jiyuan surrendered, the emperor visited the north side of the city, drew up guards of honor, set out music, and hosted a banquet for his attending ministers on the city terrace. Liu Jiyuan led his officials, dressed in plain robes, to stand below the terrace. He sent a gate commissioner to proclaim an imperial order absolving them of guilt, then summoned Liu Jiyuan and personally reassured him. The attending ministers went to the traveling palace to offer congratulations. Because they were in camp at the time, the full ceremony was not performed. When Liu Jiyuan reached the capital, an edict ordered the temple announcement and presentation rite at the Grand Temple. The day before, the responsible office arranged the setting according to the usual temple-announcement protocol. At dawn on the announcement day, a scholar of ceremonies led the grand marshal to his place; an interpreter attendant led Liu Jiyuan to stand facing east below the western stairs, while his officials stood in double ranks. A proclaimer directed the grand marshal to bow twice; when that was done, the scholar of ceremonies led him to wash hands and receive the libation cup according to usual rite, then to the eastern stairs to remove his sword and shoes. He ascended the first chamber to present offerings and bow twice; the chief temple invocator knelt, read the prayer text aloud, and he bowed twice again. An interpreter attendant led Liu Jiyuan and his officials to stand facing north below the western stairs before the chamber; an usher proclaimed, "The emperor personally took the field, recovered Hedong, and the false ruler Liu Jiyuan and the officials of his false regime are present." The proclaimer called for them to bow twice; when the bows were finished, they withdrew. They then proceeded to the second, third, fourth, and fifth chambers, each according to the same procedure as the first. The scholar of ceremonies led the grand marshal down the stairs, where he girded on his sword, put on his shoes, and returned to his place. The proclaimer called for another bow; the grand marshal, Liu Jiyuan, and the others all bowed twice and withdrew. The prayer tablets were burned in the abstinence lodge. Because Liu Jiyuan had already been granted an official appointment, he was not styled a captive.
28
西 殿 西 殿
In Yuanfu 2, the Western Tibetan king Longzai, the Miaochuan chieftain Xiazheng, and others surrendered; the court ordered full ceremonial regulations drawn up. On the surrender-acceptance day the emperor took his place at Xuande Gate, arranged all guard shifts and the upper-four-army guard of honor, and the armies stood in formation dressed in plain robes. Each surrendering party appeared in tribal dress; after inquiry, an imperial rescript absolved them of guilt, and each was granted court robes, caps, and belts according to rank. The officials offered congratulations, and the emperor then took his place again at Zichen Hall and hosted a banquet. When Emperor Zhezong died, the Bureau of Military Affairs kept Longzai and his party at the Western Capital awaiting instructions. An edict abolished the ceremony of taking position on the gate tower with guards drawn up; they were received only in audience at the rear hall. Longzai formed one rank, a Khitan princess another, Western Xia and Uyghur princesses came next, Xiazheng formed a rank, and Bian Sibo with his kinsmen followed. The corresponding tribal leaders each followed their own chief and paid their respects in turn. Monks, nuns, and princesses all wore tribal dress and performed tribal obeisance. All were granted caps and robes; after they had given thanks, food and wine were bestowed outside Heng Gate.
29
輿輿 使 退西 西西 退 西 退
At the start of the Zhenghe reign, the Ritual Discussion Bureau submitted the Rites for Accepting Surrender. The emperor rode the imperial carriage up Xuande Gate tower, then descended and took his seat in the imperial pavilion; officials, surrendering kings, and tribal officials formed their ranks below the tower, as in the great general-amnesty ceremony. The east upper pavilion gate led them up the tower with red-cord rank tokens; on the tower, an east upper pavilion gate officer relayed the order through an inner attendant to request the fans. When the fans closed, the emperor took the throne and the curtain was raised. An inner attendant again proclaimed the fans open, and the guards took their stations according to usual protocol. All guard ranks and close attendants encircled the surrendering kings and their party to welcome the imperial progress and themselves performed the usual attendance greeting. Next an usher proclaimed the usual attendance greeting for the soldiers holding the ceremonial implements. Next the supervising officials for the surrendering kings' envoys and the accompanying former tribal officials performed the usual attendance greeting. Next a ritual officer and ushers led the officials to stand facing north in ranks; a proclaimer called for bows; all officeholders performed the ceremonial bow twice, cried "Long live the emperor" three times, and bowed twice again. The head of the rank reported that the emperor enjoyed ten thousand blessings; they bowed twice again and withdrew, and the officials each took their east-west positions. Ushers led the surrendering kings, dressed in the robes and caps of their own countries, to stand facing north before the tower; women stood slightly to the west, monks farther west, and nuns behind them. Inner Secretariat officials went before the throne to receive the imperial order and transmitted it to the east upper pavilion gate officer on the tower, who recorded it. A red-strip bag lowered the decree to the foot of the tower; the east upper pavilion gate officer received the order and withdrew. The surrendering kings and those below prostrated themselves. When the east upper pavilion gate officer arrived, he ordered an interpreter attendant to help them rise; the chiefs and those below all stood and bowed. The pavilion gate proclaimed that there was an edict; the surrendering kings and those below bowed twice, while the monks and nuns only bowed and cried, "Long live the emperor." The pavilion gate recorded the edict and handed it to the supervising officials; the surrendering kings and their party bowed and listened to the inquiry. If there was a further memorial, the pavilion gate recorded it and again led them up the tower with the red-cord bag. If there was no further memorial, Inner Secretariat officials went before the throne to receive the order and transmitted it to the pavilion gate officer on the tower, who proclaimed that the edict absolving them of guilt had been issued. An usher proclaimed thanks for the emperor's grace; the surrendering kings and those below bowed twice, cried "Long live the emperor," and returned to their ordered ranks. Inner Secretariat officials went before the throne to receive the order and transmitted it to the pavilion gate officer on the tower, who proclaimed an edict granting each of them court robes, caps, and belts. The pavilion gate officer below the tower received the order and had the granted gift screens set out on the west side. An usher proclaimed that there was an edict; the surrendering kings and those below bowed twice and bowed deeply. The usher announced each item granted, and when the gifts had been bestowed, they bowed twice again and cried, "Long live the emperor." If offices were granted, thanks were proclaimed and they bowed twice; all then returned to their stations and changed into the garments they had been given. Ushers first led the surrendering kings and those below, up to those who had been granted Remote Commandery rank and above, to stand north of the tower facing east; they were directed to bow twice, cry "Long live the emperor," and bow twice again; next the women wearing caps and ceremonial robes were directed to bow twice. The monks and nuns gave thanks separately and were led back. Next the standing attendants on the tower were directed to offer congratulations and bow twice. A ritual officer and ushers separately led the officials to stand facing north in ranks; when the bow was finished, the head of the rank stepped slightly forward, prostrated himself, knelt, and offered congratulations in words composed by the Secretariat for the occasion; when congratulations were finished, he returned to his place. Those in office again performed the ceremonial bow twice, cried "Long live the emperor" three times, and bowed twice again. The east upper pavilion gate officer advanced to the front of the tower to receive the order and, before the head of the rank, proclaimed that there was an imperial pronouncement. A proclaimer called for bows; all officeholders bowed twice. The response was read aloud in words composed by the Academy of Scholarly Worthies for the occasion; they were again directed to bow twice, cry "Long live the emperor" three times, and bow twice again. Before the Bureau of Military Affairs on the tower, an official knelt and memorialized, saying, "Your subject, official X, reports." When the rite was finished, an inner attendant requested the fans; the fans closed, the curtain fell, and the emperor left the throne. An inner attendant proclaimed the fans open; the responsible office received the order and dismissed the guard of honor; a whip sounded below the tower, and the officials bowed twice and withdrew.
30
使 殿 殿
In the third month of Kaixi 3, Sichuan pacification vice commissioner An Bing sent in a box the head of the rebel Wu Xi, together with ritual objects he had unlawfully manufactured, the edict by which the Jin had enfeoffed him King of Shu, and the Jin seal he had received. On the third day of the fourth month, the Ministry of Rites and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices set out the precedents for presenting enemy heads. When the box containing Wu Xi's head arrived, Lin'an Prefecture dispatched guards, and the Palace Command sent two hundred armored soldiers together with chief justice officials to escort it to the main hall for examination. For the presentation reports at the Grand Temple and the separate temples, senior imperial clansmen from the southern rank were assigned; for the reports at the Grand Earth and Grain altars, attendant ministers were assigned. Each spent the day before in ritual abstinence at the sacrificial site; on the appointed day they performed the presentation rite. The chief justice and the Palace Command coordinated the timing, escorted the box containing the head, and set it in place to await the ceremony. When the presentation rite was finished, the head was exposed at the market for three days, then handed over to the chief justice for storage in the vault.
31
In Duanping 1, the Jin dynasty fell. In the fourth month, the Jinghu commissioner sent up a box containing the bones of Wanyan Shouxu; officials were dispatched to announce the event at the ancestral temple and the altars of state according to ritual.
32
Field Hunting. In Jianlong 2, Emperor Taizu first conducted regulated field hunts in the near suburbs. The forbidden army was first sent out to form the hunting enclosure, and the Five Workshops followed with fierce birds of prey and fine hounds. The emperor personally shot three fleeing hares, and the attending officials presented horses in tribute and offered congratulations. Thereafter hunts were mostly held in autumn and winter or in the first month in the four suburbs; attending officials were sometimes granted narrow-sleeved robes and warm boots, and imperial princes and others who scored hits were given horses.
33
西 使
When Emperor Taizong was about to march north, he conducted a martial review hunt in the near suburbs; because many poachers were taking foxes and hares, he ordered the practice forbidden. A guard soldier seized another man's deer and was liable to death; the emperor said, "If we execute him, later ages will surely say that I valued beasts more than human lives." He specially remitted the man's punishment. The emperor often conducted hunt reviews on La day and told his attending ministers, "To go out hunting on La day accords with the season, and to slacken the reins while following game is not idle dissipation." On the return he visited the Lecture-on-Arms Terrace, set out music, and granted his ministers drink. Thereafter he hunted in the western suburbs and personally shot five fleeing hares. An edict noted that in antiquity the seasonal hunts used captured game to offer at the ancestral temple, but that rite had long fallen into disuse and could now be restored. Thereupon it was established as a fixed practice. The emperor by nature disliked archery and hunting; an edict abolished pleasure hunting in the near districts except when responsible offices were performing ritual duties, released all hawks and hounds kept by the Five Workshops, and forbade prefectures to present hawks as tribute. Then Dingnan army commissioner Zhao Baozhong presented a hawk called "Sea East Green"; an edict returned it to him as a gift. On La day only the imperial princes were ordered to hunt briefly in the near suburbs, and the functions of the Five Workshops were abolished.
34
駿
Emperor Zhenzong again ordered that a dozen or so of the hawks and falcons raised by the hawk-training corps be kept on hand so that the imperial princes could perform seasonal rites. Enclosed hunting pastures were opened, and common people were permitted to farm and graze there.
35
殿 使 輿
By Emperor Renzong's reign, memorialists argued that the regulated field-hunt system served both to accord with the seasons and to train martial affairs, and they asked that the rite be restored. Thereupon an edict ordered the Bureau of Military Affairs to draft and fix the regulations. On hunt day, at the fifth drumbeat the emperor took his place at the inner east gate, granted his attending officials three rounds of wine, and had the Junrong ensemble perform. He then visited Qionlin Garden gate and granted his attendants food. He then hunted at Yang Village, banqueted in the pavilion hall, and had the Directorate of Music perform. He dispatched an envoy to gallop-present the captured game as offerings at the Grand Temple. He then summoned local elders to question them in person and bestowed food, drink, tea, and silk upon them, while Five Workshops soldiers received silver and silk in varying amounts. Chief Councillor Jia Changzhao and others said, "Your Majesty has for a time visited the near suburbs and hunted according to the season, taking fresh kill to the temple altar—this displays filial virtue; you have ascended high ground to review military stores—this displays martial training; you have questioned elders and honored them with ranked feasting—this nourishes the aged; you have consoled field workers and granted them bounty—this encourages farming. In a single outing of the imperial carriage, all four virtues were fulfilled at once. We humbly ask that this be transmitted to the Historiography Bureau. The request was approved. The next year he hunted again south of the city at East Han Village. From Yujin Garden he left his carriage and mounted; thousands of horsemen were divided into left and right wings and regulated with drums and banners. The combined hunting enclosure was more than ten li across, and the units coordinated with one another. The emperor held the reins on the center path, personally wielded bow and arrows, and repeatedly brought down game. At that time, residents along the road, or people who kept foxes, hares, ducks, and pheasants, drove them into the enclosure. The emperor said that field hunting trains martial affairs and is not merely about what is taken, and he had them all released. He remitted one year's rent on farmland within the enclosure and summoned local elders for consolatory visits. Thereafter, because remonstrances were numerous, hunting in the near districts was abolished. From that time until the fall of the Northern Song at Jingkang, hunting was never resumed.
36
殿 西 殿西 西 使使使殿 使 殿西 西 殿 殿西 殿
Cuju ball-play was originally a pastime of the army. Emperor Taizong ordered officials to work out its ceremonial regulations in detail. In the third month they gathered for cuju at the Hall of Great Brightness. Officials cleared a field and set up goalposts east and west, each more than one zhang tall, carved with golden dragons at the top, mounted on stone lotus pedestals below, and decorated with colored embroidery. The players were divided into left and right teams; two Hanlin academicians guarded the goals, two guardsmen held small red flags and announced the score, and Imperial Dragon officers in brocade robes carrying Geshu clubs patrolled the field. Below the hall steps, sun and moon banners were set up on the east and west. The Music Bureau placed Kuche-style drums and musicians in both corridors, five drums to each side. Five drums were also placed beneath the banners at each of the east and west goals. The Gate Secretariat prepared the team rosters in advance for the emperor's approval. Imperial princes, close ministers, military and civil commissioners of every rank, prefects, imperial sons-in-law, bureau commissioners and their deputies, palace attendants, and palace guards all took part. Officials on the two teams—members of the imperial clan and officers below commissioner rank—wore embroidered garments in contrasting colors; the left team wore yellow brocade; the right team wore purple brocade; cuju palace attendants on the left wore purple embroidery and those on the right scarlet embroidery, with black leather boots and ornate folded-up brim caps. The Imperial Stud supplied trained horses with saddles and bridles. The emperor mounted and rode out while the Music Bureau performed the full Liangzhou suite; bureau commissioners and lower officials went ahead as escorts, and attending ministers received him. When he reached the hall the ministers expressed their thanks; they were summoned in turn to mount horses with braided tails; the teams entered from both side wings and formed up in the west wing. The emperor mounted and halted southwest of center court. A eunuch opened a golden casket, produced a vermilion-lacquered ball, and tossed it out before the hall. The protocol officer announced: "The imperial team will play toward the east goal." The emperor struck the ball as the Music Bureau played and the drums sounded. When the ball passed through the goal, banners were waved, bells rang, and the drums fell silent. The emperor turned his horse; attending ministers offered cups in congratulation and presented tribute gifts. Wine was granted; they bowed in formation, and after drinking remounted their horses. The emperor struck again, and only then ordered the princes and senior ministers to gallop and join the contest. Drums were beaten beneath the goal banners. As players neared the goal, drums were beaten urgently in each wing in succession. When the ball went through the goal, the drums sounded three diminishing beats. Twenty-four embroidered banners were placed beside the goals, and empty racks were set below the east and west hall steps. Each time a team scored, a banner was placed on the rack to record it. When the emperor scored, the music briefly halted and attending officials shouted "Long live the emperor!" When ministers scored the crowd cried approval, and the scorer dismounted to give thanks. After all three rounds were complete, he returned to the hall and summoned attending ministers to drink. There were also players on foot and players mounted on donkeys and mules; palace attendants sometimes formed teams for sport as entertainment.
37
殿 殿
Rescuing the Sun: Beating Drums. In the first year of Jianlong the Directorate of Astronomy reported an eclipse on the first day of the fifth month and requested that weapons, armor, and helmets be put away. The matter was referred to the responsible offices, which requested that the emperor withdraw from the main hall and wear plain dress, that officials remain at their posts, and that envoys be dispatched to sacrifice at the Great Altars of Soil and Grain according to precedent. On the first day of the fifth month in the fourth year of Jingde there was a solar eclipse. The emperor withdrew from the main hall and suspended audience with government business.
38
殿 殿 殿使 殿 殿 西西西 西
On the first day of the fourth month in the first year of Zhihe there was a solar eclipse, whereupon an edict of grace was issued: the reign title was changed, court dress was altered, the emperor withdrew from the main hall, and meals were reduced. All officials went to the eastern upper Gate Secretariat and submitted memorials asking the emperor to resume audience in the main hall and restore regular meals. Only after three such memorials did he assent. On the day itself officers were dispatched to sacrifice at the Great Altars, but rain and thunder kept the sky overcast; not until the shen hour was the eclipse visible, with more than nine-tenths of the sun obscured. All officials offered congratulations. Earlier, at the beginning of the Huangyou reign, because of a solar eclipse the court held no congratulatory audiences for three days and officials submitted memorials instead. In the fourth year of Jiayou an edict declared that for the New Year's Day eclipse no memorials need be submitted; from the twenty-first day of the twelfth month the emperor ceased holding court in the front hall, reduced his meals, cancelled the banquet for Liao envoys, and suspended music. On the day itself officers were still dispatched to sacrifice at the Great Altars. After three memorials from the officials he resumed audience in the main hall and restored regular meals. On the first day of the sixth month in the sixth year there was a solar eclipse, and an edict directed ritual officials to verify the relevant precedents. The emperor wore plain dress, did not hold court in the main hall or conduct government business, and all officials suspended routine affairs and remained at their posts. Two days before the new moon, the Director of the Suburban and Altar Rites and gate attendants guarded the four gates; the gate-patrol surveillance officer and the Director of Music led workers holding direction-colored banners and pennants, placing them beneath the buildings at each gate. Dragon-and-serpent drums were positioned accordingly: at the east gate, in the north schoolhouse facing south; at the south gate, in the east schoolhouse facing west; at the west gate, in the south schoolhouse facing north; and at the north gate, in the west schoolhouse facing east. One squad leader with a sword led five guardsmen bearing the five kinds of weapons and stood outside the drums. Spears stood to the east, halberds to the south, axes and battle-axes to the west, and pikes to the north. The Director of the Suburban and Altar Rites set up a spear at the altar, with red silk cords wound three times around the four corners. A yellow banner was also set up to the north, followed by one dragon-and-serpent drum, one bow, and four sets of arrows. All the weapon-bearers and drummers stood in silence, waiting until the Directorate of Astronomy reported a change in the sun; then the workers raised their banners and beat the drums; the announcing officer performed the sacrifice while the chief invoker read the prayer, its words expressing the idea of reproving yin and assisting yang. When the astronomy officer announced that the eclipse had ended, the drums fell silent. If the sky was overcast and the eclipse could not be seen, drums were not beaten; thereafter, whenever there was a solar eclipse, the same regulations were followed.
39
殿
In the fourth year of Zhiping an edict declared: "In antiquity, when the sun was eclipsed the hundred offices kept to their duties, reverencing heaven's warning and preparing for the unexpected; that we now omit this alone is far from a ruler's careful reverence." Let the Secretariat discuss and implement it. " On the first day of the fourth month in the sixth year of Xining there was a solar eclipse, and an edict ordered altered dress, withdrawal from the hall, and reduced meals according to precedent. Capital sentences throughout the realm were commuted and crimes below exile were pardoned.
40
祿 退
In the Zhenghe reign regulations were issued for the "Rite for Beating Drums at the New Moon": officials set out jade, silk offerings, baskets, and vessels at the Great Altars according to ceremony. At each of the altar's four gates and near the north side below the mound, a drum was placed and banners and pennants were set up in the colors of their respective directions. Below the mound a yellow banner was erected on a ten-chi pole with an eight-chi pennant. On the day of the sacrificial announcement, before the appointed hour, the Director of the Imperial Kitchen led his staff to prepare the food offerings, which the Minister of Imperial Entertainments inspected; next the surveillance censor, ceremonial officer, chief invoker, and Director of the Imperial Kitchen were led in to take their places, then the announcing officer; all bowed twice; next the censor, ceremonial officer, and chief invoker ascended and took their places. The Director of the Imperial Kitchen went to the wine vessel; the announcing officer washed his hands, proceeded to the Great Altars, offered incense three times, presented silk and jade, bowed twice, and returned to his place. Shortly afterward the announcing officer washed his hands again, took the cup and poured libations three times, set down the cup, prostrated himself and rose, stood briefly, and the chief invoker was led before the spirit seat to kneel and read the prayer. The announcing officer bowed twice and withdrew, and the drums were beaten. Before the appointed hour that day, an astronomy officer stood below the mound to watch the sun. The Director of Music led ten workers in direction-colored dress to stand on either side of the drums and wait. When the astronomy officer announced a change in the sun, the workers beat the drums in unison. When the sun brightened again, the astronomy officer announced that the eclipse had ended, and the drums fell silent. On that day routine business was suspended, and the hundred offices each remained at their posts according to the old regulations.
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