Volume 16 Treatises 6: Rites and Music 6

二曰賓禮，以待四夷之君長與其使者。

The second category is guest rites, for receiving the rulers of the four quarters and their envoys.

蕃國主來朝，遣使者迎勞，前一日，守宮設次於館門之外道右，南向。其日，使者就次，蕃主服其國服，立於東階下，西面。使者朝服出次，立於門西，東面；從者執束帛立於其南。有司出門，西面曰：「敢請事。」使者曰：「奉制勞某主。」稱其國名。有司入告，蕃主迎於門外之東，西面再拜，俱入。使者先升，立於西階上，執束帛者從升，立於其北，俱東向。蕃主乃升，立於東階上，西面。使者執幣曰：「有制。」蕃主將下拜，使者曰：「有後制，無下拜。」蕃主旋，北面再拜稽首。使者宣制，蕃主進受命，退復位，以幣授左右，又再拜稽首。使者降，出立於門外之西，東面。蕃主送於門之外，西，止使者，揖以俱入，讓升，蕃主先升東階上，西面；使者升西階上，東面。蕃主以土物儐使者，使者再拜受。蕃主再拜送物，使者降，出，蕃主從出門外，皆如初。蕃主再拜送使者，還。蕃主入，鴻臚迎引詣朝堂，依方北面立，所司奏聞，舍人承敕出，稱「有敕」。蕃主再拜。宣勞，又再拜。乃就館。

When a foreign realm's lord comes to court, the court sends envoys to welcome and console him; the day before, the Palace Keepers set a pavilion outside the hostel gate on the right side of the road, facing south. On that day the envoy takes his pavilion; the foreign lord wears his national dress and stands below the east steps, facing west. The envoy in court dress leaves the pavilion and stands west of the gate, facing east; attendants holding bundled silks stand to his south. An officer goes out the gate, faces west, and says: "I venture to ask your business." The envoy says: "By imperial command I console Lord So-and-so." naming his state. An officer enters to report; the foreign lord meets him east of the outer gate, faces west and bows twice, and both enter. The envoy ascends first and stands on the west steps; those holding bundled silks follow and stand north of him, all facing east. The foreign lord then ascends and stands on the east steps, facing west. The envoy holds the gift and says: "There is a command." The foreign lord is about to descend to bow; the envoy says: "There is a further command: do not descend to bow." The foreign lord turns, faces north, and twice kowtows. The envoy proclaims the command; the foreign lord advances to receive the order, withdraws to his place, hands the gift to attendants, and again kowtows twice. The envoy descends and goes out to stand west of the outer gate, facing east. The foreign lord escorts him outside the gate; west of it he stops the envoy, bows them in together, yielding on the ascent—the foreign lord first ascends the east steps, facing west; the envoy ascends the west steps, facing east. The foreign lord entertains the envoy with local products; the envoy bows twice and receives. The foreign lord bows twice in sending the gifts; the envoy descends and goes out; the foreign lord follows out the gate—all as at first. The foreign lord bows twice in seeing off the envoy and returns. The foreign lord enters; the Grand Master of Ceremonies for Foreign Guests welcomes and leads him to the audience hall, where he stands facing north by his quarter; the responsible office reports; a palace attendant receives the edict and comes out, saying "There is an edict." The foreign lord bows twice. Consolation is proclaimed; he bows twice again. He then goes to the hostel.

皇帝遣使戒蕃主見日，如勞禮。宣制曰：「某日，某主見。」蕃主拜稽首。使者降，出，蕃主送。

The emperor dispatches an envoy to inform the foreign lord of the audience day, as in the consolation rite. The command is proclaimed: "On such-and-such a day, Lord So-and-so shall have audience." The foreign lord kowtows. The envoy descends and goes out; the foreign lord sees him off.

蕃主奉見。前一日，尚舍奉御設御幄於太極殿，南向；蕃主坐於西南，東向。守宮設次，太樂令展宮縣，設舉麾位於上下，鼓吹令設十二桉，乘黃令陳車輅，尚輦奉御陳輿輦。典儀設蕃主立位於縣南道西，北面；蕃國諸官之位於其後，重行，北面西上，典儀位于縣之東北，贊者二人在南，差退，俱西面。諸衞各勒部，屯門列黃麾仗。所司迎引蕃主至承天門外，就次。本司入奏，鈒戟近仗皆入。典儀帥贊者先入，就位。侍中版奏「請中嚴」。諸侍衞之官及符寶郎詣閤奉迎，蕃主及其屬各立於閤外西廂，東面。侍中版奏「外辦」。皇帝服通天冠、絳紗袍，乘輿以出。舍人引蕃主入門，舒和之樂作。典儀曰：「再拜。」蕃主再拜稽首。侍中承制降詣蕃主西北，東面曰：「有制。」蕃主再拜稽首。乃宣制，又再拜稽首。侍中還奏，承制降勞，敕升座。蕃主再拜稽首，升座。侍中承制勞問，蕃主俛伏避席，將下拜，侍中承制曰：「無下拜。」蕃主復位，拜而對。侍中還奏，承制勞還館。蕃主降，復縣南位，再拜稽首。其官屬勞以舍人，與其主俱出。侍中奏「禮畢」。皇帝興。

The foreign lord presents himself for audience. On the day before, the Palace Provisioners set the imperial canopy in the Hall of Supreme Ultimate, facing south; the foreign lord sits in the southwest, facing east. The Palace Keepers set the pavilion; the Director of Imperial Music deploys the palace bells; positions for raising batons are set above and below; the Director of Court Music sets twelve music stands; the Director of the Imperial Stud displays chariots; the Palace Carriage Attendants display litters. The Director of Ceremonies sets the foreign lord's standing place south of the bells on the west side of the road, facing north; places for the foreign state's officials behind him in double ranks, facing north with the west uppermost; the Director of Ceremonies stands northeast of the bells; two announcers south of him, somewhat withdrawn, all facing west. Each guard command assembles its section and arrays yellow-banner guards at the gates. The responsible office welcomes and leads the foreign lord to outside the Gate of Accepting Heaven and he takes his pavilion. His office enters to report; halberd guards and close attendants all enter. The Director of Ceremonies leads the announcers in first and takes their places. The palace attendant memorializes on the placard: "I request inner vigilance." Officers of the inner guard and the seal-and-talisman attendant go to the side hall to welcome; the foreign lord and his retinue each stand in the west wing outside the hall, facing east. The palace attendant memorializes on the placard: "The outer preparations are complete." The emperor wears the Tongtian crown and crimson gauze robe and goes out in the imperial litter. A palace attendant leads the foreign lord through the gate; the music Shuhe begins. The Director of Ceremonies says: "Bow twice." The foreign lord kowtows twice. The palace attendant receives the command, descends to the foreign lord's northwest, faces east, and says: "There is a command." The foreign lord kowtows twice. He then proclaims the command; the foreign lord again kowtows twice. The palace attendant returns to report; receives the command to descend and console, and orders him to ascend the seat. The foreign lord kowtows twice and ascends the seat. The palace attendant receives the command to inquire after him in consolation; the foreign lord bows low and leaves his mat, about to descend to bow; the palace attendant receives the command: "Do not descend to bow." The foreign lord returns to his place, bows, and replies. The palace attendant returns to report; receives the command to console him on returning to the hostel. The foreign lord descends, returns to his place south of the bells, and kowtows twice. His officials are consoled by palace attendants and go out together with their lord. The palace attendant reports: "The rite is complete." The emperor rises.

若蕃國遣使奉表幣，其勞及戒見皆如蕃國主。庭實陳於客前，中書侍郎受表置於案，至西階以表升。有司各率其屬受其幣焉。

If a foreign state sends envoys presenting a memorial and gifts, the consolation and audience notification are as for a foreign lord. Court offerings are displayed before the guest; the vice president of the Secretariat receives the memorial and places it on the desk, and ascends the west steps with the memorial. The responsible officers each lead their subordinates to receive the gifts.

其宴蕃國主及其使，皆如見禮。皇帝已即御坐，蕃主入，其有獻物陳於其前。侍中承制降敕，蕃主升座。蕃主再拜奉贄，曰：「某國蕃臣某敢獻壤奠。」侍中升奏，承旨曰：「朕其受之。」侍中降於蕃主東北，西面，稱「有制」。蕃主再拜，乃宣制。又再拜以贄授侍中，以授有司。有司受其餘幣，俱以東。舍人承旨降敕就座，蕃國諸官俱再拜。應升殿者自西階，其不升殿者分別立於廊下席後。典儀曰：「就坐。」階下贊者承傳，皆就座。太樂令引歌者及琴瑟至階，脫履，升坐，其笙管者，就階間北面立。尚食奉御進酒，至階，典儀曰：「酒至，興。」階下贊者承傳，皆俛伏，興，立。殿中監及階省酒，尚食奉御進酒，皇帝舉酒，良醞令行酒。典儀曰：「再拜。」階下贊者承傳，皆再拜，受觶。皇帝初舉酒，登歌作昭和三終。尚食奉御受虛觶，奠于坫。酒三行，尚食奉御進食，典儀曰：「食至，興。」階下贊者承傳，皆興，立。殿中監及階省桉，尚食奉御品嘗食，以次進，太官令行蕃主以下食桉。典儀曰：「就坐。」階下贊者承傳，皆就坐。皇帝乃飯，蕃主以下皆飯。徹桉，又行酒，遂設庶羞。二舞以次入，作。食畢，蕃主以下復位于縣南，皆再拜。若有筐篚，舍人前承旨降宣敕，蕃主以下又再拜，乃出。

Banquets for the foreign lord and his envoys all follow the audience rite. When the emperor has already taken the imperial seat, the foreign lord enters; if there are tribute items they are displayed before him. The palace attendant receives the command to descend with an edict; the foreign lord ascends the seat. The foreign lord bows twice and presents the tribute, saying: "The barbarian subject So-and-so of Such-and-such a state ventures to present the soil offering." The palace attendant ascends to report; receives the imperial intent: "We shall receive it." The palace attendant descends northeast of the foreign lord, faces west, and says "There is a command." The foreign lord bows twice; he then proclaims the command. He bows twice again and gives the tribute to the palace attendant, who passes it to the responsible officers. The responsible officers receive the remaining gifts, all to the east. A palace attendant receives the imperial intent, descends with an edict to be seated; all officials of the foreign state bow twice. Those who should ascend the hall do so by the west steps; those who do not ascend stand separately behind the seats in the corridor. The Director of Ceremonies says: "Be seated." Announcers below the steps transmit; all are seated. The Director of Imperial Music leads singers and zithers to the steps; they remove shoes, ascend and sit; those with pipes and flutes stand between the steps, facing north. The Imperial Food Attendant advances wine to the steps; the Director of Ceremonies says: "Wine has arrived—rise." Announcers below the steps transmit; all bow low, rise, and stand. The palace-inside supervisor and step supervisors inspect the wine; the Imperial Food Attendant advances wine; the emperor raises his cup; the Director of Fine Wine serves wine. The Director of Ceremonies says: "Bow twice." Announcers below the steps transmit; all bow twice and receive the goblet. When the emperor first raises wine, the elevated singers perform Zhaohu in three endings. The Imperial Food Attendant receives the empty goblet and places it on the altar. After three rounds of wine, the Imperial Food Attendant advances food; the Director of Ceremonies says: "Food has arrived—rise." Announcers below the steps transmit; all rise and stand. The palace-inside supervisor and step supervisors inspect the trays; the Imperial Food Attendant tastes the food and advances it in order; the Director of the Imperial Kitchen serves food trays to the foreign lord and those below. The Director of Ceremonies says: "Be seated." Announcers below the steps transmit; all are seated. The emperor then eats; the foreign lord and those below all eat. Trays are cleared; wine is served again; then assorted delicacies are set out. The two dances enter in turn and perform. When the meal is finished, the foreign lord and those below return to their places south of the bells and all bow twice. If there are baskets of gifts, a palace attendant advances before them, receives the imperial intent, descends to proclaim the edict; the foreign lord and those below bow twice again and then go out.

其三曰軍禮。

The third category is military rites.

皇帝親征。

The emperor personally campaigns.

纂嚴。前期一日，有司設御幄於太極殿，南向。文武羣官次於殿庭東西，每等異位，重行北向。乘黃令陳革輅以下車旗于庭。其日未明，諸衞勒所部，列黃麾仗。平明，侍臣、將帥、從行之官皆平巾幘、袴褶。留守之官公服，就次。上水五刻，侍中版奏「請中嚴」。鈒戟近仗列于庭。三刻，羣官就位，諸侍臣詣閤奉迎。侍中版奏「外辦」。皇帝服武弁，御輿以出，即御座。典儀曰：「再拜。」在位者皆再拜。中書令承旨敕百寮羣官出，侍中跪奏「禮畢」。皇帝入自東房，侍臣從至閤。

Gathering strictness. One day in advance, the responsible officers set the imperial canopy in the Hall of Supreme Ultimate, facing south. Civil and military officials take their places in the east and west of the hall courtyard, each rank in a separate place, double ranks facing north. The Director of the Imperial Stud displays the leather chariot and the chariots and banners below it in the courtyard. Before dawn that day, each guard command assembles its section and arrays yellow-banner guards. At daybreak, attendant ministers, generals, and officials accompanying the march all wear plain headcloths and trousers with jacket. Officials remaining on guard wear court dress and take their places. At the fifth quarter after the water clock's upper mark, the palace attendant memorializes on the placard: "I request inner vigilance." Halberd guards and close attendants line up in the courtyard. At the third quarter, the assembled officials take their places; attendant ministers go to the side hall to welcome. The palace attendant memorializes on the placard: "The outer preparations are complete." The emperor wears the military cap, mounts the carriage, goes out, and takes the imperial seat. The Director of Ceremonies says: "Bow twice." Those in place all bow twice. The president of the Secretariat receives the imperial intent and orders the hundred officials and assembled officers out; the palace attendant kneels and reports: "The rite is complete." The emperor enters from the east chamber; attendant ministers follow to the side hall.

乃禷于昊天上帝。前一日，皇帝清齊於太極殿，諸豫告之官、侍臣、軍將與在位者皆清齊一日。其日，皇帝服武弁，乘革輅，備大駕，至于壇所。其牲二及玉幣皆以蒼。尊以太尊、山罍各二，其獻一。皇帝已飲福，諸軍將升自東階，立于神座前，北向西上，飲福受胙。將軍之次在外壝南門之外道東，西向北上。其即事之位在縣南，北面。每等異位，重行西上。其奠玉帛、進熟、飲福、望燎，皆如南郊。

He then offers to the August Supreme God of Heaven. On the day before, the emperor keeps pure abstinence in the Hall of Supreme Ultimate; all officials to be notified, attendant ministers, military officers, and those in place all keep pure abstinence one day. On that day the emperor wears the military cap, rides the leather chariot with full imperial escort, and arrives at the altar site. The victims are two and the jade and silks all azure. Vessels: two Grand Vessels and two mountain urns each; one offering. After the emperor has drunk the blessing, the military generals ascend by the east steps, stand before the spirit seat, face north with the west uppermost, drink the blessing, and receive the sacrificial flesh. The generals' places are outside the outer enclosure's south gate on the east of the road, facing west with the north uppermost. Their places for performing the rite are south of the bells, facing north. Each rank in a separate place, double ranks with the west uppermost. Presenting jade and silks, advancing the cooked offering, drinking the blessing, and gazing at the burning—all as at the southern suburb.

其宜于社，造于廟，皆各如其禮而一獻。軍將飲福于太稷，廟則皇考之室。

Appropriate offerings at the altars of soil and grain and at the ancestral temple each follow its own rite with one offering. Military generals drink the blessing at the Grand Altar of Grain; at the temple, in the hall of the imperial father.

其凱旋，則陳俘馘於廟南門之外，軍實陳于其後。

On triumphant return, captives and severed ears are displayed outside the temple's south gate; military booty is displayed behind them.

其解嚴，皇帝服通天冠、絳紗袍，羣臣再拜以退，而無所詔。其餘皆如纂嚴。

On disbanding strictness, the emperor wears the Tongtian crown and crimson gauze robe; the assembled officials bow twice and withdraw, with no proclamation. The rest are all as in gathering strictness.

若禡于所征之地，則為壝再重，以熊席祀軒轅氏。兵部建兩旗于外壝南門之外，陳甲冑、弓矢于神位之側，植矟于其後。尊以犧、象、山罍各二，饌以特牲。皇帝服武弁，羣臣戎服，三獻。其接於神者皆如常祀，瘞而不燎。其軍將之位如禷。

If offering prayers at the place of campaign, a double enclosure is made and the Yellow Thearch is sacrificed on bear skins. The Ministry of War erects two banners outside the outer enclosure's south gate; armor, bows, and arrows are displayed beside the spirit seat; spears are planted behind. Vessels: two sacrificial, two elephant, and two mountain urns each; offerings are single victims. The emperor wears the military cap; the assembled officials wear military dress; three offerings. Those who communicate with the spirits are as in regular sacrifices; buried in the pit without burning. The places of military generals are as in the prayer offering.

其軷于國門，右校委土於國門外為軷，又為瘞埳於神位西北，太祝布神位於軷前，南向。太官令帥宰人刳羊。郊社之屬設尊、罍、篚、冪於神左，俱右向；置幣於尊所。皇帝將至，太祝立於罍、洗東南，西向再拜，取幣進，跪奠於神。進饌者薦脯醢，加羊於軷西首。太祝盥手洗爵，酌酒進，跪奠於神，興，少退，北向立，讀祝。太祝再拜。少頃，帥齋郎奉幣、爵、酒饌，宰人舉羊肆解之，太祝幷載，埋於埳。執尊者徹罍、篚、席，駕至，權停。太祝以爵酌酒，授太僕卿，左併轡，右受酒，祭兩軹及軌前，乃飲，授爵，駕轢軷而行。

The road-blessing at the state gate: the Right Works Office piles earth outside the state gate as the road-blessing; a burial pit is also made northwest of the spirit seat; the Grand Invoker sets the spirit seat before the road-blessing, facing south. The Director of the Imperial Kitchen leads butchers to flay the sheep. Subordinates of the suburban and altar offices set vessels, urns, baskets, and covers to the spirit's left, all facing right; silks are placed where the vessels stand. When the emperor is about to arrive, the Grand Invoker stands southeast of the urn washing-stand, faces west and bows twice, takes the silks and advances, kneels, and places them before the spirit. Those advancing offerings present dried meat and pickled sauce and add the sheep west of the road-blessing with its head to the west. The Grand Invoker washes his hands, washes the goblet, pours wine and advances, kneels and places it before the spirit, rises, withdraws slightly, stands facing north, and reads the prayer. The Grand Invoker bows twice. Shortly after, he leads the abstinence attendants bearing silks, goblets, wine, and offerings; the butchers lift the sheep, dismember it, and the Grand Invoker loads everything and buries it in the pit. Those holding the vessels remove the urns, baskets, and mats; when the carriage arrives, it pauses briefly. The Grand Invoker pours wine from the goblet, gives it to the Grand Master of the Imperial Stud, who with his left hand holds the reins together and with his right receives the wine, sacrifices to both wheel hubs and before the axle, then drinks, gives back the goblet, and the carriage rolls over the road-blessing and proceeds.

其所過山川，遣官告，以一獻。若遣將出征，則皆有司行事。

For mountains and rivers passed, officers are dispatched to announce with one offering. If a general is dispatched on campaign, the responsible offices perform the rites.

賊平而宣露布。其日，守宮量設羣官次。露布至，兵部侍郎奉以奏聞，承制集文武羣官、客使於東朝堂，各服其服。奉禮設版位於其前，近南，文東武西，重行北向。又設客使之位。設中書令位於羣官之北，南面。吏部、兵部贊羣官、客使，謁者引就位。中書令受露布置於桉。令史二人絳公服，對舉之以從。中書令出，就南面位，持桉者立於西南，東面。中書令取露布，稱「有制」。羣官、客使皆再拜。遂宣之，又再拜，舞蹈，又再拜。兵部尚書進受露布，退復位，兵部侍郎前受之。中書令入，羣官、客使各還次。

When rebels are pacified, the victory bulletin is proclaimed. On that day the Palace Keepers measure and set the officials' places. When the victory bulletin arrives, the vice minister of war presents it to report; by imperial command the civil and military officials and envoys are assembled in the eastern audience hall, each in his proper dress. The Director of Ritual sets placards before them, near the south; civil east, military west, double ranks facing north. Places for envoys are also set. The president of the Secretariat's place is north of the assembled officials, facing south. The ministries of civil and military personnel announce the assembled officials and envoys; ushers lead them to their places. The president of the Secretariat receives the victory bulletin and places it on the desk. Two clerks in crimson court dress raise it together and follow. The president of the Secretariat goes out, takes the south-facing place; those holding the desk stand southwest, facing east. The president of the Secretariat takes the victory bulletin and says "There is a command." The assembled officials and envoys all bow twice. He then proclaims it; they bow twice again, dance, and bow twice again. The minister of war advances to receive the victory bulletin, withdraws to his place; the vice minister of war steps forward to receive it. The president of the Secretariat enters; the assembled officials and envoys each return to their places.

仲冬之月，講武於都外。

In the mid-winter month, military exercises are held outside the capital.

前期十有一日，所司奏請講武。兵部承詔，遂命將帥簡軍士，除地為場，方一千二百步，四出為和門。又為步、騎六軍營域，左右廂各為三軍，北上。中間相去三百步，立五表，表間五十步，為二軍進止之節。別墠地於北廂，南向。前三日，尚舍奉御設大次於墠。前一日，講武將帥及士卒集於墠所，建旗為和門，如方色。都墠之中及四角皆建五采牙旗、旗鼓甲仗。大將以下，各有統帥。大將被甲乘馬，教習士眾。少者在前，長者在後。其還，則反之。長者持弓矢，短者持戈矛，力者持旌，勇者持鉦、鼓、刀、楯為前行，持矟者次之，弓箭者為後。使其習見旌旗、金鼓之節。旗臥則跪，旗舉則起。

Eleven days in advance, the responsible office memorializes requesting the exercise. The Ministry of War receives the edict and orders generals to select soldiers, clear ground for a field twelve hundred paces square, with four harmonizing gates. Camp domains are also laid out for six armies of infantry and cavalry; left and right wings each have three armies, facing north. Three hundred paces apart in the middle, five markers are set, fifty paces between markers, as signals for the two armies' advance and halt. A separate earthen platform is made in the north wing, facing south. Three days before, the Palace Provisioners set the great pavilion on the platform. On the day before, exercise generals and soldiers assemble at the platform; flags are raised as harmonizing gates according to the quarter's color. In the center of the platform and at the four corners are set five-colored pennant flags, drums, banners, armor, and weapons. Below the great general, each has a commander. The great general dons armor, mounts a horse, and drills the troops. The younger are in front, the elder behind. On the return, the order is reversed. The tall hold bows and arrows, the short hold spears and halberds, the strong hold banners, the brave hold gongs, drums, swords, and shields in the vanguard; spear-bearers next; archers last. They are made to become familiar with the signals of banners and gongs and drums. When the flag lies, they kneel; when the flag rises, they stand.

講武之日，未明十刻而嚴，五刻而甲，步軍為直陣以俟，大將立旗鼓之下。六軍各鼓十二、鉦一、大角四。未明七刻，鼓一嚴，侍中奏「開宮殿門及城門」。五刻，再嚴，侍中版奏「請中嚴」。文武官應從者俱先置，文武官皆公服，所司為小駕。二刻，三嚴，諸衞各督其隊與鈒戟以次入，陳於殿庭。皇帝乘革輅至墠所，兵部尚書介冑乘馬奉引，入自北門，至兩步軍之北，南向。黃門侍郎請降輅。乃入大次。兵部尚書停於東廂，西向。領軍減小駕，騎士立於都墠之四周，侍臣左右立於大次之前，北上。九品以上皆公服，東、西在侍臣之外十步所，重行北上。諸州使人及蕃客先集於北門外，東方、南方立於道東，西方、北方立於道西，北上。駕將至，奉禮曰：「再拜」。在位者皆再拜。皇帝入次，謁者引諸州使人，鴻臚引蕃客，東方、南方立於大次東北，西方、北方立於西北，觀者立於都墠騎士仗外四周，然後講武。

On the day of the exercise, at the tenth quarter before dawn strictness is announced; at the fifth quarter they arm; infantry form a straight formation to wait; the great general stands below the drums and banners. Each of the six armies has twelve drums, one gong, and four great horns. At the seventh quarter before dawn, one strictness: the palace attendant reports "Open the palace and city gates." At the fifth quarter, a second strictness: the palace attendant memorializes on the placard: "I request inner vigilance." Civil and military officials who should follow are all placed first; civil and military officials all wear court dress; the responsible office prepares the small imperial escort. At the second quarter, a third strictness: each guard supervises its company and halberds enter in order and are arrayed in the hall courtyard. The emperor rides the leather chariot to the platform; the minister of war in armor on horseback leads the way, entering from the north gate to north of the two infantry armies, facing south. The attendant within the yellow gate requests that he descend the chariot. He then enters the great pavilion. The minister of war stops in the east wing, facing west. The commandant reduces the small escort; horsemen stand around the four sides of the platform; attendant ministers stand left and right before the great pavilion, facing north. All of ninth rank and above wear court dress, east and west ten paces outside the attendant ministers, double ranks facing north. Envoys from the provinces and barbarian guests first assemble outside the north gate; east and south stand east of the road, west and north stand west of the road, facing north. When the imperial carriage is about to arrive, the Director of Ritual says: "Bow twice." Those in place all bow twice. The emperor enters the pavilion; ushers lead envoys from the provinces; the Grand Master of Ceremonies for Foreign Guests leads barbarian guests—east and south stand northeast of the great pavilion, west and north stand northwest; spectators stand outside the horsemen's guards on all four sides—then the exercise begins.

吹大角三通。中軍將各以鞞令鼓，二軍俱擊鼓。三鼓，有司偃旗，步士皆跪。諸帥果毅以上，各集於其中軍。左廂中軍大將立於旗鼓之東，西面，諸軍將立於其南；右廂中軍大將立於旗鼓之西，東面，諸軍將立於其南。北面，以聽大將誓。左右三軍各長史二人，振鐸分循，諸果毅各以誓詞告其所部。遂聲鼓，有司舉旗，士眾皆起行，及表，擊鉦，乃止。又擊三鼓，有司偃旗，士眾皆跪。又擊鼓，有司舉旗，士眾皆起，驟及表，乃止。東軍一鼓，舉青旗為直陣；西軍亦鼓，舉白旗為方陣以應。次西軍鼓，舉赤旗為銳陣；東軍亦鼓，舉黑旗為曲陣以應。次東軍鼓，舉黃旗為圜陣；西軍亦鼓，舉青旗為直陣以應。次西軍鼓，舉白旗為方陣；東軍亦鼓，舉赤旗為銳陣以應。次東軍鼓，舉黑旗為曲陣；西軍亦鼓，舉黃旗為圜陣以應。凡陣，先舉者為客，後舉者為主。每變陣，二軍各選刀、楯五十人挑戰，第一、第二挑戰迭為勇怯之狀，第三挑戰為敵均之勢，第四、第五挑戰為勝敗之形。每將變陣，先鼓而直陣，然後變從餘陣之法。既已，兩軍俱為直陣。又擊三鼓，有司偃旗，士眾皆跪。又聲鼓舉旗，士眾皆起，騎馳、徒走，左右軍俱至中表，相擬擊而還。每退至一行表，跪起如前，遂復其初。侍中跪奏「請觀騎軍」，承制曰：「可。」二軍騎軍皆如步軍之法，每陣各八騎挑戰，五陣畢，大擊鼓而前，盤馬相擬擊而罷。遂振旅。侍中跪奏稱：「侍中臣某言，禮畢。」乃還。

The great horn is blown three times. Each central-army general beats the leather drum with the command baton; both armies strike drums together. Three drumbeats; the responsible officers lower the flags; infantrymen all kneel. Generals of guoyi rank and above each assemble at the central army. The left wing's central-army great general stands east of the drums and banners, facing west; military generals stand south of him; the right wing's central-army great general stands west of the drums and banners, facing east; military generals stand south of him. Facing north, they listen to the great general's oath. On left and right, each army has two adjutants who ring the bell and patrol separately; each guoyi announces the oath text to his unit. Then the drums sound; the responsible officers raise the flags; the troops all rise and march; reaching a marker, the gong is struck and they halt. Three drumbeats again; the responsible officers lower the flags; the troops all kneel. Drums strike again; the responsible officers raise the flags; the troops all rise, rush to a marker, and halt. The eastern army: one drumbeat; raise the azure flag as a straight formation; the western army also drums; raise the white flag as a square formation in response. Next the western army drums; raise the crimson flag as a sharp formation; the eastern army also drums; raise the black flag as a curved formation in response. Next the eastern army drums; raise the yellow flag as a circular formation; the western army also drums; raise the azure flag as a straight formation in response. Next the western army drums; raise the white flag as a square formation; the eastern army also drums; raise the crimson flag as a sharp formation in response. Next the eastern army drums; raise the black flag as a curved formation; the western army also drums; raise the yellow flag as a circular formation in response. In formations, whoever raises first is guest; whoever raises after is host. At each formation change, each army selects fifty men with swords and shields to challenge; the first and second challenges alternate showing bold and timid; the third shows evenly matched foes; the fourth and fifth show victory and defeat. Whenever about to change formation, drums first for the straight formation, then change according to the method for the remaining formations. When finished, both armies form straight formations. Three drumbeats again; the responsible officers lower the flags; the troops all kneel. Drums sound and flags rise again; the troops all rise; cavalry gallop and infantry run; both armies reach the central marker, feign attack, and return. Each time they withdraw to one row of markers, kneel and rise as before, then return to the beginning. The palace attendant kneels and reports: "I request to view the cavalry"; receives the command: "It is permitted." Both armies' cavalry follow the infantry method; each formation has eight horsemen challenge; after five formations, great drums beat and they advance; wheeling horses they feign attack and stop. They then dismiss the troops. The palace attendant kneels and reports: "The palace attendant, your subject So-and-so, reports: the rite is complete." He then returns.

皇帝狩田之禮，亦以仲冬。

The emperor's hunting rite is also in mid-winter.

前期，兵部集眾庶脩田法，虞部表所田之野，建旗於其後。前一日，諸將帥士集於旗下。質明，弊旗，後至者罰。兵部申田令，遂圍田。其兩翼之將皆建旗。及夜，布圍，闕其南面。駕至田所，皇帝鼓行入圍，鼓吹令以鼓六十陳於皇帝東南，西向；六十陳於西南，東向。皆乘馬，各備簫角。諸將皆鼓行圍。乃設驅逆之騎。皇帝乘馬南向，有司斂大綏以從。諸公、王以下皆乘馬，帶弓矢，陳於前後。所司之屬又斂小綏以從。乃驅獸出前。初，一驅過，有司整飭弓矢以前。再驅過，有司奉進弓矢。三驅過，皇帝乃從禽左而射之。每驅必三獸以上。皇帝發，抗大綏，然後公、王發，抗小綏。驅逆之騎止，然後百姓獵。

In advance, the Ministry of War assembles the common people to practice field law; the Department of Parks memorializes the chosen field; a flag is raised behind it. On the day before, generals and soldiers assemble beneath the flag. At dawn the flag is lowered; latecomers are punished. The Ministry of War announces field orders and the field is enclosed. The wing generals all raise flags. By night the enclosure is laid out, leaving the south open. When the imperial carriage reaches the field, the emperor beats drums and enters the enclosure; the Director of Court Music arrays sixty drums southeast of the emperor, facing west; sixty arrayed southwest, facing east. All mount horses, each with pipes and horns. All generals beat drums and encircle the field. Driving-off cavalry is then set. The emperor mounts a horse facing south; the responsible office gathers the great feathered banners to follow. Dukes, kings, and those below all mount horses, bearing bows and arrows, arrayed before and behind. Subordinates of the responsible office also gather the small feathered banners to follow. Beasts are then driven out ahead. At first, after one drive passes, the responsible office arranges bows and arrows forward. After a second drive, the responsible office advances bows and arrows. After a third drive, the emperor shoots from the left of the game. Each drive must have three beasts or more. When the emperor shoots, he raises the great feathered banner; then dukes and kings shoot, raising the small feathered banners. When the driving-off cavalry stops, the common people hunt.

凡射獸，自左而射之，達於右腢為上射，達右耳本為次射，左髀達於右䯚為下射。羣獸相從不盡殺，已被射者不重射。不射其面，不翦其毛。凡出表者不逐之。田將止，虞部建旗於田內，乃雷擊駕鼓及諸將之鼓，士從躁呼。諸得禽獻旗下，致其左耳。大獸公之，小獸私之。其上者供宗廟，次者供賓客，下者充庖廚。乃命有司饁獸於四郊，以獸告至於廟社。

In shooting beasts, shoot from the left; reaching the right haunch is superior shooting; reaching the base of the right ear is second; left thigh reaching the right knee is inferior shooting. When beasts run together, do not kill all; those already shot are not shot again. Do not shoot the face; do not cut the fur. Whatever goes beyond the markers is not pursued. When the field is about to end, the Department of Parks raises a flag within the field; then thunderously strike the imperial carriage drum and the generals' drums; soldiers follow with clamorous shouts. All who obtain game present it beneath the flag, offering the left ear. Large game is public; small game is private. The best supplies the ancestral temple, the next supplies guests, the lowest fills the kitchens. The responsible office is then ordered to distribute game in the four suburbs and announce the beasts' arrival at the temple and altars.

射。

Archery.

前一日，太樂令設宮縣之樂，鼓吹令設十二桉於射殿之庭，東面縣在東階東，西面縣在西階西。南北二縣及登歌廣開中央，避射位。張熊侯去殿九十步，設乏於侯西十步、北十步。設五楅庭前，少西。布侍射者位於西階前，東面北上。布司馬位於侍射位之南，東面。布獲者位乏東，東面。布侍射者射位於殿階下，當前少西，橫布，南面。侍射者弓矢俟於西門外。陳賞物於東階下，少東。置罰豐於西階下，少西。設罰尊於西階，南北以殿深。設篚於尊西，南肆，實爵加冪。

On the day before, the Director of Imperial Music sets the palace bell music; the Director of Court Music sets twelve music stands in the archery hall courtyard—eastern set east of the east steps, western set west of the west steps. The northern and southern sets and elevated singers open wide in the center, avoiding the shooting positions. A bear target is set ninety paces from the hall; a marker of exhaustion is set ten paces west and ten paces north of the target. Five arrow-holders are set before the courtyard, slightly west. Positions for attendant archers are laid before the west steps, facing east with the north uppermost. The Master of Horse position is south of the attendant archers' place, facing east. The marker-holder's place is east of the exhaustion marker, facing east. Attendant archers' shooting places are below the hall steps, slightly west of center, laid crosswise, facing south. Attendant archers' bows and arrows wait outside the west gate. Rewards are displayed below the east steps, slightly east. A penalty mound is placed below the west steps, slightly west. A penalty vessel is set at the west steps, north-south according to the hall's depth. Baskets are set west of the vessel, displayed to the south, filled with goblets under cover.

其日質明，皇帝服武弁，文武官俱公服，典謁引入見，樂作，如元會之儀。酒二徧，侍中一人奏稱：「有司謹具，請射。」侍中一人前承制，退稱：「制曰可。」王、公以下皆降。文官立於東階下，西面北上。武官立於西階下，於射乏後，東面北上。持鈒隊羣立於兩邊，千牛備身二人奉御弓及矢立於東階上，西面，執弓者在北。又設坫於執弓者之前，又置御決、拾笥於其上。獲者持旌自乏南行，當侯東，行至侯，負侯北面立。侍射者出西門外，取弓矢，兩手奉弓，搢乘矢帶，入，立於殿下射位西，東面。司馬奉弓自西階升，當西楹前，南面，揮弓，命獲者以旌去侯西行十步，北行至乏止。司馬降自西階，復位。千牛中郎一人奉決、拾以笥，千牛將軍奉弓，千牛郎將奉矢，進，立於御榻東少南，西向。郎將跪奠笥於御榻前，少東。遂拂以巾，取決，興。贊設決。又跪取拾，興，贊設拾。以笥退，奠於坫。千牛將軍北面張弓，以袂順左右隈，上再下一，弓左右隈，謂弓面上下。以衣袂摩拭上面再，下面一。西面，左執弣、右執簫以進。千牛郎將以巾拂矢進，一一供御。欲射，協律郎舉麾，先奏鼓吹，及奏樂騶虞五節，御及射，第一矢與第六節相應，第二矢與第七節相應，以至九節。協律郎偃麾，樂止。千牛將軍以矢行奏，中曰「獲」，下曰「留」，上曰「揚」，左曰「左方」，右曰「右方」。留，謂矢短不及侯；揚，謂矢過侯；左、右，謂矢偏不正。千牛將軍於御座東，西面受弓，退，付千牛於東階上。千牛郎將以笥受決、拾，奠於坫。

At dawn that day the emperor wears the military cap; civil and military officials all wear court dress; the Director of Audience leads them in to audience; music plays, as in the great assembly rite. After two rounds of wine, one palace attendant reports: "The responsible office respectfully reports all is ready; I request archery." One palace attendant advances to receive the command, withdraws, and says: "The command is: permitted." Kings, dukes, and those below all descend. Civil officials stand below the east steps, facing west with the north uppermost. Military officials stand below the west steps, behind the archery exhaustion marker, facing east with the north uppermost. Halberd-bearing companies stand on both sides; two Imperial Ox bodyguards hold the imperial bow and arrows on the east steps, facing west, bow-bearer to the north. An altar is also set before the bow-bearer; imperial thumb-ring, armguard, and quiver are placed on it. The marker-holder carries a banner south from the exhaustion marker, east of the target, walks to the target, faces north with the target on his back, and stands. Attendant archers go out the west gate, take bows and arrows, hold the bow with both hands, insert the arrow in the belt, enter, and stand west of the shooting place below the hall, facing east. The Master of Horse ascends by the west steps, before the west pillar, faces south, waves the bow, and orders the marker-holder with the banner to leave the target ten paces west, north to the exhaustion marker and stop. The Master of Horse descends by the west steps and returns to his place. One Imperial Ox middle attendant bears thumb-ring and armguard in the quiver; the Imperial Ox general bears the bow; the Imperial Ox lieutenant bears arrows; they advance and stand east of the imperial couch slightly south, facing west. The commandant kneels and places the quiver before the couch, slightly east. He then brushes with a cloth, takes the thumb-ring, and rises. The announcer says: "Set the thumb-ring." Again kneeling he takes the armguard, rises; the announcer says: "Set the armguard." He withdraws with the quiver and places it on the altar. The Imperial Ox general faces north and draws the bow, running the sleeve along left and right nooks—upper twice, lower once; left and right nooks of the bow mean the upper and lower faces of the bow. He wipes the upper face twice and the lower once with the sleeve. Facing west, left hand on the grip, right hand on the bow tip, he advances. The Imperial Ox lieutenant brushes arrows with a cloth and advances them one by one for the emperor. When about to shoot, the pitch-regulator raises the baton; court music is played first, then the music Zouyu in five sections; for the emperor's shooting, the first arrow matches the sixth section, the second the seventh, up to the ninth. The pitch-regulator lowers the baton; music stops. The Imperial Ox general reports by the arrow's course: hit says "Captured"; short says "Held"; over says "Raised"; left says "Left square"; right says "Right square." "Held" means the arrow fell short of the target; "Raised" means the arrow passed the target; left and right mean the arrow was deflected off center. The Imperial Ox general east of the imperial seat, facing west, receives the bow, withdraws, and gives it to the Imperial Ox on the east steps. The Imperial Ox lieutenant receives thumb-ring and armguard in the quiver and places them on the altar.

侍射者進，升射席北面立，左旋，東面張弓，南面挾矢。協律郎舉麾，乃作樂，不作鼓吹。樂奏狸首三節，然後發矢。若侍射者多，則齊發。第一發與第四節相應，第二發與第五節相應，以至七節。協律郎偃麾，樂止。弓右旋，東西㢮弓，如面立，乃退復西階下，立。司馬升自西階，自西楹前，南面，揮弓，命取矢。取矢者以御矢付千牛於東階下，侍射者釋弓於位，庭前北面東上。有司奏請賞罰，侍中稱：「制曰可。」有司立楅之西，東面，監唱射矢。取矢者各唱中者姓名。中者立於東階下，西面北上；不中者立於西階下，東面北上。俱再拜。有司於東階下以付賞物。酌者於罰尊西，東面，跪，奠爵於豐上。不中者進豐南，北面跪，取爵，立飲，卒爵，奠豐下。酌者北面跪，取虛爵酌奠，不中者以次繼飲，皆如初。典謁引王公以下及侍射者，皆庭前北面相對為首，再拜訖，引出。持鈒隊復位。皇帝入，奏樂，警蹕。有司以弓矢出中門外，侍射者出。

Attendant archers advance, ascend the shooting mat facing north, turn left, face east, draw the bow, and hold arrows to the south. The pitch-regulator raises the baton; music is performed without court music. The music Lishou is played in three sections; then arrows are loosed. If there are many attendant archers, they shoot together. The first shot matches the fourth section, the second the fifth, up to the seventh section. The pitch-regulator lowers the baton; music stops. The bow is turned right, east-west the bow is hung as when facing, then they withdraw to below the west steps and stand. The Master of Horse ascends by the west steps, before the west pillar, faces south, waves the bow, and orders arrows collected. Collectors give the imperial arrows to the Imperial Ox below the east steps; attendant archers release bows at their places, in the courtyard facing north with the east uppermost. The responsible office reports requesting rewards and penalties; the palace attendant says: "The command is: permitted." The responsible office stands west of the arrow-holders, faces east, and supervises announcing the shooting arrows. Collectors each announce the names of those who hit. Those who hit stand below the east steps, facing west with the north uppermost; those who miss stand below the west steps, facing east with the north uppermost. All bow twice. The responsible office below the east steps gives out rewards. Pourers west of the penalty vessel, facing east, kneel and place goblets on the mound. Those who miss advance south of the mound, face north and kneel, take the goblet, stand and drink, finish the goblet, and place it below the mound. Pourers face north and kneel, take the empty goblet, pour and place it; those who miss continue drinking in order, all as at first. The Director of Audience leads kings, dukes, and those below and the attendant archers; all in the courtyard face north in pairs as head, bow twice, then are led out. Halberd-bearing companies return to their places. The emperor enters; music plays; the guard of honor clears the way. The responsible office takes bows and arrows out the central gate; attendant archers go out.

若特射無侍射之人，則不設楅，不陳賞罰。若燕遊小射，則常服，不陳樂縣，不行會禮。

If special archery without attendant archers, arrow-holders are not set and rewards and penalties are not displayed. If informal pleasure shooting, ordinary dress is worn, palace music is not displayed, and the assembly rite is not performed.

合朔伐鼓。

Beating drums at new moon.

其日前二刻，郊社令及門僕赤幘絳衣，守四門，令巡門監察。鼓吹令平巾幘、袴褶，帥工人以方色執麾旒，分置四門屋下，設龍蛇鼓於右。東門者立於北塾，南面；南門者立於東塾，西面；西門者立於南塾，北面；北門者立於西塾，東面。隊正一人平巾幘、袴褶，執刀，帥衞士五人執五兵立於鼓外，矛在東，戟在南，斧、鉞在西，矟在北。郊社令立𥎞於社壇四隅，以朱絲繩縈之。太史一人赤幘、赤衣，立於社壇北，向日觀變。黃麾次之；龍鼓一次之，在北；弓一、矢四次之。諸兵鼓立候變。日有變，史官曰：「祥有變。」工人舉麾，龍鼓發聲如雷。史官曰：「止。」乃止。

Two quarters before that day, the directors of suburban and altar offices and gate servants wear crimson headcloths and crimson robes, guard the four gates, and patrol the gates. The Director of Court Music in plain headcloth and trousers with jacket leads workers holding banners of the quarter's color at the four gate houses, with dragon-and-serpent drums to the right. Those at the east gate stand in the north school, facing south; those at the south gate stand in the east school, facing west; those at the west gate stand in the south school, facing north; those at the north gate stand in the west school, facing east. One squad leader in plain headcloth and trousers with jacket holds a sword and leads five guards holding the five weapons outside the drums—spear east, halberd south, axe and battle-axe west, long spear north. The director of suburban and altar offices sets drums at the four corners of the altar mound, bound with crimson silk cord. One grand astrologer in crimson headcloth and crimson robe stands north of the altar mound, facing the sun to observe the change. Yellow banners next; dragon drums once next, to the north; one bow, four times arrows next. All military drums stand waiting for the change. When the sun changes, the astrologer says: "An auspicious sign has changed." Workers raise banners; dragon drums sound like thunder. The astrologer says: "Stop." They then stop.

其日，皇帝素服，避正殿，百官廢務，自府史以上皆素服，各於其廳事之前，重行，每等異位，向日立。明復而止。

On that day the emperor wears plain dress, avoids the main hall, and all officials suspend duties; from prefectural clerks up all wear plain dress, each before his office, double ranks, each rank separate, facing the sun. When brightness returns, it ceases.

貞元三年八月，日有食之，有司將伐鼓，德宗不許。太常卿董晉言：「伐鼓所以責陰而助陽也，請聽有司依經伐鼓。」不報。由是其禮遂廢。

In the eighth month of the third year of Zhenyuan, there was an eclipse; the responsible office was about to beat drums; Emperor Dezong did not permit it. The Director of the Imperial Ancestral Temple Dong Jin said: "Beating drums is to reproach yin and assist yang; I request that the responsible office be allowed to beat drums according to the classic." No reply was given. From this the rite was abandoned.

大儺之禮。

The great nuo exorcism rite.

選人年十二以上、十六以下為侲子，假面，赤布袴褶。二十四人為一隊，六人為列。執事十二人，赤幘、赤衣，麻鞭。工人二十二人，其一人方相氏，假面，黃金四目，蒙熊皮，黑衣、朱裳，右執楯；其一人為唱帥，假面，皮衣，執棒；鼓、角各十，合為一隊。隊別鼓吹令一人，太卜令一人，各監所部；巫師二人。以逐惡鬼于禁中。有司預備每門雄鷄及酒，擬於宮城正門、皇城諸門磔攘，設祭。太祝一人，齋郎三人，右校為瘞埳，各於皇城中門外之右。前一日之夕，儺者赴集所，具其器服以待事。

Selectees aged twelve and above to sixteen below serve as nuo youths, masked, in crimson cloth trousers with jacket. Twenty-four form one company; six form a rank. Twelve attendants in crimson headcloths and crimson robes, with hemp whips. Twenty-two workers; one is the exorcist chief Fangxiang, masked, gold four eyes, covered in bear skin, black robe and crimson skirt, right hand holding shield; one is the chant leader, masked, leather coat, holding a staff; ten drums and ten horns each, forming one company. Each company has one Director of Court Music and one Director of Divination, each supervising his section; two shamans. To drive evil ghosts from within the forbidden precinct. The responsible office prepares a cock and wine at each gate, intending dismemberment and expulsion at the palace city main gate and imperial city gates, and sets offerings. One Grand Invoker, three abstinence attendants; the Right Works Office makes burial pits, each to the right outside the imperial city central gate. On the evening of the day before, exorcists assemble at the gathering place and prepare implements and dress to await the affair.

其日未明，諸衞依時刻勒所部，屯門列仗，近仗入陳於階。鼓吹令帥儺者各集於宮門外。內侍詣皇帝所御殿前奏「侲子備，請逐疫」。出命寺伯六人，分引儺者於長樂門、永安門以入，至左右上閤，鼓譟以進。方相氏執戈揚楯唱，侲子和，曰：「甲作食𣧑，胇胃食虎，雄伯食魅，騰簡食不祥，攬諸食咎，伯奇食夢，彊梁、祖明共食磔死寄生，委隨食觀，錯斷食巨，窮奇、騰根共食蠱，凡使一十二神追惡凶，赫汝軀，拉汝幹，節解汝肉，抽汝肺腸，汝不急去，後者為糧。」周呼訖，前後鼓譟而出，諸隊各趨順天門以出，分詣諸城門，出郭而止。

Before dawn that day, each guard assembles its section by the hour, arrays guards at the gates, and close attendants enter and are arrayed on the steps. The Director of Court Music leads exorcists to assemble outside each palace gate. A palace eunuch goes before the hall where the emperor will preside and reports: "The nuo youths are ready; I request to drive out the pestilence." He orders six temple stewards to lead exorcists in separately through the Changle Gate and Yongan Gate to the left and right upper pavilions, beating drums and clamoring as they advance. Fangxiang holds spear and raises shield chanting; nuo youths respond, saying: "Jia-zuo eats 𣧑, Fei-wei eats tigers, Xiong-bo eats demons, Teng-jian eats ill omens, Lan-zhu eats calamities, Bo-qi eats dreams, Qiang-liang and Zu-ming together eat dismembered dead parasites, Wei-sui eats Guan, Cuo-duan eats Ju, Qiong-qi and Teng-gen together eat gu poison—twelve spirits in all pursue evil and misfortune: blaze your bodies, tear your sinews, joint by joint strip your flesh, draw out lungs and guts—if you do not flee swiftly, those behind will be your food." When the round chant ends, they drum and clamor out front and rear; each company hurries to the Gate of Obeying Heaven to go out, proceeds separately to each city gate, and stops outside the suburbs.

儺者將出，祝布神席，當中門南向。出訖，宰手、齋郎疈牲匈磔之神席之西，藉以席，北首。齋郎酌清酒，太祝受，奠之。祝史持版於座右，跪讀祝文曰：「維某年歲次月朔日，天子遣太祝臣姓名昭告于太陰之神。」興，奠版于席，乃舉牲幷酒瘞於埳。

When the exorcists are about to go out, the invoker spreads the spirit mat facing south at the central gate. When they have gone out, the chief butcher and abstinence attendants dismember the victim's chest and dismember it west of the spirit mat, spread a mat, head to the north. Abstinence attendants pour clear wine; the Grand Invoker receives it and places it. The invoker-clerk holds the placard at the mat's right side, kneels and reads the prayer: "In such-and-such a year, on such-and-such a day of the first month, the Son of Heaven dispatches Grand Invoker, your subject so-and-so, to announce to the spirit of the Great Yin." He rises, places the placard on the mat, then lifts the victim and wine together and buries them in the pit.

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