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卷十九 志第九 禮樂九

Volume 19 Treatises 9: Rites and Music 9

Chapter 19 of 新唐書 · New Book of Tang
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1
Auspicious Rites III
2
On New Year's Day and the winter solstice the emperor receives the ministers' congratulations and holds a court feast.
3
On New Year's Day and the winter solstice the emperor receives the ministers' congratulations and holds a court feast.
4
殿使西輿西 西 西 使西 使使 使西西使西 使 西退 使使使 使西西使
The day before, the Imperial Household Service erected the imperial enclosure in the Hall of Supreme Ultimate; officials arranged seating in the east and west audience halls, hung bells, set tables, lined up carriages, and placed sword-removal mats south of the transverse street northwest of the bell frame. Third-rank civil officials and above stood south of the transverse street, east of the lane; the Marquis Who Honors the Sage stood below third rank; the Duke of Jie and the Duke of Xi stood west of the lane; third-rank military officials and above stood west of the Duke of Jie, slightly south; fourth- and fifth-rank civil officials stood east of the bells; sixth rank and below stood south of the transverse street. Provincial assembly envoys were placed likewise: third-rank governors and prefects flanked the third-rank civil and military lines; fourth rank and below were arrayed by region under peers of their grade. Provincial delegates stood below the assembly envoys; imperial relatives south of the fourth- and fifth-rank ranks. Foreign guests were placed by grade: third rank and above from the east and south stood east of the eastern envoys, those from the west and north west of the western envoys, each state in its own row facing north; fourth rank and below were positioned by region below sixth-rank assembly envoys. Outside the gate, civil officials stood in the eastern hall; the Duke of Jie and Duke of Xi before the western hall; military officials south of the Duke of Jie, slightly back, each grade in its own row; imperial kin stood south of the fourth- and fifth-rank civil and military lines; eastern and southern assembly envoys stood south of the clansmen, with provincial delegates below them by region; eastern and southern guests stood south of the eastern envoys, western and northern guests south of the western envoys, each state in its own row.
5
殿 使 輿西 使 西 西
That day troops lined the streets; commanders formed their detachments, posted yellow-banner great halberds at gates and in the hall court, and officials took station. The Palace Attendant submitted on the board: "Request inner vigilance." Guard officers went to the pavilion to receive the emperor; Personnel, War, Receptions, and Revenue directors ushered officials and envoys from their stations; Protocol Aides led each group to the audience-hall positions and brought in fourth rank and below, kin, guests, and others who were to enter first. The Palace Attendant reported on the board: "Outer preparations complete." The emperor wore full ceremonial dress; on the winter solstice he wore the open-heaven cap and crimson gauze robe, came out from the west chamber by imperial carriage, and took the throne facing south. The Talisman-and-Seal Officer set the seals before him; dukes, princes, and below, with all envoys and guests, entered in sequence to their stations. The Master of Ceremonies called: "Bow twice." The announcers passed the word; all present bowed twice. A senior duke went to the western-step mat, removed his shoes, knelt, laid his sword on the mat, ascended, and knelt north of the throne to congratulate the emperor: "Official So-and-so, your servant So-and-so, says: At the year's first fortune, blessings renew; may Your Majesty the Kaiyuan Divine Martial Emperor share Heaven's repose." On the winter solstice he said: "The celestial new year has reached its height; may Your Majesty ascend like the sun." He then went down to the mat, knelt, girded his sword, prostrated, rose, put on his shoes, and returned to station. All present bowed twice. The Palace Attendant advanced to take the edict, went down to the officials' northeast, faced west, and announced: "By edict." All present bowed twice. The edict read: "The joy of the new year—share it equally with you." On the winter solstice it read: "Treading the year's height." All present bowed twice, danced, shouted "Long live the emperor" three times, and bowed twice again.
6
西 西 退西
Before the audience, the Secretariat Vice Director prepared a separate table for provincial memorials outside the right Yanming Gate; the Imperial Receptionist prepared a table for auspicious reports outside the left Yanming Gate; both joined the attendant ministers' formation. At first entry the Revenue Ministry arrayed provincial tribute east and west of the Taiji Gate shrines; the Rites Ministry had portable foreign tribute carried in by guests to their stations, the rest set before the audience hall. When the senior duke was about to enter, the Vice Director and Receptionist descended, each led in his table, and stood below the east and west steps. When the senior duke was about to ascend to congratulate, the Secretariat Director and Yellow Gate Vice Director descended, stood, took up the documents to be presented, and ascended in turn. After the senior duke's congratulations, the Secretariat Director knelt forward to present regional memorials; the Yellow Gate Vice Director again knelt to present auspicious reports; both descended and laid the documents on the tables. The Vice Director and Receptionist withdrew the tables to the east and west steps, then removed them.
7
使 退 退 輿 西
After the Palace Attendant had proclaimed the edict, assembly envoys and foreign guests bowed twice. The Revenue Minister advanced to the steps, knelt, and said: "Revenue Minister, your servant So-and-so, requests that provincial tribute be delivered to the proper offices." The Palace Attendant took the edict, withdrew, and announced: "The edict says: Approved." The Rites Minister advanced in turn to the steps, knelt, and said: "Rites Minister, your servant So-and-so, requests that foreign tribute be delivered to the proper offices." The Palace Attendant took the edict, withdrew, and announced: "The edict says: Approved." The Grand Storehouse led its staff to take provincial and foreign tribute out through the Guiren and Nayi Gates, carriers following. The Master of Ceremonies called: "Bow twice." Protocol Aides led out those in north-facing stations in sequence. The Palace Attendant advanced, knelt, and reported: "Palace Attendant, your servant So-and-so, says: The rites are complete. The emperor left the throne; the imperial carriage returned through the east chamber; attendant ministers followed to the pavilion. East- and west-facing groups were led out in order; foreign guests left first.
8
殿 殿西 西 使 殿 西 殿西 殿西 使殿 輿西 使 西殿 殿西 西 祿 祿退西 殿殿退 退 殿 殿
On the winter solstice, auspicious reports were omitted and regional memorials were not presented. At the feast the Director of Imperial Music set hall music for ascending song; the two dance companies entered and stood south of the bells. The Imperial Household Service placed seats for hall ascent: third-rank civil officials and above southeast of the throne, facing west; the Duke of Jie and Duke of Xi southwest of the throne, facing east; third-rank military officials and above stood behind them; assembly envoys, governors, prefects, and third-grade foreign guests sat as for their standing stations. Seats were set at each station for those not ascending the hall. Officials' sword-removal mats were again placed northwest of the bells, south of the transverse street. The Imperial Provisioner set the longevity wine vessel at the east end of the hall row, facing west; a libation stand south of the vessel, with one goblet placed upon it. The Grand Kitchen Steward set wine for hall guests in the east and west wings, near the north; courtyard officials' wine vessels were set south of each seat. Each had stands and covers, all screened with curtains. Personnel, War, Revenue, and Receptions directors ushered officials and envoys; Protocol Aides led them to the audience-hall stations, then brought in those not ascending the hall. The Palace Attendant reported on the board: "Outer preparations complete." The emperor changed to the open-heaven cap and crimson gauze robe, came out from the west chamber by carriage, and took the throne. One Master of Ceremonies ascended the east steps; Protocol Aides led dukes, princes, and below, with all envoys and guests, in to their stations. The Palace Attendant advanced, knelt before the throne, and said: "Palace Attendant, your servant So-and-so, requests that dukes, princes, and the rest ascend." The Palace Attendant announced: "The edict says: Approved." The Palace Attendant went to the east steps, faced west, and proclaimed: "By edict, dukes, princes, and others ascend the hall." The Master of Ceremonies passed the word; stairwell announcers relayed it; all present bowed twice. Those entitled to ascend went to the east and west steps, reached the sword-removal mats, removed shoes and swords, and went up. One senior duke ascended, stood slightly east, faced west, and waited behind the seats. The Director of the Imperial Household Bureau advanced to the steps, knelt, and said: "Your servant So-and-so requests leave to offer longevity wine to the ministers. The Palace Attendant announced: "The edict says: Approved." The Director withdrew, ascended to the wine vessel, and stood facing west. At the senior duke's wine station, facing north. The Imperial Provisioner poured one goblet and gave it to the senior duke; he received it, advanced, and facing north passed it to the Director of the Palace Domestic Service; the Director set it before the throne; the senior duke withdrew, knelt north, and said: "Official So-and-so, your servant So-and-so and others bow and say: At the year's first fortune—on the winter solstice: "The celestial new year has reached its height. , we cannot contain our great joy and respectfully offer long life for a thousand autumns and ten thousand years." They bowed twice; all present bowed twice and stood behind their mats. The Palace Attendant took the edict, withdrew, and said: "Raise your cups, lords. All present bowed twice again. The Director of the Palace Domestic Service presented the goblet; the emperor drank; all present danced and shouted "Long live the emperor" three times. When the emperor had drunk, the Director advanced, took the empty goblet, and passed it to the Imperial Provisioner, who set it on the libation stand.
9
殿殿 殿 殿 殿 殿 殿 殿 殿 殿 西 殿
When the Director took the empty goblet, the Hall Master of Ceremonies called: "Bow twice." Stairwell announcers passed the word; all present bowed twice. After the senior duke stood behind his seat, the Hall Master called: "Take your seats." Stairwell announcers relayed it; all sat down. Zither and lute players ascended and sat; pipe players stood between the steps. The Imperial Provisioner advanced; as wine reached the steps, the Hall Master called: "Wine arrives—rise." Stairwell announcers relayed it; seated guests prostrated, rose, and stood behind their mats. The Director of the Palace Domestic Service inspected the wine at the steps; the Imperial Provisioner presented it; the emperor drank. The Grand Kitchen Steward circulated wine to the officials; when it arrived, the Hall Master called: "Bow twice." Stairwell announcers relayed it; all present bowed twice, tucked their tablets, and received goblets. The Hall Master called: "Take your seats." Stairwell announcers relayed it; all sat down. The emperor drank; the Imperial Provisioner took the empty goblet and returned it to the stand. After three rounds of wine, the Imperial Provisioner brought imperial food; as it reached the steps, the Hall Master called: "Food arrives—rise." Stairwell announcers relayed it; seated guests rose and stood behind their seats. The Director inspected the tables at the steps; the Imperial Provisioner tasted the food, then presented it in sequence before the throne. The Grand Kitchen Steward again served the officials' tables; when food was ready, the Hall Master called: "Take your seats." Stairwell announcers relayed it; all sat down. The emperor then ate; all above and below ate. After the imperial meal, wine continued; assorted dishes were served and the two dance troupes performed. When wine was granted, the Palace Attendant took the edict to the east steps, faced west, and announced: "Wine is granted." The Hall Master passed the word; stairwell announcers relayed it; seated guests rose, bowed twice, stood, received goblets, sat to drink, stood, returned empty goblets, bowed twice again, and sat. Twelve rounds of wine were served.
10
殿 殿 西 輿西
When the feast ended, the Hall Master called: "You may rise." Stairwell announcers relayed it; all rose, descended, girded swords, put on shoes, and returned to station. Those in the courtyard still stood behind their mats. The Master of Ceremonies called: "Bow twice." Announcers passed the word; all present bowed twice. When gifts were granted, the Palace Attendant took the edict, went to the officials' northeast, faced west, and announced: "By edict." All present bowed twice. The Palace Attendant read the edict; all bowed twice again and left in order. The Palace Attendant advanced, knelt, and reported: "Palace Attendant, your servant So-and-so, says: The rites are complete." The emperor rose; the imperial carriage returned through the east chamber; east- and west-facing groups left in sequence.
11
使
If the emperor wore the Goodness-Wing cap and military dress, capital officials wore military dress and assembly envoys wore court robes. When the nine-section ensemble was used, the courtyard bells were removed and road clearance was omitted. The Director of Imperial Music arrayed the nine-section troupe outside the left and right Yanming Gates; at the first shout of "Long live the emperor," he led the troupe in playing; each took station and performed in turn.
12
Investiture of the Crown Prince at the Imperial Hall
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The crown prince is invested at the imperial hall.
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Offices divined the date and announced it to Heaven, Earth, and the ancestral temples.
15
殿西 輿
The day before, the Imperial Household Service erected the imperial enclosure in the Hall of Supreme Ultimate; officials placed the crown prince's waiting station north of the eastern audience hall, facing west. A presentation station was set south of the great transverse street; bells hung, tables set, carriages lined up, and ranks for officials, assembly envoys, and foreign guests—as for the coming-of-age ceremony.
16
Two quarters before the hour, palace officers donned regalia; guard commanders arrayed their units in the court. The Left Guardian memorialized: "Request inner vigilance." Guard officers came to receive him; attendants brought the golden carriage; one inner-rate officer bore the blade. The Good Companion reported: "Begin the procession." Attendant ministers were ordered to mount; the Guardian conveyed the command. The rest followed the emperor's palace departure rites in general. The crown prince wore the distant-travel cap and crimson gauze robe; three tutors led and three juniors followed, bells sounding as they went. He descended and entered the waiting station, as for the imperial procession.
17
殿西 殿西 西 西 西
That day yellow-banner great halberds were posted; the Palace Attendant requested inner vigilance. Officials and all ministers entered and took station. Three tutors and three juniors escorted him; the crown prince stood east of the hall gate, facing west. The Yellow Gate Vice Director held the investiture tablet and seal-cord table north of the inner passage, facing west; the Secretariat Vice Director stood behind it. The Palace Attendant reported: "Outer preparations complete." The emperor wore full ceremonial dress, came out from the west chamber, and took the throne. The crown prince entered to his station. The Master of Ceremonies called: "Bow twice." The crown prince bowed twice. He called again: "Bow twice." All present bowed twice. The Secretariat Director came down and stood northeast of the crown prince, facing west. One Vice Director led the investiture tablet, one the seal-cord table, standing east of him facing west, and passed the tablet. The Secretariat Director announced: "By edict." The crown prince bowed twice; the Director knelt and read the tablet; the crown prince bowed twice, received it, and the Left Guardian took it. The Vice Director passed the seal cord to the Director; the crown prince advanced, received it, and gave it to the Left Guardian. The crown prince bowed twice; all present bowed twice. The Palace Attendant reported: "The rites are complete." The emperor returned through the east chamber; those present left in order.
18
The Emperor Reads the Seasonal Ordinances at the Bright Hall
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The emperor reads the seasonal ordinances at the Bright Hall.
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In early spring the Rites Minister read the ordinances for three days, then memorialized the monthly ordinances for public proclamation.
21
西
Three days before, the Imperial Household Service set the great waiting pavilion north of the road outside the east gate, facing south; the Palace Maintenance Office placed waiting stations for civil and military attendant ministers behind it, left and right; official ranks were set outside the Circular Water's east gate, civil officials north, military south, all facing west with precedence to the north.
22
西 西 西 西 西退 西
The day before, the throne was set in the eastern bay of the Azure Yang Hall, facing east. Third-rank officials and department heads sat in the hall: civil officials northeast of the throne, facing south; military officials east of the throne, facing north. All in double rows, precedence west and north. The Justice Ministry ordinance reader's seat was placed southeast of the throne, facing north, with a table. Civil officials' sword-removal mats were left of the Chou steps; military officials' right of the Mao steps—both facing inward. The Director of Imperial Music hung palace bells in the Azure Yang eastern court; a banner station was set west of the hall's Yin steps, facing north; the chief musician stood northeast of the bells, facing south. The Master of Ceremonies placed third rank and above and those ascending to sit east of the bells—civil left, military right—in double rows facing west. Non-ascenders: fourth- and fifth-rank civil officials north of the bells, sixth rank and below east of them in separate rows, all facing south; fourth- and fifth-rank military officials south of the bells, sixth rank and below east of them, all facing north. All in double rows, precedence west and north. The Master's station was northwest of the bells; two announcers east, slightly back, all facing south. The Director of Ritual Observances set outside stations before each waiting area, each grade in separate facing rows, precedence west and north.
23
輿 西 西 使 西 輿便
That day the light imperial carriage was prepared; the emperor wore azure gauze robe and azure jade, rode the golden carriage from the palace to the great waiting pavilion. Fifth-rank civil and military officials following the carriage took outside stations; the Music Director, musicians, pitch-master, Master of Ceremonies, and announcers entered first; non-ascending officials followed to station. The Justice ordinance reader placed the monthly ordinances on the table under cloth and stood southeast of fifth-rank military officials; the reader stood behind the table, facing north. The Palace Attendant reported on the board: "Outer preparations complete." The imperial carriage entered through the Azure Dragon Gate; the emperor ascended the Yin steps and took the throne. The Talisman-and-Seal Officer set the seals before him. The Master of Ceremonies went up and stood northeast of the eastern bay, facing south. Dukes, princes, and below entered to west-facing stations. The Master of Ceremonies called: "Bow twice." Announcers passed the word; all present bowed twice. The Palace Attendant advanced, knelt, and said: "Palace Attendant, your servant So-and-so, requests that dukes, princes, and the rest ascend." The Palace Attendant announced: "The edict says: Approved." The Palace Attendant went to the northeast of the eastern bay, faced south, and proclaimed: "By edict, dukes, princes, and others ascend." The Master passed the word; announcers relayed it; all present bowed twice. West-facing groups went to their steps, removed swords and shoes, ascended, and stood behind their seats. The ordinance reader led the table forward and stood below the Mao steps. The Palace Attendant knelt and memorialized: "Request to read the monthly ordinances." The Palace Attendant announced: "The edict says: Approved." The reader bowed twice, removed his sword, bowed, removed his shoes, took the ordinances, ascended the Mao steps, knelt north at the mat, set them on the table, and stood behind it. The Hall Master called: "Take your seats." Dukes, princes, and below, with the reader, all sat down. The reader recited the ordinances, pausing at each phrase so every word was clear. When the reading ended, the Hall Master called: "You may rise." Princes, dukes, and below all rose. The reader set the ordinances on the table; officials girded swords, put on shoes, and returned to station. The Master of Ceremonies called; "Bow twice." All present bowed twice. West-facing groups departed. The Palace Attendant knelt and reported: "Palace Attendant, your servant So-and-so, says: The rites are complete." The emperor left the throne; the carriage went to the rest station; south- and north-facing groups left in order.
24
From mid-spring each month used its proper hall; all wore the open-heaven cap; robes and jade matched the season. Reading the five seasonal ordinances at the Bright Hall in each season's first month and in late summer when Earth reigned followed the same procedure.
25
The Emperor Personally Feeds the Three Elders and Five Seniors at the Imperial Academy
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The emperor personally feeds the three elders and five seniors at the Imperial Academy.
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Offices first nominated retired grand tutors and preceptors; the most virtuous and eldest became Three Elder and Five Senior; fifth-rank retirees were State Elders, sixth rank and below Common Elders. The Imperial Provisioner prepared the great feast.
28
西 西西
Three days before, the Imperial Household Service set the great waiting pavilion behind the academy, as space allowed. Stations for the Three Elder and Five Senior were west of the south gate outside; other elders behind them—all facing east. Civil officials east of the outer gate; military west of the elder group in double rows, all facing with precedence north.
29
西 西 西 西 西西 西西 使 西
The day before, the throne was set on the hall's east row, facing west, with rush mats and embroidered edging. The Three Elder sat east of the west pillar, near the north, facing south; the Five Senior sat on the west steps, facing east; three State Elders sat on steps west of the Three Elder, not adjoining. All had rush mats with embroidered edging. Other State Elders sat west of the hall steps below, facing east with precedence north, on rush mats with black borders atop rush seats. The Music Director hung palace bells in the court and set hall ascending song, as at the New Year assembly. The Master placed fifth-rank civil and military officials east and west of the bells, sixth rank and below south in double rows facing west; foreign guests south of them; provincial envoys behind ninth rank; students behind the civil and military lines. Outside stations matched the waiting layout. A wine vessel was set west of the east pillar, facing north; dark liquor left, a stand right for goblets.
30
使
As the procession approached, advance officials took outside stations; students in blue collars entered to place. At the academy gate the carriage turned south; the Palace Attendant knelt: "Request to descend." The emperor descended and entered the great waiting pavilion. Fifth-rank followers took outside stations; the Music Director, musicians, and dance troupes entered; officials and envoys followed in order.
31
使
When the procession left the palace, envoys were sent at the proper hour to fetch the Three Elder and Five Senior; both wore advancement-worthy caps, rode comfort carriages, and were escorted. State and Common Elders were notified in advance by the proper offices.
32
西 殿西 退 西 西西 殿
At the academy the Three Elder, Five Senior, and other elders assembled in proper dress. The Sacrifices Vice Director brought the Three Elder and Five Senior from waiting stations to stand west of the south gate, facing east with precedence north; the Ritual Director brought other elders out to stand behind them; the Sacrifices Doctor led the Director inside the north door to stand facing north at the threshold. The Palace Attendant reported: "Outer preparations complete." The emperor came out; the Palace Domestic Director presented the great scepter; the emperor took it, descended, and welcomed the Three Elder east inside the gate, facing west. Attendant ministers stood behind the emperor; the Sacrifices Director and Doctor withdrew to the left. Three Elder and Five Senior bore staffs, two attendants each side; the Vice Director guided; the Instruction Recorder followed with brush. They stood west of the gate, facing east; the Ritual Director led other elders in behind. The Sacrifices Director advanced: "Request to bow twice." The emperor bowed twice; the Three Elder and Five Senior set down staffs, straightened robes, and returned the bow. The emperor bowed and advanced; the Three Elder led, the Five Senior followed, staffs restored and supported to the steps; the emperor bowed and ascended; all stood behind their seats. The emperor bowed twice west to the Three Elder, who returned the bow facing south; he then made a respectful bow west to the Five Senior, who returned it; all sat. The three grand preceptors presented armrests; the nine ministers adjusted footgear. The Palace Domestic Director and Imperial Provisioner presented delicacies with millet and glutinous grain; the emperor inspected them, then they were set before the Three Elder. The emperor went to the Three Elder's seat, offered sauce and fed him, then took a goblet at the wine station; the Palace Attendant announced the pour; the emperor advanced and performed the mouth-washing toast. The Provisioner next served delicacies, food, and wine before the Five Senior; State and Common Elders sat and were served; all ate. The emperor took his seat. The Three Elder then expounded the five filial acts, six harmonies, and canonical outlines—maxims voiced above, gracious teaching spread below. The emperor bowed humbly to receive instruction; the Instruction Recorder wrote down worthy words and deeds. When rites ended, the Three Elder and below left the mats; the Sacrifices Director led the emperor down to hesitate before the steps. The Three Elder and Five Senior left; the emperor ascended the steps; they went out the gate. The Palace Attendant reported: "The rites are complete." The emperor descended and returned to the great waiting pavilion. The Three Elder and Five Senior rode comfort carriages home with escort; officials and students left in order. The next day the Three Elder sent a chief memorial thanking the emperor.
33
西 西 西 西 退
Provincial nominees in classics, cultivated talent, or advanced scholar categories who were commended for filial piety held the village drinking rite with the prefect as host. Virtuous retired villagers were consulted first; the worthiest became Guest, the next Assistant, then Mass Guests; the rite was performed and the Guest made nominations. The host invited the Guest, standing west outside the main gate, facing east; the Guest stood below the east steps, facing west. The messenger stood left of the Guest, faced north, took the message, went out east of the gate, faced west, and said: "I venture to request your attendance." The host said: "On such-and-such a day we hold the village drinking rite—please attend." The messenger reported inside; the Guest came out east of the gate, faced west, bowed for the honor; the host returned the bow. The host said: "Your learning excels and conduct is lofty—you should now visit the capital; on such-and-such a day we perform the rite—please attend." The Guest said: "I am unworthy and fear disgracing the task—I must decline." The host said: "I consulted village elders—none matches your worth—I insist on asking." The Guest said: "You have pressed the command—I dare not but respectfully wait." The host bowed twice; the Guest returned it; the host withdrew; the Guest bowed him off. Inviting the Assistant followed the same form, with the words: "On such-and-such a day we hold the village drinking rite—please assist."
34
西 西 西 西西 西 西 西 西 西 西 西
At dawn that day, the Guest's mat was set between pillars near the north, facing south; the host's mat on the host steps, facing west; the Assistant's mat on the west steps, facing east; three Mass Guest mats west of the Guest, facing south; none adjoining. Courtyard Mass Guest mats were set southwest of the west steps, facing east with precedence north. Two wine jars stood east of the Guest's mat, slightly north; dark liquor west, with ladles and covers. A basket south of the jars, laid east, held goblets and cups. Announcers stood east of the east steps, facing west with precedence north. When Guest, Assistant, and Mass Guests arrived, they stood right outside the main gate, facing east with precedence north. The host welcomed the Guest left of the gate, faced west and bowed; the Guest returned the bow; then bowed southwest to the Assistant, who returned it; then saluted southwest to Mass Guests, who returned the salute. The host saluted the Guest again; the Guest returned it. The host entered first to the right, facing west. The Guest entered left, facing east. Assistant and Mass Guests entered in order southwest of the Guest, facing east with precedence north. Mass Guests not among the three Guests faced north with precedence east.
35
西 西 西 退退西 退 退 西 西 退 退 退西 西 退 西 西 西 西 西
As the host advanced with salutes, he saluted at the step; all Guests returned them. At the steps the host said: "Please ascend." The Guest said: "I must decline." The host said: "I insist—please ascend." The Guest said: "I must firmly decline." The host said: "I ask once more—please ascend." The Guest said: "I must finally decline." The host ascended the host steps; the Guest the west steps and stood north of the lintel, facing north. Attendants removed the vessel covers. The host went to the basket, knelt, took a goblet, filled it at the vessel, advanced before the Guest's mat, and presented northwest to the Guest. The Guest on the west steps bowed facing north. The host stepped back; the Guest advanced, received the goblet, withdrew, and stood again on the west steps facing north. The host withdrew to the host steps, bowed north, and sent off the goblet. The Guest stepped back; announcers set dried meat and relish before his mat. The Guest ascended from the west and stood on the mat facing south. Announcers set the divided meat; the Guest knelt, goblet left, took meat right, dipped relish, offered between baskets and beans, offered and tasted wine, rose, went east of the mat to the west steps, knelt north, drained the goblet, refilled it, advanced before the host's mat facing east, and toasted the host. The host on the host steps bowed north; the Guest stepped back. The host advanced, received the goblet, withdrew to the host steps, and stood facing north. The Guest withdrew to the west steps, bowed north, and sent off the goblet. Announcers set relish before the host; he ascended from the east, announcers set divided meat; he knelt, goblet left, offered meat, dipped relish, offered between baskets and beans, offered and tasted wine, rose, descended south, returned to the host steps, knelt north, drained the goblet, set it at the east end, took a cup from the basket for the return toast, knelt north, set the cup, bowed, and rose with cup. The Guest on the west steps returned the bow. The host knelt, libated, drank, finished the cup, refilled it, and advanced before the Guest's mat facing north. The Guest bowed; the host stepped back. After the Guest bowed, the host knelt, set the cup west of the offering, rose, and returned to the host steps. The Guest advanced to the mat, knelt north, took the cup, rose, and stood on the west steps. The host bowed north and sent it off. The Guest advanced, knelt north, set the cup east of the offering, rose, and stood on the west steps. The host bowed north, saluted, descended, and stood below the host steps facing west. The Guest descended and stood west of the steps facing east.
36
西 西 西退退 退西 西 西
The host advanced to welcome the Assistant and saluted; the Assistant returned it. At the Assistant, one round of yielding; the host ascended the host steps, the Assistant the west steps, and stood north of the lintel facing north. The host went to the east end, knelt, took a goblet, rose, and filled it at the vessel. He advanced before the Assistant's mat and presented southwest to the Assistant. The Assistant on the west steps bowed north; the host stepped back; the Assistant advanced, received the goblet facing north, withdrew, and returned to station. The host east of the Assistant bowed north and sent off the goblet; the Assistant stepped back; the host stood east of the west steps. Announcers set relish before the Assistant; he advanced from the north, ascended, offered meat and relish, libated, rose, descended south, knelt north, drained the goblet, handed it to the host; the host refilled and toasted on the west steps, stood east of the Assistant, knelt north, set the goblet, bowed, and rose. The Assistant returned the bow. The host knelt, libated, drank, finished the goblet, advanced, knelt and set it south of the west pillar, returned to the host steps, saluted, and descended. The Assistant descended and stood south of the Guest.
37
西西西西 退西 西 西
The host saluted Mass Guests southwest of the host steps, ascended, knelt south of the west pillar, filled a goblet, advanced on the west steps facing south to the chief Mass Guest, who ascended, bowed north, and received it. The host east of the chief Mass Guest bowed north and sent it off. Announcers set relish; the chief Mass Guest ascended, knelt, offered meat and relish, libated, rose, withdrew to the west steps, stood and drank, handed the goblet to the host, descended, and returned to station. The host refilled, advanced on the west steps facing south to the next Mass Guest, as for the chief. The next guest ascended and drank likewise. The host filled wine and presented on the west steps facing south to courtyard Mass Guests. Each ascended, received the goblet, knelt and libated, stood and drank; announcers set relish at each station. The host took the goblet and returned the vessel to the basket. Host and Guest exchanged one salute and one yielding in ascending; Guest, Assistant, and Mass Guests ascended in order and sat.
38
西 鹿
Musicians' mats were east of the west steps at the hall eaves, facing north with precedence east. Four musicians—two zithers first, then two singers. Zither players ascended, took station, and sat. They played "Deer Cry" and finished the song. Pipe players entered below the hall facing north and played "South Hill." Then alternate song—"South Has Fine Fish," pipes "Lofty Mound;" then combined music: "Zhou South" "Fish Hawks" and "Shao South" "Magpie Nest."
39
西 西 退西 西西 西西退
The Director of Corrections ascended the west steps—the host's ritual announcer who keeps ritual and music in order. When the preliminary rites ended, a Director of Corrections was appointed to watch lest guests grow lax before the feast continued. He knelt, took a cup from the basket, filled it, descended the west steps to the foot, turned left, knelt north, set the cup, bowed briefly, drank it dry, set it down, and bowed twice. The Guest left the mat, knelt, took a cup, filled it, went to the host steps facing north, and returned toast to the host. The host left the mat and stood east of the Guest; the Guest knelt, set the cup, bowed, and rose; the host returned the bow; the Guest stood, drank, refilled, handed it southeast on the host steps; the host bowed twice; the Guest stepped back; the host took the cup; the Guest west of the host bowed north and sent it off, saluted, and returned to his mat. The host advanced to the west steps facing north to toast the Assistant; the Assistant left the mat, came from the south, and stood west of the host facing north. The host knelt, set the cup, bowed, and rose; the Assistant returned the bow. The host stood, drank, refilled, advanced on the west steps facing west; the Assistant bowed; the host stepped back; the Assistant took the cup; the host east of him sent it off facing north, saluted, and returned to his mat.
40
西西 西 退 西西 西 西西 西 西西退
The Director of Corrections ascended the west steps, stood near the west facing north, and called the round: "So-and-so receives return toast." The recipient left the mat, came from the west, and stood north of the Assistant facing north. The Director withdrew to the sequence end facing east, yielding to the recipient. The Assistant knelt, set the cup, bowed, and rose; the recipient returned the bow. The Assistant stood, drank, refilled, advanced on the west steps, faced southwest and passed it to the recipient; he took the cup; the Assistant stood left of him, faced north, saluted, and returned to his mat. The Director called: "So-and-so receives return toast." The recipient left the mat, stood west of So-and-so facing north; So-and-so knelt, set the cup, bowed, and rose; the recipient returned the bow. So-and-so stood, drank, refilled, advanced on the west steps facing southwest and passed it on; the recipient took the cup; So-and-so stood right of him, saluted, and returned to his mat. The next guest and courtyard Mass Guests received return toasts in the same way. When return toasts ended, the recipient knelt, set the cup in the basket, rose, and returned below the steps. The Director went to the host steps facing east and asked the host's order; the host said: "Ask the Guest to sit with me." The Director turned north and told the Guest: "Please be seated." The Guest said: "As you command." Guest and host each sat on their mats. If they wore court dress, they descended and removed shoes—host left foot first, Guest right foot first. The Director descended and returned to station. Then meat and relish were served; Guest and host feasted at ease with unnumbered wine rounds and music—the host's announcers all joined. When feasting ended, Guest and host rose; Guest and below left by the west steps, the host by the east steps. Guest and below stood west outside the gate facing east; the host saw them off east of the gate, faced west and bowed twice; Guest and Assistant withdrew with hesitation.
41
In late winter when age ranks were set, the district magistrate was host; one worthy village elder over sixty was Guest, the next Assistant, then three Guests, then Mass Guests. Age sixty received three dishes; seventy four; eighty five; ninety and the host each received six. At the leisurely feast the Director faced north and asked the Guest to sit; Guest and host each stood at their mats. The Director went to the basket, knelt, took a cup, filled it, advanced between pillars facing north, raised the cup, and exhorted them on loyalty and filial piety as the foundation. Guest, host, and all below bowed twice. The Director knelt, set the cup, bowed twice, drank it dry, rose; Guest, host, and all below sat. The Director returned the cup to the basket, descended to station, then served unnumbered wine rounds. In general the procedure followed the village drinking rite.
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