Illustration of Foreign Kings Presenting Tribute, Part Two

original: 蕃王進貢圖二 (Fanwang jingong tu er). This is the second part of the visual guide for the ceremonial reception of foreign emissaries during the Ming dynasty.

Number two: Finding the right people and their commands. This is diagram part two. original: 二得其人又其令圖其二 (Er de qi ren you qi ling tu qi er). This likely refers to the selection of appropriate officers and the execution of ceremonial orders.

A schematic diagram illustrates the positioning of personnel and equipment at the three entrances of an imperial gate. The diagram uses a grid layout. Three gates are listed at the top. Below each gate, positions are marked for generals. The bottom level indicates where the ceremonial banners and weapons are stationed to flank the entrance.

Gate original: 門 (Men). Imperial gates, such as the Meridian Gate, typically featured three or five openings. The central path was reserved for the Emperor, while the side paths were used by the civil and military bureaucracy.

General original: 將軍 (Jiangjun). In this ceremonial context, these are high ranking military officers selected to stand guard, projecting an image of strength and discipline to the visiting foreign kings.

Banners and weapons original: 旗仗 (Qizhang). This term encompasses the ritual regalia of the imperial court, including flags, banners, and decorative weapons. These items were not for combat but for demonstrating the majesty of the state.