A diagram illustrates the ceremonial positioning for a tribute mission. The text labels indicate the standing positions for civil and military officials, as well as guards, relative to a central axis.

Illustration of Foreign Kings Presenting Tribute, Part Three Standing positions at the Vermilion Steps

The Vermilion Steps, or Danchi, refers to the courtyard area in front of the imperial palace hall. It is named for the reddish color of the masonry or the painted path used during high ceremonies.

Standing positions for Civil Attendant Officials
Guard Guard Guard

original: 司辰 (Sichen). This official was responsible for keeping track of time and announcing the specific hours or moments for ritual actions to begin.

The following text is inverted in the original diagram to indicate the opposite side of the courtyard, where the military officials stand facing their civil counterparts.

Standing positions for Military Attendant Officials
Guard Guard Guard