Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms (Volume 76: Ceremonial Systems)

Ceremonial Protocols for the Reception of Foreign States Submitting and Dispatching Envoys to Present Tribute

Preliminary Procedures
Before the ceremony takes place, the Office of Ceremonies The government bureau responsible for managing the logistics of imperial rituals and diplomatic receptions. shall lead the foreign envoys to the Tianjie Temple The Temple of the Heavenly Realm, a major Buddhist site in Nanjing used during the early Ming dynasty as a lodging and rehearsal space for foreign dignitaries. to practice the required rituals for three days. A formal day will then be selected for the imperial audience.

Preparation of the Hall (One Day Prior)
One day before the audience, the Directorate of Ceremonial A powerful agency of palace officials, often eunuchs, in charge of the Emperor's internal affairs. shall arrange the Imperial Throne and an incense table in the center of the Fengtian Hall Fengtian Hall: The Hall of Venerating Heaven, the primary ceremonial building in the Forbidden City where the most important state functions occurred.. The Chief Minister of the Seals shall set the Seal Table in front of the Imperial Throne.

Arrangement of the Courtyard and Tribute
The Office of Ceremonies shall set the Memorial Table to the north of the central path of the Dan-chi Dan-chi: The "Vermilion Steps" or the grand red-paved courtyard and staircases leading up to the main hall..

Additionally, in the exact center of the Hall, a station for the Regional Tributes original: "fangwu" (方物), literally "local things," referring to specialized goods or products brought as tribute from the envoy's home country. shall be set to the south of the table for memorials and letters. To the east and west of the central path, the attendants responsible for lifting the tribute tables shall be positioned to the left and right of the goods.

Positioning of Personnel

• Envoys: Their positions shall be set to the east and west of the central path, located south of the tribute tables and facing north.
• Interpreters: Their positions shall be set to the northwest of the envoys' stations, facing north.
• Civil and Military Officials: Their standing positions for the audience shall be set at the north end of the Dan-chi, with the two wings facing each other from the east and west.
• Ceremonial Officials: The officials responsible for receiving and announcing the memorials, those receiving and announcing the tribute goods, and the official tasked with unfolding the memorials, shall be positioned to the west of the Memorial Table, facing east.
• Official for Receiving Decrees: This official shall be positioned inside the Hall, facing west.