Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Volume on Ceremonial Systems, Part II

Toward the doors of the Hall original: "dian" (殿), likely referring to the Hall of Supreme Harmony or its predecessor, the Fengtian Hall., eight Guards Commanders Guards Commanders: "Qianhu" (千戶), literally "Commanders of a Thousand," middle-ranking military officers within the imperial guard system. are stationed at the left and right of the east and west doors, facing each other from the east and west. Two Generals are stationed upon the Hall, facing each other from the east and west. Four Heavenly Martial Generals original: "Tianwu Jiangjun" (天武將軍), a prestigious title for elite imperial bodyguards chosen for their impressive physical stature. are stationed at the four corners of the Imperial Dais Imperial Dais: The "Cebi," the raised steps leading to the throne., facing each other from the east and west. Six Generals are stationed at the left and right of the Gate of the Hall of Supreme Harmony original: "Fengtian Dian Men" (奉天殿門)., facing each other from the east and west. Six Generals are stationed at the left and right of the Gate of Supreme Harmony original: "Fengtian Men" (奉天門), the primary gate to the outer court., facing each other from the east and west.

On this day, the Jinwu Guard original: "Jinwu Wei" (金吾衛), one of the most prestigious units of the Emperor's personal guard, responsible for patrolling the palace and flanking imperial processions. shall deploy Armored Soldiers to the east and west outside the Meridian Gate original: "Wu Men" (午門), the southernmost and largest gate of the Forbidden City.. They shall arrange Ceremonial Banners and Weapons to the east and west outside the Gate of Supreme Harmony. The Palace Guard Command original: "Gongwei Si" (拱衛司), the office responsible for the Emperor's physical security. shall display the Ceremonial Regalia upon the Imperial Dais and to the east and west of the Imperial Courtyard Imperial Courtyard: The "Cezhi," the level, paved area between the main gate and the hall steps..

The Five Imperial Chariots original: "Wu Lu" (五輅), the five types of ritual carriages used by the Emperor, each signifying different ranks or types of travel. are to be displayed to the south of the Imperial Dais. The Office of Imperial Grazing original: "Dianmu Suo" (典牧所), the bureau in charge of the imperial stables and sacrificial livestock. shall display Ceremonial Horses to the south of the Civil and Military Towers original: "Wen-Wu Lou" (文武樓), two towers flanking the main courtyard symbolizing the dual pillars of government., facing each other from the east and west. Tigers and Leopards Ming court rituals often featured live animals in gilded cages to demonstrate the Emperor's power over the wild and the reach of his tribute system. are to be displayed outside the Gate of Supreme Harmony.

The Directors of Harmony original: "Hesheng Lang" (和聲郎), officials from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices who managed the ritual musicians. shall arrange the musical ensemble in the Imperial Courtyard, to the south of the bowing positions designated for the Various Foreign Envoys.

At the First Roll of the Drums original: "Jigu Chuyan" (擊鼓初嚴), the first of three signals indicating the start of a formal ceremony., the Attendants of Ceremonies original: "Shiyi Sheren" (侍儀舍人). shall enter to arrange the bowing mats. The Ceremonial Guides then lead the Civil Ranks ...