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

The civil and military officials each don their Court Dress Court Dress: "Chaofu" (朝服), the most formal attire worn by officials during major state ceremonies, characterized by specific colors and badges of rank.. At the "second solemnity" This refers to the second of three drum sequences used to signal the progression of the ritual., the Ritual Ushers Ritual Ushers: "Yinban" (引班), minor officials responsible for guiding the assembly to their proper spots. lead the civil and military officials to line up outside the Meridian Gate original: "Wumen" (午門), the massive southern entrance to the Forbidden City., where they face each other from the east and west, with the North considered the position of honor.

Attendants from the Ministry of Rites original: "Libu" (禮部), the government body in charge of state ceremonies, diplomacy, and religion. place the regional tribute offerings upon the ceremonial tables. All various attendants then enter to take their assigned positions. The imperial guards each put on their specific ceremonial gear and uniforms. The Ministers of the Imperial Seal Ministers of the Imperial Seal: "Shangbao Qing" (尚寶卿), high-ranking officials entrusted with the Emperor’s various jade seals of authority. and the accompanying attendants proceed to the Hall of Diligent Body original: "Jinshen Dian" (謹身殿), one of the three great halls of the Ming palace, used for changing clothes or small audiences. to receive the Emperor.

The Ritual Ushers lead the foreign envoys, who are dressed in court attire and carry formal memorials. Attendants carry the tribute offerings in the lead, while the envoys follow behind. They enter through the Meridian Gate, proceed across the western Golden Water Bridge, and pass through the West Side Gate until they reach the western side of the Vermilion Yard Vermilion Yard: "Danchi" (丹墀), the grand, red-paved courtyard where officials stood during imperial audiences., where they stand in order facing east.

At the "third solemnity" drum signal, the Ritual Ushers lead the civil and military officials to their standing positions. The Master of Ceremonies reports that the preparations outside are complete. Officials from the Directorate of Palace Servants original: "Yuyong Jian" (御用監), a powerful eunuch agency in the Ming court. kneel and report that the Emperor has donned his Leather Skin Cap Leather Skin Cap: "Pibian" (皮弁), a formal ceremonial headpiece made of deerskin and adorned with jewels, worn for important audiences. and is departing in the imperial sedan.

The Minister of the Imperial Seal carries the seal, and the ceremonial guards lead and follow as per the standard ritual. As the Emperor is about to emerge, the honor guard begins to move. Music begins as he ascends the Imperial Throne. Music ceases. The Minister of the Imperial Seal places the seal upon the table. Ritual whips are cracked original: "Mingbian" (鳴鞭), the practice of cracking whips three times to command silence and signal the start of proceedings., and the "Rooster Call" heraldry is announced.