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

Arise and stand straight. The music stops. The Decree Transmitting Official original: "Chengzhi Guan" (承制官), the official who carries the Emperor's words to the foreign guests. announces that there is a decree to follow. The Master of Ceremonies original: "Zanli" (贊禮) calls out: "Kneel!" The Envoy and the assembled envoys all kneel.

The Decree Transmitting Official proclaims the Imperial Decree: "The Emperor sends his regards and acknowledges that you, the envoys, have traveled a long and wearying distance." Once the Envoy finishes his reply, the Master of Ceremonies calls out: "Prostrate and arise! Bow and arise! Bow and arise! Stand straight!"

The Envoy and the assembled envoys all prostrate and arise. The music begins to play. They bow and arise, bow and arise, then stand straight. The music stops. The Decree Transmitting Official ascends the western steps, enters through the western gate to report the completion of the exchange to the Emperor, and then returns to his standing position.

The Master of Ceremonies calls out: "Deep bow! Bow and arise! Bow and arise! Bow and arise! Bow and arise! Stand straight!" The Envoy and the assembled envoys all perform a deep bow. The music begins to play. They bow and arise four times, then stand straight. The music stops.

Officials from the Ministry of Rites Ministry of Rites: "Libu" (禮部), the government department responsible for state ceremonies, rituals, and foreign relations. collect the Diplomatic Memorials Memorials and Petitions: "Biaojian" (表箋), formal written communications to the throne. and the Regional Tributes Regional Tributes: "Fangwu" (方物), specialized local products brought as tribute.. They lead the envoys out. The Ritual Master announces that the ceremony is concluded.

The Emperor original: "Shangwei" (上位), literally 'The One in the Higher Position.' departs in his carriage. The music plays as he returns to the inner palace, then the music stops.

The Ushers lead the civil and military officials, followed by the envoys, out of the hall in their proper order. For routine annual audiences, the memorials and regional tributes are received at the Central Secretariat Central Secretariat: "Zhongshu Sheng" (中書省), the highest administrative body of the imperial government during the Ming dynasty.. On those days, the attendants arrange the regional tributes in front of the gate of the Secretariat.