Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms (Vol. 79)

Two Ritual Officials are positioned at the south of the Vermilion Steps, facing each other from the east and west. Four Whip-Crackers Officials who cracked ceremonial whips to signal the start of proceedings and command silence are arrayed on the Vermilion Steps, facing north. Two Generals are stationed to the left and right in front of the curtain screens inside the Hall.

Six Generals are stationed to the left and right of the Hall Gate, three on each side. Four Generals are stationed at the four corners of the Vermilion Steps. Six Generals are stationed to the left and right of the Gate of Imperial Supremacy original: "Fengtian Men," the main gate of the outer court during the Ming dynasty, facing each other from the east and west.

On the day of the ceremony, at the break of dawn, the Imperial Guard original: "Jinwu Wei," a high-ranking guard unit responsible for the Emperor's safety and ceremonial display arrays armored soldiers to the east and west outside the Meridian Gate The southern entrance to the Forbidden City. Drums are struck along the central path outside the gate. Banners and ceremonial regalia are arrayed to the east and west outside the Gate of Imperial Supremacy. The Five Imperial Chariots A set of ritual vehicles—the Jade, Gold, Ivory, Leather, and Wood chariots—symbolizing the Emperor's authority are displayed in the Vermilion Courtyard, facing north.

The Office of Ceremonial Herding arrays ceremonial horses to the south of the Civil and Military Towers, facing each other from the east and west. Tigers and leopards The use of live exotic animals was a traditional display of imperial power and "taming" of the wild are displayed outside the Gate of Imperial Supremacy, facing each other from the east and west.

The Director of Musical Harmony arrays the musical instruments in the Vermilion Courtyard, south of the bowing positions for the civil and military officials. The attending officials set up the Cup-Washing Station|Juexi A ritual station where the Emperor or celebrant would purify their hands and the wine vessels to the southeast of the eastern steps. The Ceremonial Cup|Jue A three-legged bronze wine vessel used in sacrifices is placed to the east of the washing basin, and the Ritual Basket|Fei A container used for holding ritual items or silks is placed beside the basin.