Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms (Vol. 79)

The ranks of officials are arranged outside the Meridian Gate original: "Wu Men," the southern and primary gate of the Forbidden City, with the north designated as the position of honor. The ranks face one another from the east and west. The Masters of Ceremonies, Rank Overseers, and Directors of Ritual organize the assembly.

The Inner Masters of Ceremony, the Palace Guards, the Rectifiers, and the Escorts—along with the Whip-crackers and the Generals of the Inner and Outer Halls—all enter and take their designated positions. The Ushers then lead the Guests and Assistants to enter and stand outside the Gate of Supreme Harmony original: "Fengtian Men," the gate leading to the main ceremonial hall during the Ming Dynasty, where they stand on the path facing each other from the east and west. The officials of the Eastern Palace The staff and administration belonging to the Crown Prince and their attendants lead

the Crown Prince to the outside of the Hall’s gate. The Master of Ceremonies, together with the Doctors of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, lead the Crown Prince to the East Side Room of the Hall of Supreme Harmony original: "Fengtian Dian," the primary hall for major state ceremonies. Once this is completed, the Rank Ushers lead the Commanders of the Palace Guard, the Ministers of the Court of Imperial Entertainments, and various imperial guards—each wearing their specific ceremonial robes and bearing their ritual equipment—along with the Ministers of the Seal Office and attendant officials, to enter and proceed to the Hall of Diligent Government original: "Jinshen Dian," a hall used for the Emperor to rest or prepare for ceremonies to formally receive the Emperor. Three rounds of drumming are signaled.

With the signal for strict silence given, the Rank Ushers lead the civil and military officials to enter in order and take their positions for the "Rising and Resting" ceremony A formal procedure where officials pay respects to the Emperor. The Master of Ceremonies reports on his tablet that preparations are complete outside. The Directorate of Imperial Accoutrements petitions the

Emperor to don the All-Pervasive Crown original: "Tongtian Guan," a high-ranking crown with vertical ridges, signifying the Emperor's connection to Heaven and the Crimson Gauze Robe. The Emperor then takes his imperial sedan chair to depart. The imperial guards and attendants lead the way, clearing the path with ritual warning calls as is the standard protocol. As the Emperor is about to emerge, the ceremonial guard begins to move. He then ascends the

Imperial Throne Respectful spacing, known as "taitou," is used in the original text before titles like Emperor, Crown Prince, and Throne to show reverence. The Generals roll up the curtains and crack the ceremonial whips original: "Mingbian," the sound of a whip crack was used to signal the Emperor's presence and demand absolute silence and attention. The Master of...