Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms (Vol. 79) (1609) - Page 11

Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Ceremonial Rites, Volume 5

As the morning cock finishes crowing, the Ushers lead the Guest and the Assistant to enter, take their designated positions, and stand still. The Master of Ceremonies calls out: "Bow!" music begins "Prostrate! Arise! Prostrate! Arise! Prostrate! Arise! Prostrate! Arise! Stand upright!" The Guest, the Assistant, and all the civil and military officials all bow, prostrate, arise, prostrate, arise, prostrate, arise, prostrate, arise, and stand upright.

The Ceremonial Attendants and others proceed before the Imperial Throne and receive the Imperial Command original: "Zhi," a formal command issued specifically by the Emperor. They descend from the eastern steps and proceed to the front of the Guest, positioned slightly to the east and facing west.

When the Imperial Decree is ready to be announced, the Master of Ceremonies calls out: "Kneel!" The transmission is passed down, and all officials currently in their positions kneel.

The Ceremonial Attendant proclaims the Imperial Command, saying:

"The Crown Prince The eldest son and heir apparent to the Emperor is to undergo his Capping Ceremony original: "Guan," the traditional coming-of-age ritual for elite males in Imperial China. We command you, Our ministers, to perform the rites."

When the proclamation of the Command is finished, the Master of Ceremonies calls out: "Prostrate! Arise! Prostrate! Arise! Prostrate! Arise! Prostrate! Arise! Stand upright!"

The ranks of the civil and military attendants—including the Imperial Diarists original: "Qijuzhu," officials responsible for recording the Emperor's daily actions and words, the Supervising Secretaries, the Palace Censors, and the Ministers of the Seal Office—ascend the hall and stand on the eastern side of the hall, facing west.

The ranks of the military attendants—the Sword-bearing Commanders—ascend the hall and stand on the western side of the hall facing east. The Ushers lead the Guest, the Assistant, and the officials designated to perform the rites to their positions below the eastern steps and stand still. The officials of the Eastern Palace The administrative staff of the Crown Prince enter and proceed to the east of the Crown Prince.