Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms (Vol. 79)

The Guest the presiding elder statesman tucks his tablet original: "hu," a ritual scepter held with both hands into his belt, washes and dries his hands. Having finished, he removes the tablet and ascends the western steps. Music plays throughout this sequence. The Assistant Capper takes the wine cup original: "jue," a tripod vessel used for libations, washes it, and wipes it dry. He proceeds to the station of the wine vessels, pours the sweet wine original: "li," a sacrificial ale, and hands the cup to the Guest.

The Guest receives the cup and kneels to advance before the Crown Prince’s ritual seat, facing north. Once the invocation is complete, the Crown Prince inserts his jade tablet original: "gui," a flat scepter indicating his high rank into his belt, kneels, and receives the cup. He takes a small sip, sets down the cup, and takes up the jade tablet once more.

The food servers offer the ritual meal and set it before the Crown Prince’s seat. The Crown Prince inserts his jade tablet and eats. Having finished, he holds the tablet and rises. The attending officials remove the wine cup and the food. The Erudite of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices original: "Taichang Boshi," a specialized scholar of ritual law leads the Crown Prince down the western steps to the eastern chamber of the palace gate. There, he changes into Court Dress.

Upon finishing, he proceeds to the bowing position on the Red Courtyard original: "Danchi," the prestigious red-paved area leading to the main hall, facing north. The officials of the Eastern Palace the Crown Prince’s personal administrative staff each return to their designated bowing positions. As the Crown Prince first begins to move, music is played; when he reaches his position, the music stops.

The Ritual Usher leads the Guest and the Assistant to a position slightly east of the Crown Prince, facing west. The Guest advances slightly and delivers the speech for the bestowing of the style name original: "zi," the name given upon reaching adulthood to be used by peers and elders. Once the speech is finished, the Imperial Mandate is announced: "The bestowed style name is [Name]."

The Erudite of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices instructs the Crown Prince to bow twice. The Master of Ceremonies original: "Dianyi" calls out: "Prostrate! Bow! Rise! Bow! Rise! Kneel to hear the proclamation of the Mandate!" Once the proclamation is finished: "Bow! Rise! Bow! Rise! Straighten your body!"