| | 臨軒行事: |
先一日，尚舍奉御設御冠席於太極殿中楹閒，南向，莞筵紛純，加藻席繢純，加次席黼純。守宮設群官次於朝堂，太樂令展宮懸於殿庭，並如常儀。設協律郎舉麾位於殿上西階之西，東向；一位於樂懸東南，西向。鼓吹令分置十二案於建鼓之外。乘黃令陳車輅，尚輦奉御陳輿輦，並如常儀。典儀設文官一品以下五品以上位於懸東，六品以下於橫街南，皆重行，西面北上。設武官一品以下五品以上位於懸西，六品以下於橫街南，當文官，皆重行，東面北上。設朝集使位分方於文武官當品之下。設諸親位於四品、五品之中。設蕃客位各分方於朝集使六品之南。諸州使人分方位於朝集使九品之後。又設太師、太尉位於橫街之南道東，北向西上。又設典儀位於懸之東北，贊者二人在南，少退，俱西向。奉禮設門外位於東西朝堂，皆如元日之儀。 |
| | The day before, the Shangshe Fengyu set up a throne for the imperial crown ceremony in the central bay of Taiji Palace, facing south. A wǎn mat with pure patterns was laid down, over which was placed an ao xi mat with hui patterns, and on top of that a ci xi mat with fu patterns. Shougong arranged the accommodations for all officials in the court hall, and the Taile Ling set up the palace chimes in the courtyard of the hall, following the usual procedures. The Xielv Lang was stationed to raise the standard at a position on the west steps above the hall, facing east; one positioned southeast of the musical chimes, facing west. The Guchui Ling arranged twelve stands in rows outside the Jian Gu drums. Chenghuang Ling presented the ceremonial chariots, and Shangnian Fengyu arranged the palanquins, all according to the usual procedures. Dianyi arranged the positions for civil officials of rank one to five (including fifth rank) east of the musical chimes and those below sixth rank south of Hengjie Street, all in double rows facing west with higher ranks placed northward. The positions for military officials of rank one to five were set west of the musical chimes; those below sixth rank stood south of Hengjie Street opposite the civil officials, all arranged in double rows facing east with higher ranks placed northward. The positions for Chaojishi envoys were set according to their respective regions, below the civil and military officials of corresponding ranks. The positions for various relatives were arranged among those of fourth and fifth rank. The positions for foreign guests were arranged according to their respective regions south of sixth rank Chaojishi envoys. Representatives from various states stood in rows according to their regions behind the ninth rank Chaojishi envoymen. Additionally, positions for Taishi and Taiwei were set on the eastern side of the southern road at Hengjie Street, facing north with higher ranks placed westward. Also, Dianyi's position was set in the northeast of the musical chimes with two assistants standing to the south slightly behind, all facing west. Fengli arranged positions outside the gates at the eastern and western court halls according to the procedures of the first day of the year.
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| | 臨軒行事: |
其日，諸衛勒所部屯門列黃麾仗如常。群官依時刻集朝堂，俱就次各服其服，通事舍人引就朝堂前位。侍中版奏：「請中嚴。」太樂令、鼓吹令帥工人入就位。奉禮郎設罍洗於阼階東南，罍在洗東，加勺审，篚在洗西，南肆，實巾加审。尚舍奉御設席於東房內，近西，又張帷於東序外。殿中監陳袞服於東房內席上，東領。玄衣纁裳十二章。白紗中單，黼領，青褾、耻、裾。革帶，玉鉤寕，大帶，朱韍三章，鹿盧玉具劍，火珠鏢首，白玉雙珮，玄組，大雙綬，六綵，玄、黃、赤、白、縹、綠，純玄質，長二丈四尺，五百首，廣一尺。朱陉，赤舄金飾。繢纚、玉簪及櫛三物同箱，在服南，北向。尚舍奉御設莞筵一，紛純，加藻席繢純，加次席黼純，又在南。尚食奉御實醴樽於東序外帷內，坫在樽北，實角觶柶各一，加审。饌陳於樽西，籩豆各十二，俎三，在籩豆北。設罍洗於樽東，罍在洗西，加勺审，篚在洗東，北肆，實巾加审。執罍樽籩豆及在庭罍篚者，並絳公服立於其所。袞冕垂白珠十二旒，以組為纓，色同其綬，黈纊充耳，玉導，置於箱。太常博士一人立於西階下近西，東面。諸侍衛之官各服其器服，俱詣閤奉迎。典儀帥贊者先入就位，通事舍人各引群官入就位。太常博士引太常卿升西階，立於西房外，當戶北向。侍中版奏：「外辦。」 |
| | On that day, all military divisions commanded their respective units to station at the gates and form yellow standard formations as usual. All officials gathered in the court hall according to their scheduled times, each taking their assigned accommodations and wearing their respective official robes. Tongshi Sheren led them to their positions before the court hall. The Shizhong presented a wooden tablet report: "Please, let all be in full readiness." Taile Ling and Guchui Ling led the musicians into their positions. Fengli Lang set up the leixian (vessels for ritual washing) at the southeast of Zuo Jie, with the lei placed east of the xian. A ladle was added to the lei, and a bamboo basket was placed west of the xian facing south, containing towels and additional utensils. Shangshe Fengyu arranged a mat inside the eastern room near the west side, and also set up curtains outside the eastern xu. The Dianzhong Jian placed the gǔnfu (ceremonial robe for emperors) on the mat inside the eastern room, with its collar facing east. A black upper garment and xun-colored lower skirt embroidered with twelve symbols. A white gauze zhongdan (under robe) with a fu-patterned collar, and blue biao (collar edging), chi (hem edging), and ju (lower hem). A leather belt, a jade hook and clasp, a large sash, A red fú (ceremonial sash) embroidered with three symbols: A luxu yuju jian (ceremonial sword with a jade hilt and pommel shaped like a deer's head), with a fire pearl at the tip, a pair of white jade pèi (ornaments for the belt), xuan zu (black silk cords), a da shuangshou (large double sash) in six colors: xuan (black), huang (yellow), chi (red), bai (white), piao (buff), and lü (green). The sash was made of pure black material, two zhang four chi long, with 500 knots, one chi wide. Red xing (shoe uppers), red xi (court shoes) decorated with gold ornaments. The hui li (ornamental headpiece), jade zan (hairpin), and chi (comb) were placed in the same box to the south of the robe, facing north. Shangshe Fengyu placed one wan mat with fen patterns, added an ao xi mat with hui pure patterns on top of it, and then a ci xi mat with fu pure patterns above that, all positioned further to the south. Shangshi Fengyu placed the li zun (wine vessel) inside the curtain outside the eastern xu, with a dian (altar table) to the north of the zun. One jue, one zhe, and one yu were placed on it, each accompanied by appropriate utensils. The food was arranged to the west of the zun, with twelve bian and dou (ritual vessels) each, and three zu (meat stands), placed north of the bian and dou. The leixian (ritual washing vessels) were set up to the east of the zun, with the lei placed west of the xian and a ladle added. A bamboo basket was positioned to the east of the xian, facing north, containing towels and utensils. Those in charge of the leizun, bian dou, and other vessels in the courtyard all stood at their positions wearing jiang gongfu (ceremonial official robes). The gun mian (imperial ceremonial headdress) had twelve rows of white pearls, with zhu cords as tassels. The color matched the sash; tuotou (yellow silk wadding) served as ear pendants, and a jade daodao (ornamental hairpiece) was placed in a box. One Taichang Bohu stood near the west side of the western steps, facing east. All officials in charge of imperial security wore their respective ceremonial uniforms and gathered at the ge (a gate or hall) to escort and welcome. Dianyi led the assistants into their positions first, while Tongshi Sheren guided all officials to take their respective places. Taichang Bohu led Taichang Qing up the western steps and had him stand outside the western room, facing north in front of the door. The Shizhong presented on a wooden tablet: "All external preparations are complete."
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| | 臨軒行事: |
皇帝著空頂黑介幘、雙童髻、雙玉導、絳紗袍以出，侍衛警蹕如常儀。皇帝將出，太樂令令撞黃鍾之鐘，右五鐘皆應，協律郎舉麾，鼓柷，奏太和之樂。皇帝出自西房。太常博士引太常卿，太常卿引皇帝即御座，南向立，樂止。通事舍人引太師、太尉就位。太師初入門，舒和之樂作，至位，樂止。典儀曰：「再拜。」贊者承傳，群臣在位者皆再拜。太師升自西階，太師初行，樂作；至階，樂止。太師升立於西階上，東面。太尉詣阼階下罍洗盥手，升東階，詣東房內取纚櫛箱，進，跪奠於御座西端。太師詣御座前跪，奏稱：「請坐。」退復位。皇帝坐。太尉進當御座前，少左，跪脫空頂幘，置於櫛箱，櫛畢設纚，興，少西，東面立。太師降盥，初降，樂作；盥訖詣西階下，樂止。太師受冕，右執項，左執前，升西階，進當皇帝前少左，樂作。太師祝曰：「令月吉日，始加元服。壽考惟祺，以介景福。」乃跪冠，興，復西階上位。太尉進皇帝前，少左，跪設簪纓，興，復位。皇帝興，太常卿引適東房。殿中監進徹櫛纚箱以退。皇帝著袞服，太常卿引即席南向坐，樂止。 |
| | The emperor, wearing a kongding heijiezhi (a black headpiece without a crown), double child's buns, two jade daodao ornaments, and a jiang sha pa (ceremonial red gauze robe), emerged. The attendants and guards cleared the way as per usual procedures. As the emperor was about to emerge, Taile Ling ordered the Huangzhong bell to be struck; the five bells on the right all resonated. Xielv Lang raised the standard, struck the zhu (a ceremonial wooden clapper), and played the Taihe music. The emperor emerged from the western room. Taichang Bohu guided Taichang Qing, who in turn led the emperor to the imperial throne where he stood facing south; then the music ceased. Tongshi Sheren led Taishi and Taiwei to their positions. When the Taishi first entered through the gate, the Shuhe music began; when he reached his position, the music stopped. Dianyi said: "Bow twice." The assistants relayed the instruction, and all officials present bowed twice. Taishi ascended from the western steps; as he began to walk, music was played; when he reached the step, the music stopped. Taishi ascended and stood on top of the western steps facing east. Taiwei went to the leixian at the base of Zuo Jie to wash his hands, ascended the eastern steps, entered the eastern room to retrieve the headpiece and comb box, then advanced, knelt down, and placed it at the western end of the imperial throne. Taishi approached before the imperial throne, knelt, and presented a report: "Please, Your Majesty may sit." He then stepped back to his position. The emperor sat down. Taiwei advanced to the front of the imperial throne, slightly to the left, knelt down and removed his kongding headpiece, placing it in the comb box. After combing his hair, he put on the headpiece, rose, stepped back slightly westward, and stood facing east. Taishi descended to wash his hands; as he began descending, music was played; after finishing the ritual washing, when he arrived at the bottom of the western steps, the music stopped. Taishi received the mian (ceremonial headdress), holding its back with his right hand and front with his left, ascended the western steps, advanced slightly to the emperor's left in front of him, and music was played. Taishi chanted: "On this auspicious day of a favorable month, I begin to bestow the adult cap." "May longevity and blessings be granted, granting great fortune for the future." He then knelt to place the cap on the emperor's head, rose again, and returned to his position at the top of the western steps. Taiwei advanced before the emperor, slightly to the left side, knelt down to fasten the hairpin and tassels, rose again, then returned to his position. The emperor stood up; Taichang Qing led him toward the eastern room. Dianzhong Jian advanced to remove the comb and headpiece box, then stepped back. The emperor put on his gunfu (imperial ceremonial robe); Taichang Qing led him to the mat and had him sit facing south; the music ceased.
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| | 臨軒行事: |
太尉詣序外帷內，盥手洗觶，酌醴，加柶，覆之，面葉，立於序內，南向。太師進受醴，面柄，進御前，北面祝曰：「甘醴唯厚，嘉薦令芳。承天之休，壽考不忘。」訖，跪進觶，興，退，降立於西階下，東面。於將祝，殿中監帥進饌者奉饌設於御座前，皇帝左執觶，右取脯，擩於醢，祭於籩豆閒。太師取肺一以進皇帝，皇帝奠觶於薦西，受肺，卻左手執本，右絕末以祭，上左手，嚌之，授太尉。太尉加於俎，降立於太師之南。皇帝帨手，取觶，以柶祭醴，啐醴，建柶，奠觶於薦東。皇帝初受觶，休和之樂作；奠觶訖，樂止。太師、太尉俱復橫街南位。太師初行樂作，至位樂止。典儀唱：「再拜。」贊者承傳，在位者皆再拜。太師、太尉出，初行樂作，出門樂止。侍中前，跪奏：「禮畢。」 |
| | Taiwei went inside the curtain outside the xu, washed his hands and rinsed a yu cup, poured li (sweet wine), placed a zhe on top, covered it, turned to face the leaf, and stood within the xu facing south. Taishi advanced to receive the li, held it by its handle, and approached before the emperor facing north. He chanted: "The sweet wine is rich; may this offering bring auspicious fragrance." "May Your Majesty receive Heaven's blessings and enjoy longevity without forgetting these rites." After finishing, he knelt to present the cup, rose again, stepped back, descended and stood at the bottom of the western steps facing east. As the chanting was about to begin, Dianzhong Jian led those bearing food to present and set up the offerings before the imperial throne. The emperor held the cup in his left hand and took a piece of dried meat with his right, dipped it into the sauce, and made an offering between the bian and dou vessels. Taishi took one lung and presented it to the emperor. The emperor placed the cup west of the offering, accepted the lung, stepped back with his left hand holding the base, cut off the end with his right hand as an offering, raised his left hand, tasted a bit, then handed it over to Taiwei. Taiwei placed it on the zu (meat stand), descended and stood south of Taishi. The emperor wiped his hands; He took the cup, made an offering of li with the zhe, tasted it, raised the zhe again, and placed the cup east of the offerings. When the emperor first received the cup, the Xiuhuo music began; after placing down the cup, the music ceased. Both Taishi and Taiwei returned to their positions south of Hengjie Street. As Taishi began walking, music was played; when he reached his position the music stopped. Dianyi announced: "Bow twice." The assistants relayed the command, and all those present bowed twice. Taishi and Taiwei exited; as they began walking music was played, and when they left the gate the music ceased. Shizhong stepped forward, knelt down, and presented a report: "The ceremony is complete."
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| | 臨軒行事: |
皇帝興，太樂令令撞蕤賓之鐘，左五鐘皆應，太和之樂作；太常卿引入東房，侍衛警蹕如來儀，入訖，樂止。通事舍人引東西面位者以次出。 |
| | The emperor stood up. Taile Ling ordered the Ruibin bell to be struck, and all five bells on the left responded; the Taihe music began. Taichang Qing led the emperor into the eastern room, and the attendants cleared the way as they had upon arrival. After entering, the music ceased. Tongshi Sheren guided those in positions facing east and west to exit in order.
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| | 謁太廟: |
將謁，有司卜日如別儀。 |
| | Jiang Ye, the officials divined a date as per special rites.
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| | 謁太廟: |
前一日，皇帝清齋於太極殿。太尉以下清齋於廟所，近侍之官應從入廟者各於本司清齋一宿。諸衛令其屬晡後一刻各以其方器服守衛廟門，與太樂工人俱清齋一宿。 |
| | The day before, the emperor observed a purification fast in Taiji Palace. The Grand Marshal and those of lower ranks observed a purification fast at the temple site, while officials serving in close attendance who were to accompany the emperor into the temple each observed a one-night purification fast at their respective offices. The various guards ordered their subordinates to, one moment after the third watch of the afternoon, each take up their posts at the temple gates with their ceremonial attire and equipment, and together with the Grand Music Bureau artisans, observe a one-night purification fast.
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| | 謁太廟: |
前三日，尚舍直長施大次於太廟南門之外道西，東向，尚舍奉御鋪御座。守宮設文武侍臣次於大次之後，文左武右，俱東向。設太尉以下次於齋坊內。設三師次於侍臣次之西，東向。 |
| | Three days prior, the Director of the Office of the Imperial Pavilion set up a large pavilion outside the western road beyond the southern gate of the Grand Temple facing eastward, and the Attendant-in-Ordinary of the Office of the Imperial Pavilions laid out the imperial seat. The Keeper of the Palace arranged accommodations for the civil and military attendants behind the large pavilion, with the civil officials on the left and the military officials on the right, all facing east. Accommodations for the Grand Marshal and those of lower rank were set up within the purification quarters. The accommodations for the Three Teachers were established to the west of the attendants' accommodations, facing east.
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| | 謁太廟: |
前二日，太樂令設宮懸之樂於廟庭如常儀，右校清掃內外。 |
| | Two days prior, the Director of Music arranged the court music in the temple courtyard according to the usual rites, and You Xiao cleared and swept both inside and outside.
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| | 謁太廟: |
前一日，奉禮設御位於樂懸之南道西，北向。設太尉以下及御史等位於內外如常儀。設酒樽之位於廟堂上前楹閒，各於室戶之左，北向。每室雞彝一，鳥彝一，犧樽二，山罍二，皆加勺审，皆西上，各有坫。設罍洗篚如常。其執樽罍篚审及烹牲並如巡狩告謁儀。 |
| | The day before, the Attendant of Ceremonial Etiquette set up the imperial position on the western side of the southern road south of the suspended music area, facing north. The positions for the Grand Marshal and those below him as well as for the Censorate officials were arranged inside and outside according to the usual rites. The positions for the wine vessels were set in front of the temple hall between the front pillars, each on the left side of the room's door, facing north. Each chamber had one Ji Yi, one Niao Yi, two Xi Zun, and two Shan Lei; all were provided with ladles and covers. They were arranged from west to east in ascending order, each placed on its own dian (a small platform). The Lei Xi and Fei were set up as usual. Those in charge of the wine vessels, Lei Xi, Fei, covers, as well as those responsible for preparing the sacrificial animals did so according to the rites for a tour and formal visit.
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| | 謁太廟: |
謁日未明三刻，太尉以下各服其服，太廟令、良醞令各帥其屬入實樽罍。太官令帥進饌者實籩豆、行掃除及奏出獻祖以下神主各置於座如常儀，訖各就位，如巡狩告儀。 |
| | On the day of the visit, three ke before dawn, the Grand Marshal and those below each donned their ceremonial robes, while the Director of the Grand Temple and the Director of Fine Wines led their subordinates into the temple to fill the wine vessels. The Director of the Imperial Kitchen led those presenting food to fill the 笾 and 豆, perform cleaning duties, and present the ancestral tablets from Emperor Xuanzong downwards according to usual rites. After completion, they each took their positions as per the rites for a tour announcement ceremony.
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| | 謁太廟: |
質明，謁者引太尉以下俱就門外位，太樂令帥工人次入就位。謁者引太尉，贊引引執事者次入就位。立定，奉禮曰：「再拜。」太尉以下皆再拜。謁者進太尉之左，白：「有司請行事。」其行事儀至讀祝文如時享攝事儀。讀祝文曰：「維某年歲次月朔日，子孝曾孫皇帝某，謹遣太尉臣名，敢昭告於獻祖宣帝、祖妣某氏：敬遵常典，禮加元服，以今吉辰祗見。謹以一元大武、明粢、薌合、薌萁、嘉蔬、嘉薦、醴齊，尚饗。」訖，興，太尉再拜。初讀祝文訖，樂作；太祝進，跪奠版於神座，俛伏，興，還樽所，太尉拜訖，樂止。謁者引太尉以次獻，皆如獻祖之儀。遍獻訖，其飲福受胙如常儀。訖，謁者引太尉降復位。贊引引御史、太祝及執樽罍篚审者俱就執事位，重行，西面立以俟。皇帝既謁廟出門，太祝等升復位訖，登歌作雍和之樂；諸祝各進入室徹豆，出，還樽所，登歌止。奉禮曰：「賜胙。」其贊拜及納神主、燔祝版，並如時享攝事儀。 |
| | At dawn, the Yezhe led the Grand Marshal and those below to their positions outside the gate. The Director of Music then led the musicians in entering and taking their positions in turn. The Yezhe led in the Grand Marshal, while the Zanyin led the attendants into their positions in turn. After standing at attention, the Attendant of Ceremonies announced: "Bow twice." The Grand Marshal and those below all bowed twice. The Yezhe approached to the left of the Grand Marshal and announced: "The officials request that the ceremony proceed." The procedures for conducting the ceremony up to reading the sacrificial text were carried out according to the rites of a substitute offering at regular sacrifices. The sacrificial text was read: "On the first day of the month, in the year [year], under the sexagenary cycle [cycle], the Son and Filial Grandson Emperor [name] offers homage," "I respectfully dispatch the Grand Marshal Minister [name], daring to solemnly announce to Emperor Xuan of the Xianzu lineage and his empress consort Lady [surname]: We humbly follow the established rites, bestowing the rite of capping, and on this auspicious day present our homage." "We respectfully offer the great sacrificial bull, clear millet, fragrant grains, aromatic straw, choice vegetables, fine offerings, and sweet millet wine. May you partake of these."" After the reading was completed, he stood up, and the Grand Marshal bowed twice again. As soon as the sacrificial text had been read to completion, the music began; the Grand Priest advanced, knelt down, and placed the tablet of sacrifice before the ancestral tablet, then bowed deeply while kneeling, rose, returned to the wine vessel area. After the Grand Marshal completed his bowing, the music ceased. The Yezhe led the Grand Minister forward in turn to present offerings, following the same rites as for Emperor Xuanzu. After completing the offerings to all, the ceremony for drinking the blessed wine and receiving the sacrificial meat was conducted as per usual rites. After completion, the Yezhe led the Minister of Tai down to return to his position. The Zanyin led the Censor, Grand Priest, and those in charge of wine vessels, Lei Xi, and Fei covers to all take their positions as attendants, forming two rows standing facing west to await further instructions. After the emperor had exited the temple following his visit, and once the Grand Priests and others had ascended to their positions again, the ascending song of Yong He was performed; the various priests each entered the chamber in turn to remove the 豆 (ritual food vessels), exited, and returned to their positions at the wine vessels; after which, the ascending song ceased. The Attendant of Ceremonial Etiquettes announced: "Granting sacrificial meat." The procedures for assisting in the bowing, returning the ancestral tablets, and burning the sacrificial tablets were all carried out according to the rites for substitute offerings at regular sacrifices.
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| | 親謁: |
前出三日，本司宣攝內外各供其職。 |
| | Three days before, this office announced and ordered all internal and external officials to perform their respective duties.
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| | 親謁: |
前一日，守宮設群官五品以上次於東西朝堂如常。 |
| | The day before, the palace guards arranged officials of the fifth rank and above in order at the eastern and western courts as usual.
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| | 親謁: |
謁日，晝漏上水三刻，鑾駕出宮。發引前七刻，搥一鼓為一嚴。發引前五刻，搥二鼓為再嚴。其鑾駕發引之儀與時享出宮儀同，唯陳小駕鹵簿乘金輅為異。駕過，通事舍人引文武群官不從者退就次以俟。 |
| | On the day of audience, three ke before noon according to the upper water mark of the clepsydra, the imperial procession left the palace. Seven ke before departure, one drumbeat was struck as a signal for first strictness. Five ke before departure, two drumbeats were struck as a signal for second strictness. The ceremony and procedures for the imperial procession's departure were the same as those for leaving the palace during a regular sacrificial offering, differing only in that a smaller procession was arranged with the golden carriage being used. After the imperial procession passed, the Tongshi She ren led the civil and military officials who did not accompany it to withdraw to their designated places in order to await further instructions.
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| | 親謁: |
駕至大次，迴輅東向，將軍降，立於輅右。侍中進當鑾駕前，跪奏稱：「侍中臣某言，請降輅。」俛伏，興，還侍位。皇帝降輅，乘輿之大次，繖扇華蓋侍衛如常儀。通事舍人引三師各就便座，各服其服，出立於大次門外。太常博士引太常卿立於大次門外，當門西向。侍中版奏：「外辦。」 |
| | The imperial procession arrived at the grand pavilion, turned the carriage eastward, and the general descended, standing to the right of the carriage. The Shizhong advanced in front of the imperial procession, knelt, and presented a report saying: "Minister Shizhong [name] respectfully reports, please descend from the carriage." He bowed low, rose, and returned to his position of attendance. The emperor descended from the carriage and entered the grand pavilion; parasols, fans, ornamental canopies, and attendants provided protection as per usual protocol. The Tongshi She ren led the Three Teachers to their convenient seats, where they donned their respective robes and then exited to stand outside the gate of the grand pavilion. The Taichang bo shi led the Taichang qing to stand outside the door of the grand pavilion, facing west directly in front of the gate. The Shizhong presented a wooden tablet and announced: "External preparations are complete."
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| | 親謁: |
皇帝出次，華蓋侍衛如常。博士引太常卿，太常卿引皇帝至廟門外，殿中監進鎮珪，皇帝執鎮珪，華蓋仗衛停於門外，三師、近侍者從入如常。 |
| | The emperor left the pavilion, with parasols, ornamental canopies and attendants following as usual. The bo shi led the Taichange, who in turn led the emperor. Upon reaching outside the temple gate, the Dianzhong jian presented the Zhen Gui. The emperor took hold of the Zhen Gui; parasols and ceremonial guards halted at the gate, while the Three Teachers and close attendants followed into the temple as usual.
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| | 親謁: |
皇帝初入門，太和之樂作，至版位，北向立，樂止。太常卿與博士退立於左。太常卿前奏稱：「請再拜。」皇帝再拜。少頃，太常卿又奏稱：「請再拜。」皇帝又再拜。訖，太常博士引太常卿，太常卿引皇帝出還大次，初行樂作，出門樂止。殿中監受鎮珪，華蓋侍衛如常儀。 |
| | As the emperor first entered the gate, the Taihe music began to play; upon reaching his designated position, he stood facing north and the music ceased. The Taichang qing and bo shi withdrew and stood on the left side. The Taichang qing stepped forward to present a report, saying: "Please perform two bows." The emperor performed two bows. After a short while, the Taichang qing again presented a report, saying: "Please perform two more bows." The emperor once again performed two bows. Afterward, the Taichang bo shi guided the Taichang qing, who in turn guided the emperor back to the grand pavilion. Music was played as they began their return journey and ceased upon exiting through the gate. The Dianzhong jian received the Zhen Gui, while parasols and attendants followed as per usual ritual procedures.
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| | 親謁: |
皇帝既還大次，請解嚴、轉仗衛，至既入閤侍中版奏請解嚴、叩鉦將士各還本所，如時享還宮儀。 |
| | After the emperor had returned to the grand pavilion, a request was made to lift the strictness and reposition the ceremonial guards. Upon entering the hall, the Shizhong presented an announcement requesting the lifting of the strictness; then, with the sounding of gongs, soldiers and officers returned to their respective posts as per the usual procedures for returning to the palace after a regular sacrificial offering.
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| | 臨軒命使: |
將行納采，制命太尉為使者，宗正卿為副使，吏部承以戒之。 |
| | Before proceeding with the ceremony of presenting betrothal gifts, an edict was issued appointing the Taiwei as envoy and the Zongzheng Qing as deputy envoy, with the Lishu Bu conveying instructions to them.
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| | 臨軒命使: |
前一日，尚舍奉御設幄座於太極殿如常。守宮設群官客使等諸應陪位者次於東西朝堂。太樂令展宮懸於殿庭，設舉麾位於殿上，一位於懸下，鼓吹令設十二案，乘黃令陳車輅，尚輦奉御陳轝輦，皆如元日之儀。典儀設文官一品以下五品以上位於懸東，六品以下於橫街南，皆重行，西面北上。設武官一品以下五品以上位於懸西，六品以下於橫街南，當文官，皆重行，東面北上。設朝集使位各分方於文武官當品之下，設諸親位於四品、五品之下，設蕃客位各分方於朝集使六品之南，諸州使人分方位於朝集使九品之後。設典儀位於懸東北，贊者二人在南，少退，俱西向。設使者受命位於大橫街南道東，副使又於其東，少退，俱北面。奉禮設門外位於東西朝堂如元日儀。 |
| | The day before, the Shangshe Fengyu set up a canopy and seats in Taiji Hall as usual. The Shougong arranged the positions for various officials, guest envoys, and others who should accompany in the eastern and western courts. The Taile Ling deployed the palace musical instruments in the hall courtyard and set up positions for raising the standard on the dais, one position beneath the musical ensemble. The Guchui Ling arranged twelve stands, the Chenghuang Ling displayed the ceremonial chariots, the Shangnian Fengyu presented the palanquin and sedan chair, all according to the procedures of the first day of the year. The Dianyi arranged positions for civil officials from first rank to fifth rank east of the musical ensemble, and sixth rank and below on the south side of Hengjie Street, all in double rows facing west with higher ranks to the north. Positions for military officials from first rank to fifth grade were set west of the musical ensemble, while those below sixth grade stood south of Hengjie Street facing their civil counterparts. All ranks formed double rows, facing east with higher ranks in the north. The positions for the Chaojishi envoys were arranged in separate sections according to their ranks below those of civil and military officials. The positions for relatives were set beneath fourth- and fifth-grade officials, The positions for foreign guests were arranged in separate directions south of sixth-grade Chaojishi envoys, while officials from various states stood according to their directional assignments behind ninth-grade Chaojishi. The Dianyi's position was set in the northeast of the musical ensemble, with two assistants standing to the south, slightly behind and facing west. The position for the envoy receiving his commission was set on the eastern side of the southern road at Dahuang Street, with the deputy envoy standing further east and slightly behind, both facing north. The Fengli arranged positions outside the gates in the eastern and western court halls as per the procedures of the first day of a new year.
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| | 臨軒命使: |
其日，諸衛勒所部列黃麾仗如常儀。群官依時刻集朝堂，俱就次各服其服，通事舍人引就朝堂前位。侍中量時刻版奏：「請中嚴。」鈒戟近仗入陳於殿庭，太樂令帥工人入就舞位，協律郎入就舉麾位。諸侍衛之官各服其器服，符寶郎奉寶，俱就閤奉迎。典儀帥贊者先入就位。通事舍人引群官入就位，又引使主副入立於太極門外道東，西面。黃門侍郎引主節執幡節，中書侍郎引制書案，立於左延明門內道北，西面北上。侍中版奏：「外辦。」 |
| | On that day, all military divisions deployed their troops with yellow standard formations according to regular protocol. The officials gathered in the court hall at their designated times, each taking their assigned positions and wearing appropriate attire. Tongshi Sheren led them to their positions before the court hall. The Shizhong measured the time with a time board and presented it, saying: "Please proceed with full readiness." The halberdiers and nearby guards entered to form ranks in the hall courtyard. The Taile Ling led the musicians into their dance positions, while the Xielv Lang entered to take up his position for raising the standard. All officials responsible for imperial guards donned their ceremonial attire and equipment, while the Fubao Lang presented the imperial seal. They all took positions in the corridor to escort the emperor. The Dianyi led the assistants into their positions first. Tongshi Sheren guided the officials to take their positions, then led the envoy and his deputy into standing on the eastern side of Taiji Gate's road outside, facing west. The Huangmen Shilang led the main official holding the flag staff, while the Zhongshu Shilang guided the case containing the imperial decree. They stood on the northern side of the road inside Zuoyanming Gate, facing west with higher ranks in front. The Shizhong presented a time board and announced: "All outer preparations are complete."
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| | 臨軒命使: |
皇帝服袞冕御轝以出，曲直華蓋警蹕侍衛如常儀。皇帝將出，仗動；出自西房，即御座坐，南向。符寶郎奉寶置於御座如常。通事舍人引使主副入就位。立定，典儀曰：「再拜。」贊者承傳，群官在位者皆再拜。侍中前承制，降詣使者東北，西面稱：「有制。」使主副俱再拜。侍中宣制曰：「納某官女為皇后，命公等持節行納采等禮。」宣訖，使主副又再拜。侍中還侍位。黃門侍郎引主節立於使者東北，西面。主節以節授黃門侍郎，黃門侍郎執節西面授使者，使者受，付主節，主節立於使後，黃門侍郎退。中書侍郎引制書案立於使者東北，西面。中書侍郎取制書，西面授使者，使者受制書置於案，持案者退立於使後，中書侍郎退。典儀曰：「再拜。」贊者承傳，群官在位者皆再拜。舍人引使者主副出，持節者前導，持案者次之。侍中前跪，奏稱：「侍中某臣言，禮畢。」俛伏，興，還侍位。 |
| | The emperor, dressed in the gǔnmiǎn ceremonial robes and cap, ascended to his palanquin. The curved and straight parasols, as well as the imperial procession and guards, followed according to regular protocol. As the emperor was about to leave, the ceremonial guard formation moved; The emperor emerged from the western chamber, took his seat on the imperial throne facing south. The Fubao Lang presented and placed the imperial seal at the emperor's throne as usual. Tongshi Sheren led the envoy, his deputy, and their attendants into their positions. After they stood in place, the Dianyi said: "Bow twice." The assistants relayed the command, and all officials present bowed twice. The Shizhong stepped forward to receive the imperial decree, then descended to the northeast of the envoy, facing west and declaring: "An edict is now being announced." Both the envoy and his deputy bowed twice. The Shizhong announced the decree, saying: "Accepting the daughter of a certain official as empress. I now commission you to hold the staff and perform the rites of Nacaipai et al." After the announcement, both the envoy and his deputy once again bowed twice. The Shizhong returned to his position of attendance. The Huangmen Shilang guided the main official holding the staff to stand in the northeast of the envoy, facing western direction. The main official handed the staff to the Huangmen Shilang, who then presented it facing west to the envoy. The envoy received it and passed it back to the main official. The main official stood behind the envoy, while the Huangmen Shilang withdrew. The Zhongshu Shilang led the case containing the imperial decree to stand in the northeast of the messenger, facing west. The Zhongshu Shilan took up the imperial decree; Facing west, he presented the imperial decree to the envoy. The envoy accepted it and placed it on the case. The person holding the case then stepped back behind the envoy, after which the Zhongshu Shilai withdrew. The Dianyi said: "Bow twice." The assistants relayed the instruction, and all officials in attendance bowed twice. Sheren led the envoy and his deputies out, with those carrying the staff leading ahead, followed by those bearing the case. The Shizhong knelt forward to present a report, stating: "Minister of Attendance [Name] respectfully declares that the ceremony is complete." He bowed low, then rose and returned to his position.
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| | 臨軒命使: |
皇帝降座，御輿，入自東房，侍衛警蹕如來儀。舍人引群官在位者以次出。初使主副乘輅備儀仗而行，鼓吹備而不作，從者乘車以從；其制書以油絡網犢車載而行。自後皆如之。 |
| | The emperor descended from the throne, boarded his palanquin, and entered through the eastern chamber, with attendants and guards following as before. Sheren guided the officials in attendance to exit in order. Initially, the envoy and his deputy rode in ceremonial chariots with full processional guards. The drum and wind instruments were prepared but not played; their attendants followed by carriage. The imperial decree was carried in an oil-net-covered ox cart as they proceeded. All subsequent procedures followed the same pattern.
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| | 納采: |
前一日，守宮設使者次於后氏大門外道右，南向。 |
| | On the previous day, the palace guards stationed envoys' quarters outside the rear family's main gate on the right side of the road, facing south.
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| | 納采: |
其日大昕，使主副至於后氏大門外，掌次者迎入次。主人受於廟。掌事者布神席於室戶外之西，莞筵紛純，加藻席畫純，南向，右雕几。使主副出次，謁者引立於大門外之西，東面北上。持幡節者立於使者之北，少退，東面；令史二人對舉制案立於使者之南，執鴈者又在其南，俱東面。主人立於大門內，西面。 |
| | On that day at dawn, the chief and deputy envoys arrived outside the rear family's main gate, where the officer in charge of the quarters met them and led them into their quarters. The host received [the envoys] at the ancestral temple. The officer in charge spread a ritual mat outside the west side of the room's entrance, placing a wǎn grass mat with patterned borders on top, then added an embroidered mat with painted borders. It was arranged facing south, with a carved table placed to its right. The chief and deputy envoys left their quarters; an official usher led them to stand west of the main gate, facing east with the senior standing northward. The bearers of the flag and ceremonial staff stood to the north of the envoys, slightly behind them, facing east; Two clerks faced each other while holding up a tablet case and stood to the south of the envoys; the person carrying the goose stood further south, all facing east. The host stood inside the main gate, facing west.
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| | 納采: |
儐者立於主人之左，北面受命，出立門東，西面曰：「敢請事。」使者曰：「某奉制納采。」儐者入告。主人曰：「臣某之女若如人，既蒙制訪，臣某不敢辭。」儐者出告，入，引主人出迎使者於大門外之南，北面，主人再拜。使者不答拜。 |
| | The attendant stood to the left of the host, facing north and awaiting orders. Then he went out and stood east of the gate, facing west and said: "We dare to inquire about the matter." The envoy said: "I have been commissioned by imperial decree to present betrothal gifts." The attendant entered and reported. The host said: "My daughter, if she is a person of such virtue, having been honored by the imperial inquiry, I, Minister Mou, dare not refuse." The attendant went out to inform them. Then he entered and led the host outside the main gate to meet the envoy in the southern area, where the host faced north and performed two bows. The envoy did not return the bow.
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| | 納采: |
主人揖使者，先入，至於階，使者及宗正卿入，幡節先導，其持案及執鴈者從入，幡節立西階之西，東面。使者由西階升，立於兩楹閒，南面；使副在使者西南，持案及執鴈者在使副西南，俱東面。主人升阼階，詣使者前，北面立。持案者以案進使副前，使副取制書，持案者退復位；使副奉制書進授使者，退復位。持節者脫節衣。使者曰：「有制。」主人再拜。宣制畢，主人降詣階閒，北面再拜稽首訖，升，進，北面受制書，退以授左右，仍北面立。使副取鴈以授使者，退復位。使者受鴈，主人再拜，進，受鴈，退以授左右，仍北面立。儐者引二人對舉答表案進於主人後，少西，儐者取表以授主人，主人受，進授使者訖，退復位，再拜。持節者加節衣。謁者引使者及使副等降自西階以出。 |
| | The host paid a bow to the envoy and entered first, proceeding to the steps. The envoy and the Minister of Rites then followed, with the flag-bearer leading the way; those carrying the tablet case and the goose also entered in procession. The bearers of the flag and staff stood west of the western steps, facing east. The envoy ascended via the western steps and stood between the two pillars, facing south; the deputy envoy stood to the southwest of the envoy, while those carrying the tablet case and holding the goose stood to the southwest of the deputy envoy, all facing east. The host ascended the eastern steps, approached in front of the envoy, and stood facing north. The person carrying the tablet advanced with it to before the deputy envoy; the deputy envoy took the imperial decree, and the carrier of the tablet withdrew back to his position; the deputy envoy presented the imperial decree to the chief envoy, then stepped back to his original position. The staff-bearer removed the ceremonial covering from the staff. The envoy said: "There is an imperial decree." The host performed two bows. After the decree was proclaimed, the host descended to between the steps, performed two bows and a prostration facing north, then ascended again, approached, received the imperial decree while facing north, stepped back and handed it over to his attendants on either side, still standing facing north. The deputy envoy took the goose and presented it to the chief envoy, then returned to his original position. The envoy received the goose; the host performed two bows, approached, took the goose, then stepped back and handed it to his attendants on either side while still standing facing north. The attendant led two people to present a tablet case with the reply memorial, placing it behind the host slightly westward. The attendant took the memorial and presented it to the host; the host received it, then advanced to hand it over to the envoy. After completing this, he stepped back to his position and performed two bows. The staff-bearer put the ceremonial covering back on the staff. An official usher led the envoy and his deputy down from the western steps to exit.
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| | 納采: |
制文 |
| | The imperial decree text
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| | 納采: |
皇帝曰：咨！具官封姓：渾元資始，肇經人倫，爰及夫婦，以奉天地宗廟社稷。謀於公卿，咸以為宜。率由舊典，今使持節太尉封某、宗正卿封某以禮納采。 |
| | Emperor said: "Zī!" Official title and surname of the subject: Since the beginning of time, when the cosmos was formed, human relationships were established. This extends to husband and wife, who serve Heaven and Earth, ancestral temples, and state altars. Consultations with high-ranking officials all considered it appropriate. Following established precedents, I now dispatch the Grand General and Minister of Rites, both surnamed Feng, to present betrothal gifts in accordance with ritual.
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| | 納采: |
答文 |
| | Reply text
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| | 納采: |
皇帝嘉命，訪婚陋族，備數采擇。臣之女，未閑教訓，衣履若如人。欽承舊章，肅奉典制。某官封臣姓名稽首頓首，再拜承制詔。 |
| | The emperor has bestowed a gracious command, inquiring about marriage within our humble family and conducting due selection. My daughter, She has not yet been properly instructed in etiquette and manners; she is but an ordinary person in terms of attire and conduct. We respectfully follow established regulations and solemnly abide by the ritual system. Minister Mou, surname and given name of the subject, kēshǒu duntou, performed two bows to receive the imperial decree.
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| | 問名: |
使者既出，遂立於內門外之西，東向，並如納采位。初使者降，主人降立於內門內東廂，西面。儐者進受命，出請事。使者曰：「將加卜筮，奉制問名。」儐者入告。主人曰：「臣某之子若如人，既蒙制訪，臣某不敢辭。」儐者出告，入引主人出迎使者，至主人受鴈訖出，如納采儀。 |
| | After the envoys had gone out, they stood west of the inner gate, facing east, and in the same position as during the nacai ceremony. When the envoys first descended, the host descended and stood inside the inner gate at the eastern xiang, facing west. The binzhe advanced to receive the instructions and went out to request the matter. The envoy said, "It is intended to conduct divination; I come bearing imperial orders to inquire about the name." The binzhe entered and reported. The host said, "My son, such-and-such person, having been honored by the imperial inquiry, I, your subject, dare not refuse." The binzhe went out to inform and then led the host out to welcome the envoy, until after the host had presented the geese; they proceeded as in the nacai ceremony.
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| | 問名: |
使者出立於內門外之西，使副在南，少退，俱東面。初使者降，主人降立於東階下，西面。儐者進受命，出請事。使者曰：「禮畢。」儐者入告。主人曰：「某公奉制至於某之室，某有先人之禮，請禮從者。」儐者出告。使者曰：「某既得將事，敢辭。」儐者入告。主人曰：「先人之禮，敢固以請。」儐者出告。使者曰：「某辭不得命，敢不從。」儐者入告，遂引主人升立於序端。掌事者徹几，改設二筵，東上。設甒醴於東房西牖下，加勺审；坫在樽北；篚在樽南，實觶二，角柶二；各一籩一豆，實以脯醢，在坫北。又設洗於東階東南如常。 |
| | The envoy went out and stood west of the inner gate; the deputy envoy was to the south, slightly behind, both facing east. When the envoy first descended, the host also descended and stood below the eastern steps, facing west. The binzhe advanced to accept instructions and went out to inquire about the matter. The envoy said, "The rites are completed." The binzhe entered to report. The host said, "Your Excellency has come bearing imperial orders to my home; I have ancestral rites and respectfully request that the attendants be honored accordingly." The binzhe went out and informed. The envoy said, "Since I have already been entrusted with the matter, I dare to decline further honors." The binzhe entered and informed. The host said, "It is the ancestral rites; I dare to insist on offering them." The binzhe went out and reported. The envoy said, "I have declined but was not granted permission; I dare not refuse to comply." The binzhe entered and announced, then led the host up to stand at the end of the xù. The official in charge removed the table, rearranged it by placing two mats, with the eastern side as the upper position. The wine vessels and sweet liquor were placed under the western window of the eastern room, along with ladles added for serving; the dian was located north of the zun; the fei was placed to the south of the zun, containing two zhe and two jue zhi; each had one bian and one dou, filled with dried meat and sauce, placed to the north of the dian. Another washing basin was also set up at the southeast corner of the eastern steps as usual.
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| | 問名: |
訖，儐者引主人降，迎使者於內門外之東，西面揖使者，先入。使者入門而左，副從之。主人入門而右，至階，主人曰：「請某位升。」使者曰：「某敢辭。」主人曰：「固請某位升。」使者曰：「某敢固辭。」主人曰：「終請某位升。」使者曰：「某敢終辭。」主人升阼階，使者升西階，副從升，俱北面。主人阼階上北面再拜，使者及副西階上北面答再拜。 |
| | Afterward, the binzhe led the host down and met the envoy east of the inner gate. Facing west, he paid respects to the envoy and entered first. The envoy entered through the gate and turned left; his deputy followed him. The host entered the gate and turned right, proceeding to the steps, where he said, "Please allow your Excellency to ascend." The envoy said, "I dare to decline." The host said, "Please allow your Excellency most respectfully to ascend." The envoy said, "I dare firmly decline." The host said, "Please allow your Excellency finally to ascend." The envoy said, "I dare ultimately decline." The host ascended the eastern steps of the altar, while the envoy ascended the western steps; his deputy followed and they all faced north. The host, standing on the eastern steps facing north, performed two bows; the envoy and his deputy, standing on the western steps facing north, responded with two bows.
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主人受几於序端，掌事者內拂几三，奉兩端西北向以進；主人東南向外拂几三，振袂，內執之，掌事者一人又執几以從。主人進，西北向。使者序進，迎受於筵前，東南向以俟。主人還東階上，北向再拜送。使者以几避，進，北面跪，各設於座，差退於西階上，北面東上，俱答再拜；立於階西，東面南上。 |
| | The host received the table at the end of the xu; the official in charge wiped it three times from within, then presented both ends to the northwest. The host wiped the table three times facing southeast, shook his sleeves, and held it from within; another official also took hold of the table to follow. The host advanced, facing northwest. The envoy moved forward in sequence and received it before the mat, facing southeast to await further action. The host returned to the eastern steps, faced north, and performed two bows as a farewell gesture. The envoy stepped aside with the table, advanced, knelt facing north, and placed it at his seat. He then slightly retreated to the western steps, still facing north with the eastern side considered upper, and both responded with two bows; They stood west of the steps, facing east with the southern side as the higher position.
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贊者二人俱升，取觶，降，盥手洗觶，升，實醴，加柶於觶，覆之，面葉，出房南面。主人受醴，面柄，進使者筵前，西北面立，又贊者執觶以從。使者西階上北面各一拜，序進筵前，東南面。主人又以次授醴，使者受，俱復西階上位。主人退復東階上，北面一拜送。掌事者以次薦脯醢於筵前。使者各進升筵，皆坐，左執觶，右取脯，擩於醢，祭於籩豆閒，各以柶祭醴三，始扱一祭，又扱再祭，興，各以柶兼諸觶，上擸，降筵於西階上，俱北面坐，俱啐醴，建柶，各奠觶，遂拜，執觶。主人答拜。使者進，升筵坐，各奠觶於薦東，降筵，序立於西階上，東面南上。 |
| | Two assistants both ascended, took the zhe, descended to wash their hands and rinse the zhe, then ascended again, filled it with sweet liquor, placed a jue on top of the zhe, covered it, turned toward the leaf side, and exited the room facing south. The host received the sweet liquor, holding it by its handle, advanced to before the envoy's mat, stood facing northwest, and another assistant followed with the zhe. The envoy, standing on the western steps and facing north, each performed one bow; then he advanced in sequence to before the mat, turning southeast. The host again presented the sweet liquor in order, and after receiving it, the envoy returned with him to their respective positions on the western steps. The host stepped back to his original position on the eastern steps, performed one bow facing north as a farewell gesture. In sequence, the official in charge presented dried meat and sauce before the mat. The envoy ascended the mat in sequence, all sat down, holding the zhe in their left hand and taking dried meat with their right, dipping it into the sauce. They offered sacrifices between the bian and dou, using the jue to offer sweet liquor three times: first one offering, then two more offerings. Rising, they each used the jue together with the zhe, raised them slightly, descended from the mat to the western steps, sat facing north together, tasted the sweet liquor, held up their jue, placed down their zhe as an offering, and then bowed while holding the zhe. The host responded with a bow. The envoy advanced, ascended the mat and sat down, placing their zhe offerings to the east of the sacrificial items; then descended from the mat and stood in sequence on the western steps, facing east with positions arranged southward.
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掌事者牽馬入陳於門內三分庭一在南，北首西上。又掌事者奉幣篚升東階以授主人，主人受於序端，進，西面立。掌事者一人又奉幣篚立於主人之後。使者西階上俱北面再拜。主人進詣楹閒，南面立。使者序進，立於主人之西，俱南面。主人以幣篚授使者，使者受，退立於西階上，東面。掌事者又以幣篚授主人，主人受以授使副，使副受，退立於使者北，俱東面。主人還東階上，北面拜送。使者降西階，從者迓受幣。使者當庭實，揖馬以出，牽馬者從出。使者出大門外之西，東面立，從者迓受馬。主人出門東，西面再拜送。使者退。主人入立於東階下，西面。儐者告主人曰：「賓不顧矣。」主人反於寢。使者奉答表詣闕進。 |
| | The official in charge led the horses into the courtyard and positioned them inside the gate at one-third of the courtyard from the south, with their heads facing north and arranged westward. Another official in charge carried the silk offering basket up the eastern steps to present it to the host, who received it at the end of the xu and advanced to stand facing west. Another official in charge also stood behind the host holding the silk offering basket. The envoy, on the western steps, all faced north and performed two bows. The host advanced to between the pillars, stood facing south. The envoy moved forward in order and stood west of the host, both facing south. The host presented the silk offering basket to the envoy; the envoy received it and stepped back to stand on the western steps, facing east. Another official in charge then presented the silk offering basket to the host; the host received it and passed it on to the envoy's deputy, who accepted it and stepped back behind the envoy, both facing east. The host returned to the eastern steps and performed a bow of farewell facing north. The envoy descended the western steps, and his attendants received the silk offerings. The envoy stood in the courtyard to present the offering, paid a bow to the horses, and exited; those leading the horses followed him out. The envoy went outside the main gate to the west, stood facing east, while his attendants received and led away the horses. The host exited through the eastern side of the gate, faced west, and performed two bows in farewell. The envoy withdrew. The host entered and stood below the eastern steps, facing West. The binzhe informed the host, "The envoy has departed without looking back." The host returned to his private quarters. The envoy presented the reply memorial at the palace gate.
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| | 問名: |
制文 |
| | Imperial decree text
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| | 問名: |
皇帝曰：咨，某官封姓，兩儀配合，承天統物，正位於內，必俟令族。重章舊典，今使使持節太尉封某、宗正卿封某以禮問名。 |
| | The Emperor said: "Alas, Official Surname of the title, the two principles harmonize and combine; inheriting heavenly order to govern all things, a proper position within must await an esteemed family." Upholding the ancient rites and formalities, today I have sent Grand General Taiwei Feng Mou and Minister of the Imperial Clan Feng Mou with full ceremony to inquire about your name."
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答文 |
| | Reply text
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皇帝嘉命使者某重宣中制，問臣名族。臣女夫婦所生，先臣故某官之遺玄孫，先臣故某官之遺曾孫，先臣故某官之遺孫，先臣故某官之外孫女，年若干。欽承舊章，謹奉典制。某官臣姓某稽首頓首，再拜承制詔。 |
| | The Emperor graciously dispatched Envoy Mou to reiterate the imperial decree, inquiring about my name and family lineage. My daughter was born to my wife and me, the great-great-granddaughter of my late ancestor, former official Mou; the great-granddaughter of my late ancestor, the former official Mou; the granddaughter of my late ancestor, the former officials Mou; or the grandniece of my late ancestor, a certain former official. She is now several years old. With deep respect for established rites and regulations, we humbly abide by the traditional system. Official Mou, subject Surname Mou, kowtows repeatedly with utmost reverence, and performs two bows to receive the imperial decree.
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| | 納吉: |
前一日，守宮設使者次，以下至主人立於大門內西面，如納采儀。儐者進受命，出請事。使者曰：「加諸卜筮，占曰從，制某也納吉。」儐者入告。主人曰：「臣某之女若如人，龜筮云吉，臣占在焉。臣某謹奉典制。」儐者出告，入，引主人出迎使者於大門外，以下至使者降自西階以出，如納采儀。使者出立於內門外之西，使副在南，少退，俱東面。初使者降，主人立於東階下，西面。儐者進受命，出請事。使者曰：「禮畢。」其儐使者如問名之儀。 |
| | On the previous day, the palace guards set up the attendants' quarters; from the lower-ranking officials down to the host stood inside the west side of the main gate, as in the nacai ceremony. The hosts advanced to receive the instructions and then went out to request the proceedings. The envoy said, "Added divination by oracle bones and yarrow stalks indicated approval; therefore, I am instructed to present the auspicious omen." The hosts entered to report. The host said, "My daughter, if she is as described, has been divined auspicious by the tortoise shells and yarrow stalks; I have taken part in this divination." "I, a subject named Mou, respectfully abide by the established regulations." The hosts went out to inform, then entered and led the host out to greet the envoy outside the main gate; from below up to the envoy descending via the western steps upon exiting, it followed the nacai ceremony as before. The envoy went out and stood west of the inner gate; the deputy envoy stood to the south, slightly behind them, both facing east. Initially when the envoy descended, the host stood at the foot of the eastern steps, facing west. The hosts advanced to receive instructions and then went out to make a request for the proceedings. The envoy said, "The rites are completed." The reception of the envoy followed the same procedures as in the mingwen ceremony.
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制文 |
| | Zhiwen
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皇帝曰：咨，某官姓，人謀龜筮，僉曰貞吉，敬順典禮，今使使持節太尉封某、宗正卿封某以禮納吉。 |
| | The emperor said: "Alas, Official Surname, human deliberation and divination with oracle bones and yarrow stalks have both declared it most auspicious. With reverence for the established rites, I now dispatch Envoy Taiwei Feng Mou and Zongzheng Qing Feng Mou to present the auspicious omen in accordance with ritual."
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答文 |
| | Dawen
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皇帝嘉命使者某重宣中制，太卜元吉。臣陋族卑鄙，憂懼不堪，欽承舊章，肅奉典制。某官臣姓某稽首頓首，再拜承制詔。 |
| | The emperor praised the envoy Mou for reiterating the imperial decree, and declared that the grand divination was most auspicious. I am of humble lineage and lowly status; I am overwhelmed with anxiety and fear, yet I respectfully follow the established regulations and solemnly abide by the traditional rites. Official Mou, subject Surname Mou, kowtows repeatedly with utmost reverence, and bows twice to receive the imperial decree.
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前一日，守宮設使者次如初。 |
| | The day before, the palace guards arranged the envoys' quarters as originally planned.
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其日大昕，使主副至后氏大門外，掌次者延入次。執事者入布幕於內門之外，玄纁束帛陳於幕上，六馬陳於幕南，北首西上，執事者奉穀珪以匱，俟於幕東，西面。掌事者設几筵如初。 |
| | On that morning, the main and deputy envoys arrived outside the rear gate of the Hou family residence, where the official in charge of accommodations led them into their quarters. The attendants entered and set up a canopy outside the inner gate. Black and red silk offerings were placed on top of the canopy, while six horses were arranged to the south of the canopy with their heads facing north and positioned westward in order. The attendants presented the gǔ guī jade tablet in a case and waited east of the canopy, facing west. The official in charge arranged the mat and low table as originally planned.
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使主副出次，謁者引立於大門外之西，東面北上；持幡節者立於使者之北，少退，東面；令史二人對舉制案立於使副南，東面。主人立於大門內，西面。儐者進受命，出請事。使者曰：「某奉制納徵。」儐者入告。主人曰：「奉制賜臣以重禮，臣某祗奉典制。」儐者出告。入，引主人出迎使者於大門外之南，北面，主人再拜。使者不答拜。 |
| | The main and deputy envoys left their quarters, and a court official led them to stand west of the main gate, facing east with northern precedence. The bearer of the flag and ceremonial staff stood north of the envoys, slightly behind them, facing east. Two clerks stood opposite each other holding the imperial tablet case to the south of the deputy envoy, facing east. The host stood inside the main gate, facing west. The attendant approached to receive instructions and then went out to request further procedures. The envoy said, "I am here on imperial orders to present the formal betrothal gifts." The attendant entered to report. The host said, "I have received the imperial decree granting me a grand ceremony; I, Minister Mou, humbly accept this traditional rite." The envoy said, "The imperial decree is approved." They entered, and the official led the host out to greet the envoy south of the main gate. Facing north, the host performed two bows. The envoy did not return the bow.
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謁者引使者及使副入，幡節前導，持案者從入。使者入門而左，主人入門而右。至於內門，使主副立於門西，東面北上。主人立於門東，西面。 |
| | A court official led the main envoy and his deputy inside, with the flag-bearer leading the way, followed by those carrying the tablet case. The envoy entered through the left side of the gate, while the host entered through the right side. Upon reaching the inner gate, the main and deputy envoys stood west of the gate, facing east with northern precedence maintained. The host stood east of the gate, facing west.
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儐者引主人揖使者，先入門，至於階，使者及使副從入，由西階升，立於楹閒，南面；使副在使者西南，持案者在使副西南，俱東面。主人由阼階詣使者前，北面立。於主人揖入門，執事者坐啟匱取珪，加於玄纁上，及牽馬者從入三分庭一在南，北首西上，執珪者在馬西，俱北面。持案者以案進使副前，使副取制書，持案者退復位；使副奉制書進授使者，退復位；持節者脫節衣。使者曰：「有制。」主人再拜。使者宣制畢，主人降詣階閒，北面再拜稽首訖，升，進，北面受制書，退以授左右，仍北面立。儐者引二人對舉答表案，進主人後，少西，儐者取表以授主人，主人受以授使者訖，退復位，再拜。謁者引使者及使副等降自西階以出，立於內門外之西，使副在南，少退，俱東面。初主人受制書訖，左右受玉帛於庭，受馬者自左受之以東，牽馬者既授馬，自前西而出。主人降立於東階下，西面。儐者進受命，出請事。使者曰：「禮畢。」其儐使者如納吉之儀。 |
| | The attendant led the host to bow respectfully toward the envoy, then entered first through the gate. Upon reaching the steps, the main and deputy envoys followed inside, ascended via the western staircase, and stood between the pillars facing south; The deputy envoy stood to the southwest of the main envoy, while those carrying the tablet case stood to the southwest of the deputy envoy. All faced east. The host ascended via the eastern staircase to stand in front of the main envoy, facing north. As the host bowed and entered through the gate, an attendant sat to open the case and retrieved the jade tablet, placing it on top of the black and red silk offerings. Meanwhile, those leading the horses followed into the courtyard, dividing into three groups with one group stationed in the south, their heads facing north and arranged westward. The jade-bearer stood west of the horses, all facing north. The tablet-bearers advanced with their cases to in front of the deputy envoy; the deputy envoy took the imperial decree, and then the tablet-bearers returned to their original positions. The deputy envoy presented the imperial decree to the main envoy and then stepped back to his original position; The bearer of the ceremonial staff removed the outer covering from the staff. The envoy said, "There is an imperial decree." The host performed two bows again. After the envoy finished reading the imperial decree, the host descended to stand between the steps, performed two bows and a full prostration, then ascended again. He stepped forward, facing north to receive the decree document, then stepped back and handed it over to his attendants on either side, still standing facing north. The attendant led two individuals to hold up the case for the reply memorial, advancing behind the host and slightly westward. The attendant took the memorial from it and presented it to the host, who then received it and passed it on to the envoy. After completing this, he stepped back to his original position and performed two bows again. A court official led the envoy and his deputy down from the western staircase to exit, where they stood west of the inner gate. The deputy envoy was positioned southward, slightly behind, with both facing east. Initially, after the host received the imperial decree document, his attendants accepted the jade and silk offerings in the courtyard. Those responsible for receiving the horses took them from the left side and moved eastward; once the horse-handlers had been given the horses, they exited westward through the front. The host descended to stand at the base of the eastern staircase, facing west. The attendant stepped forward to receive instructions and exited to request further procedures. The envoy said, "The ceremony is complete." The attendant guided the envoy in a manner identical to the ritual of nàjí.
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| | 納徵: |
制文 |
| | Imperial decree text
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| | 納徵: |
皇帝曰：咨，某官姓之女，有母儀之德，窈窕之姿，如山如河，宜奉宗廟，永承天祚，以玄纁珪馬，以章典禮。今使使持節太尉封某、宗正卿封某以禮納徵。 |
| | The Emperor said: "Alas, the daughter of Minister Xing, possesses the virtue befitting a mother and wife, with graceful and elegant bearing. As firm as mountains and flowing like rivers, she is fit to serve in ancestral temples and forever receive heavenly blessings. Therefore, I present her with black and red silk, jade tablet, and horses, to mark this traditional ceremony." Today, I send the envoy holding the staff of authority, Taiwei Feng Mou and Zongzheng Qing Feng Mou, to present formal betrothal gifts in accordance with ritual.
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| | 納徵: |
答文 |
| | Reply text
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| | 納徵: |
皇帝嘉命使者某重宣中制，降婚卑陋，崇以上公，寵以豐禮，備物典冊。欽承舊章，肅奉典制。某官臣姓名稽首頓首，再拜承制詔。 |
| | The Emperor's gracious decree, delivered by Envoy Mou, has been repeatedly proclaimed. He bestows a marriage upon this humble and unworthy subject, elevating me to the rank of high official and honoring me with abundant ceremonial gifts and complete ritual offerings. I respectfully follow established precedents and solemnly uphold traditional rites. Minister Mou, with surname and given name, bows deeply twice in prostration, performing two kowtows to receive the imperial decree.
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| | 冊后: |
前一日，守宮設使者次於后氏第大門外之西如常。尚舍設尚宮以下次於后氏閤外道西，東向，障以行帷。 |
| | The day before, as usual, the palace guards stationed envoys' quarters west of the main gate at the Hou family residence. Shangshe arranged accommodations for Shanggong and those below them along the western side of the path outside Hou Shi's pavilion, facing east, with processional canopies used as screens.
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其日臨軒命使，如納采命使之儀。 |
| | On that day, the emperor personally came to the xuan (a type of hall) and appointed envoys, following the same procedures used when appointing envoys for the nacai ceremony.
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| | 冊后: |
奉禮設使者位於大門外之西，東向。使副及內侍位於使者之南，舉冊案及寶綬者在南，差退，持節者在使者之北，少退，俱東向。設主人位於大門外之南，北面。設使者以下及主人位於內門外亦如之。設內謁者監位於內門外主人之南，西面。內謁者監設司贊位於東階東南，掌贊二人在南，差退，俱西向。內謁者監又先置一案於閤外，近限。 |
| | Fengli set up the envoys' positions west of the main gate, facing east. The deputy envoy and the palace attendants stood south of the envoys; those holding the register, tablet, and jade belt were further back to the south; the bearer of the ceremonial staff stood north of the envoys but slightly behind them. All faced east. The host's position was set up to the south of the main gate, facing north. Positions for the envoys and below as well as the host outside the inner gate were arranged in the same manner. The position of Neiyezhejian was set up south of the host's location outside the inner gate, facing west. Neiyezhejian set up the position of Sizan to the southeast of the eastern steps, with two Zhanzan officials standing further south, slightly behind, all facing west. Neiyezhejian also previously placed a tablet outside the pavilion, near the threshold.
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| | 冊后: |
使主副乘輅持節，備儀仗，鼓吹備而不作，至后氏大門外，使者降輅，掌次者延入次。尚宮以下至閤之次。內僕進重翟以下大門外道西，東向北上。諸衛令其屬布后儀仗如常。 |
| | The chief and deputy envoys rode in ceremonial carriages, carrying the staff of authority, accompanied by full processional guards; drums and music were prepared but not played. Upon arriving at the main gate of Hou Shi's residence, the envoy descended from his carriage, and an official responsible for accommodations led him into the quarters. Shanggong and those below proceeded to their designated quarters near the pavilion. Neifu brought forward the heavy zhai (a type of ceremonial vehicle) and others west of the main gate's path, arranged facing east with a slight northern orientation. The various military commanders ordered their subordinates to arrange the ceremonial guards for the empress as usual.
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使者出次，謁者引使者以下就門外位。主人朝服出，立於東階下，西面。儐者進受命，出門東，西面曰：「敢請事。」使者曰：「某奉制授皇后備物典冊。」儐者入告，遂引主人出迎於大門外，北面再拜。使者不答拜。 |
| | The envoy left his quarters, and a Yezhe official led the envoy and those below him to their positions outside the gate. The host, dressed in formal court attire, emerged and stood at the foot of the eastern steps, facing west. A binzhe official approached to receive instructions, stepped outside the gate to the east, and faced west, saying: "We dare to inquire about the matter." The envoy said: "I have been commissioned by imperial decree to present the empress with ceremonial items and official records." The binzhe official entered to inform, then led the host out to meet at the main gate's exterior, where they bowed twice facing north. The envoy did not return the bow.
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| | 冊后: |
謁者引使者入門而左，持節者前導，持案者次之。主人入門而右。至內門外，各就位。立定，奉冊寶案者進當使副前，使副受冊寶，持案者退復位，使副以冊寶進授使者，退復位。內侍進使者前，西面受冊寶，東面授內謁者監，退復位。內謁者監持冊寶入立於閤外之西，東面跪置冊寶於案，俛伏，興。 |
| | ල A Yezhe official led the envoys into the gate and to the left, with the bearer of the staff leading ahead, followed by those carrying the tablet. The host entered through the gate and took position on the right side. Upon reaching outside the inner gate, all took their respective positions. After standing in place, the bearers of the register and treasures approached before the chief and deputy envoy. The chief and deputy accepted the register and treasures; then the bearers stepped back to their positions. The chief and deputy then presented the register and treasures to the envoy, after which they also returned to their original positions. A palace attendant approached before the envoy, facing west to receive the register and treasures, then turned eastward to hand them over to Neiyezhejian. Afterward, they returned to their position. Neiyezhejian carried the register and treasures into the area outside the pavilion to the west, stood facing east, knelt down to place the register and treasures on the tablet, then bowed deeply before rising.
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| | 冊后: |
尚宮以下入閤奉后首飾褘衣，傅姆贊出，尚宮引降，立於庭中，北面。尚宮跪取冊，尚服跪取寶綬，興，立於后之右，少前，西向。司言司寶各一人進於后左，少前，東向。尚宮稱：「有制。」尚儀贊：「皇后再拜。」皇后再拜。宣冊訖，尚儀又贊：「皇后再拜。」皇后再拜。尚宮奉冊進授皇后，皇后受以授司言；尚服又奉寶綬次授皇后，皇后受以授司寶。訖，尚儀贊：「皇后升座。」尚宮引皇后升座，南向坐，內官以下俱降立於庭，重行，北向西上。立定，司贊曰：「再拜。」掌事承傳，內官以下皆再拜訖，諸應侍衛者各升立於侍位。尚儀前跪，奏稱：「禮畢。」皇后降座，尚宮引皇后入於宮。 |
| | Shanggong and those below entered the pavilion to present the empress's head ornaments and ceremonial robes; The nursemaids assisted in presenting them, with Shanggong leading the empress down and standing her in the courtyard, facing north. Shanggong knelt to retrieve the register, and Shangfu knelt to take the jade belt. Rising, they stood to the right of the empress, slightly ahead, facing west. One official each from Siyan and Sibao advanced to the left side of the empress, standing slightly forward, facing east. Shanggong announced: "There is an imperial decree." Shangyi praised: "The empress kneels and bows twice." The empress bowed twice. After the register was read, Shangyi again praised: "The empress kneels and bows a second time." The empress bowed twice. Shanggong presented the register to the empress, who then handed it over to Siyan; Shangfu next presented the jade belt and sash in turn to the empress, who received them and passed them on to Sibao. Afterward, Shangyi praised: "The empress ascends her seat." Shanggong led the empress to ascend the throne, where she sat facing south. All palace officials and below descended and stood in two rows in the courtyard, arranged with a northern orientation and western precedence. After standing in place, Sizan said: "Bow twice." Zhanzhi officials relayed the command, and all palace attendants and below bowed twice. Those responsible for attending and guarding then ascended to their respective positions in attendance. Shangyi knelt forward and presented a report, stating: "The ceremony is complete." The empress descended from the throne. Shanggong led her into the palace.
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| | 冊后: |
主人儐使者如告期之儀。使者乘輅而還，詣闕復命。 |
| | The host bid farewell to the envoys in accordance with the procedures used during the announcement of a date. The envoy returned in his ceremonial carriage and went to the palace gates to report back on the mission.
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| | 冊后: |
冊文 |
| | Register text
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| | 冊后: |
維某年月日，皇帝使使持節太尉封某、司徒封某冊命某官女某氏為皇后。咨爾易階乾坤，詩首關雎，王化之本，實由內輔。是故皇英嬪虞，帝道以光；太任妣姬，周胤克昌。皇后其祗勗厥德，以肅承宗廟，虔恭中饋，盡敬於婦道，導師道於六宮，作範儀於四海。皇天無親，惟德是依，可不慎歟！ |
| | On the day of a certain year, month, and date, His Majesty the Emperor dispatched envoys carrying the staff of authority: Taiwei Feng Mou and Siku Feng Mou to present official documents and confer upon the daughter of a certain official's family, Lady Mou, the title of Empress. You have transformed the yin and yang of heaven and earth; you are the first subject of the "Guanju" poem, which is the foundation of royal virtue, truly achieved through support from within. Therefore, Huangying as a concubine to Yu brought glory to the emperor's way; Taiwen as mother of Ji ensured that the Zhou dynasty's descendants flourished. May the Empress diligently cultivate her virtue, to solemnly uphold the ancestral temple rites, with sincere devotion in managing household offerings, fully honoring the duties of a wife, guiding moral conduct throughout the six palaces, and setting an exemplary standard for all under heaven. Heaven does not favor any one person; it only supports virtue. How can this not be taken with utmost care!
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| | 命使奉迎: |
其日晡後，侍中量其時刻版奏「請中嚴」。晡後三刻，皇帝服袞冕出，升所御殿，宮人侍衛如常。文武之官五品以上立於東西朝堂如常儀。 |
| | After midday on that day, the Attendant-in-Attendance measured the time with a sundial and presented it to the throne chamber, stating "Please prepare for audience." Three ke after midday, the emperor put on his ceremonial robes and crown, emerged, ascended to the hall where he was to hold court, and palace attendants and guards stood in attendance as usual. Civil and military officials of the fifth rank and above stood at the eastern and western courts according to the regular ceremony.
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| | 命使奉迎: |
奉迎前一日，守宮設使者次於大門外道右，設使副及內侍次於使者次西，俱南向。尚舍設宮人次於閤外道西。奉禮設使者位於大門外之西，東向；使副位於使者之南，持案及執鴈者又在南，差退，持節者在使者北，少退，俱東向。奉禮位於使副西南，贊者二人在南，差退，俱東面。設內侍位於大門外道左，西面。 |
| | On the day before the welcoming ceremony, the palace attendants set up a temporary residence for the envoy to the right side of the main gate along the road. They also arranged accommodations for the deputy envoy and the eunuchs west of the envoy's residence; all faced south. The Office of Palace Accommodations set up temporary residences for palace attendants outside the gate on the western side of the road. The official in charge of ceremonies arranged the position for the envoy to the west of the main gate, facing east; the deputy envoy stood to the south of the envoy, while those carrying the tablet and holding the goose were positioned further south behind them; the bearer of the ceremonial staff stood to the north of the envoy but slightly behind, all facing east. The official in charge of ceremonies stood to the southwest of the deputy envoy, with two assistants positioned further south behind him; all faced east. The positions for the eunuchs were set up on the left side of the road outside the main gate, facing west.
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| | 命使奉迎: |
其日，司贊設宮人以下位於堂前。使主副朝服發朝堂，乘輅持節，備儀仗，至大門外，使者降輅，掌次者延入次。宮人等各之次奉迎。文武官至宿衛及列鹵簿如常儀。 |
| | On that day, the official in charge of announcements arranged the positions for palace attendants and those of lower rank before the hall. The envoy and his deputy, dressed in formal court attire, departed from the court hall. They rode in a ceremonial carriage while holding the staff of office, accompanied by full processional guards. Upon arriving at the main gate outside, the envoy descended from the carriage, and the officer in charge of accommodations led him into the temporary residence. The palace attendants each went to their designated positions to welcome them. Civil and military officials arrived at the overnight guard posts and arranged themselves in the ceremonial order as per usual protocol.
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| | 命使奉迎: |
尚儀奏請皇后中嚴，量時刻傅姆導皇后，尚宮前引，出，升堂，宮人等侍衛如常儀。皇后將出，主婦出於房外之西，南向。文武奉迎者皆陪立於大門外，文東武西，北上。 |
| | The Director of Ceremonial Etiquette presented a request for the empress to prepare, measured the time, and then led the empress with her attendants. The Chief Palace Eunuch walked ahead as guide. The empress emerged, ascended the hall, and palace attendants stood in attendance according to regular protocol. As the empress was about to emerge, the head matron stepped out west of the chamber's entrance and faced south. Civil and military officials who were to welcome her stood in attendance outside the main gate, with civil officials on the east side and military officers on the west side, arranged toward the north.
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| | 命使奉迎: |
立定，謁者引使者詣大門外位，使副、內侍等各就位。主人立於內門外堂前東階下，西面。儐者受命出請事。使者曰：「某奉制，以今吉辰率職奉迎。」儐者入告。主人曰：「臣謹奉典制。」儐者出告，入，引主人出門南，北面再拜。使者不答拜。 |
| | After taking their positions, the usher led the envoy to his designated spot outside the main gate; the deputy envoy and eunuchs each took their respective places. The host stood on the eastern steps before the hall at the outer gate, facing west. The attendant received instructions and went out to request an audience. The envoy said, "I have been commissioned by imperial decree to lead the official delegation in welcoming you on this auspicious day." The attendant entered and reported. The host said, "I respectfully follow the established regulations." The attendant went out to inform them, then entered and led the host outside the gate. The host faced north and performed two bows. The envoy did not return the bow.
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| | 命使奉迎: |
謁者引使者入門而左，持節者前導，使副及持案、執雁者次之。主人入門而右。至內門外堂西階，使者先升，立於兩楹閒，南面。使副在使者西南，持案及執雁者在使副西南，俱東面。主人升東階，詣使者前，北面立。持案者以案進使副前，使副取制書，持案者退復位；使副奉制書授使者，退復位。使者曰：「有制。」主人再拜。使者宣制畢，主人降詣階閒，北面再拜稽首訖，升，進，北面受制書，退授左右訖，主人再拜，仍北面立。使副取雁授使者訖，主人再拜，進受雁，授左右，仍北面立。儐者引二人對舉答表案，進立於主人後，少西，儐者取表以授主人，主人受以授使者訖，退復位，再拜。 |
| | The usher led the envoy into the gate and to the left, with the bearer of the staff walking ahead as a guide, followed by the deputy envoy and those carrying the tablet and goose. The host entered through the gate and took position on the right side. Upon reaching the western steps of the hall outside the inner gate, the envoy ascended first and stood between the two pillars, facing south. The deputy envoy stood to the southwest of the envoy, while those holding the tablet and goose were positioned further southwest from the deputy envoy; all faced east. The host ascended the eastern steps, approached in front of the envoy, and stood facing north. The person holding the tablet presented it before the deputy envoy; the deputy envoy took the imperial decree, and then the person with the tablet returned to his original position; the deputy envoy presented the imperial decree to the envoy and then returned to his place. The envoy said, "There is an imperial decree." The host performed two bows. After the envoy finished announcing the decree, the host descended to between the steps, faced north, performed two bows and a prostration, then ascended again. He approached, stood facing north, received the imperial decree, stepped back, and handed it over to his attendants on either side. After completing this, the host bowed twice more and remained standing facing north. The deputy envoy took the goose and presented it to the envoy, after which the host performed two bows, approached, received the goose, handed it over to his attendants, and remained standing facing north. The attendant led two people to present the memorial tablet and case in response, who then stood behind the host slightly westward. The attendant took the memorial and presented it to the host, who received it and passed it on to the envoy. After completing this action, they returned to their positions and performed two bows.
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| | 命使奉迎: |
謁者引使者及使副降自西階以出，復門外位。立定，奉禮曰：「再拜。」贊者承傳，使主副俱再拜。使者曰：「令月吉日，某等承制，率職奉迎。」內侍受以入傳於司言，司言受以奏聞。尚儀奏：「請皇后再拜。」皇后再拜訖，主人入，升自東階，進，西面誡之曰：「戒之敬之，夙夜無違命。」主人退立於東階上，西面。母誡於西階上，施衿結帨，曰：「勉之敬之，夙夜無違命。」訖，腰輿進，皇后升輿以降，尚宮前導，六尚以下侍衛如常。皇后升重翟以几，姆加憬。內宮侍從及內侍導引應乘車從者如鹵簿常儀。迎使及百官當引從者皆退，隨便立。皇后車出大門外，以次乘車馬引從如常。 |
| | The usher led the envoy and his deputy down from the western steps and out of the hall, returning them to their positions outside the gate. After taking position, the official in charge of ceremonies said, "Perform two bows." The assistants relayed the instruction, and both the envoy and his deputy performed two bows. The envoy said, "On this auspicious day of a favorable month, we have been commissioned to lead the official delegation in our duty to welcome you." The eunuchs received it and entered to deliver it to the Office of Imperial Communications, which then submitted it for imperial knowledge. The Director of Ceremonial Protocol presented: "Please have the empress perform two bows." After performing two bows, the empress entered and ascended via the eastern steps. She approached and stood facing west, then admonished her: "Be cautious and respectful; do not disobey imperial commands day or night." The host stepped back to stand on the upper part of the eastern steps, facing west. On the upper part of the western steps, the mother admonished her daughter, fastening a sash and tying a pouch to her, saying: "Be diligent and respectful; do not disobey orders day or night." After the ceremony was completed, a sedan chair was brought forward. The empress ascended into it and descended from the hall; the Chief Palace Eunuch led the way ahead, while the Six Directors and those of lower ranks stood in attendance as per usual protocol. The empress ascended to a grand palanquin with a cushion, and her attendants added the ceremonial cover. Palace attendants, eunuchs, and those who should ride in carriages followed as per the usual ceremonial order of precedence. The welcoming envoy and officials who were supposed to accompany her all withdrew and stood aside at their convenience. After the empress's carriage exited through the main gate, carriages and horses followed in order as per usual procedure.
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| | 命使奉迎: |
制文 |
| | Imperial decree text
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| | 命使奉迎: |
皇帝曰：咨，某官姓，歲吉月令吉日，惟某率由典禮，今遣使持節太尉封某、宗正卿封某以禮迎。 |
| | The emperor said: "Heavenly Mandate, the official of surname X, on this auspicious year and favorable month's auspicious day, I have followed established rites. Today, I send an envoy bearing a staff to Grand Marshal Feng Mou and Minister of Imperial Kinship Feng Mou to conduct the ceremony in accordance with ritual to welcome [her]."
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答文 |
| | Response text
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皇帝嘉命使者某重宣中詔，令月吉辰，備禮以迎。螻蟻之族，猥承大禮，憂懼戰悸，欽承舊章，肅奉典制。某官臣姓某稽首頓首，再拜承制詔。 |
| | The emperor, in his gracious decree, instructed the envoy Mou to reiterate the central edict. On this favorable month's auspicious day and hour, he prepared rites to welcome [her]. We, humble as ants, have been unworthily honored with such great rites. We are filled with anxiety and trembling, yet we respectfully uphold the established regulations and solemnly abide by the traditional decrees. Minister of surname Mou, a subject of humble rank, kowtows with utmost reverence, performs two bows, and receives the imperial decree.
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| | 同牢: |
其日，內侍之屬設皇后大次於皇帝所御殿門外之東，南向，鋪座如常。 |
| | On that day, the attendants of the palace set up a large secondary hall for the empress outside the eastern side of the gate to the hall where the emperor would be seated, facing south. A seat was laid out as usual.
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將夕，尚寢設皇帝御幄於所御之殿室內之奧，東向，鋪地席重茵，施屏幛。 |
| | Before dusk, the officer in charge of the sleeping quarters set up a canopy for the emperor inside the chamber of the hall where he would be seated, at its recessed area to the east. A floor mat with double padding was laid down, and a screen curtain was placed.
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| | 同牢: |
初昏，尚食設洗於東階東南，東西當東霤，南北以堂深，罍水在洗東，篚在洗西，南肆。設后洗於東房近北，罍水在洗西，篚在洗東，北肆。皆加勺审。饌於東房西墉下，籩豆各二十四，簋簠各二，釶各三，皆加巾蓋，俎三。樽於室內北墉下，玄酒在西，加审，勺南柄。又樽於房戶外之東，無玄酒，坫在南，加四爵、合劜。 |
| | At the beginning of dusk, the officer in charge of food set up a basin for washing at the southeast side of the eastern steps. It was positioned east-west to align with the eaves drip on the east, and north-south according to the depth of the hall. A vessel containing water was placed to the east of the basin, and a bamboo basket to the west, arranged toward the south. Set up the empress's basin for washing near the northern side of the eastern room. Place a vessel containing water to the west of the basin and a basket to the east, arranged toward the north. Scoops were added to all vessels for inspection. The food was placed beneath the western wall of the eastern room, with twenty-four 笾 and twenty-four 豆 each. There were two 簋 and two 畚, three 釶, all covered with towels and lids. Three 俎 were also provided. The wine vessels were placed beneath the northern wall inside the room, with xuanjiu (symbolic ritual wine) to the west. Scoops were added for inspection, and their handles pointed south. Another set of wine vessels was placed to the east outside the door of the room, without xuanjiu. A dian (a small platform) was located to the south, with four jue and a hezhan added.
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| | 同牢: |
皇后重翟入大門，鳴鐘鼓，鹵簿止於外，近侍應從者如常。皇后從永巷至大次前，迴車南向，施步障畢，尚儀進當車前跪奏：「請降車。」興，退復位。皇后降車，御輿，司輿率繖扇等，司燈率執燭者俱布列前後。皇后入就大次，嚴整訖，尚宮引皇后詣所御殿門外之東，西向立。 |
| | The empress entered the main gate in a heavy d 翟, with bells and drums sounded; The ceremonial procession stopped at the outer gate, while attendants who were allowed to follow as usual did so. The empress proceeded from Yongxiang to in front of the large secondary hall, turned her carriage around facing south, and after setting up the foot barrier, the officer of etiquette advanced before the carriage, knelt down, and presented a report: "Please descend from the carriage." She rose and withdrew to her position. The empress descended from the carriage into a palanquin, and the officer in charge of carriages led the parasols and fans, while the officer in charge of lamps directed those holding candles to form ranks before and behind. The empress entered the large secondary hall, completed her preparations with strict order, and then the officer of the palace led her to the eastern side outside the gate of the hall where she would be seated. She stood facing west.
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| | 同牢: |
尚儀跪奏：「外辦，請降座禮迎。」皇帝降座，尚宮前引詣門內之西，東面，揖后以入。尚食徹樽审，酌玄酒三注於樽。尚寢設席於室內之西，東向。皇帝導后升西階，入室即席，東向立。皇后入立於樽西，南向。 |
| | The officer of etiquette knelt and presented a report: "Everything is ready outside, please descend from your seat to perform the welcoming ceremony." The emperor descended from his seat. The officer of the palace led him forward to the western side inside the gate, where he faced east and bowed to the empress, inviting her in. The officer in charge of food removed the covers from the wine vessels and poured xuanjiu into each vessel three times. The officer in charge of sleeping quarters placed a mat inside the western part of the room, facing east. The emperor led the empress up the western steps, into the room where she took her seat, and stood facing east. The empress entered and stood to the west of the wine vessel, facing south.
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| | 同牢: |
皇帝盥於南洗，皇后盥於北洗。尚食率其屬以饌入。設醬於席前，葅醢在其北，俎三入設於豆東，豕俎特於俎北。尚食設黍於醬東，稷稻粱又在東。設湆於醬南。設對醬於東，葅醢在其南，北上。設黍於豕俎北，其西稷稻粱。設湆於醬北。尚食啟會卻於簋簠之南，對簋簠於北，各加心箸。尚寢設對席於饌東。尚食西面跪奏：「饌具。」興。 |
| | The emperor washed his hands at the southern basin, while the empress washed hers at the northern one. The officer in charge of food led his subordinates to bring in the food. Sauce was placed before the seat, with pickled vegetables and meat pastes to its north. Three 俎 were brought in and set up east of the 豆, while a special 俎 for pork was placed separately to the north of the other 俎. The officer in charge of food placed millet to the east of the sauce, with broomcorn millet, rice, and wheat further to the east. Broth was set up to the south of the sauce. Set up facing sauce to the east; Pickled vegetables and meat pastes were arranged to its south, with items placed from north to south. Millet was set up to the north of the pork 俎, with broomcorn millet and rice further west. Broth was placed to the north of the sauce. The officer in charge of food arranged the serving dishes south of the 簋 and 畚, with facing 簋 and 畑 set up to the north; lords Each was provided with a pair of chopsticks placed in the center. The officer in charge of sleeping arrangements set up facing mats to the east of the food. Facing west, the officer in charge of meals knelt and reported: "The food is ready." He rose.
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| | 同牢: |
皇帝揖皇后，對席西面，皆坐。尚食跪取韭葅擩醢授皇帝，又尚食跪取韭葅擩醢授皇后；皇帝及皇后俱受，祭於豆閒。尚食又取黍實於左手，遍取稷稻粱，反於右手授皇帝。又尚食取黍實於左手，遍取稷稻粱，反於右手授皇后。皇帝及皇后俱受。祭於豆閒。各取肺皆絕末，授皇帝及皇后。皇帝及皇后俱受，祭於豆閒訖，尚食各以肺加於俎。司飾二人以巾授皇帝及皇后，俱帨手訖，尚食各跪品嘗饌訖，各移黍置於席上，以次授肺脊皇帝及皇后，皆食，三飯卒食。尚食二人俱盥手洗爵於房，入室詣酒樽所，酌酒，進授皇帝及皇后，俱受爵，祭酒。尚食各以肝從，皆奠爵，振祭，嚌之。尚食皆受，實於葅豆。各取爵皆飲訖，尚儀俱進受虛爵，奠於坫。再酳如初。三酳用劜如再酳。尚食俱降東階，洗爵升，酌於戶外樽，進，北面俱奠爵，興，再拜，跪，取爵祭酒，遂飲卒爵，奠爵遂拜，執爵興，降，奠於篚，還侍位。 |
| | The emperor bowed to the empress. Facing west, they both sat down on their facing mats. The officer in charge of meals knelt to take leek pickles and rubbed them with meat paste before presenting it to the emperor; another officer did the same, kneeling to present leek pickles rubbed with meat paste to the empress; Both the emperor and the empress received them and made an offering between the 豆. The officer in charge of meals then took millet in his left hand, collected broomcorn millet, rice and wheat all around, reversed them into his right hand, and presented it to the emperor. Another officer in charge of meals took millet in his left hand collected broomcorn millet rice and wheat all around reversed them into his right hand and presented it to the empress Both the emperor and the empress accepted the offering. They made an offering between the 豆 (ritual food vessels). Pieces of lung meat, each cut from the end, were presented to both the emperor and the empress. After both the emperor and the empress had accepted them and completed their offerings between the 豆, the officer in charge of meals placed each piece of lung meat onto a 俎. Two attendants in charge of adornments presented towels to the emperor and empress, who both wiped their hands. After completing this, the officer in charge of meals each knelt down and tasted the food in order. Then they moved millet onto the mats, followed by presenting pieces of lung meat and ribs to the emperor and empress respectively. Both ate three times before finishing their meal. Two officers in charge of meals both washed their hands and rinsed the jue (wine vessels) inside the room. They entered the chamber, approached the wine vessel, poured wine, and presented it to both the emperor and empress. Both accepted the jue and performed a ritual offering of wine. The officer in charge of meals presented liver meat to each, both placed down their jue, performed the shaking-off ritual, and tasted it. Both officers accepted the offerings and placed them into the pickled vegetable 豆. Each took their jue, drank completely, then both officers of etiquette advanced to receive the empty jue and placed them on the dian. A second round of wine was served in the same manner as before. The third round used a zhan, following the same procedure as the second round. Both officers in charge of meals descended the eastern steps, washed their jue, ascended again, poured wine from a vessel outside the door, and advanced. Facing north, they both placed down their jue. They rose, bowed twice, knelt, took up their jue to offer wine, drank completely, set them down, then bowed again. Holding the jue, they stood up, descended, placed the jue in the bamboo basket, and returned to their positions of attendance.
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| | 同牢: |
尚儀北面跪，奏稱：「禮畢。」興。皇帝皇后俱興。尚宮引皇帝入東房，釋冕服，御常服。又尚宮引皇后入幄脫服。尚宮引皇帝入。尚食率其屬徹饌，設於東房如初。皇后從者餕皇帝之饌，皇帝侍者餕皇后之饌。 |
| | Facing north, the officer of etiquette knelt down and reported: "The ceremony is complete." He rose. Both the emperor and empress stood up. The officer of the palace led the emperor into the eastern room, where he removed his ceremonial cap and robes and put on regular attire. Another officer of the palace then led the empress into a canopy to remove her ceremonial garments. The officer of the palace led the Emperor in. The officer in charge of meals led his subordinates to clear away the food and set it up again in the eastern room as before. The attendants following the empress ate from the emperor's meal, while the emperor's attendants ate from the empress's meal.
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| | 朝皇太后: |
其日大昕，所司設皇太后御座、地席於所御之殿，南向。尚食帥司膳設側樽甒醴於東房內東壁下，加勺审。籩一，豆一，實以脯醢，設於樽北。又設洗於樽西，近北，罍水在洗西，篚在洗東，北肆。 |
| | On that day at dawn, the officials in charge set up the Empress Dowager's throne and mat on the hall where she would be seated, facing south. The officer in charge of food led the officials responsible for meals to set up side wine vessels and sweet rice wine on the eastern wall beneath the inner eastern room, adding ladles and checking them carefully. One bamboo food tray and one bean vessel were placed with meat slices and fermented sauce, set to the north of the wine vessels. A basin was also set up west of the wine vessel, near the north; a jar of water was placed to the west of the basin, and a basket was put to the east of the basin, facing north.
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| | 朝皇太后: |
其日，皇后夙興，沐浴。尚儀版奏：「請皇后中嚴。」質明，六尚及諸侍衛宮人俱詣寢殿奉迎。尚儀版奏：「外辦。」皇后服褘衣，加首飾，御輿，尚宮前導，降自西階以出，侍衛如常。至皇太后閤外，皇后降輿，障扇侍從如常，立於西廂，東面。 |
| | On that day, the Empress rose early in the morning and took a bath. The officer of etiquette presented a tablet and announced: "Please have the Empress prepare fully." At first light, the Six Attendants and various attendants and guards entered the sleeping hall to escort her. The officer of etiquette presented a tablet again and announced: "Everything outside is ready." The Empress wore the huiyi robe, added head ornaments, and took her place in the palanquin. The chief lady-in-waiting led the way ahead; she descended from the western steps to go out, with attendants and guards following as usual. Upon arriving outside the Empress Dowager's quarters, the Empress stepped down from her palanquin and stood in the western wing facing east, with parasols and attendants following as usual.
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| | 朝皇太后: |
皇后將至，尚儀奏：「請皇太后中嚴。」皇后既至閤外，尚儀奏皇太后「外辦」。皇太后服褘衣、首飾，司言引尚宮，尚宮引皇太后出，即御座前，南向坐，侍從如常。 |
| | As the Empress was about to arrive, the officer of etiquette announced: "Please have the Empress Dowager prepare fully." After the Empress arrived outside the quarters, the officer of etiquette reported to the Empress Dowager: "Everything outside is ready." The Empress Dowager wore the huiyi robe and head ornaments. The officer of words led the chief lady-in-waiting, who in turn led the Empress Dowager out to sit on her throne facing south, with attendants following as usual.
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| | 朝皇太后: |
皇后執笲，棗栗腶脩，司言引尚宮，尚宮引皇后入，升西階，北面再拜，進，跪奠笲於皇太后座前。皇太后撫之。尚食進，徹以東。司言引尚宮，尚宮引皇后退，北面又再拜。 |
| | The Empress held a bamboo basket containing dates, chestnuts, and preserved meat. The officer of words led the senior lady-in-waiting, and the senior lady-in-waiting guided the Empress into the hall. She ascended the western steps, faced north, and bowed twice. Then she advanced, knelt, and placed the bamboo basket before the Empress Dowager's seat. The Empress Dowager touched it gently. The officer in charge of food presented the items, then removed them to the east. The officer of words led the senior lady-inwait, and the senior ladyinwait guided the Empress back; she faced north again and bowed twice.
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| | 朝皇太后: |
司設設皇后席於戶牖之閒，近北，南向。司言引尚宮，尚宮引皇后立於席西，南向。尚食入東房，盥手洗觶，酌醴，加柶，面柄，出，進詣皇后席前，北向立。皇后進，北面再拜，受醴。尚食薦脯醢於席前。皇后升席坐，左執觶，右取脯擩於醢，祭於籩豆閒，以柶祭醴三，始扱一祭，又扱再祭，加柶於觶，面葉，興，降席，北面跪，啐醴，建柶，興，北面再拜，進，升席，跪，奠觶於薦東，興，降席。司言引尚宮，尚宮引皇后降自西階以出，御輿而還，侍從如來儀。 |
| | The officer in charge of arrangements set up a mat for the Empress between the door and window, near the northern side, facing south. The officer of words led the Senior Lady-in-Waiting, who then guided the Empress to stand west of the mat, facing south. The officer in charge of food entered the eastern room, washed his hands and rinsed the cups, poured sweet rice wine, added a ladle with its handle facing forward, then exited and presented it before the Empress's mat, standing facing north. The Empress advanced, bowed twice while facing north, and received the sweet rice wine. The officer in charge of food placed meat slices and fermented sauce before the mat. The Empress ascended the mat and sat down, holding a cup in her left hand and taking meat with her right hand to dip it into the fermented sauce. She offered sacrifices between the bamboo tray and bean vessel: she first made one sacrifice using the ladle, then two more sacrifices, placing the ladle back on the cup with its handle facing outward. Rising from the mat, she descended and knelt facing north, tasted a sip of wine, raised the ladle again, stood up, bowed twice while still facing north, advanced, ascended the mat once more, knelt, placed the cup to the east side of the offerings, rose, and then descended the mat. The officer of words led the Chief Lady-in-Waiting, and the Chief Lady-in-Waiting guided the Empress down from the western steps to leave. The Empress returned in her palanquin, with attendants following according to the same procedures as before.
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| | 朝皇太后: |
初皇后出閤，尚儀跪奏稱：「禮畢。」俛伏，興，還侍位。皇太后降座入室如常。 |
| | When the Empress first left the quarters, the officer of rites knelt and reported: "The ceremony is complete." He bowed low, rose, and returned to his position. The Empress Dowager descended from her throne and entered the room as usual.
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| | 皇后廟見: |
前一日，皇后清齋於別殿。內官應從入廟者俱清齋一日於廟所。諸衛令其屬晡後一刻各以其方器服守衛廟門，與太樂工人俱清齋一宿。 |
| | On the previous day, Empress Qingzhai stayed at a separate palace hall. The eunuchs who were supposed to accompany the emperor into the temple all observed a day of purification and fasting at the temple site. The various guards ordered their subordinates to, one moment after bu time in the afternoon, each take their respective ceremonial attire and equipment to guard the temple gates, and together with the Grand Music Bureau artisans, observe a day of purification and fasting for one night.
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| | 皇后廟見: |
前二日，尚舍直長施皇后大次於太廟北門內之西，東向，周以行帷；尚舍奉御鋪御座。尚舍直長又量設內官以下次於大次之後。守宮設外命婦、妃、主以下次於廟北門外之西，道北，南向東上，周以行帷。設行事太尉以下次於齋坊之內。太樂令設宮懸之樂於廟庭如式。 |
| | Two days earlier, the Shangshe Zhichang set up a large pavilion for the empress at the western side inside the northern gate of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, facing east, and surrounded it with processional curtains; The Shangshe Fengyu laid out the imperial throne. The Shangshe Zhichang also measured and arranged pavilions for eunuchs and those of lower ranks behind the large pavilion. The Shougong set up pavilions for the external consorts, concubines, princesses, and those of lower ranks at the western side outside the northern gate of the temple, north of the road, facing south with precedence to the east, surrounded by processional curtains. Pavilions were set up for the Grand Commandant and those of lower ranks within the purification quarters. The Ta Yue Ling arranged the court music with suspended instruments in the temple courtyard according to established regulations.
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| | 皇后廟見: |
前一日，右校清掃內外。內謁者監設皇后版位於樂懸之北道西，北向。設外命婦位於其次前，北面東上。奉禮設太尉以下及御史等位於內外，並如常儀。設酒樽之位於廟堂上前楹閒，各於室戶之左，北向；每室彝二、樽二、山罍二，皆加勺审，皆西上，各有坫。設洗於東階東南，北向。以下至太祝持版，如加元服謁廟儀。 |
| | On the previous day, You Xiao cleared and swept both inside and outside areas. The Neiyezhejian set up the empress's wooden tablet for worship at the western side of the northern road to the north of the suspended music, facing south. The pavilions for external consorts were set up in front of their respective positions, with precedence to the east and all facing south. The Fengli arranged the positions for the Grand Commandant, those of lower ranks, and the Censorate officials inside and outside the venue according to regular ceremonial procedures. The positions for wine vessels were set up in the front part of the temple hall, between the supporting pillars; each was placed to the left side of the room's door, facing north; Each chamber had two yi vessels and two zun vessels, Two shan lei vessels were placed as well, all with ladles added; they were arranged from west to east, each on its own dian platform. The washing basin was set up at the southeast of the eastern steps, facing north. From this point onward to the Taizhu holding tablets, it followed the established procedures for the ceremony where a daughter of the emperor was presented at court and paid homage at the temple.
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| | 皇后廟見: |
太祝持版進於室戶外之右，東向跪讀祝文曰：「維某年歲次月朔日，子孝曾孫開元神武皇帝某謹遣太尉封臣名，敢昭告於皇祖某謚：皇后某氏，將伸祗見。謹以一元大武、明粢、薌合、薌萁、嘉蔬、嘉薦、醴齊敬薦。尚饗。」訖，興。太尉再拜。初讀祝文，樂作；太祝進，跪奠版於神座前，俛伏，興，還樽所，太尉拜訖，樂止。謁者引太尉以次獻，皆如獻祖之儀。遍獻訖以下如加元服謁廟儀，唯執事則每事訖還齋所。 |
| | The Taizhu held the tablet and advanced to the right side outside the chamber door, knelt facing east, and read the sacrificial text: "On the first day of the month in the year [date], as the lunar calendar indicates, I, your filial great-grandson, Kaiyuan Shenwu Huangdi [name] I respectfully dispatch the Grand Commandant, my subject [name], to dare solemnly announce to Your Majesty, Emperor [posthumous title]: Empress [surname] She will soon proceed with her reverent visit. With utmost reverence, I present one great sacrificial bull, clear millet, fragrant grains, aromatic straw, choice vegetables, excellent offerings, and sweet wine as sincere tributes. May Your Majesty graciously accept these offerings." After finishing, he rose to his feet. The Grand Commandant bowed twice in succession. At the beginning of reading the sacrificial text, music was played; The Taizhu advanced, knelt to place the tablet before the deity's throne, bowed his head and lay prostrate, then rose and returned to the zun vessel area. After the Grand Commandant completed his bowing, the music ceased. The Ye Zhe led the Grand Commandant in successive offerings according to the established procedures for offering at the ancestor's shrine. After completing the offerings in all chambers, the subsequent procedures followed those of the ceremony for presenting a daughter at court and paying homage at the temple; however, the attendants would return to their purification quarters after each task was completed.
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| | 車駕出宮: |
前出宮三日，本司宣攝內外各供其職。 |
| | Three days before leaving the palace, this office announced and ordered all internal and external officials to perform their respective duties.
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| | 車駕出宮: |
其日，晝漏上水四刻，車駕出宮。發引前七刻，搥一鼓為一嚴。發引前五刻，搥二鼓為再嚴。尚儀版奏：「請中嚴。」司贊設內命婦版位於皇后所御殿閤外道東，重行，西向北上。內命婦各服其服。所司陳小駕鹵簿。發引前二刻，搥三鼓為三嚴。司贊引內命婦各就位。六尚以下各服其服，俱詣室奉迎。內僕進重翟於閤外。 |
| | On that day, at four ke of the morning water level measured by the clepsydra, the imperial procession left the palace. Seven ke before the departure, one drumbeat was struck to signify the first stage of preparation. Five ke before departure, two drumbeats were struck to signify the second stage of preparation. Shangyi Ban presented a report: "Please proceed with the middle level of preparation." Sizan set up the positions for the inner ladies-in-waiting on the eastern side of the road outside the hall where the Empress resided, in two rows facing west with northern precedence. The inner ladies-in-waiting each wore their respective official attire. The responsible officials arranged the smaller imperial procession list (halu bu). Two ke before departure, three drumbeats were struck to indicate the third stage of preparation. Sizan led the inner ladies-in-waiting to their respective positions. All officials of the Liu Shang and below wore their official attire, and together they went to the chamber to respectfully welcome [the Empress]. Nei Pu presented the heavy zhai carriage outside the gate.
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| | 車駕出宮: |
尚儀版奏：「外辦。」馭者執轡，皇后首飾褘衣乘輿以出，警蹕侍衛如常儀。皇后升車，仗衛如常，六尚等乘車陪從如式。司賓引內命婦退，隨近以俟。諸翊駕之官皆乘馬，駕動，稱警蹕如常，不鳴鼓角，諸衛前後督攝如常。外命婦三品以上及公主、縣主皆先置，各就次俱服其服。車駕將至，內侍之屬守廟四門。內謁者、贊引引外命婦、妃、主等出次，內典引引就位立，駕過，引還次。 |
| | Shangyi Ban reported: "External preparations are complete." 藟 The driver held the reins, and the Empress, adorned with her headdress and wearing the huiyi ceremonial robe, ascended into the palanquin to go out, with the usual alert and escort procedures in place. The Empress ascended the carriage; the ceremonial guards followed as usual, while the Liu Shang officials and others rode in carriages to accompany her according to protocol. Sibin led the inner ladies-in-waiting back, instructing them to withdraw nearby and await further orders. All officials responsible for escorting the procession rode on horseback. When the procession began, they announced the alert and clearance as usual without beating drums or sounding horns, while the guards in front and behind supervised and managed the proceedings according to standard procedures. Outer ladies-in-waiting of the third rank or higher, as well as princesses and county princesses, had all been previously stationed at their respective locations and were dressed in their official attire. As the imperial procession approached, officials of the Neishi guarded the four gates of the temple. Neiyazhe and Zanyin led the outer ladies-in-waiting, consorts, princesses, etc., out of their quarters. Neidianyin then guided them to their positions where they stood; after the procession passed, they were led back to their quarters.
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| | 車駕出宮: |
初駕將至，內侍之屬守廟四門，駕至廟北門，迴車北向。尚儀進，當前跪，奏稱：「尚儀妾姓言，請降車。」興，還侍位。皇后降車，升輿，入大次，繖扇華蓋侍衛如常儀。鹵簿停於廟外。 |
| | Initially, as the imperial procession approached, Neishi officials guarded the four gates of the Temple. When the procession arrived at the northern gate of the temple, it turned around and faced northward. Shangyi advanced to a position in front, knelt down, and reported: "I am Shangyi Qie Xingyan. I respectfully request that the Empress descend from her carriage." He rose and returned to his position of attendance. The Empress descended from the carriage, ascended into her palanquin, and entered the main pavilion, with parasols, fans, ornamental canopies, and guards following the usual ceremonial procedures. The halu bu procession halted outside the temple.
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| | 車駕出宮: |
皇后停大次半刻頃，司言引尚宮立於大次門外，當門西向。尚儀版奏：「外辦。」皇后出次，侍衛如常。司言引尚宮，尚宮引皇后，至版位，北向立。尚宮與司言退立於左。皇后立定，尚宮前奏：「請再拜。」皇后再拜。少頃，尚宮又奏：「請再拜。」皇后又再拜訖，司言引尚宮，尚宮引皇后還大次。內侍版奏：「請解嚴。」 |
| | The Empress paused in the main pavilion for half a ke, after which Siyan led Shanggong to stand outside the main pavilion's gate, facing west directly opposite the gate. Shangyi Ban reported: "External preparations are complete." The Empress exited the pavilion, with attendants and guards following the usual procedures. Siyan led Shanggong, who in turn led the Empress; They arrived at the designated position and stood facing north. Shanggong and Siyan stepped back to stand on the left side. After the Empress stood steady, Shanggong moved forward and presented a report: "Please perform two bows." The Empress performed two bows. After a short while, Shanggong again reported: "Please perform two more bows." After the Empress completed another set of two bows, Siyan led Shanggong forward, and Shanggong in turn guided the Empress back to the main pavilion. Neishi Ban reported: "Please lift the alert."
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| | 車駕出宮: |
皇后停大次一刻頃，搥一鼓為一嚴，轉仗衛於還途如來儀。三刻頃，搥二鼓為再嚴，尚儀版奏：「請中嚴。」皇后改著鈿釵禮衣。五刻頃，搥三鼓為三嚴，六尚以下詣大次奏迎，內僕進重翟於廟北門外。尚儀版奏：「外辦。」馭者執轡，皇后乘輿出次，華蓋侍衛如常。皇后升車，鼓吹振作而還，六尚等升車陪從如來儀。 |
| | The Empress paused in the pavilion for one ke, after which one drumbeat was struck to signal the first stage of preparation; the ceremonial guards were repositioned along the return route according to the same procedures as on arrival. After three ke, two drumbeats were sounded for the second stage of preparation, and Shangyi Ban reported: "Please proceed with the middle stage of preparation." The Empress changed into a ceremonial robe adorned with tiandie hairpins. After five ke, three drumbeats were sounded to indicate the third stage of preparation; officials of the Liu Shang rank and below arrived at the main pavilion to present a report in welcome. Nei Pu presented the heavy Zhai carriage outside the northern gate of the Temple. Shangyi Ban reported: "External preparations are complete." The driver held the reins as the Empress ascended into her palanquin and exited the pavilion, accompanied by the usual ornamental canopy and guards. The Empress ascended her carriage; with drum music sounding, they returned as before, while the Liu Shang officers and others followed in carriages according to the same procedures.
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| | 車駕出宮: |
皇后將出門，內謁者、贊引引外命婦等出次，內典引引就位。駕至位所，內侍奏：「請駕權停。」外命婦再拜訖，內侍承令令外命婦還，外命婦又再拜。車駕過，內典引引外命婦退，各還第。 |
| | As the Empress was about to exit through the gate, Neiyazhe and Zanying led the outer ladies-in-waitings out of their pavilions, while Neidianyin guided them to their designated positions. When the imperial procession arrived at its destination, an official from the Neishi reported: "Please request a temporary halt for the procession." After the outer ladies-in-waiting performed two bows, an official from Neishi received orders and instructed them to return; in response, the outer ladies-in-waiting again performed two bows. After the imperial procession passed by, Neidianyin led the outer ladies-in-wating to withdraw and return to their respective residences.
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| | 車駕出宮: |
駕至所御殿閤外，迴車南向。尚儀進當車前跪，奏稱：「尚儀妾姓言，請降車。」興，還侍位。皇后降車，乘輿以入，侍衛如常。於車駕將至，司賓引內命婦俱就位；皇后既入，司賓引內命婦退。內侍版奏：「請解嚴。」將士各還其所。 |
| | The imperial procession arrived outside the hall where the Empess resided, turned around, and faced southward. Shangyi approached to a position in front of the carriage, knelt down, and presented a report: "I am Shangyi qie Xingyan. Please request that the Empress descends from her carriage." He rose and returned to his attendant position. The Empress descended from her carriage, entered in a palanquin, with attendants and guards proceeding as usual. As the imperial procession was about to arrive, Sibin led the inner ladies-in-attendance to their designated positions; After the Empress had entered, Sibin guided the inner ladies-in-waiting away. Neishi Ban reported: "Please lift the alert." The soldiers returned to their respective posts.
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