Jinghe Year Fifteen, the twentieth day of the first month.
It was the first Grand Court Audience of the new year, and every official in the Capital was required to attend.
At the appointed Mao Hour, the Jingyang Bell rang.
The officials gathered in the Court Waiting Hall, straightening their headwear and composing their expressions according to rank.
Before long, bells and drums sounded together, and the Palace gates opened one after another.
Court tablets in hand, the officials filed through the left and right side gates, crossed the Vermilion Steps, and proceeded toward the Hall of Heavenly Favor.
The broad approach before the hall was lined on both sides with Golden-Armored Guards, standing solemnly with halberds in hand, their ceremonial array imposing.
Upon reaching the hall, the civil and military officials separated into their respective ranks, civil officials to the east and military officials to the west.
Each took his place according to rank, adjusted his robes, and waited solemnly for the emperor.
Inside the Hall of Heavenly Favor, enormous candles stood in rows, their light bright as day. Golden bricks paved the floor, and dragon-carved pillars held up the heavens.
The Imperial Throne stood high above the crimson dais, with a Pearl Curtain hanging before it.
At the beginning of Dragon Hour, Zhong and chimes rang again.
The red gates at the rear of the hall slowly opened, and eunuchs and palace maids filed out, carrying fans and ceremonial vessels.
Emperor Jing of Zhou emerged from behind the screen and slowly ascended to his seat. The pearls and jade of his Twelve-Tassel Crown swayed gently; his face was composed, his expression unreadable.
Wang Cheng hurried forward to stand beside the Imperial Throne, a fly whisk in hand and a solemn look on his face.
**"His Majesty has