Tribute was offered at the Grand Court Audience, and envoys from foreign states entered the hall.
The envoys from the various foreign states filed forward, each bearing a State Letter and Tribute List, while the Vice Director of the Ministry of Rites' Office of State Guests announced their names one by one.
Joseon, Annam, Ryukyu, and Siam presented their customary annual tribute, with no lapse in ceremonial propriety.
The Khitan envoy, Yelü Qi, approached the foot of the Vermilion Steps, holding a Gold Casket in both hands.
Inside lay twelve Northern Pearls, each like a teardrop, their luster held deep within.
His voice was deep and resonant, neither servile nor overbearing:
"The ruler of Khitan respectfully presents twelve Northern Pearls to celebrate the sacred birthday of the Son of Heaven of Great Zhou."
The Tangut envoy, Yeli Wangrong, followed close behind, bearing a jade platter on which lay a bolt of White Woolen Cloth, exquisitely woven.
His voice rang clear: "Li Shi of the Tangut respectfully presents a bolt of White Woolen Cloth, wishing the Son of Heaven of Great Zhou boundless longevity."
Once the various foreign states had finished presenting tribute, the Ministry of Rites officials registered each item, inspected its seal, and entered it into the records.
Bells and chimes sounded three times within the hall, and the Ceremony Officer proclaimed, "The tribute ceremony is complete!"
At this, the foreign envoys filed forward and knelt in accordance with the rites, quietly awaiting the imperial words they would carry back to their countries.
Emperor Jing of Zhou sat upright on the Imperial Throne, his gaze sweeping over the foreign envoys below the steps. The bead strands of his crown hung low, and his expression was serene.
"Joseon, your annual tribute has arrived on time, with no lapse in