PDLP Chapter 209 Offering Sacrifices to Heaven and Earth, to Subdue the Nine Provinces
Chapter 209 Offering Sacrifices to Heaven and Earth, to Subdue the Nine Provinces
Ascending Mount Tai in the east, how majestic and imposing it is! (Note 1)
Chu Lengyu, along with the emperor and ministers of the Great Xia Dynasty and representatives from the Nine Provinces, ascended to the summit of Mount Tai.
The mountains are shrouded in mist and clouds, as if the most exquisite and spiritual energy in the world has gathered here.
At the open space atop the mountain, the altar had already been set up by the Ministry of Rites, awaiting the start of the ceremony.
The altar was made of bluestone, with a rectangular ebony offering table in the center, on which was spread a brocade embroidered with gold thread for the sacrificial ceremony.
On the offering table, the sacrificial offerings were displayed in a dazzling array and arranged neatly.
The three sacrificial animals—ox, sheep, and pig—were carefully selected, representing the highest respect and prayers to heaven and earth.
The five grains—rice, millet, sorghum, wheat, and beans—are all chosen for a bountiful harvest that year, with plump grains. They symbolize national peace and prosperity, abundant harvests, and also signify the flourishing of the Great Xia Dynasty.
In addition, there are fresh fruits and incense, adding to the beauty of the altar.
Watching all this, a strange feeling welled up in people's hearts.
With a pronouncement from the master of ceremonies, the Shangsi Grand Ceremony officially began.
Civil and military officials stood in order of rank before the altar, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.
As the chief priest, Chu Lengyu stood at the front, facing east. Her posture was upright, and her black robe looked even more solemn in the morning light.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Chu Lengyu first washed her hands to show her piety.
Then, she took three incense sticks from the servant, lit them, and bowed three times to heaven and earth.
Finally, she placed the incense sticks in the incense burner.
The smoke curled upwards, as if conveying people's prayers to the heavens.
The officiant unfolded the carefully prepared eulogy and read it aloud.
"On this auspicious day and time, with reverence in our hearts, we offer sacrifices to Heaven and Earth..."
"Standing tall and facing the sky, my heart is filled with joy and exhilaration."
Seeing the vitality of all things and the vastness of heaven and earth, I would gladly sing praises.
The sun and moon rise and shine in all directions, and the stars twinkle in the night sky, all of which are the splendor of heaven and earth.
Mountains and rivers extend and nurture life, and grasses and trees flourish on the earth—all are gifts from nature.
My heart is stirred and my emotions surge like a rushing river, unstoppable.
We offer jade and silk to Heaven and Earth, presenting our sincere hearts without reservation, wishing for widespread blessings.
Gazing upon the magnificent beauty of heaven and earth, a gentle breeze blows and the clouds drift and disperse.
Time flows on and years pass, may heaven and earth remain forever, and may all things be ever new.
I will sing praises to heaven and earth, my voice resounding through the nine heavens without ceasing, to express the joy in my heart…
The content of the eulogy mainly praises heaven and earth and expresses the wish for national peace and prosperity. At this moment, everyone listens attentively to every word.
Chu Lengyu led the civil and military officials forward in turn.
With solemn expressions, they held offerings of grains, fresh fruits, and other items, and stepped forward one by one to respectfully place these offerings on the altar, bowing three times to show their reverence and gratitude to heaven and earth.
Musicians played solemn sacrificial music, and dancers dressed in gorgeous costumes danced gracefully in front of the altar, expressing their respect for heaven and earth through dance.
After the eulogy was read aloud, she personally placed it in the incense burner to burn, symbolizing the transmission of human prayers to heaven and earth.
As the ritual proceeded, colorful clouds appeared in the sky, as if heaven and earth were responding to the ceremony.
Chu Lengyu was slightly surprised. She was only there to go through the motions today, so it was unexpected that the heavens and earth would actually react to it.
The ceremony was nearing its end. She stepped forward again, holding the jade disc high above her head, and prayed aloud:
"The morning glow is as radiant as brocade, and the misty clouds support my eaves."
The rainbow reflects the light of the sun and moon, and the evening mist sprinkles sweet dew on the world.
It dives and swims at the bottom of the abyss, and soars and flies in the heavens.
Let the green dragon lead the way, and let the white deer follow behind me.
Soaring to the heavens and roaming in the boundless realm, riding the gentle breeze and wandering freely between heaven and earth.
Born in a prosperous era, I wish to live as long as heaven and earth and share in the prosperity of all things.
May the spirits of heaven and earth hear my sincere prayers and bestow boundless blessings upon me! (Note 2)
Her voice echoed on the mountaintop, lingering for a long time.
Suddenly, it got dark!
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Note 1: Ascending Mount Tai to the east, how majestic and imposing it is! — Liu Ji, "Singing of Qi"
Note 2: The two eulogies before and after are entirely fabricated, with some references to Zhuang Ji's "Lament for the Times." The original work lamented being born at the wrong time and having one's talents go unrecognized, which is completely different from this.