The King’s Last Testament and Succession

In ancient China, the process of succession and the transmission of royal authority were surrounded by elaborate rituals and deep respect for the divine order. The following text illustrates the procedures and customs involved when a king approached the end of his reign, focusing on the instructions and ceremonies for passing on leadership to a successor.

As the time approached for King Cheng’s departure from this world, he summoned his most trusted advisors and officials to ensure a smooth transition of power. This gathering, known as the “Admonition to Successors,” was held with great formality and precision to uphold the principles of governance and maintain stability within the state.

In April, during a time of solemnity and reflection, the king expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. On the Jiazi day, he performed a ritual at the Tao River, donning ceremonial robes and taking his place at the Jade Table. The assembly included high-ranking officials such as the Grand Guardian, Bi Gong, and other esteemed leaders.

The king addressed his ministers and officials, saying, “Alas! The illness has progressed greatly, and I fear the end is near. As I near my final moments, I must clearly convey my instructions to you. Our forebears, Kings Wen and Wu, established a legacy of great virtue and instruction. They laid the foundation of our teachings, which you must uphold and honor.”

The king continued, emphasizing that the current circumstances were a trial of their commitment to his teachings. He urged his successors to remain steadfast in their duties, preserve the royal traditions, and ensure that the kingdom’s well-being was maintained even during times of adversity.

He instructed his officials to support the new ruler, King Zhao, in guiding the kingdom through challenges. The king’s last words were a call for unity and respect for the divine will, with a warning against any attempts to undermine the established order.

After the king’s passing, the transition was marked by a series of rituals and ceremonies designed to honor his legacy and prepare for the new ruler. On the day of the king’s death, the Grand Guardian and other officials prepared to escort King Zhao to the South Gate, ensuring that the transition was handled with the utmost respect.

A period of mourning was observed, during which various rites were conducted to honor the deceased king. The officials were tasked with arranging ceremonial items and preparing the ancestral hall for the new ruler. The ceremonies included offerings of precious objects, such as jade and ceremonial weapons, arranged in specific patterns to reflect the order and harmony of the state.

The officials also prepared for the enthronement of King Zhao by arranging the ceremonial attire and positioning the ceremonial vessels in the appropriate locations. These preparations were crucial for ensuring that the new ruler was properly established and that the transition was carried out in accordance with the established customs.

On the day of the enthronement, the officials and nobles gathered to witness the formal transfer of authority. The Grand Guardian and other high-ranking officials conducted the rituals, which included presenting the royal seal and other symbols of power to the new king. The ceremonies were conducted with great reverence and attention to detail, reflecting the importance of maintaining continuity and stability in governance.

The process of succession was not merely a transfer of power but a reaffirmation of the divine order and the principles of governance that had been established by previous rulers. The rituals and ceremonies were designed to ensure that the new ruler would continue the legacy of virtue and uphold the moral and ethical standards of the state.

In summary, the text provides a detailed account of the procedures and customs involved in the transition of power from one ruler to another in ancient China. It highlights the importance of adhering to established traditions, maintaining stability, and respecting the divine mandate in the process of succession. These practices reflect the deep reverence for the principles of governance and the commitment to ensuring the continued prosperity and harmony of the state.