Chương 246: The Coming-of-Age Ceremony, Liu Ce's Crowning

Liu Yu said with satisfaction, "Alright, it's settled then. The coming-of-age ceremony will be held at the Imperial Clan Court, and the investiture ceremony will be held at the Northern Palace. Everything will be done in one day. Don't worry, I've arranged the whole process. I guarantee it will be grand and respectful."

"Thank you for your trouble, Uncle."

Liu Yu then gave some details, such as the style of the formal attire, the ceremony procedures, and which relatives to invite to attend the ceremony.

Liu Ce noted them down one by one, but in his heart he thought: These ancient rituals are really troublesome, even more complicated than modern weddings.

Then he left.

After seeing Liu Yu off, Liu Ce returned to his study and slumped into a chair.

"The coming-of-age ceremony... the investiture ceremony... half a month later..." He counted on his fingers, "I'll have to stay in Luoyang until early November."

Dian Wei leaned closer and asked, "Brother, what's a coming-of-age ceremony?"

"It's a coming-of-age ceremony," Liu Ce explained, "It means you've grown up and are old enough to get married."

Zhao Yun, being more attentive, asked, "Brother, the coming-of-age ceremony is a complicated process. Should we prepare in advance?"

"Liu Yu said the Imperial Clan Court will make the arrangements," Liu Ce waved his hand and said, "We just need to cooperate."

Even so, he was still a little apprehensive.

The coming-of-age ceremony in the Han Dynasty was a very formal affair.

Each time I received my crown, I changed into different robes and ceremonial robes, and each time I recited different blessings, kowtowing until I was dizzy...

"Just consider it an experience of traditional culture," he consoled himself.

Afterwards, Liu Ce summoned Lu Bing: "Keep an eye on the Imperial Clan Court. The coming-of-age ceremony and the investiture ceremony must not go wrong in the slightest."

Lu Bing accepted the order and said, "My lord, rest assured, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has already infiltrated."

...

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

In the third year of Zhongping, in late October, in Luoyang City.

That day, Luoyang was in an uproar.

Before dawn, the streets were already packed with people.

Ordinary people would bring their families, stools, and dry food, all to secure a good spot.

Today is a big day: Liu Ce, the General of the Cavalry, Governor of Youzhou, and Marquis of Champion, is holding both his coming-of-age ceremony and his investiture ceremony as a king!

Forget about the capping ceremony, let alone the title of king! Since Emperor Guangwu, how many members of the imperial clan, apart from princes, have been granted the title of king? This is unprecedented!

The gongs and drums blared deafeningly, and the people tiptoed forward, muttering incessantly:

"Have you heard? Governor Liu of Youzhou is going to do two big things today: be crowned and be granted the title of king!"

"That's the Prince of Yan! I heard he annihilated 80, 000 Xianbei cavalry, sealed the Wolf-Dwelling Mountain, and drank from the vast sea!"

"That's because they're capable! Destroying the Wuhuan, pacifying the Xianbei, and swallowing Goguryeo—what's wrong with being made a king for those achievements?"

"That's right! Lord Liu is a member of our Han imperial family; he deserves to be rewarded for his service!"

"Incredible! Incredible..."

The discussions were lively, even more so than at a vegetable market.

The Imperial Guards had already been deployed, setting up cordons on both sides of the main streets to prevent civilians from clashing with the ceremonial procession.

Just as Chenshi (7-9 AM) arrived, the Imperial Clan Court was already decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers.

The old men of the imperial clan—Liu Yu, Liu Yan, Liu Biao, Liu Dai, and others—were dressed in brightly colored formal attire, sitting like mother hens protecting their chicks, their eyes fixed intently on the entrance to the main hall.

Liu Ce was in the back hall, being dressed by a group of maids.

"Your Highness, Prince Yan, raise your hand."

"Your Highness, Prince Yan, bow your head."

"Your Highness, this ribbon should be tied here..."

Liu Ce was being manipulated like a puppet, cursing the ancient etiquette system eight hundred times in his heart.

"This outfit... makes me look so fat! And the color, it's neither green nor gray, it looks like a rag."

"And this ceremony... it's more nerve-wracking than my college entrance exam! One wrong step leads to another, and if you make a mistake, it'll turn into a scene of social annihilation like in the Eastern Han Dynasty."

After finally getting dressed, the maid withdrew.

Liu Ce stood before the bronze mirror, looking at himself in it— He was dressed in a blue cloth boy's outfit, his hair was loose, and his face... well, he looked quite young. It's just that the clothes really made him look fat, making him look like a steamed bun.

"Your Highness, the time has come." The master of ceremonies' voice came from outside the door.

Liu Ce took a deep breath and pushed open the door to go out.

In the main hall, all the members of the imperial clan turned to look at them.

"The capping ceremony begins, all are silent!" The master of ceremonies' voice was like a rapper's, with a very strong penetrating power.

Liu Ce quickly straightened his clothes, took a deep breath, stood in the designated spot, and silently chanted, "Don't make a mistake, don't make a mistake..."

A mat was laid out here, and a table was placed in front of it, on which various ritual objects were placed.

The first step: first, put on the black cloth cap.

The master of ceremonies came over carrying a black cloth hat.

Looking at the design, Liu Ce wondered to himself: Is this thing really not a modified pot lid? Wearing it on his head would make him look like the Black Impermanence.

The officiant presents a black cloth cap (symbolizing the etiquette of simple clothing and teaching diligence and frugality) to the seat.

The attendant stepped forward to comb Liu Ce's hair, put on his crown, and tie the tassel.

The movements were slow and solemn. But Liu Ce felt a chill run down his spine—so many people were watching!

Liu Ce lowered his head, feeling that the black cloth hat on his head did indeed... not look good.

But it was full of ritual.

After the crown was put on, Liu Yu, the Imperial Clan Minister, began to recite the blessing in a loud voice: "On this auspicious day of this month, you are clothed with the new crown. Cast aside your childish ways and embrace your virtuous character. May you live a long and blessed life, and enjoy great fortune."

The gist is: On this auspicious day, I'm putting the hat of adulthood on you. Let go of your childish mindset and cultivate adult virtues. Wishing you longevity, good fortune, and boundless blessings.

Liu Ce bowed and replied with the words he had memorized beforehand: "I dare not disobey the imperial command, to be diligent and thrifty, and to cultivate virtue."

Then he left the banquet and went to a side hall to change into a black ceremonial robe—a formal dress that matched the black cap, and was solemn.

After changing their clothes, they returned to their seats.

The second step: add a leather cap.

The officiant brings over a leather cap (a white deer skin cap, symbolizing military affairs/scholarly etiquette, teaching people to observe etiquette and perform duties).

Bin Zan removed Liu Ce's black cloth cap and put on a leather cap.

When Liu Ce put on the leather cap, he finally found the white deerskin hat somewhat acceptable: it's alright, it's just that the material is a bit rough.

Liu Yu then recited a blessing: "On this auspicious month and day, I present your robes. Respect your dignity and be virtuous. May you live ten thousand years and forever receive blessings from the barbarians."

It means: This is another auspicious time, so I'm adding another hat to your hat. Pay attention to your appearance and be mindful of your conduct. Wishing you a long and prosperous life, and everlasting happiness.

Liu Ce knelt to receive the instruction, bowed, and replied, "I dare not disobey Your Majesty's teachings, and will maintain proper decorum and uphold the duties of a subject."

Then he left the table to change into a leather cape (white robe and red skirt, more prestigious than the black ceremonial robe), and returned to his seat.

The third step: the three-tiered ceremony.

This is the main event.

The master of ceremonies presented a dark red silk hat—a juebian, the highest-ranking crown, symbolizing sacrificial rites and signifying eligibility to participate in ancestral temple sacrifices.

Liu Ce put it on and felt his aura instantly rise—except that the tassels were a bit too tight around his neck.

Liu Yu recited the blessing with exceptional solemnity: "In the proper time of the year, in accordance with the order of the month, may all be well-off. May all brothers be present, thus fulfilling their virtues. May they live to a ripe old age, receiving the blessings of Heaven."

The gist is: In this auspicious year and month, you are bestowed with three crowns. Your relatives are all here to witness your virtuous achievements. May you live a long and healthy life, receiving blessings from heaven.

After kowtowing, Liu Ce responded loudly, "I dare not fail to strive diligently to uphold the ancestral temple, assist the Han dynasty, and repay the grace and virtue of Heaven and the ancestors!"