The
Chinese Emperor, the
Son of Heaven was always accompanied by a huge
retinue everywhere he goes. Even inside the
Forbidden Palace the
procession was dauntingly large, once the
Emperor leaves his home (a rare thing, happens about twice a year probably), the huge line can stretch for up to a
mile. It is part of the
pomp that goes with the
Mandate of Heaven, whoever has the favor of
heaven supposedly deserves this kind of
luxury. Even
kiddie emperors such as
Kang Xi and
Pu Yi got it.
Here's a brief description of the Emperor's Retinue, the short version. The number of people multiply once they leave the Forbidden City.
- At the head is an eunuch that acts like a horn. He would say, "Qu qu" to tell people to bow or go away. Sometimes there are two or three of them.
- A couple of "road openers". They would walk sideways to make sure people are not too close to the Emperor.
- The Emperor, either seated in a plush sedan chair carried by anything from 2 to 50 eunuchs, depending on the formality, or walking along, supported by a couple of junior eunuchs.
- Some servants and the runners to attend to the Emperor's sligtest whim. Once an order is given, a runner would run backwards in the procession to inform of the emperor's needs, then the whole procession would stop while the required objects are delivered to the emperor.
- A portable closet, with several changes of clothing.
- A fully adorned toilet
- About a month's supply of food. Anything from light snacks to full-blown banquets is carried along on steamers. Of course, there are cooks to prepare the food if the Emperor so desires.
- A medicine cabinet, with lots of wacky herbs and potions.
This whole line would proceed in perfect
order and
silence, like a
military parade. It must have been be an impressive sight to see.