CHAPTER IX. 73

THE EMPEROR’S BIRTHDAY Morning Salutations--His Majesty’s Throne-room--The Imperial Pearl-Buttons Denoting Rank of Officials--Manchu Buttons-- “Lever” of the Empress Dowager--Court Costume--Young Empress in Court Attire--Going in State to Audience Hall--Official Congratulation by High Officials and Princes--The Young Empress’s Palace--Presentation of Jade Emblem (Ruyie)--Young Empress’s Official Congratulation to the Emperor--Simplicity of Attire of Empress Dowager--Grand Theatrical Representation at Palace Theater--Imperial Congratulatory Poem--Splendid Costumes--Luncheon in the Court of the Theater--Children at Court--The Emperor’s Presents to the Manchu Nobles and High Officials--The Finale at the Theater--Spectacular Procession-- Thanks of the Princes and Nobles--Bowing to the “Great Ancestress”--The Procession to the Hall of Ancestral Tablets.