Edict Bestowed at the Wedding Rites of the Crown Prince太子嘉禮敎書

And so forth.

Husband and wife are as the constancy of the two breaths of heaven and earth, and there is nothing weightier than this; and a sovereign's handing down of the line of ten thousand generations of sons and grandsons hangs here too. Therefore marriage is rooted in the great bonds of mankind, and this is why in old times and now the bridegroom goes in person to fetch his bride.

You from your birth gathered up what is outstanding and were early endowed with understanding. Being already capped and come of age, you ought to get a worthy mate. Now I look, and a chaste young lady stands out in her deep chamber. On her father's side she is of the great house of a royal descendant whose state enjoyed a thousand years; on her mother's side, of the felicitous lineage of a meritorious subject who through two generations settled the plans and was set down in the register of merit. The measure of her chamber may be held in honour, and in a wife's bearing she has no want.

It is right that one whose face is like the half-moon should rise to the seat of the Eastern Palace and become your match. Though there are many who are chosen for their high power, a fair mate like this is hard to get as well. That she was born just at this time and has come to be matched with your person — this is what is called Heaven's matching; how should it be a thing that men did?

The rites have barely been performed within the Eastern Palace, and already the joy is enough for the whole country. It is right to spread an intimate command and set forth my glad intent in full. Therefore on the third day I especially send So-and-so of such an office as envoy, and the rest, to furnish the rites and ask after your well-being. Along with this I bestow the goods of the capping rite, all as set down apart. Receive them when they come. Let all be duly known.

And so forth.