According to information, anything related to the emperor is a significant event. Even going to the bathroom has a fixed process. However, because there are courtiers serving in the palace on certain days, the emperor has long been accustomed to it, but when the emperor goes out for a leisurely walk, the process must still be followed without negligence.
Whenever the emperor wants to use the restroom, the courtier next to him will shout “stop the dragon seat” and direct the emperor to a discreet area, immediately after receiving the order, the courtier will lift the emperor’s robe without delay, then the courtier will shout again “remove the dragon pants”, and others will hurriedly remove the emperor’s pants, and then the courtier will shout “the seeds of the dragon”, and when the emperor is ready, the attendant must wait until the courtier shouts “the mountain and the water flow”.
When the emperor needs to take care of his personal needs, he will blink at the courtier, and then the courtier will shout “shake the dragon head! One shake, another shake, three shakes”. After shaking, the courtier will shout “place the dragon seed”, and then the emperor will be cleaned, the courtier will then shout “dragon pants”, the people around will put on the emperor’s pants again, and the courtier will shout loudly: “Congratulations to Your Majesty for sitting on the dragon seat”, with the support of everyone. The procession continues after the emperor’s bathroom procedure is completed.
When this information is published in modern times, many people find it funny, but at the same time cannot help but sigh at the calmness of the emperor. In the end, this intricate procedure is truly something that not everyone can endure.
The intricate ritual surrounding the emperor’s bathroom break reflects the highly ceremonial nature of imperial life. Every action of the emperor, no matter how mundane, was considered significant and was carried out with strict protocols. This particular ritual ensured the emperor’s privacy and comfort while also showcasing the power and prestige of the imperial court.
The emperor used subtle gestures, such as a blink of the eye, to communicate his needs to the attentive courtiers. In this case, a blink signaled to the courtier that it was time to initiate the bathroom ritual, including the removal of the emperor’s clothing and the cleaning process.
The dragon is a powerful symbol in Chinese culture, often associated with the emperor and symbolizing power, strength, and good fortune. Referring to the emperor’s seat, pants, and even his “seeds” as “dragon” emphasizes the imperial connection and adds a layer of reverence to the ritual.
When details of the emperor’s bathroom ritual were made public, it elicited a range of reactions. Some found it amusing, while others admired the emperor’s composure and the intricate protocols of the imperial court. The ritual’s complexity also led some to reflect on the unique challenges and constraints faced by those in positions of power.