Interior of the Second Hall

Interior of the Second Hall

The interior of the Second Hall is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Second Hall, also called the Rear Hall, was where the Duke of Yansheng met with officials of rank four and above, and where he conducted imperial examinations on rites and music for selected students on behalf of the emperor. To the east of the Second Hall is the Office of Announcements, headed by an official of the fourth rank, responsible for relaying orders. To the west is the Attendant Officials’ Office, led by an official of the seventh rank. It is said that in the past, when visiting the capital to pay homage to the emperor, only one principal and two attendants were generally allowed, but only the “Duke of Yansheng” could bring one principal and four attendants.

In the center of the hall hang large plaques inscribed with “Receiving the Sacred Legacy” and “Poetry, Books, Rites, and Music.” On either side stand several stone tablets. Among them are a “Longevity” calligraphy tablet written by Empress Dowager Cixi, as well as the “Nine Peach Painting” and “Pine and Crane Painting,” which were bestowed upon the Duke of Yansheng Kong Lingyi, his mother, and his wife in the 20th year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty when they traveled specially to Beijing to celebrate her birthday.