Interior of the Second Hall

　　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 between superiors and subordinates. 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 typically allowed, but the Duke of Yansheng was permitted 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,” flanked by several stone steles. Among them are a “Longevity” calligraphy stele written by Empress Dowager Cixi, as well as the “Nine Peaches Painting” and “Pine and Crane Painting.” These were gifts bestowed upon the Duke of Yansheng Kong Lingyi, his mother, and his wife when they traveled specially to Beijing in the 20th year of the Guangxu reign (1894) to celebrate Empress Dowager Cixi’s birthday.