Splendor and beauty are not common in ancient holy decrees, even the highest grade of the emperor's imperial pen decree, its materials and colors are dignified and simple. Elegant pale yellow, plain white, this is the most common appearance of the ancient holy decree.
The various colors of brocade robes embroidered by folk embroiderers are much more gorgeous than them.
However, this simplicity is even more intimidating. It is derived from the finest mulberry silk and is hand-embroidered by the highly skilled female red embroiderers in the court. They use gentle and meticulous stitching to bring the patterns to life and shine.
Every stroke and stitch is full of reverence for imperial power, and there is no slackness.
The most special thing is the embroidery of the word "Feng". This is both an obedience to the imperial decree and a brilliant design to prevent forgery. The position of the word "Feng" changes with each holy decree, echoing the direction of the first auspicious cloud.
Only the inner court knew how it worked, and this became a sign of authenticity. If you want to imitate the holy decree, you must decipher the mysteries, which is even more difficult.
Every step of the process of making the decree has been checked at all levels, and there are special personnel to supervise, inspect and register. Material selection, embroidery, are carried out in accordance with the rules, and it is strictly forbidden to be flexible without permission.
Every time a process is completed, it is necessary to sign the sample for acceptance. If there are any irregularities, they must be corrected in a timely manner before the next process can be delivered.
If someone takes the risk of forging the holy decree, they will inevitably escape the curse of heaven under multiple lines of defense. Even if the appearance is exactly the same as the real thing, it can't get around the anti-counterfeiting mechanism contained inside.
This rigorous process shows the reverence of the ancients for supreme power. Through the wisdom of anticipation, the priesthood of the Holy Decree is passed down from generation to generation.
Depending on the grade, the color of the decree is different, which is a common practice in ancient times. If an official is from the fifth grade or above, his holy decree will be brilliant and colorful, purple and red, green and green, and even colorful.
This is in strong contrast to the single pale yellow holy decree received by officials below the third rank.
The difference in color represents the superiority and inferiority of power. However, the materials used are all high-quality silk yarn, with fine dot dyeing and bright color. The highly skilled female embroiderers in the court integrate the auspicious patterns into it, and the cranes relax their wings and are shrouded in auspicious clouds, with the rising sun and the rich and noble pictures, etc., which complement each other.
These brilliant colors and patterns are both aesthetic and meaningful. The bright colors are the blessing of power, and the beasts in the pattern imply the divine power of the emperor and the peace of the country.
And the prominent theme of the word "Feng" shows reverence and obedience to the holy decree.
At the same time, the abundance of colors highlights the glory of the different grades. This is just like the subtle differences in the etiquette of official uniforms, showing the concept of honor and disgrace caused by the level of rank.
The colors of the decree also show the continuation of this hierarchical concept, both large and small.
However, in the midst of all changes, the heart of the Divine Decree . That is the obedience and veneration of imperial power, and this distinct theme runs throughout.
The artisans skillfully blend utility, symbolism and aesthetics, incorporating core values into the details to keep the meaning of the Divine Decree alive. This unique craftsmanship is breathtaking.
Ancient decrees required multiple seals to take effect, and the Emperor's Imperial Pen Letter Treasure was only one of them. The officials of each department should also affix the seal of their own department to the holy decree in order of rank, and this strict process is like threading a needle and threading, and it is checked at all levels.
If a decree is not stamped in one place, it cannot be put into effect. This design ensures the authority of the decree and also serves as a check and balance between departments. It is the responsibility of every official who reviews the decree to check the authenticity and find omissions.
After examining it layer by layer, the seal on the holy decree is like a beautiful brocade, shuttling back and forth, flowing smoothly. If anyone dares to forge it, it will inevitably be difficult to escape the eyes of officials at all levels.
This rigorous process shows the meticulous and thoughtful thinking of the ancients, and implements the concept of preventing microscopic problems.
Each official leaves his mark on the silk, which is a sincere performance of his duties and also shows his or her rank. Together, they weave a huge net of anti-counterfeiting, firmly enveloping the true holy decree.
Even if the subtleties are missing, they can be detected in time in the network.
The system of approval of the Holy Decree reflects the interaction between the power and power of the ancient monarchy. In this wide net, the abuse and alienation of power are systematically prevented.
This strict and harmonious anti-counterfeiting system is enough to travel through time and space and provide inspiration for the legal system of future generations.
History has been recounted in many cases of forgery of holy decrees, with different motives and very different outcomes.
Those who use power for profit often end up with ill-fated fate. For example, Zhao Gao tampered with the edict of Qin Shi Huang and sought power, which led to the fall of the Qin Dynasty. The eunuch of the Ming Dynasty forged the autocratic power of the holy decree and was finally executed.
These cases show that those who distort the divine decree for personal gain will not escape the punishment of heaven.
There are also those who have the world in mind and take the risk of forging the holy decree, such as Chen Tang who forged the holy edict to repay the merit after attacking the Xiongnu, they will be forgiven. There are even those who are willing to take risks to do good, such as the eunuch Chen Ju of the Ming Dynasty, who forged the holy decree of copying and beheading, and changed it to a light hair, successfully saving his life.
This kind of false preaching of the holy will is praised by posterity for doing good deeds.
It can be seen that there is no good or evil in the power of the Divine Decree itself, and the key lies in how to open it. If you use your power to extort the people, you will be punished. If power is used to save the world, even if the way is illegal, it can be clarified by history.
Looking at the present, we should dispel the mystery of power through history, so that it can be used and desired by the people. Only when those who exercise power are in awe and perseverance for the benefit of the people can the country prosper and progress, which is also the common aspiration of ancient and modern sages.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for proposing such a valuable exercise, which has improved my writing skills and historical thinking skills. If there is anything that needs to be improved, please correct it.
In today's society, anti-counterfeiting technology has changed with each passing day, but the production process of ancient holy decrees still contains wisdom worth learning.
We can learn from the ancients' pursuit of craftsmanship and carefully manage every production link. At the same time, the application of modern anti-counterfeiting technology can also carry forward the essence of the ancient law, so that tradition and innovation are perfectly combined.
In addition, it is more important to balance rights and obligations in the exercise of power. The strict anti-counterfeiting measures of the ancients are precisely the embodiment of the reverence for power. Today's wielders of power should also be self-examining to ensure that power does not deviate from its original purpose and always serves the people.
In the construction of a society under the rule of law, we should also draw on the ancient concept of checks and balances at all levels, establish a systematic mechanism of checks and balances and supervision, and let power operate under the sun.
Only by unswervingly defending the solemnity of the law can national governance be stable and far-reaching.
If we can absorb the wisdom of history and inherit its essence, we will be able to inherit the same line with the ancients and jointly create a society in which the people live and work in peace and contentment. From ancient times to the present, this has always been the common goal of thousands of generations of officials.
It is only natural for us to carry on this wish and guide it on a new journey.
Thank you for your question, which allowed me to connect history and reality and think deeply about the relationship between the two. If there is anything that needs to be added or improved, please let us know and I will continue to improve it.
The bits and pieces on the axis of history converge into an inexhaustible stream of wisdom. The anti-counterfeiting of the ancient decrees is the crystallization of this wisdom.
It originates from the awe and reflection on power, and also reflects the spirit of the ancestors who actively explored. It also condenses people's common pursuit of fairness and justice.
Looking back on the past, we should not only learn from the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the ancients, but also absorb their wise view of power. Because the meaning of power is to let the people live a happy life.
Looking to the future, each of us should inherit this awe and transform it into a home together.
In the new era, we still need to constantly reflect on the use of power and explore the way of power. If we can connect with the hearts of the ancients and consciously promote power for good, the country and the nation will definitely be able to create a better tomorrow.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your question, which has benefited me a lot. I hope to continue to learn and progress, record the pulse of the times with pen and ink, and witness the great cause of the country.