Untitled

852
EAST ASIA.
and his letter of is homage borne in a palanquin of honour draped with yellow
curtains. He also receives the Imperial ambassador in the attitude of an inferior,
while his consort receives from Peking the official permission to assume the title of
Queen. At the King's death social life is suspended for twenty- seven months,
during which period sacrifices, marriages, and burials are interdicted, the course of
justice is arrested, and all human and animal life must be respected.
Next to the King, the most important person is the " favourite," chosen from
the nobles or ministers. Through him all favours and penalties are dispensed, and
without his advice nothing of moment is transacted. The Supreme Council of
State consists of nine members, three of the first order," the " Chief of the Just
Government," the " Just Governor of the Left," and the " Just Governor of the
Fig. 162. HAN-KANO, OR SEUL RITEK.
Scale 1 : 600,000.
12 JIHes.
Right;" six of the second order: the ministers of ranks and degrees, of finance,
rites, war, justice, and public works. According to the regulations all the man-
darins ought to belong to the lettered class, receiving their promotion, as in the
Middle Kingdom, by a series of three competitive examinations conducted in the
Chinese language. But these regulations have long been a dead letter, and func-
tions are now openly sold to the highest bidder. The penal code, also modelled on
that of China, has fortunately been considerably modified, thanks to the natural
gentleness of the people. Prisoners are often temporarily released to take part in
the feasts of the family or of the new year. Great honours are rendered to old age,
and at certain times septuagenarians are entertained by the King while the ;
Queen
gives a private reception to a deputation of virtuous wives and daughters. But