Road of the Most High
"There are several points where the paths of lesser castes disturb the 'Emperor's Walk.' This is inevitable, since the Walk forms the border between the Kanjo and Chisei Districts. Like this one, these roads pass beneath the Road of the Most High, with heavy planks of the Emperor's Road no more than a man's height above the ground, all travelers must bow to his grace if they wish to pass."
--Miya Yorikago
The Road of the Most High is a straight thoroughfare, cutting northwest through all three rings of Otosan Uichi before entering the Forbidden City. Though not the first structure to be built through these areas, it receives the utmost latitude; buildings have been moved or destroyed to accommodate it, and no less than twenty feet of open space must surround it a all times.
When the Emperor walks through the city on his road, all traffic beneath it must halt. All must bow before him as he passes. Refusing to show the Emperor proper respect is a significant social infraction, subject to severe punishment. Even duels and crimes in progress have paused as the son of Heaven tours his road, and may even come to an end if he intervenes or judges the participants.
Social custom demands that the Emperor's subjects kneel the moment they become aware of his presence. Occasionally someone is caught passing beneath the Road of the Most High as he walks overhead. This is considered an incredible blessing upon the subject, but is only valid if the subject knows nothing of the Emperor's arrival. Loitering near the Road of the Most High with the hopes of coercing the Emperor's blessing is a sign of gross distaste.
When the Emperor is not present, traffic and activity around the Road of the Most High follows the pattern around religious artifacts or places of worship. Travelers pay reverence to the structure and none save the Caretakers touch the finely sanded wood planks or stones upon them.
Purpose / Function
Allows the Emperor to leave the Imperial Palace and directly exit the city.
Alternative Names
The Emperor's Walk
Type
Road
Parent Location
Owner
Owning Organization
Comments