The Great Golden Gate serves as both the entrance and the main gate to the Xiaoling Mausoleum. Not far in front of the gate stands the Dismounting Archway. A tall memorial arch stands there, inscribed with the six large characters: "Officials of all ranks must dismount here." Civil officials are required to step out of their sedan chairs, and military officers must dismount and proceed on foot as a mark of respect.
The procession halted at the Dismounting Archway. Zhu Cilang and his party stepped out of their carriages and continued on foot. They soon reached the front of the Great Golden Gate, where the soldiers of the Xiaoling Guard were already drawn up in formation.
Mei Chun, the commander of the Xiaoling Guard, shouted from within the ranks, "Is that the Crown Prince?"
Chapter 1313