For nearly five centuries, the Emperor of China was known as the Son of Heaven. While he possessed absolute power, his life was not one of leisure. Instead, it was governed by a strict, minute-by-minute schedule of rituals, study, and governance.
An Emperor’s day began long before sunrise. At 5:00 AM, the Emperor would rise and prepare for his first duty: paying respect to his ancestors. This was followed by a Morning Audience at the Gate of Supreme Harmony.
During these audiences, high-ranking officials and ministers would present reports on the state of the empire. The Emperor would listen to issues regarding taxes, border security, and famine relief. Because the Emperor was the link between Heaven and Earth, his decisions were considered divine law.
After a formal breakfast (usually taken alone), the Emperor spent his midday hours reviewing documents called Memorials. These were reports sent from every province in China. The Emperor would use a special "vermilion brush" to write comments in red ink—ink that no one else in the world was allowed to use.
An Emperor was expected to be a master of the "Four Arts": Calligraphy, Painting, Music, and Strategy. Even after becoming the ruler, the Emperor continued his education. He would study Confucian classics with imperial tutors to ensure he remained a virtuous leader.
Dinner was served around 5pm. Much like breakfast, this was a massive affair involving dozens of dishes, though the Emperor rarely finished them all. This was done to demonstrate the wealth and abundance of the empire. After dinner, he might spend time with his family in the Inner Court before retiring to bed around 9:00 PM to prepare for the next day's cycle.