Hosting embassies at Louis XIV’s & Qianlong’s courts: two rulers, one guest ritual?
Although Louis XIV is more commonly associated with the Kangxi emperor, when it comes to guest ritual, the analogy with his grandson the Qianlong emperor appears quite relevant. This article seeks to demonstrate that not only did the two rulers share a common conception of the guest ritual, in particular for embassies from afar, they also lent it a similar meaning and political function in the construction of their royal authority. This study also aims to understand the extent to which these diplomatic visits represent a lifetime opportunity for these two sovereigns to engage in a silent war. Centered around diplomatic protocol, this quiet battle sheds a light on the underlying conflictuality which underpins the meeting of two civilizations.
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