In 666 the entire court prepared for the journey to Mt T’ai, the most sacred mountain of China, to make sacrifices (ritual rites). Pilgrimages such as this were undertaken to invoke blessings on a monarch’s reign, and to pray for confirmation and continuation of the authority placed in him. The imperial couple stayed in important monasteries along the way. Indeed, the trip had special significance for the Emperor and his new Empress, and they triumphantly received the envoys from Japan, Korea, and southeast Asia who attended the rites. The time was indeed auspicious – China was at peace and food abundant. To mark occasion the Emperor granted promotions, awarded titles, and gave generous gifts to the aged. He and the Empress then visited the major sites as well as the birthplaces of Confucius and Lao Tzu.