Instead, one used Bixia (陛下 'bottom of the steps'), corresponding to "Your Imperial Majesty" and originally referring to his attendants, Huangshang (皇上 'imperial highness', Shengshang (圣上; 聖上 'holy highness') or Tianzi (天子 'Son of Heaven'). The emperor was also alluded to indirectly through reference to the imperial dragon ...