The rite of the Nine Bestowments is the highest honor an emperor can bestow upon his subjects.
It specifically includes chariots, clothes, vermilion doors, access to the stairs in front of the throne, musical instruments, ceremonial axes and yak-tail whisks, bows and arrows, and the Hegemon's Grain and Ritual Liquor. Compared to the items "bestowed" with the Nine Bestowments, they hold a special meaning; often, it's the imperial power's reluctant compromise to the subject who holds overwhelming military power.
Wang Mang, Cao Cao, Sima Zhao...
All received the rite of the Nine Bestowments.
The founding sovereigns of Nanqi and the predecessor dynasties first accepted the Nine Bestowments, then overthrew the former and established new dynasties, obtaining the throne.
It could be said that the Nine Bestowments are the prelude to forcing an emperor to abdicate.