Chapter Six, the emperor and empress share a ceremonial drink, the frost covers the ground.
Currently, there is a Buddhist hall in the West Hall of Cining Palace, where the morning and evening rituals of worship and scripture recitation are conducted with great devotion
The light rain on the heavenly street is as soft as butter, the grass appears green from a distance but is actually bare up close
A sleepless night passed, and as dawn broke, the officials of the Internal Affairs Court, along with two princes' consorts and two noblewomen, were waiting outside the Palace of Kunning. They were prepared to assist the Emperor and Empress as soon as they rose, helping them with their crowns and garments, and presenting fruit and tea. The Empress held the firewood, which was handed over to the noblewoman Quanfu for safekeeping by the hair-braiding shaman.
Regarding the consort named Dongzhu, from the moment she entered the palace, Kangxi found her somewhat displeasing
The pillow core is entirely filled with chrysanthemum flowers dried this season, with the buds serving as the pillow cushion. Dongzhu said, "Chrysanthemums can brighten the eyes and clear the heart; their fragrance is subtle and calming, making it possible to sleep peacefully every night with this as a pillow"
Yes, at this moment he needs to take a breath, to experience the outside sky, the palace walls, and the flowers and grass, to dilute the suffocating red that fills his vision
He Shenli stared intently at Kangxi, his gaze unwavering, as if he sought to penetrate into the depths of his heart to discern the truth of his words
Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang and the Emperor were seated on a kang covered with a scarlet carpet. To their left sat the Empress, while on the ground, facing each other, were two intricately carved rosewood armchairs. One chair was occupied by Fuquan and Changning, while the other side was taken by Concubine Zhao and Concubine Ren, along with two women dressed in new palace attire.
"Well, common people can call off engagements, so the Emperor can certainly do the same." He Shenli laughed, like a blooming flower under the bright sun
Kangxi was somewhat surprised and reached out to support her
This girl is too scheming, and Kangxi did not like her from the very beginning. Therefore, when it came time to allocate the palaces, he sent her to the Chengqian Palace
However, as he gradually grew up and began to take on the responsibilities of governance, he slowly approached the memory of his deceased father, the Emperor. It was then that he came to understand the wisdom and courage behind his father's actions, which were often shocking and feared by others, and he could also better appreciate his father's loneliness and helplessness.
In the warm atmosphere of the He family, she spoke up, saying: "The noble person is indeed correct. The Emperor is exceptionally intelligent, and it is not uncommon for him to handle matters more swiftly than others; this is one reason. The second reason lies in the current circumstances. It is precisely because of these circumstances that we have the opportunity to serve the Emperor in the palace. I understand that the more precarious the situation, the more we must tread carefully in our words and actions, always remembering the foresight and concerns of our ancestors, and we will certainly not disappoint them."
However, at the moment he lifted the veil, he realized that all the efforts he had made in the past were in vain
Her self-satisfaction highlighted his inferiority
The queen was presented with a pair of night pearls the size of goose eggs, while the consorts Zhao and Ren received identical jade ruyi. The favored concubines Fu and Xian each received a pair of jade bracelets.
In the moment she lifted the veil, her face radiated a unique feminine shyness, along with an excitement that she tried hard to conceal yet could not hide, and a determined expression that conveyed her resolute intent. It was precisely this expression that inadvertently touched the fragile depths of the young emperor's heart
Because he knows that everyone looks down on his father, the emperor
Second Prince, Fifth Prince. Su Malagu wanted to intervene, but she heard Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang say: "Enough, now that the two of them have left, we can have a private conversation."
He once swore that in this lifetime, he would never follow the old path of his father, the emperor
On the sixth day of the ninth month, she entered the palace with Noble Consort Tongjia Jinzhen, and it was in the Cining Palace that Kangxi first met her
She is extraordinarily beautiful, so beautiful that it is off-putting, at least to Kangxi. He feels that such beauty is too unreal, too ostentatious, and too proud, so he deliberately treats her coldly and ignores her
It was not until Su Malagu urged him repeatedly that he had no choice but to return to Kun Ning Palace, to face his empress, his bridal chamber
What is said is not merely appropriate
Upon entering the Yan Shou Hall, the originally lively sounds of warblers and swallows came to an abrupt halt
This statement, coming from her mouth, commands great admiration from everyone.
After he became the emperor, the thing he feared the most was being compared to his father, even the slightest hint of comparison in someone's gaze was unbearable for him
Her words struck a chord in the heart of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang
He Shen Li closed her eyes, and Mama was right; the eighth day of the ninth month is indeed a good day. On this day, she would not only become the Empress of the Qing Dynasty, as there had been several empresses before her, but she aspired to be a truly happy empress
Kangxi first paid his respects to Xiaozhuang, then exempted the female relatives from their formalities. The arrival of Fuquan and Changning brought a lively atmosphere to the room, as everyone took their seats and enjoyed tea, naturally engaging in a round of courteous exchanges.
Everyone laughed, except for Su Ma who stood in front of Chang Ning: "My Fifth Brother, what day is it that you dare to speak nonsense? This is also utter nonsense!"
It is evident that the Emperor's heart is beating very strongly
After an unknown period of time, a smile appeared on Heshili's face
The people are not unaware, but they all dare not speak.
As soon as she finished speaking, everyone from the Emperor down, including the Empress, the two imperial consorts, and two noble ladies, rose to respectfully listen to the admonition
Thus, Kangxi was led by Changning and entered the Cining Palace together with Fuquan
"Your Majesty, Fourth Miss?" Chang Ning stared wide-eyed, looking up and down at the Queen. Hesheli found it somewhat amusing to be looked at this way by her younger brother-in-law, who was several years her junior, and still performed the greeting: "May Fifth Master be well."
"Changning, if you continue to speak nonsense, I will not pay attention to you." Fu Qian, being older, naturally could not maintain his dignity and immediately turned to leave.
"Ancestors, are all these women my imperial sisters-in-law?" Chang Ning looked at the room full of women with a hint of displeasure in her eyes
From today onwards, His Majesty is not only the emperor of all the people under heaven, but also mine, the sky of He Shen Li Yun Fang. He Shen's voice trembled slightly, and her hands gently wrapped around the Kangxi dressed in the dragon robe, her flushed face naturally burying itself in his chest.
Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang took the chrysanthemum pillow, gently stroking the character for longevity on it, and remained silent for quite a while
Fu Quan smiled innocently: "I originally intended to go out, but Chang Ning kept insisting on visiting the Empress Dowager. Just as we arrived at Ci Ning Palace, we were driven out by Mama Su, who said that the Emperor had not yet arrived, and it was unreasonable for a new bride to meet her younger and elder brothers-in-law first."
Chang Ning immediately jumped over: "This beautiful sister can talk, so she is a real person! Just now, she was so still that I thought she was some rare offering from the local area! I was even saying how well-made this wax figure is, and I was planning to ask my brother the Emperor to lend it to me for a couple of days!"
Standing by the wedding bed, looking at the jade ruyi placed at the four corners of the bed, Kangxi's expression was somewhat solemn
Until Su Malagu ordered someone to lay out the worship mat indoors, the Emperor, Empress, and the various concubines performed their ceremonial bows, and only then did Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang repeatedly express her approval
After a series of solemn and elaborate ceremonies, the Empress took a brief rest in Kun Ning Palace, receiving the congratulations of the imperial consorts and female officials. Meanwhile, the Emperor proceeded to Shou Huang Hall to pay his respects before the sacred portraits of his ancestors.
Only Fuguiren, Borjigin Ulan, is the niece of Empress Xiaozhuang and the niece of Empress Dowager Renxian. She grew up in Mongolia and has a very straightforward personality. She responded: "Your Majesty is exceptionally intelligent, and it is not surprising that you married two years earlier than the late emperor. Moreover, the Empress Dowager must have wished to hold her great-grandson as soon as possible"
Return it? Kangxi was at a loss for words. Hesheli was thirteen years old, one year older than himself and two years older than Dongzhu, yet when he spoke, he sounded like a child
The Imperial Household Department set up a Heaven and Earth table in the main hall of Kun Ning Palace, adorned with auspicious objects, incense candles, incense burners, and apples; to the north, a table for the God of Joy was arranged, to serve the Emperor as he approached the Heaven and Earth incense altar to offer incense. After the Emperor completed his incense offering, he and the Empress performed three kneelings and nine prostrations before the Heaven and Earth incense altar. Subsequently, they approached the God of Joy table to offer incense, again performing three kneelings and nine prostrations.
She is the granddaughter of Sony
Today, the Imperial Concubine is not wearing the grand ceremonial attire of a royal consort, nor is she adorned with a court crown. Instead, she is dressed in a fitted light blue qipao that perfectly accentuates her alluring and delicate figure. The hem of the qipao, in a shade of blue as light as water, features subtly embroidered pink butterflies that seem to flutter as if ready to take flight. Her simple hair bun is adorned with only a white jade hairpin, lacking any further embellishment. Overall, she presents a serene and elegant demeanor, with lowered brows and a composed gaze, reminiscent of a lotus blossom.
Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang remained composed and silent, merely smiling slightly as she quietly observed everything before her
Seeing his serious expression, Cao Yin chose not to speak further
Kangxi also fell silent, casting a glance at Dongzhu, and then gazed at the Empress for a long time.
In the East Warm Pavilion of Kun Ning Palace, He Shier Yunfang, dressed in the queen's ceremonial attire, sat alone on the large red wedding mattress embroidered with exquisite patterns of dragons and phoenixes. Her gaze was filled with earnest anticipation as she watched the Emperor approach her step by step, nervously biting her vermilion lips.
Her silhouette reminded him of a saying like this
Therefore, she must firmly ensnare him, ensuring that he likes her more than any other woman.
The gift from Heshili is not only precious but also very thoughtful
It is widely circulated and highly praised in the outside world as the "Four-Complete Young Lady"
It is said that she is more beautiful and talented than Hesheli, yet during the final selection in front of the Emperor, she suddenly fell ill and could not attend. The ancestors ordered a thorough investigation and discovered that she had taken the medicine herself, which she had concealed in a hollow hairpin brought into the palace. Kangxi felt quite uncomfortable upon hearing this; she did not wish to participate in the selection. Such a woman must be extremely self-assured and quite scheming, and it would be best if she were not selected, so he decisively dismissed her. However, unexpectedly, the ancestors insisted that she enter the palace as a consort, which also led to criticism from Princess Heshuo regarding her entry into the palace. Kangxi felt quite uncomfortable upon hearing this; she did not wish to participate in the selection. Such a woman must be extremely self-assured and quite scheming, and it would be best if she were not selected, so he decisively dismissed her. However, unexpectedly, the ancestors insisted that she enter the palace as a consort, which also led to criticism from Princess Heshuo regarding her entry into the palace. Why did the ancestors want her to enter the palace? Was it simply because she was the daughter of Ebilun and the adopted daughter of Aobai? According to Cao Yin, it was she who recognized Aobai as her adoptive father.
In the Heshe, her complexion slightly flushed, it was hard to tell whether it was due to nervousness or shyness. After a brief pause, she stood up, walked over, took Dongzhu's hand, and approached Kangxi and Xiaozhuang: "Ancestors, Sister Zhao is a close friend of Fang'er from her boudoir. Since childhood, she has never fallen short of Fang'er in terms of skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, as well as in virtue and eloquence. Now, being able to enter the palace together to serve our ancestors and to live harmoniously and peacefully together for a long time is truly a blessing for us."
At this moment, the consort was accepted into the palace, and anyone with discernment knew the reason behind it. However, as the person involved, she surprisingly did not conceal her intentions, but rather accepted the situation with calmness and even ease, making such a declaration in front of the other consorts, truly displaying an extraordinary demeanor
She is ultimately self-satisfied
He Shenli stood up, walked gently to Kangxi, and turned around. The bright red ceremonial dress and crown enveloped her, making her dance like a flame: "Your Majesty, can you see clearly? I stand completely before you. If Your Majesty does not like it, you may send me back.
In plain attire and simple makeup, without the slightest hint of embellishment, yet possessing an unparalleled beauty that renders all women pale in comparison
Here, Changning was still asking Su Malagu questions about various matters, and Su Malagu could only introduce them one by one. She introduced Ren Fei and then pointed to a woman in a light lotus-colored gown sitting at the lower end, saying, "This is the newly entered Fu Guiren." Then she pointed to a woman in a dark green gown, saying, "This is Xian Guiren."
In the distance, Fu Quan and Chang Ning were seen approaching. "We, Fu Quan and Chang Ning, congratulate Your Majesty, and Your Majesty is greatly pleased!"
The remaining gifts presented by the concubines are all imbued with auspicious significance, among which the chrysanthemum pillow offered by Consort Zhao stands out as the most distinguished
She was appointed by the Empress Dowager and was also personally conferred by him through a decree to the world
Empress Xiaozhuang smiled, while Kangxi displayed a look of displeasure and shot a glare at Noble Consort Fu, who immediately became bewildered and at a loss.
He had also, for a long time, believed like many others that his father, the emperor, was too cowardly, too selfish, and too hasty
The pillow surface is embroidered with the character for longevity in the shape of a ten-thousand-character circle, personally crafted by Dongzhu. It features dozens of variations of the character for longevity in Manchu, Mongolian, and Han scripts. Not only does it not appear chaotic or crowded, but the embroidery technique and brushwork are perfectly combined, creating a lively and ethereal masterpiece that can be considered a classic
He seemed to have experienced the circumstances of his father's first and second grand weddings, so he turned around and left, as if fleeing, making his way towards the Imperial Garden from Kun Ning Palace
"Your servant pays respects to Your Majesty." The Empress, along with the imperial concubines and female officials, bowed in unison to offer their greetings
"Chang Ning still speaks so offbeat," said Xiao Zhuang with a smile as she took a sip of tea. "Su Ma, please give our Chang Ning some guidance."
However, at the moment of lifting the veil
After making such arrangements, Kangxi felt somewhat relieved in his heart
"Who is this? Is she even more beautiful than our Yanshu? Did she just walk out of the painting?" Changning exclaimed, her eyes wide open.
The Empress said with a smile, "When commoners break off engagements, it is due to the wife committing one of the seven offenses. The Empress hails from a noble family, and the family tradition of the Chief Minister Sony is strict and upright. The Empress has learned from his words and actions, and her virtuous nature must serve as a model for all women in the world." Kangxi replied
Throughout her life, Xiaozhuang experienced three transformations in her spiritual beliefs. In her youth, she practiced Shamanism; in her middle age, due to the illness of Shunzhi's first empress, she became acquainted with the Western Catholic priest, Giovanni Tang, and converted to Catholicism. Later, she gradually turned to Buddhism under the influence of Shunzhi.
The Inner Tea and Meal Preparation Department prepares the reunion dining table outside the gate of the Kun Ning Palace, where the female officials respectfully present the dining table
"Very well, then I can rest assured." Empress Xiaozhuang was quite satisfied. After speaking, she casually waved her hand, and immediately a palace maid approached with a gift box. The Empress and the other concubines were all rewarded accordingly.
Upon completing the rites, the Emperor and Empress together approached the Kitchen God to offer incense, performing the three kneelings and nine prostrations as a sign of respect
"Ankang, Ankang." Changning glanced at the Empress, then shifted her gaze to the other concubines, finally pausing on Zhaofei.
"Second brother, Fifth brother." Upon seeing the two of them, Kangxi's mood brightened instantly, "What brings you here? Today the Grand Secretariat is unusually closed for a day off, I thought you two would have slipped away to have some fun already"
Changning immediately chased after.
Your Majesty, among the common people, a wife can only be divorced for seven specific reasons. However, Your Majesty is different from the common folk; You are the Son of Heaven. As long as Your Majesty is displeased, You may dismiss a wife without needing any reason. He Shen Li reined in her smile and directly met the gaze of Emperor Kangxi.
Kangxi was not quite accustomed to being gazed at so directly by a young woman, and he slightly furrowed his brow. "The Empress is joking again. Firstly, although the Emperor is the Son of Heaven, he must have reasons for his actions, and there are ancestral laws and regulations governing him, with ministers and the common people observing. One cannot simply do as one pleases. Furthermore, one must not act or speak inappropriately, nor compromise one's virtue. Secondly, I do not dislike the Empress."
Kangxi did not respond, but merely walked forward slowly.
"Yes. " Su Malagu first pointed at the Empress and said, "This is Her Majesty the Empress."
Thus, he witnessed such a scene
Everyone in the palace knows that the Chengqian Palace is the sleeping quarters of the Emperor's favored concubine, Dong Eshi Wuyun Zhu. They believe that the Emperor holds Dong Zhu in high regard; however, since Wuyun Zhu's death, no one has lived in the Chengqian Palace. It has not been maintained for many years and has long since become like a cold palace, with ominous signs circulating about it.
Before lifting the bridal veil in the bridal chamber today, he repeatedly reminded himself with various reasons that Hesheli Yunfang was the most outstanding and the most suitable candidate to be his queen
His two concubines were chatting hand in hand, deeply engrossed in their conversation, completely unaware of a flash of bright yellow not far away under the palace corridor
"Grandma Su is quite particular." Changning, being young and not mindful of the distinction between sovereign and subjects, immediately took hold of Kangxi's hand, saying, "Brother Emperor, let's hurry, I want to go see your Fourth Lady soon!"
"Very good, very good." Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang nodded repeatedly, "The Empress is virtuous, and the Imperial Concubines are composed. If you sisters serve the Emperor harmoniously and beautifully, I will be at ease."
"Your Majesty, you are truly impressive; you have managed to marry us five imperial sisters at once. In addition to the Empress, there are two Imperial Concubines and two Noble Ladies." Chang Ning exclaimed, her expression quite exaggerated, then turned her gaze to Fu Quan, "Elder Brother is even older than Your Majesty, yet he has not married anyone yet!"
The queen presented to her ancestors a string of prayer beads meticulously crafted from deep-sea red coral, consisting of a total of one hundred and eight beads. Remarkably, the color, size, and roundness of each bead are uniformly exquisite. Not only are they of considerable value, but as prayer beads, they also reflect the queen's sincere intentions.
It seems that his father, the emperor, also left the empress and walked out of the Kun Ning Palace during his second wedding.
Subsequently, the Empress led the imperial concubines and female officials to the Cining Palace to pay their respects to the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager Renxian, marking the complete conclusion of the grand wedding
She possesses a dignified appearance, graceful demeanor, and an array of elegant gestures. Throughout the entire wedding ceremony, her movements were measured and appropriate, earning her continuous praise from the usually strict Princess Kang and the often critical Princess An, who both displayed genuine admiration for her.
However, her recent words left Kangxi extremely shocked, and he had no choice but to scrutinize her carefully. Unfortunately, he could only see her back, but this was also good, as it allowed him to observe her with great seriousness and composure
Upon exiting the Shouhuang Hall, Kangxi abandoned his sedan chair and walked on foot
The woman surrounded by bright red, sitting on the bed, is his queen
The attendant Cao Yin said: "If we walk from here to Cining Palace, it will take half an hour. The Emperor should still take the palanquin!"
The Empress and others also prepared offerings to present.
The abrupt and chaotic questioning was truly unexpected, leaving everyone in the room stunned. Only Dongzhu displayed a faint smile, a hint of playfulness shining through her cool demeanor, as she rose slightly and offered a courteous bow: "Fifth Master, you flatter me. Dongzhu pays her respects to you!"
This took Kangxi by surprise. After meeting Hesheli's gaze and pondering for a moment, he said: "What do you mean by this, Empress?"
Does Your Majesty not like me?" After Kangxi lifted the veil, Hesheli walked out of the East Warm Pavilion in a daze. Now, being summoned back by Mama Su, she wore a look of confusion once again, causing her heart to sink. Having been raised as a boy since childhood, she disregarded modesty and shyness, and boldly asked.
Xiao Zhuang glanced around at the crowd before speaking: "Although what Fifth Brother just said was somewhat reckless, it cannot be dismissed as nonsense. The late emperor married at the age of fifteen, while the current emperor was only twelve when he established his empress. Do you know the reason for this?"
"I thank Your Majesty," she said, respectfully kneeling down.