Zhao means sunrise.
Emperor Kangxi bestowed this character upon Hongzhao, and his affection for him was palpable.
He originally intended to name Hongzhao Hongxi when he was a month old, a name that would be neither outstanding nor unremarkable.
The character “皙” cannot be compared to “昭”.
Even Yinreng, Kangxi's darling, was shocked upon hearing his father's sudden imperial decree.
The old man was incredibly generous; it scared the crap out of me.
The eldest prince was almost in tears. He had just said that illegitimate sons were useless, and Kangxi had slapped him in the face like that. The slaps were loud and painful! Of all their sons, probably only the crown prince was their biological son.
With a son who is deeply favored by the emperor, the crown prince is destined to demonstrate to the outside world that his position as heir apparent is as secure as a mountain.
The Third Prince, who also had a glimmer of hope, turned pale for a moment, his little flame of desire extinguished by a bucket of cold water.
Kangxi held Hongzhao in his arms, liking him more and more as he looked at him.
Seeing that Hongzhao was being valued, Yinreng angrily hugged the little princess in his arms.
Sons are favored, but daughters cannot be neglected.
When the Empress Dowager married Emperor Shunzhi, all she wanted was to have a daughter.
Seeing that Kangxi was following suit, she took the little princess from Yinreng's hands.
"Your Highness, you are still young. This is not how you hold a child. Let me show you." The Empress Dowager spoke nonsense with a straight face.
"Since the Emperor has bestowed a name upon Hongzhao, then I, too, will bestow a name upon the little princess, shall I?" The Empress Dowager saw that Yinreng looked pitiful after she had taken the little princess away, and she couldn't help but soften her heart and said.
Emperor Kangxi's favoritism towards the crown prince was nothing new, and she had followed his lead for many years.
"It is a great blessing for the eldest princess to be given a name by the Empress Dowager." Yinreng moved closer to the Empress Dowager with a beaming smile.
The Empress Dowager enjoyed the Crown Prince's coquettishness and flattery: "Tana! Our Qing Dynasty's most precious Eastern pearl!"
There are countless girls named Tana in the capital, but what matters is the Empress Dowager's last words.
The First Princess frowned slightly. The most precious pearl from the East, such a valuable gift—she wondered if the young princess could bear it.
The higher you are lifted up, the harder you fall.
Those attending the baby's third-day celebration secretly pondered their future attitudes toward the twins, yet also felt moved and sorry for Tong Wanyan.
They're openly firing at targets; once the Crown Princess takes over Yuqing Palace, they'll definitely cause quite a stir.
Now that they've received the glory, the road ahead will be even more difficult.
Hongzhao and Tana showed special respect to Kangxi and the Empress Dowager, lying quietly in their arms without crying or fussing, blowing bubbles and occasionally giggling, melting the hearts of their elders.
To be honest, Tong Wanyan was really good at giving birth. It was one thing that Hongzhao looked like Chenghu, but even Tana, upon closer inspection, noticed that his features were strikingly similar to the Empress Dowager.
He can please two at once; that's really impressive.
Fortunately, no one else noticed this; only Granny Ling, Emperor Kangxi, and the Empress Dowager knew.
They wouldn't tell outsiders, so that the twins could spend their third-day celebration peacefully.
When the auspicious hour arrived, everyone turned and went to the outer hall.
Inside the hall was an altar enshrining thirteen deities, including Bixia Yuanjun, Qiongxiao Niangniang, Yunxiao Niangniang, Cuisheng Niangniang, Songzi Niangniang, Douzhen Niangniang, and Yanguang Niangniang. Millet was placed in the incense burner to be used as ash for holding incense sticks.
Granny Ling placed a copper basin containing soup made from locust branches and mugwort leaves, along with other ceremonial items, on the table.
Two midwives each held one child, and according to rank and age, Kangxi led the way by adding a small spoonful of water to the basin and then throwing in some gold and silver ingots.
After adding the baby to the basin, the midwife picked up a mallet and stirred the water, chanting, "Stir, stir, stir three times, the older brother leads the younger brother running. Seventy-year-old, eighty-year-old, crooked-haired, naughty, they're all coming in with a whoosh!"
When the warm water touched the twins, they both burst into tears, their cries clear and loud.
This is extremely auspicious!
Kangxi felt a sense of satisfaction as he watched Hongzhao kick his legs and cry loudly.
In his excitement, he almost showered the recipients with a string of good things.
Fortunately, he held back, knowing that too much of a good thing can be bad.
The midwife stared at the basin full of gold and silver, her heart pounding in her throat with excitement.
It's out! It's out!
Being chosen to perform the third-day ritual for the two young masters is truly a blessing from their ancestors.
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