As time went on, Kangxi had become completely accustomed to the exercise plan that Lanqin had devised for him. Every morning he could enjoy a unique breakfast, his appetite improved remarkably, he ate more, and his energy returned.
However, the arrival of a heavy snowfall disrupted Kangxi's exercise routine, forcing him to do yoga indoors instead of going out for runs.
"Your Majesty, a memorial has arrived from the palace," Liang Jiugong said to Kangxi, who was doing yoga poses in the left side room. Although he was initially a little unaccustomed to seeing Kangxi doing these strange movements, he was now quite used to it. Seeing Kangxi doing those movements, seeing his mood improve, his spirits rise, and his appetite increase, no one else knew about these changes in Kangxi except Liang Jiugong.
"Hmm, leave it there. I'll finish this set of movements first." Kangxi no longer needed reminders and would come to do these movements on time every day.
Since Emperor Kangxi came here to recuperate, memorials from the palace have been sent out every three days. After Emperor Kangxi has reviewed and approved them, they are sent back to the palace by special messengers and distributed to the Grand Secretariat and then to high-ranking officials in various regions for implementation.
The Fourth Prince would go to the palace to perform his duties every day, and upon returning, he would come to pay his respects to Emperor Kangxi. However, whether or not Emperor Kangxi would see him was entirely up to him. Sometimes, Emperor Kangxi would not see the Fourth Prince, nor would he discuss memorials with him or inquire about matters of the court.
Lanqin and Hongli came over almost every day. Besides preparing a different breakfast for Kangxi every day, Lanqin also talked to him about health preservation. After reading the memorials, Kangxi taught Hongli to treat studying as one of his ways of leisure and entertainment. He lived a very fulfilling life, unlike in the palace where he was surrounded by so many beautiful women. Now, by cultivating his character and practicing moderation, Kangxi's health has indeed improved.
After reading the memorials for nearly an hour, Kangxi's expression suddenly turned sour; something must be wrong with the memorials. Liang Jiugong observed from the side, pondering to himself.
"Your Majesty, your American ginseng tea!" Liang Jiugong said.
"Summon the fourth prince today! No, summon Hongli instead," Kangxi said.
Liang Jiugong agreed and quickly withdrew. Seeing Kangxi's expression, he dared not go forward to disturb him.
Lanqin personally delivered the memorial to Hongli. Liang Jiugong secretly conveyed to Hongli that he was in a bad mood today because of the memorials, and warned him to be careful.
"Thank you, Eunuch Liang!" Lanqin said to Liang Jiugong, returning the bow.
"Actually, it is I who should thank Consort Liang more," Liang Jiugong quickly changed his manner of greeting.
"Why?" Lanqin asked.
"The Consort devised such a method for the Emperor, and his health has indeed improved a lot. We servants around him have also received less punishment and burden. Therefore, I am grateful to the Consort."
Hearing this, Lanqin knew that Kangxi had taken her words to heart and was doing as she was told. She happily said, "It is a blessing for all the people of our Great Qing to be healthy, Father. I have only done my bit."
“The concubine always manages to make the Emperor happy. Even I, as a servant, feel that the Emperor’s mood has improved a lot lately,” Liang Jiugong said.
"Actually, Father Emperor just hopes that people will treat him with more affection. I am merely fulfilling my duties as a daughter-in-law. It is Hongli's good fortune that he can win Father Emperor's favor," Lanqin said.
“Yes, if the people in the harem and the emperor’s other children could think like that, the emperor wouldn’t be so unhappy,” Liang Jiugong said.
"Father-in-law, who is causing Father Emperor any trouble?" Lanqin asked, seeing that Liang Jiugong had spoken so deeply to her.
"They're just those ignorant little nobles. As soon as they have children, they're eager to ask for titles and rewards. Sigh, even the Emperor has to hide here because he's so troubled," Liang Jiugong said.
When Lanqin heard that it was about her father-in-law's backyard, she knew it was best not to interrupt, but she was somewhat surprised that Liang Jiugong could speak so deeply with her. After leaving Changchun Garden, Lanqin pondered Liang Jiugong's words all the way.
"Master, watch your step," Si Hua said.
Lanqin's flowerpot-shaped footsteps landed on the slightly slippery ground. She straightened her steps, glanced at the snow on the ground, and tightened her grip on Sihua's hand.
Upon returning to Kyushu Qingyan, Lanqin was surprised to find that Fourth Master had actually come back.
"Just came from Father Emperor's place?" Fourth Prince asked as he sat on the heated couch drinking tea and saw Lanqin enter.
"Hmm. Master, why are you back so early today?" Lanqin asked the Fourth Master with a hint of surprise.
"I had nothing to do today, so I came back a little early. I'm going to pay my respects to Father Emperor later!" the Fourth Prince said.
"Your Majesty, Father Emperor seems to be in a bad mood today. I heard from Eunuch Liang that he's troubled by some things in the inner palace," Lanqin said as she sat down with the Fourth Prince.
"Is that what Eunuch Liang said?" Fourth Master asked.
"Yes, does Master know something?" Lanqin asked, noticing that Fourth Master seemed hesitant to speak.
"Father wanted to undertake a major renovation of the mausoleum, but was dissuaded by several ministers in the cabinet, including Your Highness," the Fourth Prince said.
Lanqin was startled upon hearing this. She knew that imperial tombs were built from the moment an emperor ascended the throne. The Qing Dynasty imperial tombs were all located north of Changping, with each emperor having his own separate mausoleum. His concubines and children would build tombs around him. But Kangxi was only sixty-one years old; why was there a sudden large-scale construction project on his tomb?
"Your Majesty, why does Father suddenly want to carry out a major renovation of the mausoleum?" Lanqin asked.
"I don't know that yet. Did Eunuch Liang tell you that Father Emperor is worried about things in the harem?" Fourth Prince asked again.
Lanqin nodded and said, "It seems that Father Emperor didn't bring any concubines this time, only two Noble Ladies. Moreover, he has been diligently following the health and exercise plan I devised for him. It's clear that Father Emperor values his health very much. So why would he suddenly want to carry out such a large-scale renovation of his mausoleum?"
Fourth Master said, "Perhaps someone instigated this!"
Lanqin was even more surprised and asked in astonishment, "Does Your Highness mean that someone said something to Father Emperor that made him want to carry out a major renovation of the mausoleum?"
"Has there been a Taoist priest by Father Emperor's side recently?" the Fourth Prince asked.
"I didn't notice anything," Lanqin said, shaking her head.
"I only just found out myself. Father Emperor brought a Taoist priest in this time. His name is Zhou Tiangang, and he says he is the last disciple of the Wudang Taoist sect leader. This man has been by Father Emperor's side for some time now. At first, he only talked to Father Emperor about health and wellness, but later, he started encouraging Father Emperor to seek the elixir of immortality," Fourth Prince said, frowning.
The secret to immortality!!
Lanqin stared at the Fourth Prince in surprise. Only then did she realize that Kangxi was so cooperative with the fitness plan she had made for him. It turned out that he did indeed have such psychological needs.
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