Chapter 16 The day of the birthday celebration passed by quickly...
Days passed by, and soon it was Kangxi's birthday. The Imperial Household Department had been busy preparing for this event since the imperial concubine selection in February. Today, the entire Forbidden City was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
In the morning, Emperor Kangxi first convened a grand court assembly in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where he received all his officials, including civil and military officials and envoys from foreign vassal states, who offered their birthday greetings to the emperor. After the assembly, he received his princes and grandsons in the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
The eldest prince, who had been granted the title of Prince Zhi in his younger years, was the first to offer his congratulations on the emperor's birthday. Standing there like a mountain, he spoke with great passion: "Father, gold and silver ornaments are all worldly things and not worth mentioning. After much thought, I have realized that only sincerity is truly precious. Therefore, I have been observing a vegetarian diet and changing my clothes several months in advance. I personally wrote ten thousand 'Fu' characters in my meditation room and offered them in the Buddhist hall for forty-nine days, hoping that the gods and Buddhas will bless Father with a long and healthy life."
"Good, good," Kangxi said happily, "You've put your heart into this."
After Prince Zhi finished speaking, it was Prince Cheng's turn. Prince Cheng couldn't help but think to himself, "Look how eloquent my elder brother is! He can dismiss their gifts with a single word." He could only pick out the most outstanding gift and say, "Your subject has recently visited renowned artists and acquired a painting, 'Offering Longevity at the Jade Terrace,' by the Southern Song Dynasty master Liu Songnian. Today, I present it to Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty a long and prosperous life."
"Hmm, this is interesting too," Kangxi smiled and nodded, then looked down at the Fourth Prince and Fourth Prince.
The Fourth Prince said in a deep voice, "I am ashamed to say that if we were to talk about the most outstanding items among the congratulatory gifts, it would be a set of celadon porcelain with dragon and phoenix patterns from the Yongle period. I specially purchased it from Jiangnan. It is not as thoughtful as my eldest and third brothers. I hope Father Emperor will not find it distasteful."
Emperor Kangxi enjoyed seeing his sons eagerly presenting gifts, and immediately laughed heartily, saying, "Whether they are unusual or ordinary, it is all your good intentions. As long as you are filial, I am happy." He glanced at Liang Jiugong and said, "Remember to find the porcelain belonging to the Fourth Prince later. I need it."
A smile immediately appeared in the Fourth Prince's eyes. "It is their good fortune that Father Emperor likes them." As he said this, he actually knelt down in front of everyone: "Father Emperor, your son would like to ask for your grace."
Kangxi gave an "oh," and asked with interest, "What is it? Tell me." He then said, "Today is Father Emperor's birthday, a joyous day for the whole family..." He knew what the man wanted to say from the very beginning. A complex feeling welled up in Kangxi's heart, and he lowered his eyes, saying in a deep voice, "Alright..."
He looked impatient, and Fourth Master immediately shut his mouth.
Kangxi called him up, as if he didn't want to hear the name of the Second Prince of Xian'an Palace. He didn't ask what the princes behind him had given him, but looked at the row of grandsons behind him and said, "Call these little ones up, I want to ask them about their studies."
The grandsons of the emperor were led up by the eunuchs and immediately knelt down, saying in unison, "Your grandsons wish the Emperor a long life! Long live the Emperor!"
The first one was Hongyu from the Prince Zhi's family, followed by Hongxi and Hongjin, the sons of the deposed crown prince, then Hongqing and Hongsheng from the third prince Cheng's family, Honghui from the fourth prince's family, and then the sons of the fifth and seventh princes.
Emperor Kangxi looked at the group of children with affection, asked them about their recent studies, and then dismissed them. He was tired from seeing so many people since morning, and he still had to see people in the afternoon, so he said, "I still have memorials to read. You may all leave now. There will be time for fun tonight."
The princes and grandsons all knelt down and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, Your Majesty, pay your respects."
A group of people left the Qianqing Palace. The grandsons went to the Imperial Study, while the princes were to leave the palace and come back in the evening. From the moment they came out, Prince Zhi had been giving Fourth Prince a disapproving look. With a forced smile, he said, "Fourth Prince, you're really something. On such a fine day, you dare to mention someone unlucky to Father Emperor."
The Fourth Prince hated being called a Beile (Prince). His eldest and third brothers were both Princes of the Second Rank, but he was only a Beile, the same title as the other princes who had been granted titles. However, he was not one to be ridiculed; when he put on a stern face, no one could tell whether he was happy or not.
“Brother, no matter what, that man is still Father Emperor’s son,” he said.
Prince Zhi snorted coldly, his gaze sweeping over the circle of princes behind him. Among them, the Third Prince Cheng had already hidden himself away, the Fifth and Seventh Princes merely smiled, and the Ninth and Tenth Princes dared not meet his eyes. Only the Eighth Prince stepped forward and said, "Big brother, you're still in the palace."
Prince Zhi said, "What am I afraid of?" Although he said that, he cut off the conversation and left without lingering.
Eighth Prince, though seemingly humiliated, remained unperturbed, a smile still playing on his lips. Ninth Prince, Tenth Prince, and Fourteenth Prince caught up with him from behind, and Ninth Prince muttered, "What's so arrogant about him? Father didn't call him to the front during the Spring Equinox memorial day."
Eighth Master's smile remained unchanged as he reminded him, "Little Ninth, don't talk nonsense."
Ninth Master shrugged. He was only speaking up for Eighth Master; in reality, he wouldn't dare say it in front of Prince Zhi.
At this moment, Fourteen said, "Eighth Brother, I am very grateful for your help in establishing my own residence this year."
Ninth Prince and Tenth Prince exchanged a knowing glance. Eighth Prince had been exceptionally diligent since his studies in the Imperial Study. He established his own residence early and was granted the title of Prince and concurrently served as the Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Department. They, along with their younger brothers, had all benefited from Eighth Prince's influence. This was why Ninth Prince and Tenth Prince had aligned themselves with him. Of course, none of their older brothers looked up to them; only Eighth Prince truly valued them, and there were benefits and advantages to be gained. Why wouldn't they align themselves with him?
Eighth Prince laughed and said, "We're all brothers, and I'm in charge of the Imperial Household Department, so of course I'll lend a hand whenever I can." He patted his shoulder affectionately, "You got married last year, so you should let Father Emperor hold his grandson soon." Upon hearing this, Ninth Prince and Tenth Prince also laughed out loud.
Fourteen's face flushed red instantly, and he stammered, "You guys are just teasing me." With that, he lifted his robe and ran away.
Once outside the palace gates, the princes boarded their own carriages. The smile on the Eighth Prince's lips had vanished as he sat in his carriage. He reflected on the recent events, thinking that the Prince Zhi's momentum was waning day by day. Then, he unconsciously glanced towards the Qianqing Palace, secretly wondering: "Father, do you still have feelings for the deposed Crown Prince?"
Inside the Qianqing Palace, two warm, white jade ruyi scepters lay before Emperor Kangxi. He unconsciously stroked them, and after a long while said, "These were given to the Empress by me years ago." Although he didn't say which Empress, it was clear to everyone that he was referring to Empress Renxiao.
Today is the Emperor's birthday, and he shouldn't be sighing, but Emperor Kangxi couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
After everyone else left, he inquired about the matter at Xian'an Palace from Liang Jiugong. Liang Jiugong reported that the Second Prince and Second Princess Consort of Xian'an Palace had also sent birthday gifts for the Emperor. The others were fine, but when he heard about the pair of jade ruyi scepters, he took notice and immediately ordered them to be brought in, finding that it was indeed as he had expected.
If Hesheli were still alive...
Kangxi couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.
She was a woman truly deserving of the title "Empress of the Nation," possessing not a trace of the arrogance often associated with the daughter of a high-ranking official. She was so gentle and submissive, and she bore him two legitimate sons. When their eldest son died young, she tearfully comforted him, her body weakened by illness, saying that the child would surely return. And indeed, not long after, she became pregnant again. She gave birth to the son they had longed for, but she herself never woke up again.
Kangxi wondered what Empress Heseri would think if she were still alive, knowing that he hadn't issued an edict granting the deposed crown prince permission to attend the family banquet that evening. But he truly didn't want to see the deposed crown prince, because he didn't know how to face this son. He couldn't help but wonder if the crown prince would resent him, resent the emperor, and resent his father.
But when he saw the jade ruyi, a warm feeling welled up inside him. The crown prince was ill, and he thought he would visit him after the prince recovered.
That evening, a banquet was held in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. All those present were among Emperor Kangxi's most trusted ministers. He sat high on his dragon throne, a smile playing on his lips as he listened to the toasts from Longkodo and the others below. After a moment, he said with great pleasure, "Look at you all, talking so happily! Why don't you drink a couple of cups to shut your mouths?"
As he spoke, he actually called over his two grandsons, Hongxi and Hongjin, to toast the ministers on his behalf.
The people below paused upon hearing Kangxi's words, but quickly resumed their chatter and laughter, as if the brief silence had been an illusion.
Prince Zhi's eyes reddened with rage as he watched Hongxi and Hongjin go around toasting each table with wine jugs. He had waited so many years for the Crown Prince to be deposed, only to have the deposed Crown Prince's son rise to prominence—how could he possibly do that!
But in this situation, he couldn't voice his pent-up resentment; he could only keep drinking in silence. He was the eldest son, and he refused to believe he was inferior to the deposed crown prince, or that his son was inferior to the deposed crown prince's son!
After the banquet, Hongxi and Hongjin knelt and returned to Xiefang Palace in front of everyone.
Hongjin followed behind Hongxi—his older brother—and slowly made his way into the palace. The vast palace was now empty except for the small courtyard in the east, which was lit up; the other courtyards were completely dark. The two younger children were understandably frightened by this environment, so they stayed together in the east front courtyard, each in a separate room facing the door.
Hong Jin asked cautiously, "Brother, can I sleep with you tonight?"
Hongxi shook his head and said, "You're all grown up now, you can't live with us anymore."
“Alright.” Hongjin lowered his head, then looked up again after a long while, his eyes sparkling, and said, “Brother, you’re amazing.” His hands were trembling as he went down to offer a toast, but Hongxi remained calm and composed. He thought to himself, “He truly is my brother. No wonder Mother told me not to stand out outside and to rely on Hongxi.”
Hongxi's face stiffened, but the night was deep and the lantern light was dim, so he couldn't see it. He said, "Alright, let's go back."
Hong Jin let out a sound of approval and was escorted by the lantern-bearing eunuchs as he walked towards the west wing.
Hongxi also entered the east wing, sat down, and closed his eyes slightly. He recalled the scene in the Hall of Preserving Harmony just now, and his hands couldn't help but tremble. He quickly put his hands under the table to block the view of others.
A mix of excitement, shock, fear, and pride welled up inside him. Then, Li Jia's teachings flashed through his mind. She had said: "Hongxi, your mother can only rely on you for the rest of her life. You must make us proud."
Mother, don't worry, I will definitely make you proud!
Inside the Qianqing Palace, Emperor Kangxi had just finished having his feet soaked and was walking towards his dragon bed, asking as he went, "Have Hongxi and Hongjin been to Xian'an Palace?"
Liang Jiugong lowered his eyes and said, "Neither of the two princes has been there."
Kangxi said, "Isn't there one day off each month?"
Liang Jiugong thought to himself, "Who would dare to approach Xian'an Palace at this time? Even the deposed crown prince's own son wouldn't dare." But he said aloud, "The princes are all busy with their studies, especially Prince Hongxi. The tutors in the Imperial Study all praise him for his diligence and hard work. He reads a book 128 times without stopping."
The bond between father and son is innate, inherited from one another, and cannot be broken.
Emperor Kangxi suspected that he was too strict with his children, which was why they dared not obey his orders. So he said, "Tell them to go to Xian'an Palace to see their father when they have time."
A note from the author:
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During the Qing Dynasty, princes and grandsons studied diligently and only had a few days off per year. However, this story makes a unique twist: they were granted an extra day off in the middle of each month.
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