107. Chapter 107
"none"
In addition to offering sacrifices to heaven on the winter solstice, the emperor also held various grand sacrifices such as the "Heaven and Earth Sacrifice in the First Month of Spring", which were lively and solemn.
As soon as the news that Qi You offered sacrifices to heaven on behalf of Kangxi spread, undercurrents surged throughout the court and people were talking about it.
Before offering sacrifices to heaven, one needs to go to the Zhai Palace three days in advance to fast and bathe, write prayers, and slaughter pigs, sheep, cattle, deer, rabbits and other livestock to make vegetarian food.
Qi You had never had such a leisurely time since he started studying. He had a rare moment of leisure, doing nothing at all. He leaned back on the couch, thinking about the rumors, and couldn't help laughing.
"For a disabled person to offer sacrifices is disrespectful to the heavens."
"The Emperor has already chosen the crown prince."
"I've been trying to show off in front of the Emperor, appearing to be concerned about the country and the people, but now my true colors have finally been revealed."
And so on and so forth.
Of course, court officials with genuine ideas would not make their thoughts known to the public. Any words that did get out were simply instigated by those with ulterior motives.
They are all too impatient.
The sacrificial ceremony was elaborate, with constant rising and kneeling. In the capital's first month of the year, water froze to ice, and all the officials were frozen green.
After the sacrifice, Qi You gave the sacrifices boiled in clear water to the court officials according to the rules to show the power of heaven.
Prince Cheng's face turned from green to purple as he looked at the large piece of rabbit meat that the eunuch brought to him.
The meat, cooked in plain water without any seasoning, had already frozen into a ball, with white spots of fat floating on top, looking bland and fishy.
He chose rabbit meat, which has a more flavorful taste than beef, venison, etc.
Looking around, veteran officials like Li Guangdi all had a piece of beef in front of them that was neither too big nor too small.
The meat in front of the Fourth Prince was venison. Venison was tender and definitely tastier than rabbit.
Qi You was obviously bullying people, and anger was boiling in Prince Cheng's chest. In the sacrificial ceremony, he dared not vent it no matter what, and could only grit his teeth and swallow his anger.
Prince Cheng held the rabbit meat, but he couldn't eat it no matter how hard he tried. He kept looking around, hoping someone would jump out and take advantage of the chaos.
When he saw the large piece of greasy pork in front of the Eighth Prince and the Ninth Prince, they were not much better than him, and were even worse off.
I would rather die than let my friend die. Prince Cheng's anger calmed down a little, and he even began to gloat over their misfortune, waiting for them to eat the fat pork and watch the fun.
Qi You is not as despicable as them, and their rumors have no effect on him, and may even be an assist.
Qi You stopped talking and glanced at Prince Cheng and the others, then said in a clear voice, "Please be kind and take some of the offerings back with you, which will also bring good fortune back to benefit your family."
Everyone was worried that the offerings would be inedible, and they breathed a sigh of relief. When they heard that they had brought blessings back home, their worries turned into joy, and they wanted to grab another piece to get more blessings.
Qi You finished speaking and walked out. Everyone greeted him respectfully and waited for his procession to leave before dispersing.
After returning to the palace, Qi You changed into casual clothes and went to report to Kangxi.
As soon as he entered the house, a wave of heat hit him, almost suffocating him. Kangxi was leaning on a couch, wearing a thick jacket and a thick quilt on his legs. His face was pale and his spirits were low.
Kangxi supported himself on the couch and sat up straighter. He looked Qi You up and down and said, "You're back. Come sit down."
After thanking him, Qi You sat on the brocade stool in front of the bed and recounted the story of the trip to offer sacrifices to the heavens. "Khan Ama, I asked them to take the offerings back. Firstly, it's for good luck. Secondly, the fact that the offerings are tasteless is not a big deal. The main problem is that they were frozen cold. I'm worried that the old ministers have weak stomachs and will get sick if they eat them."
Kangxi had long known what had happened before and after the sacrifice, but he had just asked Qi You to offer sacrifices to heaven on his behalf, and all sorts of monsters and demons had emerged one after another.
This was all well and good; at least Kangxi saw clearly the fire burning in their hearts. They longed to grab his hand and write down their satisfactory choice of crown prince on his edict.
Kangxi snorted coldly and said, "You have done well. You are truly accumulating blessings. If they still do not cherish their blessings, they will be punished by heaven. Don't take what they say about you to heart."
Qi You moved his left leg, smiled nonchalantly, and said, "They have both legs intact, but they still get leg pain and soreness after kneeling for a long time. I was born like this, it's just inconvenient here."
He pointed to his left leg, then pointed again, "Using a person's physical disability as an excuse, at least this isn't a good place."
Kangxi knew who was secretly stirring up trouble. His other sons were directing them from behind, and the court officials who were attached to them were just pawns.
They laughed at Qi You's legs and treated him with contempt, and Kangxi was furious.
Even though his son was lame, he was his biological son. Scolding Qi You was like saying that his father was not virtuous.
Kangxi gritted his teeth, frowned, and cursed, "A bunch of bastards!"
Qi You hurriedly advised: "Khan Ama, please don't be angry. Being angry is not good for your health. Khan Ama..."
After hesitating for a moment, Qi You cast his gaze towards Kangxi's legs and asked, "You don't look well. Can you call the imperial physician to take your pulse?"
The emperor's pulse diagnosis and health condition were all top secrets. Others only dared to ask about his concerns and not to ask in detail.
Kangxi lifted his eyelids to glance at Qi You, then quickly lowered them. After a long silence, he said, "The imperial physician said it's diabetes."
Xiaoke disease is what is now known as diabetes. Qi You had been ill for a long time and had a certain understanding of various diseases. Diabetes in later generations could not be cured, let alone in the Qing Dynasty, where medical care was backward.
After all, he was his biological father. Qi You pondered for a moment, then followed his heart and said bluntly, "Khan Ama, you should eat lighter meals, with less sugar, salt, and oil. Don't use the finest white flour. Eat coarse and mushy meat instead."
Kangxi was stunned. He didn't expect Qi You to react like this.
If it were anyone else, they would have certainly expressed concern and filial piety. As for his pulse diagnosis and prescriptions, even the chief physician wouldn't dare make a decision lightly.
Qi Youque was frank in his suggestions for him to improve his diet.
Kangxi was in a very complicated mood and asked, "Where did you get this prescription? Is it useful?"
Qi You could only explain it in a way that Kangxi could understand: "Khan Ama, this recipe may not be of much use, but I suggest you try it. Think about it, when we eat too much sugar, we quickly become thirsty, which is somewhat similar to the symptoms of diabetes. White rice and white flour contain a lot of sugar, wheat can be used to make maltose, and rice can also be used to make sugar. Khan Ama, diabetes is difficult to cure, so we can only seek a prescription to relieve it and give you some relief."
Diabetes has always been difficult to cure. Qi You sought truth from facts and explained the truth clearly. If he had exaggerated too much, Kangxi would have become suspicious.
The recipe didn't include any medicinal herbs. Qi You's dietary habits were in line with the principles of health and longevity. He was a well-read man, well-informed, so it wasn't surprising that he could come up with this recipe.
After careful consideration, Kangxi finally let down his guard and jokingly said, "Okay, I'll listen to you this time. From now on, I'll be more careful about what I eat and give up sugar."
Qi You then persuaded, "Khan Ama, besides that, if you have the strength and can walk, you should get up and move around. Walk after meals and you will live to be nine hundred and ninety. Not only after meals, but also at other times."
Kangxi glared at Qi You, lifted the quilt and said impatiently, "Okay, okay, I'll listen to you. Living to nine hundred and nine is a thousand-year-old turtle, and living to eighty or ninety is a long life."
Qi You stepped forward and extended his hand, but he only stood aside, not really supporting him. He smiled and said, "Khan Ama, seeing you, I finally understand. No wonder you can hunt tigers. I can't do that. I can't compare with you."
Kangxi glanced at Qi You's hand, his smile growing wider. He walked slowly around the room and said, "That's because you only focus on studying all day. Even if you learn to shoot a bow and arrow, it's just a show. Only when you go hunting in the hunting grounds can you see the real thing."
Kangxi visited Mulan Hunting Ground almost every year and made several trips south of the Yangtze River. Qi You had never been one of his companions, so he couldn't help but laugh and said, "When the autumn hunt in Mulan comes this year, Khan Ama, please take me with you so I can go and broaden my horizons."
Kangxi smiled and glanced at Qi You, then said with deep emotion, "The Mongolian taijis often ask about you. Some of them are curious, while others are dissatisfied with you. You have transformed the people of the Khalkha tribe into true farmers. Seeing their comfortable and stable lives, many herders have followed your example, settling down in tents and yurts, and engaging in half-farming and half-grazing. But once life gets comfortable, people lose their fighting spirit. If this continues, in another ten or twenty years, Mongolia will be completely stable."
Lin Daniu was freed from his official duties and received a plaque bestowed by Emperor Kangxi, which made even dignitaries polite to him. He remains rooted there, diligently researching manure.
There are many people like Lin Daniu, including the siblings Zhang Song and Zhang Bai, He Ye and Lin Xiuxiu, etc. Some of them have already started families, while others are still single, scattered throughout the Qing Dynasty, working hard for the cause of surveying and mapping.
The harvest in the north increased year by year. Qi You never dared to take credit for the peace and stability of the area. He said, "If they want to see me, they might as well ask the local people. They will soon find out what kind of life they want."
Kangxi was used to hearing Qi You's emphasis on the people. He didn't realize it before, but now he felt it deeply.
With silver, the Ministry of Revenue had the confidence to do anything. The people could fill their stomachs and no longer needed to rely on tax exemptions, and they were also grateful to the court.
"If they could understand, they wouldn't fight like cockfighting cocks all day long, eager to kill each other over pasture and sheep. Forget it, let's not talk about them."
Kangxi swung his arms and relaxed, saying, "It's comfortable to lie down, but after lying down for too long, your whole body becomes weak. Getting up and walking around makes you feel much lighter. When a person is healthy, everything is good. When he is not healthy, all kinds of problems arise. You are tired too, so go back and rest early. After tomorrow's morning court session, I will issue the documents you brought earlier to them."
Qi You Ying said goodbye, but just as he reached the door, Kangxi called him and hesitated for a moment before saying, "Hongxi, you should keep a closer eye on him so that he won't be like a frightened bird and have no peace."
Qi You thought about it and said simply: "Khan Ama, why not let Hongxi work beside me?"
Kangxi was stunned and looked at Qi You straight.
Qi You's eyes were as clear as ever, without any evasion, and he spoke frankly, "Hongxi has already started a family and is the head of the household. He should do something to support the family instead of just relying on his salary. I sent Hong Nuan and the other nephews and nieces to Shunyi School to learn real skills with this intention in mind. When Hongshu is older, I will send him there as well. No matter what they like to study, medicine or agriculture, it's up to them. I don't want to see them grow up to be useless people who only know how to eat, drink, and have fun, and do nothing. Since they were born into the royal family, they should learn a skill more than anyone else and make some contributions within their capacity. They should not disgrace the reputation of the Jueluo family and be worthy of the land that gave birth to them."
Kangxi was horrified, his heart awash with emotions. His sons had been taught by renowned teachers from childhood until they were in their forties. In the end, they had learned a wealth of intrigues and schemes.
As for his grandchildren, Kangxi had considered their future, but he never came up with a solution that would satisfy both parties.
The princes in the upper study, sitting at the center of power, have been influenced by the world since childhood and surrounded by a group of smart people. Unconsciously, they have divided into camps and formed a united party, and they have to fight even if they don't want to.
His sons had already gone all gung-ho, and Kangxi didn't want to see his grandsons slaughtering each other again. He tried to speak, but his throat tightened. After a moment, he muttered, "Yes, they can no longer be useless. You take Hongxi with you. Starting tomorrow, let him work by your side during the day. If he can learn a little bit of your skills, it will be of great benefit to him in the future."
Qi You did not mention that Hongxi should move out of the palace. Kangxi was suspicious and would start to think about other things if Hongxi left his sight. Not only would it harm Hongxi, but it would also implicate himself.
As for Qi You himself, he had a clear conscience. Everything he did could be laid openly before Kangxi's eyes for his scrutiny.
The next morning, Hong Xi was waiting at the Shenwu Gate with his hands in his sleeves, his neck stretched longer than a goose, looking forward continuously.
As soon as Qi You's carriage arrived, he immediately rushed forward, opened the door, smiled brightly, and shouted, "Seventh Uncle!"
Qi You was startled by him and said speechlessly: "It's freezing outside, and you don't feel cold!"
Hongxi grinned, revealing his entire row of white teeth, and said, "Uncle Qi, I'm not cold. Uncle Qi, be careful, the ground is slippery. You have difficulty walking, so let me help you!"
Qi You took a deep breath and regretted bringing the hammer with him. He slapped it without hesitation and said in a deep voice, "Get out of the way!"
Hong Xi hissed, retracted his hand and looked at Qi You eagerly, his face full of anxiety.
Qi You quickly got out of the car and glanced over. Seeing his pitiful appearance, he patiently broke it down and taught him a lesson: "You made two mistakes today. First, you shouldn't have come here so impatiently to wait for me. You could have waited at the Qianqing Palace. Most officials entering the court enter through the Shenwu Gate. What would they think when they see you?"
Hongxi was just too impatient, not stupid. After thinking it over, he quickly understood the key point and his face turned pale.
Yesterday afternoon, when Kangxi called Hongxi and asked him to work with Qiyou, he almost cried on the spot.
In the past, he had been with Yinreng and had done some things. Yinreng himself had few errands, and all he could do were small errands.
Everyone in the world saw what Qi You did. In Hong Xi's opinion, he was a true official.
Ever since Yinreng was deposed, Hongxi had been without a place to stay. Only yesterday did he feel like he had finally found his place.
It hurts, but I feel at ease.
His arrival at Shenwu Gate to wait for Qiyou made him appear hurried, as if he was trying to redress Yinreng's wrongdoing. Secondly, it made it seem like Kangxi treated him poorly, not assigning him any tasks, and leaving him with nothing to do.
Hong Xi said in panic, "Seventh Uncle, they are definitely going to attack me, what should I do?"
Qi You said calmly, "Now that things have come to this, don't worry about it. Let them do what they want. From now on, before you do anything, no matter how urgent it is, think twice before you act."
Hongxi breathed a long sigh of relief, nodding his head like a chick pecking at rice, and kept saying, "Okay, I'll listen to Uncle Seventh. Khan Mafa also told me that I'll do whatever Uncle Seventh tells me to do. If you don't understand something, just ask more and don't act on your own. Uncle Seventh, you said first, but what about second? Where else did I do wrong?"
Seeing that he still remembered the second one, Qi You felt a little relieved and said, "Although my legs are inconvenient, I am not yet in my seventies or eighties. I can still ride a horse and walk. Why do I need your support? It's okay with me and I won't make a fuss about it. But you have to remember, unless the other person is truly unable to get up and walk, at other times, you should not rush to help. Just watch carefully from the side. When the other person really needs help, you can lend a hand. People are unwilling to admit old age, and they are unwilling to show weakness to others. They can say it themselves, but you can't say it, let alone do it."
Hongxi suddenly understood and said, "It seems that there are ways to be a good person everywhere. Uncle Qi, you are really amazing."
Qi You laughed and asked casually, "Did your Khan Mafa ask you to speak yesterday?"
Hongxi said yes, and then he was about to tell Kangxi everything he had said when he met him.
Qi You quickly raised his hand to stop him, frowning and saying in a deep voice, "Stop! No matter what we said in front of the emperor, you can't tell anyone!"
Hongxi slapped his head in frustration and muttered, "I trusted Uncle Qi and thought these words weren't confidential, so I didn't think about keeping my mouth shut."
Qi You said seriously: "No matter what time, you must learn to keep your mouth shut. Don't tell anyone what you can't say."
Hong Xi hung his head and agreed to all the requests. He was extremely frustrated. However, for such a small matter as coming to greet Qi You, he had made several unforgivable mistakes!
Fortunately, it was Qi You who was willing to teach him. If it were someone else, he would have been in big trouble long ago.
No wonder Kangxi didn't let him leave the palace. At this time, Hongxi realized Kangxi's good intentions.
From then on, Hongxi followed Qi You obediently, and after the morning court, they went to the imperial study together.
The Eighth Prince and the Ninth Prince, along with the Tenth Prince and the Fourteenth Prince, were walking together. Seeing Hongxi following closely, they murmured to each other for a while, and then the Fourteenth Prince called out, "Hongxi!"
Hongxi stopped, turned around and respectfully called "Fourteenth Uncle".
Fourteenth Prince smiled maliciously and asked, "When did you become Seventh Brother's follower?"
The uncle and nephew were only six years apart in age. The Fourteenth Prince was extremely favored by Kangxi and had a flamboyant personality, so Hongxi usually did not get along well with him.
Although he saw that he was obviously looking at a joke, Hongxi still held back his anger, remembering Qiyou's teachings, and said, "Fourteenth Uncle, Khan Mafa ordered me to follow Seventh Uncle."
The Fourteenth Prince cried out in surprise, stepped forward and hugged Hongxi's neck, saying exaggeratedly: "Oh, so you are working with the Seventh Brother. Come on, teach me, talk to me, when did you get involved with the Seventh Brother? From now on, when the Seventh Brother goes to offer sacrifices to the heaven on behalf of Khan Ama, I can also squeeze to the front and show my face in front of everyone!"
Qi You watched calmly, letting Hong Xi handle it himself. Seeing that Fourteenth Prince was really outrageous, he turned around, looked at Fourteenth Prince with a half-smile, and said, "Fourteenth Prince, as an uncle, it's nothing for you to bully your nephew. It's not easy for you to show your face. Anyway, you are thick-skinned. Just go to Khan Ama and cry and ask him to send you to offer sacrifices to the heavens, isn't it!"
The Fourteenth Prince had never suffered such an injustice. His face instantly turned as dark as the bottom of a pot. He rolled up his sleeves and rushed towards Qi You.
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