"May I add something to the gifts bestowed upon court officials this year for the New Year's celebrations?"
Kangxi, unsure of her intentions, asked, "What do you want to add?"
"Some of the wool yarn was made into clothes."
Kangxi knew that Youqing had opened a shop some time ago, selling wool sweaters and the like.
"Alright, you can have Chengying or Sangzhu tell Liang Jiugong about this directly."
"Okay, thank you."
There's no need for formalities between us.
Youqing didn't say anything more.
A few days before the Lunar New Year, Kangxi returned to the Forbidden City. Although he wanted to spend the New Year with Youqing, he couldn't possibly abandon all the rules and come over to spend some time alone with her.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Emperor Kangxi bestowed New Year's gifts upon the court officials he felt had performed well in the previous year. Most of the gifts were the same amount as in previous years. However, after receiving the gifts, the wives of the heads of the households noticed some differences.
...
In a mansion in the capital, it was still dark, not yet fully light. In the main courtyard, a dignified and virtuous lady was helping her husband get up.
"My lord, His Majesty has bestowed several garments as New Year's gifts this year. They feel very soft to the touch. And since the temperature has dropped these past few days, please wear the garments His Majesty has given you today!"
"As you wish, madam."
The lady brought the clothes for the master to wear, and the master immediately felt much warmer. He then said, "It is indeed a gift from the palace. Although it is thin, it is very warm to wear."
"I also think it's nice, but I don't know if they sell it. I'd like to buy a few more."
"It must be something rare, given by His Majesty. I'll ask about it later."
"Then I'll have to trouble you, sir."
After seeing the master off, the nanny next to her quickly handed over a hot water bottle: "Madam, quickly warm your hands. This winter is much colder than usual. Don't catch a cold."
The lady took out the hot water bottle, and it warmed her up considerably.
"Yes, go tell the housekeeper that it's been cold these past few days, so buy more cotton and make sure each of the servants gets an extra cotton-padded coat."
The old woman smiled and thanked her.
"Madam is kind, this servant thanks you."
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