Was Emperor Kangxi ruthless?
It seems impossible for an emperor to be perfectly benevolent and virtuous. However, regarding the matter of disbanding the harem, it can only be said that Kangxi had selfish motives, not that he was ruthless.
At least everything that needed to be arranged has been arranged. These concubines have the option of doing nothing and still living a life of wealth and honor.
Furthermore, if the harem is dismissed, he will be the one in trouble, and he is confident that he can resolve it. Others can only talk, but they can't do anything about it.
In November, the concubines living in the western estate seemed to have completely settled down.
At the end of November, a nobleman in the western village suddenly died, while a new female household appeared in the capital.
In early December, concubines from the village began to request to leave the palace.
Emperor Kangxi also received letters from Consort Hui and others, saying that they intended to become nuns after the New Year so that they could spend another New Year with their children.
Emperor Kangxi had no objection, and in mid-December, he ordered that the concubines be allowed to return to the palace.
Because the New Year was approaching, Emperor Kangxi also needed to return to the palace. After all, there were many rules in the palace, and the rules for the New Year were even more stringent, with many rituals to be performed in the Forbidden City.
Although he hadn't spent these years with Youqing, Kangxi was still quite content.
What brings you here?
Shouldn't Emperor Kangxi be in the palace celebrating the New Year at this time?
When Youqing saw Emperor Kangxi on New Year's Eve, she was truly astonished.
Everyone says that the palace is very strict about rules, and her place is not particularly close to the palace. It's still a while before dawn, so she doesn't know when she arrived.
"I came to see you."
"Are you alright?"
"This year's harvest is good, and people have been doing well these past few years. This winter is not as cold as last year, and there hasn't been a single snowfall yet."
"The people are doing well, that's thanks to you, it shows you're a good emperor," Youqing praised.
She genuinely felt that Emperor Kangxi had done a good job. There were so many people in the Qing Dynasty, and it's impossible to say that everyone could have enough to eat, but he did what he could.
When the national treasury was not short of money, he would often exempt the people from taxes. Even when the treasury was short of money, he would still exempt those more difficult areas from taxes. He did not care about pleasure, was diligent and hardworking, got up early and went to bed late, and had a clear mind. He was a rare emperor.
"Now that you mention it, I must continue to work hard for the people next year, for there are still people under my rule who are not even clothed."
"Take it slow, don't rush it. The world is vast, and there are always things beyond our control. Do your best and leave the rest to fate. That's all."
Emperor Kangxi understood the reasoning, but he simply wanted to do his best.
"Youqing, can you stay with me for the rest of your life?"
Youqing was taken aback upon hearing this.
lifetime?
"A lifetime is the most unpredictable thing. As the saying goes, ten thousand years is too long, and we should seize the day. I am content with the status quo now, and it is good as it is."
Youqing never thought she was particularly outstanding, nor did she have the sense of superiority that comes with being a transmigrated woman. She was well aware of her own abilities. If it weren't for her knowledge before transmigrating, plus the help of a system, she would have had a hard time surviving in ancient times.
Emperor Kangxi was different. People like him could live well even in modern times. This is related to the era and his own abilities.
The emperor's refinement and demeanor were unlike anything Youqing had ever encountered before. Spending every day with such a person, Youqing had long since grown fond of him.
It's fine as it is now.
"That's not fair."
Youqing asked in confusion, "Isn't that fair?"
“It’s not fair to me. You’re busy making your own lives, but you’ve never asked me what I think. I also want to make my own lives, the lives I have with you.”
Youqing was stunned, then looked at Kangxi: "Didn't we agree on this?"
"It is my insatiable greed that makes me want to spend every day with you, to make love on the Yangtai Terrace."
Youqing blushed upon hearing this: "Have you had too much to drink?"
Emperor Kangxi did drink quite a bit of wine today, and he was probably really drunk, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to say such things.
It should be noted that Kangxi had never said such things again since Youqing left the palace.
"I spoke the truth when I was drunk, and what I said was from the bottom of my heart."
Youqing sighed: "Isn't this good? Although the feelings between men and women are intense, too much intensity can be intoxicating. When you come to your senses, it's like a dream. This way, it's plain and simple, like tea. It can last longer, without getting tired of it or feeling bored."
"You don't trust me?"
Youqing glanced at him and shook her head: "I don't trust men."
As the saying goes, it's better to believe a sow can fly than to believe a man's words. She genuinely believed in Kangxi at that moment, but what about the future?
She'd already escaped once, seen plenty of sights, and while not exactly spectacular, she'd at least achieved what she wanted. She had no interest in going through all that trouble again.
"I am different from others; you can try to trust me."
Youqing found this sentence quite familiar; wasn't it the same line that men use to excuse themselves?
I'm different from other men, but actually, I'm no different in essence.
"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore, let's talk about something else! The night will be over soon."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Kangxi did not say anything more about it.
"Okay, let's not talk about this anymore."
It's already past midnight, and there are hardly any houses around at this time. Even during the Lunar New Year, it's completely silent.
Kangxi said a lot, but Youqing listened without taking it all seriously.
The next day, when You woke up, it was already broad daylight.
"Sangzhu, what time is it?"
"Master, it's almost ten o'clock."
Because of the clocks, Youqing provided pocket watches for those close to her, and there was also a large Ben in the house. Now, the people in the village have begun to get used to talking about the 24-hour clock.
Where is His Majesty?
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