Fifty Grand (Part 1)
In history, Emperor Yongzheng was on the throne for thirteen years and never held a grand birthday banquet. In the fourth year of Yongzheng's reign, all the princes, civil and military officials, etc. jointly petitioned to celebrate his birthday on October 30th, but he rejected them, citing various reasons, including "On the day of the Holy Father's birthday, there was no annual celebration..."
This emperor who devoted himself to politics didn't understand that if those in higher positions are too tight, the officials will also have a hard time. The result of suppressing too much was that after his son took over, even the imperial relatives couldn't help but erupt.
Now, history has changed, and the situation he faces is also different from that in history. The imperial family and relatives are respectful and gentle towards him, and the government orders are smooth. Although it still feels like "just like the emperor's careful military preparations, every year touring the border and teaching martial arts, I haven't done this for years" to hold a grand ceremony for the Wan Shou Festival is not quite justified, but the princes, ministers, and the Ministry of Rites disagree. The emperor is no longer so strict, they also have the courage to argue a few more sentences. Today, the heavenly signs have been revealed, it's not justified if we don't celebrate! A wise and sacred ruler is destined, but we must also let the people know, let's celebrate!
Yongzheng had a taste of the sweetness of being recognized as the ruler, and also discovered that occasionally relaxing a bit was not so strict. The officials below him were also doing their jobs without perfunctoriness or corruption. He wanted to take this opportunity to expand this influence, so he agreed to hold the Wan Shou Jie Chao Yan banquet. However, he still issued an edict stating that since his accession to the throne, although he had always been diligent in governing and had a heart of peace for the world, he had not yet implemented good policies or teachings that benefited the people. His saintly virtues and divine achievements were not yet at the level of reaching heaven and earth. Nevertheless, the heavens bestowed auspicious omens upon the Qing dynasty, which was a sign of prosperity and good fortune for the imperial family. Therefore, on the occasion of Wan Shou Jie, he would celebrate with the people, but the joy was in his heart, not in external forms. He ordered that officials outside the capital did not need to come to Beijing, and that doing their own jobs well was more important. They were not allowed to mention Wan Shou, establish Buddhist altars or gather in pear gardens, making noise and wasting money, disturbing the people... If there were those who needed to come to the capital for official business, he would issue another edict.
In the Ministry of Rites' opinion, this year is both the Emperor's 500,000th birthday and a divine auspicious sign, so it should be grandly and solemnly celebrated... Alas, the iceberg is too hard to crack, and it's already difficult to get them to agree to hold it at all.
It was unexpected that the plague broke out in the suburbs of Beijing before the Wan Shou Festival, and even the capital city was affected... The mood of Yongzheng suddenly sank a lot. Although under his instructions, relevant departments responded quickly, and with the assistance of Tai Hospital, various measures were taken to prevent large-scale fluctuations... But it also affected the high morale brought by Shen Rui.
Actually, every time the SARS virus appears, it takes away a large number of lives. This time, being able to control it so well, with a death toll of just over 100 people, is already quite good. In severe cases, there were even city lockdowns... No one thinks it's the emperor's responsibility.
After the officials' congratulations, it was the grand banquet in Taihe Hall. Amidst the sound of music and ritual, the Ji Xi and Qing Long dances began to be performed - this is a necessary program for all major banquets in the palace.
A magnificent song and dance performance is unfolding.
Although this year's Wan Shou Festival is not as grand as the Thousand Autumns Banquet of the Holy Ancestor, it still exudes a unique sense of sacredness and solemnity. In ancient times, people revered and worshipped the gods of heaven and earth, mountains and rivers, sun and moon, stars and constellations, and even feared that earthquakes were punishments from above, which is why they attached great importance to the "divine auspiciousness" bestowed by Heaven, and truly worshipped with sincerity.
This is the first time in Yongzheng's life that he has been so glorious, although the "Tianhua incident" had some impact on his mood. However, since the Wan Shou Festival banquet had already been held, he wanted to think of ways to expand its benefits. Being sorrowful and resentful was not his personality. This time, he drank with Hongli and Hongxiao, two princes who were about to get married. He also reminded Yicong Wang Yunxiang, Guoqin Wang Yunli, and Yuyuan Wang Yunyu, who had just returned from Jingling and was promoted to a noble title, not to drink too much... After this, the mood of people like Yunzhuo and Yun'e, who had been confined for several years, also calmed down a lot. The years of guarding the mausoleum and being confined had worn away their spirits. As for the princes who had framed each other during the struggle for the throne, the emperor had not confined them for life, which was already very benevolent. Moreover, the fate of Yunsi and Yunzhang made them shudder: sometimes death is not scary, what's scary is leaving a bad reputation in history, being expelled from the imperial family, and bringing disaster to one's descendants - although they had also been restored to their noble titles by the emperor.
It must be said that the winner takes all, and when one loses, they should concede graciously. Stubbornly clinging to a lost cause is futile. On that night, they too witnessed the divine omen... It was truly too miraculous, but it was real, not something that could be fabricated like "beheading the white snake" or "the fish swallowing the silk". Perhaps heaven only acknowledges this high and mighty Fourth Brother, Aixinjueluo Yinzhen. Yongzheng stood up, raised his cup with both hands, and offered a complex gaze to the Emperor: "Your Majesty, I toast you, wishing you eternal prosperity and longevity, may our great Qing dynasty flourish!"
Yongzheng's eyes widened slightly, and then he smiled happily, "Good!" He raised his cup and drained the wine in one gulp!
"Fourth brother, I toast you a cup. In the past, I didn't understand things and caused trouble for you!" Yun Yu looked like a rough and impulsive person, but actually had a very clear mind. After Eighth Brother Yunxie was dismissed from the position of heir, he gradually withdrew from the party struggles, only because their brotherly bond over the years couldn't be broken. However, he was straightforward and acknowledged his mistakes without considering whether it was suitable for the occasion, and just blurted it out.
Yongzheng didn't take it as a provocation and downed a cup with him.
"Fourth brother, I also respect you with a cup, acknowledging my mistake." Prince Zhuang's eyes were slightly moist. In the past, when the throne was seized, he had stood on the side of the current emperor. Among many imperial brothers, he only admired this one for his character and integrity. After Yongzheng ascended to the throne, he knew it was difficult, and in the imperial family, he was isolated without support. However, after ascending to the throne, his brutal suppression of opposing political enemies, such as Eighth Brother and Ninth Brother, made him feel discontented. Especially when his own brother, Yunxi, was demoted to guard the Jingling Mausoleum just because he had been close to Third Brother... He subconsciously distanced himself from the emperor, only hoping not to make mistakes or bring trouble upon himself.
"How could I blame you." Yongzheng sighed, even his usually close thirteenth brother, in front of outsiders, was not willing to make a mistake with the slightest courtesy, it seemed that he had indeed intimidated them. However, the past grievances, wanting to forget for a moment, was also impossible.
Sometimes he wonders if it's his own bad luck. When his loving and caring foster mother died, he had to return to his biological mother who was cold and heartless towards him; when he tried hard to be a good king, the crown prince was deposed, and for survival and for the sake of the Qing dynasty, he was forced into the struggle for the throne; after ascending to the throne, he faced an empty treasury, corrupt officials, and his brothers who were holding him back. He fought back, but it only made him even more unpopular; just when things were finally going well, with auspicious signs appearing and people from all over the country beginning to accept his rule, a plague broke out...
He rubbed his somewhat aching head with his fingers, smelling the not-so-good smell of wine and tea. Yongzheng couldn't help but vent his grievances. Nowadays, he could only be so unrestrained and show himself freely when alone with his thirteenth brother. Heaven knows, he wasn't born with a cold face and heart, if he didn't occasionally let it all out, he was afraid he would suffocate himself.
“……Fourth brother, it's all over.” Yunxiang was speechless. He also felt that Fourth Brother wasn't easy to deal with, but facing this crumbling Qing dynasty, he didn't want to be a foolish ruler and didn't want to die without being able to face his ancestors. They could only move forward together. As for the brothers who had fought in the past, sometimes when he thought about it, he still felt resentment that couldn't be dispelled. But what could be done? After all, blood was thicker than water; could they really just eliminate each other completely?!
Yongzheng sighed, "Yes, everything is over..." His golden youth, his children, everything he had ruthlessly abandoned for the sake of the Qing Empire.
"Your Majesty, there is an extra item in the birthday gift presented by Li Rongbao." If he wasn't afraid that the Emperor would ask about it, Su Peisheng wouldn't have personally reminded his subordinates to pay attention and report back.
Yongzheng and Yi Qinyuan looked up, Su Peisheng was holding a sandalwood box that was more than half a foot long, three inches wide and two inches thick. The appearance was ordinary, with no carvings or inlays on the surface. However, Li Rongbao was not a careless person, this sandalwood box was not on the list of birthday gifts, so what was inside must be something extraordinary. "Present it."
Su Peisheng carefully placed the sandalwood box on the kang table.
Yongzheng opened the box and saw that it contained several sheets of notepaper filled with beautiful handwriting, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, he paused for a moment, then took them out to browse.
"Good, good, good... Li Rongbao, this has indeed resolved My great difficulty, and the great difficulties of all people under heaven! Haha!"
"What Li Rongbao, he can see from so far away that the word cannot be written by Li Rongbao, but rather it looks like a woman's handwriting. Seeing Yongzheng rarely so happy and excited, Yi Qinyu also became curious: "What thing made the emperor brother so happy?"
"Take a look." Yongzheng stretched out his hand and handed over the letter paper.
Yi Qin Wang took it without hesitation, quickly scanning it and exclaimed excitedly: "Imperial brother, this is a great thing that will benefit the people, we must let the imperial physicians start researching it as soon as possible..." So far, medical experts have invented many methods to prevent smallpox, such as inoculation with smallpox vaccine, dry seedling method, and smallpox clothing method. However, these methods are also risky and many people who are not healthy enough cannot withstand them.
Actually, in 1682 (the 21st year of Kangxi), the inoculation method that Kangxi had ordered to be implemented had a very high cure rate for imperial princes and robust Mongolians (excluding those who were weak or impoverished commoners). Not only did it have a significant impact nationwide, but even Russia sent people to learn this medical technique, demonstrating the terrifying impact of smallpox on humanity. At that time, the inoculation technology was already world-class.
If what is said on this paper is true, that "cowpox" is the nemesis of smallpox, then this is an act of benevolence by the Emperor, unprecedented and a truly great virtue that benefits all living things.
It can be presented in one's own hands, and it is clear that this matter has a seven-point guarantee. Yongzheng was excited to get off the kang, walked back and forth, and said: "Tomorrow, tomorrow I will announce Sun Yiren...". The two brothers both realized that this was another great opportunity, and they were all very excited. Prince Yi personally put the letter paper back in the sandalwood box, covered it, smiled and sighed: "Li Rongbao is really good." The emperor's brother has indeed got a good daughter-in-law, Fucha Yunzhu is indeed a blessed star bestowed by heaven on the Aixinjueluo family.
Yongzheng stopped in his tracks, the corners of his mouth slightly curled up, and his eyes gleamed with satisfaction: "Not bad." His own vision was indeed good, he had taken a liking to her as his daughter-in-law at first sight, haha.
The author has something to say: The following is the main text:
In history, Emperor Yongzheng was on the throne for thirteen years and never held a grand birthday banquet. In the fourth year of Yongzheng's reign, all the princes, civil and military officials, etc., jointly petitioned to celebrate his birthday on October 30th, but he rejected them, citing various reasons, including "On the day of the Holy Father's birthday, there was no annual celebration..."
This emperor, who devoted himself to state affairs, did not understand that if those in superior positions are too tight, the officials will also have a hard time. The result of excessive suppression is that after his son ascended to the throne, even the imperial relatives could not help but erupt.
Now, history has changed, and the situation he faces is also different from that in history. The imperial family and nobles have a respectful and gentle attitude towards him, and the government orders are smooth. Although it still feels like "just like the emperor's careful military preparations, every year touring the border, hunting and lecturing on martial arts, I haven't done this for years" to hold a grand ceremony for the Wan Shou Festival is not quite justified, but the princes, ministers, and the Ministry of Rites disagree. The emperor is no longer so strict, they also have the courage to argue a few more sentences. Today, the heavenly auspiciousness has descended, it's not justified if we don't celebrate! A wise and sacred ruler is destined, but we must also let the people know, let's celebrate!
Yongzheng had a taste of the sweetness of being recognized as the ruler, and also discovered that occasionally relaxing a bit was not so strict. The officials below him were also doing their jobs without perfunctoriness or corruption. He wanted to take this opportunity to expand this influence, so he agreed to hold the Wan Shou Jie Chao Yan banquet. However, he still issued an edict stating that since his ascension to the throne, although he had always been diligent in governing and had a heart of peace for the world, he had not yet implemented good policies or teachings that benefited the people. His sacred virtues and divine achievements were not yet at the level of reaching heaven and earth. Nevertheless, the heavens bestowed auspicious omens upon the Qing dynasty, indicating the prosperity of the imperial family. Therefore, with the Wan Shou Jie festival, he shared the joy with the people, but the pleasure was in his heart, not in the formality. He ordered that officials outside the capital did not need to come to Beijing, and doing their own jobs well was more important. They were not allowed to mention "Wan Shou", establish Buddhist altars or gather in pear gardens, making noise and wasting money, disturbing the people... If there were those who needed to come to the capital for local affairs, he would issue another edict.
In the Ministry of Rites' opinion, this year is both the Emperor's 500,000th birthday and a divine auspicious sign, so it should be grandly and solemnly celebrated... Alas, the iceberg is too hard to conquer, and it's already difficult to get approval for holding the event.
It was unexpected that the plague broke out in the suburbs of Beijing before the Wan Shou Festival, and even the capital city was affected... Yongzheng's mood sank a lot, although under his instructions, relevant departments responded quickly, with the assistance of Tai Hospital, various measures were taken, and no large-scale fluctuations occurred... But it also affected the high morale brought by Shen Rui.
Actually, every time the plague virus appears, it takes away a large number of lives. This time, being able to control it so well, with a death toll of just over 100 people, is already quite good. In severe cases, there were even city lockdowns... No one thinks it's the emperor's responsibility.
After the officials finished paying their respects, it was time for the grand feast in the Taihe Hall. Amidst the sounds of ritual music and laughter, the Ji Xi and Qing Long dances began to be performed - this was a standard program at all major banquets in the palace.
A magnificent song and dance performance is unfolding.
Although this year's Wan Shou Festival is not as grand as the Thousand Autumns Banquet of the Holy Ancestor, it still exudes a unique sense of sacredness and solemnity. In ancient times, people revered and worshipped the gods of heaven and earth, mountains and rivers, sun and moon, stars and constellations, and even feared that earthquakes were punishments from above, which is why they attached great importance to the "divine auspiciousness" bestowed by Heaven, and truly worshipped with sincerity.
This is the first time in Yongzheng's life that he has been so glorious. Although the "Heavenly Flower Incident" had some impact on his mood, since the Wan Shou Festival banquet had already been held, he wanted to think of ways to expand its benefits. Being sorrowful and resentful was not his personality. This time, he drank with Hongli and Hongxiao, two princes who were about to get married. For Prince Yi Xiang, Prince Guo Li, and Prince Yu Bin, who had just returned from Jingling and was promoted to Duke of Yu, he reminded them not to drink too much... After this, the mood of people like Yunzhi and Yun'e, who had been confined for several years, also calmed down a lot. The years of guarding the mausoleum and being confined had worn away their spirits. As for the princes who had framed each other during the struggle for the throne, the emperor had not confined them for life, which was already very kind. Moreover, the outcome of Yunsi and Yunzhang made them fearful: sometimes death is not scary, what's scary is leaving a bad reputation in history, being expelled from the imperial family, and bringing disaster to one's children - although they had also been restored to their noble titles by the emperor.
It must be said that the winner takes all, and when one loses, they should concede graciously. Stubbornly clinging to a lost cause is futile. On that night, they too witnessed the divine omen... It was truly too miraculous, but it was real, not something that could be fabricated like "beheading the white snake" or "the fish swallowing the silk". Perhaps heaven only acknowledges this high and mighty Fourth Brother, Aixinjueluo Yinzhen. Yongzheng stood up, raised his cup with both hands, and offered a complex gaze to the emperor, saying: "Your Majesty, I toast you with a cup, wishing you eternal prosperity and longevity, and may our great Qing dynasty flourish!"
Yongzheng's eyes widened slightly, and then he smiled happily, "Good!" He raised his cup and drained the wine in one gulp!
"Fourth brother, I toast you a cup. In the past, I didn't understand things and caused trouble for you!" Yun Yu looked like a rough and impulsive person, but actually had very clear thoughts. After Eighth Brother Yunxie was dismissed from the position of heir, he gradually stopped getting involved in party struggles, only because their brotherly bond over many years couldn't be broken, and mostly due to being implicated. However, he was clear about right and wrong, admitted his mistakes, and didn't care about the occasion being suitable or not, just blurting it out.
Yongzheng didn't take it as a provocation and downed a cup with him.
"Fourth brother, I also respect you with a cup, acknowledging my mistake." Prince Zhuang's eyes were slightly moist. In the past, when the throne was seized, he had stood on the side of the current emperor. Among many imperial brothers, he only admired this one for his character and integrity. After Emperor Yongzheng ascended to the throne, he knew that he was in a difficult situation, isolated and helpless among his relatives. However, after ascending to the throne, his brutal suppression of opposing political enemies, such as Eighth Brother and Ninth Brother, had left him with a sense of discontent. Especially when his own brother, Yunxi, was demoted to guard the Jingling Mausoleum just because he was close to Third Brother... He subconsciously distanced himself from the emperor, only hoping not to make mistakes or bring trouble upon himself.
"How could I blame you." Yongzheng sighed, even his usually close thirteen brother, in front of outsiders, was not willing to make a mistake with the slightest courtesy, it seemed that he had indeed intimidated them. However, the past grievances, wanting to forget for a moment, was also impossible.
Sometimes he wonders if it's his own bad luck. When his loving and caring foster mother died, he had to return to his biological mother who was cold and heartless towards him; when he tried hard to be a good king, the crown prince was deposed, and for survival and for the sake of the Qing dynasty, he was forced into the struggle for the throne; after ascending to the throne, he faced an empty treasury, corrupt officials, and his brothers who were holding him back. He fought back, but it only made him even more unpopular; just when things were finally going well, with auspicious signs appearing and people from all over the country beginning to accept his rule, a plague broke out...
He rubbed his somewhat aching head with his fingers, smelling the not-so-good smell of wine and tea. Yongzheng couldn't help but vent his grievances. Nowadays, he could only be so unrestrained and show himself freely when alone with his thirteenth brother. Heaven knows, he wasn't born with a cold face and heart, if he didn't occasionally let it all out, he was afraid he would suffocate himself.
“……Fourth brother, it's all over.” Yunxiang was speechless. He also felt that Fourth Brother had a hard time, but facing the Qing dynasty which was full of holes, he didn't want to be a foolish ruler and didn't want to die without being able to face his ancestors. They could only move forward with determination. As for his brothers with whom he used to fight, sometimes when he thought about it, he still felt resentful, but what could he do? After all, blood was thicker than water, did they really have to kill each other off?!
Yongzheng sighed with a bitter smile, "Yes, everything is over..." His golden youth, his children, everything he had ruthlessly abandoned for the sake of the Qing Empire.
"Your Majesty, there is an extra item in the birthday gift presented by Li Rongbao." If he wasn't afraid that the Emperor would ask about it, Su Peisheng wouldn't have personally reminded his subordinates to pay attention and report back.
Yongzheng and Yi Qinyuan looked up, Su Peisheng was holding a sandalwood box that was more than half a foot long, three inches wide and two inches thick. The appearance was ordinary, with no carvings or inlays on the surface. However, Li Rongbao was not a careless person, this sandalwood box was not on the list of birthday gifts, so what was inside must be something extraordinary. "Present it."
Su Peisheng carefully placed the sandalwood box on the kang table.
Yongzheng opened the box and saw that it contained several sheets of letter paper filled with beautiful handwriting. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he paused for a moment before taking them out to read.
"Good, good, good... Li Rongbao, this has indeed resolved My great difficulty, and the great difficulties of all people under heaven! Haha!"
"What Li Rongbao, he can see from so far away that the word is not likely to be written by Li Rongbao, but rather like a woman's handwriting in the boudoir. Emperor Yongzheng saw that his brother was rarely so happy and couldn't help but move with curiosity: "What thing made my imperial brother so happy?""
"Take a look." Yongzheng stretched out his hand and handed over the letter paper.
Yi Qin Wang took it without hesitation, quickly scanning it and exclaimed excitedly: "Imperial brother, this is a great deed that will benefit the people, we must let the imperial physicians start researching it as soon as possible..." So far, medical experts have invented various methods to prevent smallpox, such as inoculation with cowpox, variolation, and vaccination, but these methods are also risky and many people who are not healthy enough cannot withstand them.
In fact, the inoculation method that Kangxi ordered to be promoted in 1682 (Kangxi twenty-one years) had a very high cure rate for imperial sons and physically strong Mongolians (excluding those who were weak or poor), not only had a great impact on the whole country, but also Russia sent people to learn this medical technique, which can be seen as the terrible influence of smallpox on humanity, and at that time, the inoculation technology was already world-class.
If what is said on this paper is true, that "cowpox" is the nemesis of smallpox, then this is an act of benevolence by the Emperor, unprecedented and a truly great virtue benefiting all living things.
It can be presented in one's own hands, and it is clear that this matter has a seven-point guarantee. Yongzheng was excited to get off the kang, walked back and forth, and said: "Tomorrow, tomorrow I will announce Sun Yi Zheng..." Both brothers realized that this was another great opportunity, and they were all very excited. Prince Yicong personally put the letter paper back in the sandalwood box, covered it, smiled and sighed: "Li Rongbao is really good." The emperor's brother really got a good daughter-in-law, Fucha Yunzhu is indeed a blessed star bestowed by heaven on the Aixinjueluo family.
Yongzheng stopped in his tracks, the corners of his mouth slightly curled up, and his eyes gleamed with satisfaction: "Not bad." His own vision was indeed good, he had taken a liking to her daughter as his daughter-in-law at first sight, haha.
