The Love between Hanxiang and Qianlong

Ji Xiaolan holding Zhao Jiashi

"My husband is just jealous of the emperor. You see, the empress gave herself nicknames to express her affection to the emperor, but I don't have any of them."

Ji Xiaolan's tone was resentful, and it was obvious that he was irritated by Qianlong.

Zhao Jia felt a headache when she saw Ji Xiaolan. What should she do if her husband just liked to compete with the emperor?

The husband she chose could only be coaxed by herself. This scene also happened in the homes of several ministers, including Fu Heng.

Their wives felt exhausted. Not only did the Empress give the name, she also let the Emperor show off.

Qianlong didn't care about it. How could he not let anyone know about his baby's confession to him?

Qianlong wanted to hold a grand ceremony for the third day of the baptism today, but Hanxiang stopped him.

"Husband, Ruize and Jingluo are going to hold a full-month banquet! Let's keep the third-day bathing ceremony simple."

Qianlong was a little unhappy but he couldn't resist Hanxiang's coquettishness and nodded in agreement.

The Empress Dowager arrived early in the morning, and all the ladies of the third rank and above came to congratulate her in court robes.

Since Hanxiang was in confinement after giving birth, the ladies said a few words to her and then left the room, fearing to disturb her rest.

After exchanging greetings, everyone came to the reception room, and two wet nurses came out carrying Rui Ze and Jing Lu respectively.

In addition to the emperor and Empress Dowager, those watching the ceremony included Ali Khoja, Xiaoyanzi, Ziwei, Yongqi, Yongji, ministers of the third rank and above, and their wives.

But both adults and children were quiet and performed the "Three Washings", commonly known as bathing, according to the auspicious time and direction selected in advance.

Two red wooden basins were ready, filled with water boiled from young branches of locust trees and mugwort leaves. The midwife would hold the babies one by one and put them into the basin to wash them.

Since the god of joy is facing due west today, the baby's face must be facing due west. The midwife also sings words of good luck while cleaning the baby.

Everyone was staring at the children. Perhaps the two children were curious about why so many people suddenly came and felt it was extremely novel.

Rui Ze and Jing Yu looked at the midwife and everyone else with their big round eyes. They didn't cry or make a fuss, and were very well behaved.

At this time, the old lady chuckled, stood up and clapped her hands, and Aunt Gui came out holding a delicate box.

The old Buddha opened the treasure box himself, and inside was a display of royal jewels and gems, including two ingots and two jade ruyis.

Aunt Gui put these precious gifts into the empty basin one by one, and everyone praised and applauded!

The emperor thanked the Empress Dowager for the gift in person, and then everyone began to add gifts to the basin according to their seniority.

In addition to gold, silver and jade articles, there are also bellybands and small jackets for children, each of which is made with great precision.

You should know that the baptism ceremony takes place on the third day after the baby is born. It is a very hasty but very important step.

Everyone was able to take out a thoughtful gift in time, which showed that they had been preparing it in advance.

Knowing that the Queen was pregnant with twins, they prepared two generous gifts for each of them.

I never thought that a man and a woman would be used now, and the ministers and wives of various families were all very happy.

Ali Hezhuo, as the grandfather of Ruize and Jingluo, is the oldest person here.

She gave Ruize and Jingluo the gold necklaces and gold bracelets unique to the Uyghur ethnic group, meaning that the two little ones would grow up safely.

Next is Yongqi. Now as Prince Rong, he prepared tiger-head shoes and tiger-head hats for Ruize and Jingluo, with very delicate workmanship.

Qing'er also prepared two safety locks for Ruize and Jingluo.

Xiaoyanzi and Ziwei gave Ruize and Jingluo rattles and a little elephant made of clay powder, which can be seen in the streets and alleys of the imperial city and are used to amuse children.

Yongji prepared a peach wood sword for Ruize and illustrations for Jingluo.

At the emperor's nod, the other ministers presented the gifts they had prepared long ago, two each.

After everyone gave their gifts, which meant the third-day bathing ceremony was over, Qianlong hugged Mu Jun and kissed him, then hugged Cai Xi and kissed her. The scene was extremely warm and joyful.

As the night progressed, the wind picked up and the weather turned cold. After Qianlong asked all the ministers and his wife to go back, he personally carried the two children back to Baoyue Tower.

When Hanxiang saw Qianlong holding the two little ones, she asked her to put them on the bed, but Qianlong refused.

Fragrant doubts

"What's wrong with my husband? It must be so tiring for him to carry Rui Ze and Jing Lu if they are not placed on the bed."

Qianlong's tone was sad

"When Mujun and Caixi fall asleep later, your husband won't be able to sleep with you again. Your husband slept alone in the side hall last night."

Hanxiang kissed Qianlong when she saw him looking aggrieved

"I want to see the two children. I haven't seen them today! Just let the nanny take them down later."

Qianlong then felt relieved and placed Mu Jun and Cai Xi next to her.

As soon as the two children smelled Hanxiang's fragrance, they rushed into her arms. Hanxiang pinched the little guys' faces and they grabbed them.

Hanxiang deliberately dodged their hands to prevent them from grabbing them. The two little guys didn't cry but just kept grinning and had a lot of fun playing with Hanxiang.

After teasing them for a while, she let Nanny Kang take Rui Ze and Jing Lu downstairs to coax them to sleep. They must be sleepy after a tiring day.

When Qianlong saw the two children leaving, he immediately went forward and hugged her.

"Baby, you haven't been close to your husband today. You only have Mu Jun and Cai Xi in your eyes."

Hanxiang leaned in his arms

"No, I still love my husband the most. My two children should come after you."

Qianlong kissed her forehead and told her what happened today and that he had officially appointed the crown prince and princess.

Hanxiang looked at Qianlong

"Husband, Yongji is not emotional about being conferred the title of Beile, right? You should still pay more attention to him on a daily basis. After all, he is also your son."

Qianlong rubbed Hanxiang's hair

"Don't worry about others, baby, the most important thing for you now is to take good care of yourself.

Doctor Hu said that you lost energy giving birth to Mujun and Caixi, so it’s best for you to have a double confinement period.

Hanxiang shook her head like a rattle

"No, I'll stink. I don't want to stay in confinement for two months.

My dear husband, please don't be so cruel. If I can't take a bath, I will collapse."

Qianlong turned his head away from her

"My dear, this matter is non-negotiable. Your husband must be cautious when it concerns your health. At worst, I can wipe your body after the two children are one month old."

Hanxiang wanted to bargain but was sternly rejected by Qianlong. Hanxiang pouted to express her dissatisfaction.

Qianlong kissed her lips to comfort her, then told Nanny Kang to prepare water, and after bathing, he held Hanxiang in his arms.

"Baby, you smell sweet no matter what. Be good, your husband won't dislike you."

Hanxiang hit him

"But I would feel disgusted with myself. My husband should let me wash my hair once the two children are one month old. It will be fine if I just dry it quickly."

Qianlong bit her nose

"I really can't do anything about you, but your husband has to ask Doctor Hu before he can give you an answer. My baby, you must also feel sorry for your husband. Your health is more important than anything else."

Fragrant compromise

"I got it. I'll let Doctor Hu take my pulse when the time comes. That way, my husband will feel relieved, right?"

Qianlong kissed her cheek and said, "You are such a good girl, baby."

Then Qianlong coaxed Hanxiang to sleep. Doctor Hu said that she should not go to bed late after giving birth, as it was bad for her health.

When Hanxiang woke up the next day, Qianlong was already waiting by her bed. Seeing that she was awake, he asked Nanny Kang to fetch water and wash her himself.

When Ali Hezhuo came over, Qianlong was preparing breakfast for Hanxiang. Hanxiang was about to speak when she was interrupted by Ali Hezhuo.

"Daughter, have your meal first and talk to daddy later."

Hanxiang could only nod, and Qianlong fed her slowly.

After Hanxiang shook her head, Qianlong took the handkerchief beside him, wet it with warm water and helped her wipe her mouth. Doctor Hu said that cold water should not be used during the confinement period.

Qianlong asked Imperial Physician Hu to write down everything that needed to be done during the confinement period, and had the palace maids in Baoyue Tower memorize them.

Ali Khoja saw Qianlong doing these things very naturally and knew that Qianlong was used to doing it on a daily basis, so he could rest assured.