Rebirth of His Royal Highness Prince Chenghu

In the spring of the sixteenth year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, life sprouted, and the sun warmed every inch of the land. On the bright day of February 20th, Ma Jia joyfully welcomed an irreplaceable gift—her precious son. His birth, like the arrival of a pearl, brought endless joy and anticipation to the palace. Like the breaking light of dawn, it illuminated every corner and, in turn, the world.

Life is full of unforeseen twists and turns. Heartbreakingly, Ma Jia's fourth son, Changsheng, died on the morning of March 26th. His passing was like a bolt from the blue, shaking the entire palace and permeating every corner with grief. People mourned his untimely passing, lamenting the fickleness of fate. Beautiful things are always so fleeting, like a blooming flower that quickly withers, a source of deep regret.

On May 27th, the Jingshifang (Jingshifang) was officially established as the administrative agency for palace affairs. It oversaw the daily necessities of the emperor, his consorts, the princes, and princesses, as well as the furnishings, cleaning, and security of the palace. The Jingshifang also relayed orders from the Imperial Household Department and handled correspondence with various departments within the department. Despite its complex responsibilities, the Jingshifang remained outside the court's political decision-making process, effectively preventing eunuchs from interfering in government affairs. From its inception, the Jingshifang was subordinate to the Imperial Household Department, and all external correspondence was directed by the Imperial Household Department.

Midsummer has passed, and with the dawn of autumn, a spectacular competition for the imperial concubines has begun within the Forbidden City. Beautiful women from all corners of the country gather, each as stunning as a flower, each showcasing their talents to win the emperor's favor. Clad in magnificent garments, these women appear like clouds descended from heaven, their faces brimming with confidence and passion, eager to become the emperor's favorite consort. After a fierce competition, those who emerge victorious will not only be elevated to the ranks of the emperor's concubines, but will also embark on a new chapter in their lives, even bringing honor to their families. This competition not only determines the fate of individuals but also carries the hopes of their families. For these women, it is the most glorious moment in their lives and a new starting point for their dreams.

On the day of the selection, Qingyao dressed in the gorgeous empress's crown and robes, accompanied by Chunyu and Xiahe, and carefully dressed up. In addition to the empress's regular crown and robes, the most eye-catching thing was the three bright and large oriental pearls in her earrings, like shining stars, highlighting her noble status.

Qingyao said softly, "These Dongzhu earrings are really heavy." After hearing this, Kangxi gently hugged her and asked softly, "Qingqing, what do you want to change?"

Qingyao said coquettishly in his arms: "Husband, can we change to something else?" Kangxi kissed her forehead lovingly and said: "Qingqing, you have worked hard, please try to finish it as soon as possible."

"The Emperor has arrived, the Empress has arrived!" This call seemed to mark the beginning of the talent show. With the arrival of the two core figures, the atmosphere in the room instantly heated up, and the talent show officially kicked off.

Although Qingyao had not been selected to enter the palace, she was familiar with the palace rules. She heard the eunuch in charge of ceremonies sing loudly: "To fill the palace and continue the royal heir, beautiful girls are now entering the palace. Your Majesty!" Then, a maid led the first group of beautiful girls forward.

"Ebilun's legitimate daughter, surnamed Niuhulu, sixteen years old."

"Nalan Mingzhu's legitimate daughter, of the Yehenara clan, seventeen years old."

"Tong Guowei's legitimate daughter, surnamed Tong Jia, sixteen years old."

......

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, and the Empress Dowager." The ladies all bowed, and Kangxi said, "Stand up."

After the ceremony, Liang Jiugong called out their names one by one. They stepped forward and were questioned.

Under Qingyao's questioning, the women from the Yehenara, Nyuhulu, and Tonggiya clans simply went through the motions. After Qingyao asked a few familiar questions, they all left their name tags. This pageant was not only a selection of women, but also a crucial ritual for the Qing imperial family to continue its lineage.

In the end, the remaining candidates were the Tonggiya, Niuhulu, Yehenara, and Guoluoluo clans.

With the end of the talent show, Qingyao and Chunyu returned to Kunning Palace exhausted.

Qingyao called out urgently, "Chunyu, Xiahe, come and help me take off these earrings."

Chunyu responded, "Yes." She skillfully and quickly helped Qingyao take off the heavy earrings, while Xiahe helped her change clothes.

Qingyao sighed with a sense of relief, "I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. This queen's crown and attire are truly too heavy."

Chunyu and Xiahe helped Qingyao change out of the solemn empress's crown and robes and into lighter clothes. At this moment, Kangxi appeared at the door. He smiled and said, "Qingqing, you ran away without even waiting for me?"

Qingyao joked, "There are a lot more sisters in the selection today, and there are plenty of people waiting for His Majesty."

Kangxi approached Qingyao and looked at her lovingly: "Are you jealous, Qingqing?"

Qingyao quickly denied: "No."

Kangxi gently put his arm around Qingyao's shoulders and said, "No matter how many people there are, they can't replace you."

Qingyao snuggled in Kangxi's arms and murmured softly, "Hmph, my husband is so inconsiderate that he insists on making me wear such heavy oriental pearl earrings." Her voice was filled with a hint of coquettishness, making people want to protect her.

Kangxi looked at her red ears with a distressed look and immediately said, "Quickly call the imperial physician."

Qingyao smiled softly and asked gently, "My husband, have you arranged everything for the ladies who will be participating in the election?"

Kangxi frowned slightly, showing his annoyance at trivial matters. Qingyao chuckled softly and gently stroked the back of Kangxi's hand, conveying warmth and care.

Kangxi nodded, pulled her to sit on the couch, and said with a smile: "My dear, tell me."

Qingyao said, "Your Majesty, your cousin will live in Chengqian Palace. Hmm... Niuhulu will live in Chuxiu Palace. Guoluo and her sister will live in Yikun Palace so that the two sisters can look after each other. Yehenara will live in Yonghe Palace."

Kangxi smiled and said, "Okay, let's do as you say, my dear."

Qingyao asked again: "What about their positions?"

Kangxi asked, "What do you think should be done?"

Qingyao said, "This is your concubine. It's not my place to interfere." Kangxi smiled and said, "My dear, please help me think about it. I'm with you tonight."

Qingyao gently helped him take off his heavy court robes and said, "Then let me tell you first, my husband, what do you think of my arrangements?"

Kangxi nodded and said, "Okay, if the arrangement is reasonable, I will reward you."

Qingyao thought for a moment and said, "Well... since the election has already taken place, why not promote the sisters in the palace together? Rongpin will be promoted to Rongfei, Huipin will be promoted to Huifei, Your Majesty's cousin will be promoted to Tongfei, Niuhulu will be promoted to Zhaofei. Guoluo will be promoted to Yifei, and Yehenara will be promoted to Defei."

Kangxi nodded with satisfaction and said, "Okay, I'll do as you say."

Qingyao smiled and asked, "Since my husband is satisfied with this, I wonder what kind of reward I can get?"

Kangxi smiled and replied, "If you need anything, please feel free to ask."

Qingyao replied coquettishly, "Since my husband asked me to speak, I will not be polite."

Kangxi smiled and said, "There's no need to be formal between us, husband and wife."

Qingyao thought for a moment and replied, "I have all the necessary clothes and jewelry, so could you please stay in Kunning Palace for three days?"

Kangxi asked doubtfully, "Is this the only three days you want?"

Qingyao replied with a hint of provocation: "My dear husband, do you think the three days I requested are too few?"

Kangxi smiled and replied, "How about I grant you three more days?"

Qingyao smiled and said, "Okay."

Kangxi smiled and said, "Then I will stay here for six days."

Liang Jiugong responded respectfully, "Your Majesty, the imperial physician has arrived."

Kangxi nodded slightly: "Let him in."

Liang Jiugong immediately opened the door and invited the imperial physician in.

Doctor Chen bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you, and to the Empress. May your Majesty be blessed, and may the Empress be blessed."

Kangxi said calmly, "Stand up."

Doctor Chen said gratefully, "Thank you, Your Majesty, and thank you, Your Majesty."

Kangxi said with concern, "Doctor Chen, please come and take a look at the Queen. Her ears are red and swollen."

Doctor Chen looked up slightly, observed carefully, and said, "Your Majesty, the redness and swelling of your ears are caused by wearing heavy earrings. Please ask your Majesty to stop wearing any earrings for the time being. I will return to the Imperial Hospital to prepare ointment for your Majesty. Apply it three times a day, and the redness and swelling will subside within a few days."

Kangxi smiled slightly and said, "Step back."

Doctor Chen replied respectfully, "I will take my leave."

Qingyao pouted and complained, "Humph, I told you that the Dongzhu earrings are too heavy, and you don't feel sorry for them, husband."

Kangxi looked at her distressedly and said softly, "It's all my fault. I've wronged you."