Rebirth of His Royal Highness Prince Chenghu

That morning, sunlight streamed across the rooftops of Kunning Palace, illuminating the entire palace with a golden glow, creating a joyous yet solemn atmosphere. This was the crucial moment of the third-day bathing ceremony for the Empress's eldest son, and the Empress Dowager, along with Emperor Kangxi, were in attendance. Under the gaze of the crowd, the Second Prince was gently carried out. Nanny Ling meticulously followed the wet nurse, her eyes never leaving the Second Prince, guarding this tiny being. Her caution also aroused the vigilance of the others, fearing any potential harm to this precious life.

The empress dowager looked at the second prince with a smile on her face, and could not help but sigh in Mongolian: "Mother Empress, look at the appearance of this child, his eyes are exactly like Xuanye's!" The grand empress dowager took the child, her eyes showing loving concern. After looking at him for a moment, she said deeply: "Indeed, they look alike. Su Ma took out the gift I prepared for the second prince." Su Malagu respectfully opened a box, which contained a warm jade pendant and a pure gold longevity lock. They were shining brightly, emitting a gorgeous light.

Kangxi said joyfully, "Grandson thanks you, Madam." The Grand Empress Dowager glanced at him and said calmly, "This is out of my love for the Second Prince and has nothing to do with you." Kangxi couldn't help but smile knowingly: "Then, Madam, could you please give the Second Prince a name?" The Grand Empress Dowager pondered for a moment, and finally made a decision: "Then let's name him Chenghu. Cheng means taking on important responsibilities, being resolute, and having extraordinary perseverance; Hu symbolizes a person of virtue, great wealth, and boundless love. May he inherit the Qing Dynasty and continue the glory of the millennium-old imperial cause.

Kangxi said, "I'll trouble the Royal Madam to teach Chenghu more in the future."

Chunyu hurried back to the delivery room and reported to Qingyao, "Your Majesty, the Grand Empress Dowager has given the young master the name Chenghu." Qingyao asked in surprise, "What? The Imperial Madam gave the Second Prince the name Chenghu? Didn't His Majesty say to wait until he's one year old before giving him a name?" Chunyu replied, "It was His Majesty who asked the Grand Empress Dowager to give the Second Prince a name."

Qingyao pondered for a moment, frowning slightly, and said, "Just give it to her. Call her by her childhood nickname for now, and change it when she's one year old." Chunyu bowed respectfully and said, "Yes, Your Majesty." Qingyao nodded gently, "I understand. You must keep a low profile when you are outside. Zhongcui Palace has never had such an honor. You must also be careful and modest."

Seeing that the time had arrived, Liang Jiugong gently reminded Kangxi: "Your Majesty, the time has come. The Second Prince's bathing ceremony should begin on time."

Upon hearing this, Kangxi responded with a smile: "Then let's get started."

The third-day bathing ceremony officially began. An incense table had already been set up in the hall outside the delivery room. This important ritual symbolized blessings and prayers for the newborn. On the third day after the birth, family and friends gathered to perform a bathing ceremony for the baby, symbolizing the cleansing of impurities, warding off disasters and misfortunes, and praying for good fortune and blessings. This traditional custom was strictly observed by both the imperial court and the people, and has been passed down to this day.

After Madam Jixiang reverently offered incense and bowed three times, Qiu Shuang brought out a golden basin filled with a decoction of locust branches and mugwort leaves. Madam Ling then cradled the Second Prince in her arms and gently placed him in the basin. The Grand Empress Dowager took the lead, adding a small spoonful of water to the basin. Immediately afterwards, people generously donated precious items such as gold and silver nuggets.

The midwife placed a basin filled with traditional Chinese medicine bath water, including mugwort leaves and locust branches, on the kang (kang) and then lifted the baby. Family members, following the order of seniority, added a ladleful of water to the basin. Some also added auspicious items such as coins, longans, and red dates. The third-day bathing ceremony was thus successfully completed, filling the room with a bright and joyful atmosphere.

As soon as the third-day bathing ceremony was successfully concluded, Kangxi personally supported the Empress Dowager and left Kunning Palace with great satisfaction. The guests who attended the third-day bathing ceremony also said their goodbyes and left, leaving only Qingyao and her personal maid Chunyu.

Chunyu suggested considerately: "Your Majesty, let me go and bring the second prince here. You haven't seen him much today." Qingyao thought for a moment and felt that it made sense. Her son had been away all the time and she had not been able to accompany him well.

"Okay, go ahead. I haven't spent much time with him yet." Qingyao ordered.

"Yes, I will go and bring the second prince here right away." Chunyu answered respectfully.

Qingyao asked again with concern, "By the way, that concubine Nara is not being treated harshly, right? After all, she is pregnant with the Emperor's child."

Xia He said softly, "This servant is willing to go to visit Concubine Nara."

Qingyao smiled and nodded: "Go ahead, Ling Ma, please come in. I have something important to discuss with you."

Madam Ling replied respectfully, "What are your wishes, Madam?"

Qingyao gently stroked the token in her hand and said slowly, "Mammy, take this token and rush to the Imperial Household Department. Tell the person in charge that the concubines in the palace must not be treated unfairly. After all, they are all His Majesty's concubines. Those who are pregnant or about to be pregnant need to be cared for more attentively and treated according to their status."

Nanny Ling replied respectfully, "Okay, Your Majesty, I will go to the Imperial Household Department right away." Then she quietly left the room.

Cining Palace

The Empress Dowager said softly, "Niece, I think Chunxi should be raised by Xuanye's wife. I am not very fluent in Manchu or Chinese, and Chunxi is already grown up. How will she get along with her brothers in the future? If you are at ease, please leave Chunxi to her."

The Empress Dowager pondered for a moment and said softly, "I'll think about it.

The Empress Dowager responded with some concern: "My niece does not speak Chinese, only Mongolian. If Xuanye's daughter-in-law were to raise her, Chunxi would be able to learn both Chinese and Manchu."

After some careful consideration, the Empress Dowager finally sighed and said, "Su Ma, go find Xuanye immediately and ask him to come to me."

Su Malagu replied respectfully, "I understand. I will go find His Majesty right away."