Rebirth of His Royal Highness Prince Chenghu

On the morning of March 18th, at three-quarters of an hour before sunrise, the drums sounded before the Meridian Gate, and all civil and military officials lined up in formation. As the drums echoed a second time, the Ministry of Rites led the officials into the palace, with civil officials lined up on the east side and military officials on the west side, standing in awe outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Kangxi then left the palace in his carriage and took his seat at the Hall of Central Harmony.

As the third drum beat ended, the melodious Shao music began to play, signaling the arrival of Emperor Kangxi in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Following this, the grand music of the Danbi Temple blared, stirring the hearts of the people. Officials gathered in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, paying their respects, presenting memorials, reading them, and offering eulogies, all in unison, chanting "Long live the emperor!"

Soon, Shao music sounded again and Kangxi left the throne.

In the main hall of the Qianqing Palace, Kangxi's birthday banquet was held with great fanfare. The ministers stood in awe, and in order of rank, they presented the Emperor with carefully prepared birthday gifts, performing the ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows to congratulate him.

Kangxi sat steadily in the chair, his fingers gently fiddling with the newly acquired Buddhist beads.

Qingyao stood up with the wine glass in hand: "Your Highness, I respectfully wish you a long and blessed life."

Kangxi looked at the empress affectionately and reminded her with concern: "Empress, you are pregnant. It is better to drink less. Don't drink too much and harm your health."

Qingyao: "I understand. I'll just give you a glass of fruit wine to wish His Majesty a happy birthday."

Kangxi picked up the wine glass and said with a smile, "Queen, please sit down."

Qingyao sat quietly beneath him, like a quiet lotus, exuding a faint elegance.

All the concubines stood up and respectfully toasted Emperor Kangxi to express their blessings.

Qingyao whispered softly, calling Chunyu to her side: "Hurry back to Kunning Palace and ask the kitchen to prepare a bowl of sobering soup."

Chunyu: "Yes, Madam, I will return to Kunning Palace and ask the kitchen to prepare some hangover soup."

Qingyao smiled and said, "Go ahead and get ready."

Chenghu, along with his brothers and sisters, stood up and said in unison: "Son, daughter respectfully wish the Emperor a long life, a long and secure reign, and may his power resonate throughout the world and his virtue conquer the world."

Kangxi: "Everyone, get up quickly."

When the banquet ended, Qingyao gently supported him and said softly, "Your Majesty, I will accompany you back to the inner hall to rest."

Kangxi: "Tonight I will go to your Kunning Palace to rest."

Qingyao readily agreed and carefully helped the Emperor into the sedan chair, following his wishes in everything.

Kangxi held her hand tightly and was unwilling to let go.

Qingyao said softly, "Your Majesty, could you please let me go first? This is your sedan chair, and it is not appropriate for me to be here." She coaxed softly, making people feel extremely gentle and considerate.

Kangxi smiled slightly and said casually: "I think it is appropriate, you can sit down."

Qingyao had no choice but to sit next to him: "Eunuch Liang, go to my Kunning Palace."

Liang Jiugong ordered people to go to Kunning Palace.

Qingyao supported him carefully and said, "Your Majesty, would you mind having a bowl of hangover soup when we get to my bedroom?"

Kangxi: "I'm not drunk, just a little dizzy."

Qingyao nodded and said, "Yes, my husband, you don't get drunk at all." As she spoke, she carefully helped him out of the sedan chair and walked into the inner hall of Kunning Palace. She gently helped him lie down on the couch.

Kangxi lay on the couch and called softly, "Qingqing?" There was endless tenderness in his voice.

With the careful help of her maid, Qingyao gently removed her elaborate ceremonial attire, revealing the elegant color of her inner garment. She walked briskly toward the couch and said softly, "Your Majesty, may I help you undress?"

Kangxi replied absentmindedly, "Okay."

Qingyao swiftly helped him remove his gorgeous ceremonial attire, carefully folding it neatly. Then, she lifted the copper basin and gently wiped his face and hands with a soft handkerchief, each detail revealing meticulous care.

Chunyu walked into the inner hall, carrying a bowl of hangover soup. She placed the soup lightly on the table and then quietly left.

Qingyao gently returned the copper basin to its original place, then carefully lifted the hangover soup and served it to him. She asked softly, "Your Majesty, are you still dizzy?"

Kangxi patted her back gently and said softly, "I feel better now. It's late now. Go to bed early."

Qingyao meekly replied "Okay," then obediently took off her embroidered shoes, stepped over him from the end of the bed, and gently lay down on the inside. She carefully covered him with the quilt, then slowly closed her eyes and fell asleep peacefully.