Chapter 2 The history of the first quarter determined by the horoscope

In the sixty-first year of Kangxi (1722), the two greatest figures in the Aixinjueluo family, Emperor Kangxi and later Emperor Qianlong, met for the first time in Yuanmingyuan.However, Hongli was only 12 years old at the time, and it was impossible for him to understand how important this accidental meeting would be to himself and even to the country. It was the last spring of Kangxi's life, and hundreds of pots of peonies were in full bloom in front of the Peony Terrace in the Old Summer Palace.Prince Yong (Yinzhen) asked his father to come to his home to appreciate peonies, and the old emperor readily agreed.

The old emperor was willing to come and sit at Yinzhen's house, because among the dozen wolf-like sons, only the fourth elder brother had never shown any special desire for the throne, nor did he seem to be involved in any conspiracy related to competing for the throne .This unattractive fourth child is good at cursive script and studies Buddhism intensively. While other princes are fighting for the throne, he sits in the study to cultivate his body and mind, looking like a wild crane.However, the 44-year-old Prince Yong is not mediocre.The emperor occasionally entrusted him with some temporary tasks, such as arranging the funeral of the empress dowager, checking the malpractice of warehouse rice distribution, etc., and he completed them quickly and thoughtfully, which left a deep impression on the emperor. (Feng Erkang's "Yongzheng Biography")

In his later years, Kangxi often went to the Si Age's bestowed garden to relax and play.According to the statistics of the "Records of the Holy Ancestors of the Qing Dynasty", the emperor had the honor of visiting the Old Summer Palace 11 times in his later years.Except for Yinzhen, other princes have never enjoyed such kindness.The reason, of course, is that Si Age's home made him feel safe and relaxed. On the evening of March 12, the emperor came to Peony Terrace, and he was in a happy mood with the wine. Many historians say that the introduction of Hongli to Kangxi was a step carefully planned by Prince Yong.But Kangxi did not notice this.While the father and son were chatting, Yinzhen leisurely mentioned: "Your two grandsons haven't had a chance to see Shengyan since they were born."

The old emperor replied casually: "Okay! Last time I heard from the guards that you have a son who is a good reader. Call them both out and let me have a look." It is not a strange thing in Aixinjueluo's family that the grandson will have the opportunity to meet his grandfather when he is more than ten years old.Because there are too many grandsons of Emperor Kangxi, a total of 97, and the old emperor who is involved in government affairs has only seen less than half of them. Seeing these two children, the old emperor unconsciously put down the wine glass in his hand. The younger brother Hong Zhou did not impress the emperor too deeply, but the older brother Hong Li made Kangxi unforgettable.This kid is quite different.He is slender and handsome, especially in his two eyes, which are as clear as autumn water, there is an unusual aura and tranquility.When saluting just now, the emperor noticed that his every move was quick and graceful, and he was not in a hurry, and he was not at all nervous and cramped that children of this age usually have.Hong Zhou, the younger brother of the same age who followed behind him, was obviously more restrained.

With his rich experience in reading people, the old emperor was convinced that this child was different.He beckoned lovingly, let Hongli stand in front of him, and asked about his homework.Hongli memorized several passages of scriptures gracefully and explained them clearly from beginning to end. A burst of joy seized Kangxi's heart.Of all the grandchildren he had ever met, this one was undoubtedly the best. A few days later, the old emperor sent eunuchs to the Old Summer Palace and ordered Prince Yong to write down the eight characters of Hongli and present it to the emperor for his own reading.

A few days later, Kangxi visited Yuanmingyuan again, and after having a meal, he announced an unusual decision: to bring Hongli back to the palace to raise him. (For a summary, see "Records of the Holy Ancestors of the Qing Dynasty" and "The Complete Works of Leshantang Final Edition") Among the many grandsons of Kangxi, Hongli was originally an extremely inconspicuous one.He was born in Prince Yong's Mansion in Beijing in the 50th year of Kangxi (1711).The mother is a 20-year-old ordinary Gege Niu Hulu family. Many historians once mistakenly believed that Qianlong's biological mother was a lady, because her surname was "Niuhulu".Indeed, "Niu Hulu" in the Qing Dynasty was listed as one of the "Eight Great Masters" and was one of the most famous surnames.There have been many famous ministers with this surname, as well as many concubines.

However, the "Niu Hulu family" among the "Eight Great Masters" refers to the founding fathers, to be exact.And Qianlong's mother's ancestor was just a mediocre uncle and brother of E Yidu, named E Yiteng.Since the founding of the country, this branch has not produced any big figures, and in the generation of Qianlong's mother's grandfather, it even became a mere white man.Ling Zhu, Qianlong's maternal grandfather, had the highest official position as "Fourth Grade Dianyi", probably a idle position obtained by his father with his daughter. It can be inferred from various signs that when the 13-year-old Niu Hulu entered Prince Yong's mansion, he was just an ordinary girl, doing chores such as serving tea and pouring water.Until one day in the forty-ninth year of Kangxi (1710), the energetic and idle Prince Yong suddenly discovered that this girl who had been in the mansion for six years had grown up. She was tall and strong at the age of 19, although her appearance was not average. Above, but the body is extremely plump and plump, every move is turbulent, and the youthful brilliance is hard to hide. The 32-year-old prince felt a sudden sharp desire in his body.

The land is very fertile, and it bears fruit in the second year.Emperor Qianlong was born in the 13th day of August in the 50th year of Kangxi. ("Jade Document") Because the mother's status was too low, the birth of this child did not attract much attention. But the child's horoscope is a bit unusual. Traditional Chinese probably live in a superstitious atmosphere all their lives.Although Emperor Kangxi liked to study Western science and was quite accomplished, this did not hinder his enthusiasm for fortune-telling and divination. There is such a detail in the archives of the Qing Dynasty.In June of the 60th year of Kangxi (1721), Nian Gengyao, the governor of Sichuan, came to Beijing to work, and the emperor ordered him to find Luo Xiazi, a "famous accountant" in the capital, to calculate something.Nian heard that blind Luo was a ostentatious person and was sick, so he didn't go to him.The emperor wrote in his report on the matter:

This person was not old and sincere, but he was good at taking possession. ("Anecdotes Congbian Nian Gengyao") It can be seen that the emperor is the blind man's regular patron and fan. Bazi fortune-telling is to infer the result of life development based on the year, month, day and hour of a person's birth time.In today's view, this is of course outright superstition.However, in the past, these superstitions often accidentally determined the direction of the cart of history.This is the case with Qianlong's horoscope. In 1929, among the first batch of cabinet archives released by the Archives of the Palace Museum, there were the horoscope of Qianlong's birthday and the comments of people in the 61st year of Kangxi.The content is as follows:

Qianlong horoscope: Xinmao (Fifty Years of Kangxi) Ding You (August) Gengwu (thirteenth day) Bingzi (child time). Commentary: Geng Jin was born in Zhongqiu, with the shape of a sun blade, and Jin Yuwang Township, with many disasters. The most beautiful thing is to use fire, and it is dry to the point of death.The pattern is clear and strange, and it is naturally rich and prosperous.Dizhizi, Wu, Mao, You, who live in bathing, are most fond of encountering Chong, and they are beautiful in wounding officials, and they are very powerful. The book says: Ziwu Youmao has become a big grid, civil and military classics, intelligent and talented, capable of doing things.Even running B is not.In the Jiawu period, Guisi was prosperous, and it was strange to vent the system, and everyone thought it was beautiful.

It goes without saying that this life is rich and precious.Zhan De has an unusual personality, is smart and elegant, is benevolent and filial, and must learn fine arts and martial arts.Floating disasters are always seen when you are young, and it doesn't hinder you.To be lucky at the age of sixteen, one should be in good health, do everything according to one's heart, and have better aspirations.Destined to see a wife and star who is the most virtuous and capable, with a lot of children and a long life.The four pillars in the middle of the column are in good shape and auspicious, so don't ask about anything else. Obviously, this comment was written by a fortune teller, and almost every word is a compliment.The theory of fate in ancient China has a set of fixed calculation methods.According to the theory of fate, Qianlong's horoscope, Tiangan Geng, Xin Bingding, and Huo Qiujin are powerful fates with great talent, and the term is called "shenwang"; Take advantage of the wind, the Lord is rich and honorable. Perhaps it was this distinctive horoscope that made Kangxi make the decision to raise Hongli in the palace. "Nurturing in the palace" is indeed a great "favor" for the emperor's grandson in the Kangxi era.Before Hongli, among nearly a hundred grandchildren, only Hongxi, the eldest son of the prince, was "brought up in the palace" by Kangxi.This emperor and grandson was so loved by Kangxi that in Kangxi's later years, during the process of the prince's separation and abolition, an important consideration was that he could not give up this Hongxi.After the North Korean envoy returned to the country, he reported to the king: "Emperor Sun Poxian, it is difficult to abolish Liyun." He also said: "Maybe Prince Yun's son is very virtuous, so I can't bear to establish another son and let Shanger be demoted to Yun." That is to say. , because he hoped that this grandson would ascend to the throne in the future, Kangxi was unable to make up his mind on the issue of abolishing the prince. ("Records of Joseon Lee Dynasty") From this point of view, some people think that liking Hongli is a reason for Kangxi to pass the throne to Yongzheng.It is hard for us to say that Yinzhen's introduction of his son to his father was not a deliberate step.For Yinzhen, this move is not bad in any way.First of all, this is an opportunity to test the attitude of the old emperor.If the old emperor included himself as a candidate for succession, he would definitely care about his children.Because a politician has to count a few extra steps.Taking a step back, even if the old emperor does not intend to include himself in the ranks of candidates, establishing a good relationship between his grandparents and grandchildren will undoubtedly be of great benefit to his political security. Yinzhen has full confidence that Hongli will be loved by the old emperor.Because this child has been extremely intelligent since he was a child. In particular, he is young and mature, very sensible, and very good at getting along with people.Yongzheng fully believed that he would be a good channel of communication between the old emperor and himself. The development of things even exceeded Prince Yong's expectations. In the sixty-first year of Kangxi (1722), during the summer and autumn seasons for more than five months, the grandparents and grandchildren in the summer resort were together almost every day and were inseparable.When Kangxi was reviewing the memorials, Xiao Hongli was grinding ink and writing beside him.The old emperor often stood up, went to his grandson, and taught him how to write.During the meal, the grandparents and grandsons sat at the same table, and the grandfather kept bringing food to the grandson.Even when meeting ministers to discuss military affairs, Kangxi also specially approved Hongli to stay with him.At this time, Hongli always "holds his breath and waits" sensiblely, not daring to breathe.The well-behaved grandson brought great joy to the last years of Kangxi's life. In just half a year, the grandson and grandson established a deep relationship. At noon in summer, Kangxi was boating on the lake of the summer resort, and Hongli was playing on the mountain.Seeing the imperial boat approaching from a distance, he ran down the mountain happily.Seeing this, the old emperor hurried to the bow of the boat for fear that his grandson would fall, and shouted at Hongli: "Run slowly, don't fall!" The grandfather's anxious voice was deeply imprinted in Hongli's mind, and he is still in the imperial court 60 years later. This matter is mentioned in the poem "Qingbi Pavilion Recalling the Past". In the past six months, Hongli's sports talent also left a deep impression on Kangxi.Although he is only 12 years old, his quick response and precise manner are very comparable to others.Kangxi personally taught Hongli archery, and Hongli was really competitive. He hit five arrows in a row for the first time. Kangxi was overjoyed and gave him a yellow jacket. "Or order to shoot at a pace, to show the officials, hold a full company, the emperor's ancestors will be delighted by it." (Qianlong's "The Summer Resort Ji En Tang Ji") When Hongli practiced using a musket for the first time, the teacher tied a sheep a hundred paces away. When he tried shooting for the first time, he "killed the sheep with one shot".Kangxi was very happy. At the beginning of August, when the autumn was high and the horses were fat, Kangxi took Hongli and started hunting.In the paddock, Kangxi shot a bear with a musket, and the bear fell to the ground for a long time without any movement.Kangxi thought that the bear was no longer a threat, so he ordered Hongli to step forward and shoot an arrow, so that the child would win the reputation of "the first besieged bear".After Hongli got on his horse, he didn't move for some reason.Kangxi was a little unhappy, this child has always been very courageous, why did he get scared after seeing the bear today?Kangxi immediately shouted: "Hongli, why don't you go in?" Only then did Hongli seem to wake up, and urged the horse to advance.Unexpectedly, at this time, the big bear that fell to the ground suddenly turned over, stood upright, let out a roar, and came straight to Hongli's mount.Everyone was stunned for a moment, only Kangxi reacted in time, raised his gun and fired, the bullet shot through the bear's ear, the big bear fell to the ground like a half wall, and died completely.Everyone broke out in a cold sweat. This incident left a deep impression on Kangxi.It seems that there is God's will in the dark to bless this unusual grandson.When he returned to his tent at night, he said to his concubine He, who was accompanying him, "The life of this child Hongli is really precious! If he had rushed the horse over earlier, he would have been startled, what would have happened! This child will die in the future. Your luck is greater than mine!" ("Xiao Ting Miscellaneous Records") After this siege, the emperor went to Si Age's Rehe Ciyuan Lion Garden on purpose, and asked to see Qianlong's biological mother by name.For some reason, the Niu Hulu family knelt in front of the emperor, full of doubts.The old emperor ordered her to raise her head and watch carefully for half a minute. While watching, she said: "It is a blessed person, a blessed person!" ("Records of Emperor Gaozong of the Qing Dynasty") Before meeting his father-in-law this time, Niu Hulu's family had never attracted attention.Having this baby didn't help her turn her fortunes around completely.Until more than ten years before Yongzheng ascended the throne, she was still habitually called "Gege", which means "Miss" in Manchu. However, Kangxi discovered the "different phase" of this daughter-in-law. This ordinary personality will indeed become one of the most blessed queen mothers in Chinese history, as Kangxi said in the future, with a long life and smooth circumstances, enjoying all the honor and wealth.Emperor Kangxi's facial recognition skills are indeed unique. It goes without saying that the half of Emperor Qianlong's genes obtained from his father is very good.The outstanding qualities of the Aixinjueluo family have been fully reflected in the previous emperors.Extremely high IQ, strong self-control, boundless energy, extremely shrewd mind, and uncontrollable enterprising spirit, these qualities in Qianlong were mainly obtained from his father's line. What you get from your mother is a strong physical foundation that supports these mental factors.Emperor Qianlong has a strong physique and a long lifespan, which is unique among the emperors of all dynasties in China.Before Qianlong, the average life expectancy of the five emperors was 54 years, and Qianlong lived to 89 years old, 35 years older than the average age of his ancestors.Among the brothers, Qianlong also lived the longest, and the longest-lived of the other brothers was only 60 years old. Emperor Qianlong was the only one who was thriving. This must be related to his mother's genetic factors. Niu Hulu, who was born in a commoner family, completely preserved the strength and "skinness" that the Manchus had cast in the black water of the Baishan Mountains.There is a portrait of the elderly Niu Hulu in the handed down Qing Palace "Ci Ning Yan Xi Tu". The old lady on the picture has big ears, a wide heart and a fat body.Compared with those concubines who were born in wealthy families, Niu Hulu's body is strong and playful by nature.After Emperor Qianlong came to the throne, every time he went on tour, he had to take the old lady with him: the old lady caught up with the four southern tours before her death, and she didn't miss a single one.The old lady visited Wutai three times in her life, climbed Mount Tai three times, and even went to Songshan Mountain.As for the Mountain Resort, they have been there countless times.One year before the old lady died, at the age of 85, she still followed Qianlong to climb Mount Tai, walking very vigorously. Mr. Zhuang Lian said: "It is impossible for a concubine from a wealthy family to have a very strong body... Qianlong's biological mother is not an ordinary concubine born in a wealthy family. This is where Qianlong is unique." ("Chinese History The Most Distinctive Emperor") Yongzheng bowed horses normally, but often fell ill after middle age.And Qianlong was born good at sports, with excellent agility and balance. He was quick to learn all kinds of weapons, and his martial arts riding and shooting were second to none among the emperors of the Qing Dynasty.He was active all his life, not happy to live in peace, and traveled around, so that he was known as the emperor on horseback.He lived to be 89 years old without any serious illness in his life.He has been in power for 64 years, dealing with memorials every day, managing a lot of affairs every day, and rarely feels tired.This is all inherited from the mother's line. On November 13th in the sixty-first year of Kangxi (1722), Emperor Kangxi died suddenly in Changchun Garden two months after returning to Beijing from the Summer Resort. Volume 1 of "Records of Emperor Gaozong of the Qing Dynasty" says: Qianlong's succession to the throne is because "the holy ancestor deeply loved the gods and knew it, and made it silently before;Qianlong also said that the reason why Kangxi called his biological mother to meet each other at that time was also because of the idea of ​​entrustment, "Now that I look up at the emperor's kindness, I seem to know that I can entrust it in the future, because I want to see the blessing of the Virgin Mary. ". ("First Collection of Qianlong Imperial Poems") This statement may be exaggerated, but Hongli must have played a role in Chuanyu Yinzhen's decision.For this son, Yongzheng had a special feeling of gratitude in his heart. In December of that year, Kim Yeon, the Minister of Korea, heard the following news during his foreign affairs exchanges with the Qing Dynasty: Emperor Kangxi was seriously ill in Changchun Garden. Knowing that he could not get up, he summoned the elder Ma Qi and said to him: "My fourth son is the most virtuous, and I will be the heir emperor after death. Hongli, the second son of Yinzhen, has With a heroic appearance, he must be crowned as a prince." He thought that the way of monarchs and ministers is not easy, and the key to ordering the world, and admonished Yinzhen.He got rid of the rosary hanging on his head, and said to Yinzhen: "This is what Emperor Shunzhi gave me when he was dying. I give it to you now. I intend to keep it. You know it..." After saying that, he passed away. ("Records of Joseon Lee Dynasty") Some people say that this record is not reliable.However, it has been spread far to North Korea, which shows that this rumor has spread widely, and it can also be seen that the name of the future Emperor Qianlong and his special relationship with his grandfather have been widely known throughout the country when Yongzheng just succeeded to the throne.It is an indisputable fact that Hongli has been the first candidate for the prince since Yongzheng ascended the throne.On the eleventh day of the first lunar month of the first year of Yongzheng (1723), Emperor Yongzheng went to the Temple of Heaven for the first time after he ascended the throne, and held a ceremony of praying for grain.After returning to the palace, Yongzheng summoned Hongli to the Hall of Mental Cultivation and gave him a piece of meat to eat, without saying a word.Hongli ate this piece of meat silently. It tasted very delicious, but he couldn't tell what kind of meat it was.After the well-behaved man finished eating the meat, he withdrew without saying much.But it made a deep impression on him.Because before that, no matter what happened, his father treated him and his younger brother Hong Zhou equally.But this time he was the only one summoned, and it was after he had just returned from the Temple of Heaven, so it was obviously meaningful.From then on, the clever Hongli knew that he was tacitly appointed as the prince by his father. ("Five Collections of Qianlong Imperial Poems")