Chapter 10: Longevity

In the third month of the forty-third year of Kangxi’s reign, although it wasn’t a major milestone birthday, it was still a day of universal celebration. Naturally, the princes had all racked their brains to prepare the most fitting gifts. That morning, the Ninth Prince rose early—determined not to draw Kangxi’s displeasure, he made a point of attending court at dawn, and took the opportunity to confer with the Eighth and Tenth Princes on the matter of the ginseng fruit.

The ginseng fruit itself had long since been entrusted to a trusted eunuch, who had brought it safely into the palace and arranged it with the utmost care. Lady Dong’e had also risen early, intending to first pay her respects to the Empress Dowager at Cining Palace before attending the family banquet hosted by His Majesty.

Half a month prior, Lady Dong’e had already prepared the congratulatory gift on behalf of the Ninth Prince’s household and sent it to the palace. Although each prince’s household followed strict regulations regarding the birthday tributes presented to Kangxi, leaving little room for deviation, the Ninth Prince had found the gift list uninspired when he saw it. It seemed that in recent years, the lists all looked exactly the same.

As the Ninth Prince pondered Lady Dong’e’s gift list, the Tenth Prince nudged him and asked quietly, “Ninth Brother, do you know what Second Brother is presenting this year?” The Ninth Prince looked at him in puzzlement, wondering why his usually careless younger brother was suddenly so interested in the heir apparent’s tribute.

“What is it?” the Ninth Prince whispered back. By now, they had reached the Palace of Heavenly Purity, waiting with the other princes and imperial kinsmen for the birthday celebrant, Kangxi, to arrive so they could present their gifts in turn—a ritual that had become nearly set in stone. Although the gifts of the princes and imperial clan were also governed by precedent, everyone still racked their brains to outdo one another each year, for it was well understood that if one pleased Kangxi on this day, the coming year would pass more smoothly.

“I hear it’s a jade Buddha, nearly as tall as a man, from Burma. Incredibly valuable,” the Tenth Prince said, pursing his lips. The Ninth Prince blinked in surprise and looked to the Eighth Prince, who smiled faintly and nodded. The Ninth Prince could not help but feel a headache coming on—besides presenting his own tribute today, it seemed he would also have to submit a memorial criticizing the Crown Prince for extravagance. There was never a moment’s peace—how tiresome!

With this in mind, he quietly asked, “And what is Third Brother giving?”

The Tenth Prince shook his head. “No idea. Third Brother’s keeping it a close secret and won’t let anyone see.” The Ninth Prince burst out laughing. “So that’s what you’ve been up to—snooping around for news.” The Tenth Prince gave him a hard shove, and the two brothers shared a laugh.

Before long, Kangxi finally appeared, walking with measured steps. The princes and imperial kinsmen, who had been waiting for some time, all smiled broadly as they kowtowed to Kangxi, offering a steady stream of auspicious well-wishes before the gift-giving ceremony began. The first round was for the imperial kinsmen, and Kangxi expressed pleasure at each offering, repeatedly insisting there was no need for such expense, though he accepted every gift.

It was customary for the kinsmen to present their gifts before the princes; perhaps Kangxi feared that, after seeing what his sons brought, the kinsmen would feel too embarrassed to show their own. Thus, every year, their turn came first.

Naturally, neither the princes nor the kinsmen paid much attention to this first round—they were all eagerly awaiting the second. The Crown Prince stepped forward first; although he was second in birth order, his status placed him at the head of the line, so the eldest had to settle for second place each year.

As the Tenth Prince had said, the Crown Prince’s tribute was indeed a priceless jade Buddha. Despite the Crown Prince’s eloquent words, Kangxi’s expression was far from pleased; after all, two provinces had suffered disasters that year, and such lavishness from the Crown Prince did nothing but cast his father in a poor light.

The eldest prince’s tribute was forgettable—a bow and arrow, supposedly to help Kangxi defend the realm. But when the Third Prince presented his gift, the Ninth Prince’s eyes widened in astonishment: it was a box the size of a book, wrapped in deep blue checked cloth. The Third Prince affected an air of mystery. “I would ask Father to peruse this gift personally.”

Kangxi glanced at him, showing little hope, but nonetheless ordered Li Dequan to receive it. Everyone strained to get a look, and the Tenth Prince whispered to the Ninth, “What trick is Third Brother up to now? What could fit inside that little box?”

The Ninth Prince snorted disdainfully, “A vegetarian meal!” At his words, the Eighth Prince looked over in surprise, “How do you know that?” The Ninth Prince answered quietly, “Because the business is mine.” The Eighth Prince’s eyes widened, then he broke into a smile. The Tenth Prince also grinned, “This is getting interesting.”

In full view of everyone, Kangxi opened the box. Inside was a food container made of pear wood. Kangxi examined it closely—though exquisitely made, it was a far cry from being considered precious. He looked up at the Third Prince. “What is so special about this food container?”

The Third Prince answered proudly, “Father, your son has procured food from a household on the outskirts of the capital, hoping you might witness for yourself the abundant lives of your people. Of course, the food inside is not for your casual consumption, but it reflects the heartfelt devotion of both your son and the common folk.”

At these words, Kangxi opened the container and discovered its clever design. The large box was divided into compartments—two for vegetarian dishes, one for meat, and one for white rice—arranged so invitingly as to stir the appetite. Kangxi also noticed a hidden compartment in the lid, which, when opened, revealed a place for chopsticks.

Kangxi smiled, “Whatever else may be said, this container is indeed ingeniously crafted.”

Before the Third Prince could reply, the Ninth Prince stepped forward. “Thank you, Father, for your praise!”

Both the Third Prince and Kangxi stared at him in surprise. The Ninth Prince grinned, “Your son spent two days crafting this container, so of course I must thank you for your compliment.”

The Third Prince’s eyebrows shot up. “Ninth Brother, don’t speak nonsense. How could this possibly be your design?” The Ninth Prince replied slyly, “Didn’t you ask the abbot at the Guanyin Temple whose business it was when you bought the vegetarian dishes?”

Kangxi’s brow furrowed even more deeply. The Eighth Prince stepped forward, “Ninth Brother, don’t make trouble. If you upset Father now, all your hard work over the past half year will end up credited to me and Tenth Brother.”

Kangxi snorted. Seeing the Ninth Prince so full of himself, he resolved that, whatever his tribute might be, he would not say a kind word about it. With a touch of pettiness, Kangxi spoke: “In that case, let’s have your birthday tribute first. If I am not satisfied…”

Before Kangxi could finish, the Tenth Prince called out loudly, “Father will surely be pleased!”