The 81-year-old Emperor Kangxi still summoned his 78-year-old concubine at night: What did they actually do?

Emperor Qianlong is known as the longest-reigning emperor in Chinese history, passing away at the age of 87. According to historical records, Emperor Qianlong, at the age of 81, would still call his 78-year-old concubine to “warm his bed” at night.

Emperor Qianlong, at the age of 81, would still call his 78-year-old concubine to “warm his bed” at night.

Normally, concubines who are old are no longer called by the emperor to serve him every night, but in the history books, there is a story about Emperor Qianlong, at the age of 81, still calling his 78-year-old concubine to his bed, but not for favor, that was Empress Dowager.

Initially, Empress Dowager was not valued by the emperor. She was a Mongolian and her father held a low position in the court, so her status in the harem was very low. However, Empress Dowager had a gentle nature, did not like to compete, and always behaved gently, so Emperor Qianlong sometimes remembered her and called her for companionship.

Her life only took a turn for the better after giving birth to her fifth son for the emperor, named Vĩnh Kỳ. Thanks to good education, Vĩnh Kỳ was very obedient, intelligent, and knew many languages, so he was loved and praised by Emperor Qianlong. Empress Dowager’s rank was elevated from Thường to Tần and then to Phi because of Vĩnh Kỳ.

Especially after the event when Prince Vĩnh Kỳ risked his life to save the emperor in a palace fire, it made the emperor even more touched and treasured him, and he even wanted to appoint him as the future heir to the throne. However, unfortunately, at the age of 25, Prince Vĩnh Kỳ passed away due to illness, which made Emperor Qianlong very sad and no longer wanted to visit Empress Dowager’s palace. Empress Dowager herself was also 53 years old at that time and no longer suitable for childbirth, so from then on, she returned to her old boring life.

However, at the age of 78, Emperor Qianlong reversed his decision and called Empress Dowager back for companionship. Although it was called companionship, in reality, it was to reminisce about the past, especially about the beloved son that the emperor cherished. Empress Dowager was the birth mother of Prince Vĩnh Kỳ, so naturally, she was the first choice. Moreover, Empress Dowager had been serving Emperor Qianlong since the age of 13, staying by the emperor’s side for more than 60 years, which had created some feelings between them. At that time, the emperor was old and only wanted someone to talk to and comfort him in his old age.

Furthermore, Emperor Qianlong also paid great attention to maintaining good health, not being excessively passionate, so at that time, carnal affairs with him were no longer important, and his mental well-being was emphasized. That is also the reason why kings in ancient times usually did not live long, but Qianlong was able to live to the age of 87.

The secrets to Emperor Qianlong’s longevity

+ Breathe correctly to protect the lungs

Emperor Qianlong rarely stayed up late and woke up on time. In the morning, he would usually do outdoor breathing exercises. By taking deep breaths after waking up, the lungs could receive fresher and purer air, which had a certain effect on health.

After a night’s sleep, the blood circulation process in the human body would be relatively slow, and the amount of blood and oxygen supplied to the heart and brain might not be sufficient. Deep breathing helps the body to receive more oxygen, promotes the blood circulation process in the body, is good for the lungs, and also makes people more alert.

+ Exercise to strengthen muscles and bones

Emperor Qianlong also took the time to exercise, to strengthen his muscles and bones. According to records, Emperor Qianlong not only learned horseback riding and archery but also regularly exercised, even at the age of 80, he still went hunting. Perhaps it was thanks to this persistent training method that he became an emperor who lived a long life.

+ Practice the “10 shoulds and 4 should nots” method

The 10 shoulds here include: Teeth tapping, swallowing saliva, ear massage, nose rubbing, eye rolling, facial massage, hair brushing, anal contraction, foot rubbing, abdominal rubbing.

The 4 should nots are:

– Don’t speak while eating: Helps with the digestion and absorption of food.

– Don’t talk when lying down: Because the lungs of a normal person will accumulate when lying down, speaking at this time will harm the lungs and stimulate the nerves, not beneficial for sleep.

– Don’t get drunk when drinking: Because 90% of alcohol in the body is metabolized through the liver, the remaining 10% is metabolized through the kidneys and lungs, alcohol will be oxidized in the liver to harmful acetaldehyde, damaging liver cells.

– Limit sexual intercourse.

+ Regularly consume bird’s nests

Emperor Qianlong was an emperor who paid great attention to a healthy diet. Among them, bird’s nests were a dish he ate at least once a day.

In the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, bird’s nests are a nutritious food that has the effect of nourishing the lungs, nourishing the yin, treating weaknesses, good for the stomach, nourishing qi and blood, and anti-aging… In the book “Bản thảo truy tìm chân lý” compiled during the Qing Dynasty in Chinese history, there is a passage that says: “Bird’s nests nourish the lungs, are good for the kidneys and stomach, and it is a mild and delicious medicine in the field of medicine.”