The Forbidden City in the early morning is silent. A little east of the apse of the Heart Cultivation Palace, a faint candlelight shines through. This was the signal for Emperor Qianlong to get up. It was just after four o'clock, and His Majesty the Emperor had already begun his busy day. From early morning to late at night, Qianlong's schedule was full, with specific tasks at every moment. Sacrifices, breakfasts, reviews and recitals, summoning ministers, and composing poems are all in order. Even the emperor's personal time was carefully planned. At seven o'clock, Qianlong was about to start "flipping the cards", which was one of his few pastimes in a day. But then, another day of government affairs was entangled.
Behind this seemingly regular and orderly life, how does Qianlong view this kind of boredom day after day? Is his inner world as calm as it seems? As a ruler, how did he balance his busy schedule with his personal life? Let's walk into a day in Qianlong and explore the daily life of this emperor.
At the right moment, that is, around four o'clock in the morning, there was a faint movement in the east of the apse of the Heart Cultivation Palace. This was a signal that Emperor Qianlong was ready to get up. The eunuch on duty at night immediately perked up and whispered to the palace maid and eunuch on duty outside the door.
The Palace of Nourishing Hearts, as the sleeping palace of Emperor Qianlong, is not the most prominent building in the Forbidden City, but it is the core place of the emperor's daily life. This "Gong" shaped building is composed of the front and back halls, of which the east and west of the apse are the bedrooms of Emperor Qianlong. The east room is more exquisite, the dragon bed is inlaid with glass mercury mirror, covered with big red felt and bright yellow carpet, and it is the "bedroom" most often used by Emperor Qianlong.
When the eunuchs on duty confirmed that Emperor Qianlong had gotten up, they gently raised half of the door curtain, which was a code to allow the palace maid on duty to enter. Two palace maids who were in charge of the tent entered the dormitory lightly. One was responsible for tidying up the dragon bed, and the other was holding a silver basin filled with hot water, and served the Qianlong Emperor with a yellow dragon satin cushion.
After the cleansing ceremony is completed, the eunuch enters the dormitory. He wore a wrap wrapped in a satin jacket of Huangyunlong, and after respectfully greeting Emperor Qianlong, he began to comb his hair, braid it, and shave his beard. In this process, Emperor Qianlong would often close his eyes and recuperate, or ask some trivial matters in the palace in a low voice.
At the same time, in the dressing cubicle outside the dormitory, the eunuch in charge of the service had already prepared the day's court clothes. After Emperor Qianlong walked out of the bedroom, he changed his clothes here. The whole process is well organized, and every movement is carefully designed and practiced over a long period of time.
When the maid opened the curtains, it was a signal to the chief eunuch and the attendant eunuch waiting under the corridor. They immediately knelt on the steps and chanted in unison, "Respectfully to the Emperor Saint." Almost at the same moment, Emperor Qianlong walked out of the palace, and this deliberately created "tacit understanding" implied the auspiciousness of the monarch and the minister.
After getting up and changing clothes, Emperor Qianlong did not immediately start the day's government affairs. According to the custom of the Qing Palace, he first had to go to Kunning Palace to make a pilgrimage. It is a ritual that originated from Manchu shamanism and was an important old custom preserved by the Qing Dynasty. In the Kunning Palace, there are enshrined gods such as Shakyamuni Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva and Guansheng Emperor, and sometimes the gods are added for special reasons, reflecting a mixed polytheistic worship.
Although the ceremonies were usually presided over by the empress, Emperor Qianlong often participated in person. Dressed in court clothes, surrounded by a group of eunuchs and palace maids, he walked slowly along the palace corridor to Kunning Palace. In the morning light, the figure of Emperor Qianlong looked particularly solemn.
After arriving at Kunning Palace, Emperor Qianlong would first salute as a ceremony, and then stand quietly on the side, and the queen presided over the entire court sacrifice ceremony. In the smoke of cigarettes, Emperor Qianlong silently prayed to the gods and goddesses, praying for peace and prosperity for the Qing Dynasty. This process lasted about half an hour, and it was a rare moment of meditation in the day of Emperor Qianlong.
After the end of the court sacrifice, Emperor Qianlong also went to Cining Palace to greet the Queen Mother. This is not only a manifestation of filial piety, but also an important family ethics in the Qing court. Emperor Qianlong would go there in person every morning, and even years after the death of the Empress Dowager, he maintained this habit as a sign of respect for his ancestors.
By the time these morning rituals were complete, it was almost a quarter past the hour, that is, around 6:15 a.m. At this time, Emperor Qianlong will drive to Tongyuxuan for breakfast. Tongyuxuan is located on the west side of the Qianqing Palace, which is a place specially set up for the emperor's meal.
Here, the dining room has already prepared a sumptuous imperial meal. The ingredients and cooking methods of each dish are strictly screened and checked multiple times to ensure that nothing goes wrong. After Emperor Qianlong took his seat, the eunuchs would try the dishes first, and only after confirming that they were non-toxic would they serve the emperor with vegetables.
Breakfast usually includes a variety of dim sum, soups and staple dishes, among which the Qianlong Emperor's favorite bird's nest soup is essential. During the meal, Emperor Qianlong would often listen to some trivial matters in the palace that were not in a hurry to make announcements, or ask about the weather conditions of the day to prepare for the next day.
At this point, Emperor Qianlong's busy day had just begun. After breakfast, he will return to the Hall of Nourishing Hearts and begin to deal with the mountain of twists and turns, which is his most important daily job as the king of a country. And in the first few hours of the day, the seemingly ordinary living rituals invisibly demonstrate the prestige and traditions of the Qing Empire. Every detail is the knot of thousand-year-old court culture
After breakfast, Emperor Qianlong returned to the Heart Cultivation Hall and began the busiest time of the day. The front hall of the Yangxin Palace, as the main place for Qianlong to deal with government affairs, was ready at this time. The furnishings in the hall are simple and solemn, and the imperial case is placed in the center, and the four treasures of various scholars are placed on the case. On both sides of the imperial case, there are neatly stacked pieces, these pieces from all over the country, carrying all aspects of the empire.
After Emperor Qianlong sat down, the first thing he dealt with was Zhu's criticism. Most of these memoranda were urgent military situations or major government affairs, which required the emperor's personal approval. Qianlong used a red pen to give instructions on the folds, sometimes even at length, and the handwriting was meticulous and neat. His replies often reflect in-depth thinking on specific issues, not just "according to the proposal" or "knowing".
In the process of dealing with the twists and turns, Emperor Qianlong would often summon relevant ministers for discussion. These ministers may be the Minister of Military Aircraft, or they may be the Six Ministers or other important officials. They knelt in front of the imperial case and reported to the emperor or made suggestions on specific issues. Emperor Qianlong listened carefully and asked questions or expressed his views from time to time. This kind of face-to-face communication allows for more in-depth discussion and decision-making on complex national issues.
It is worth mentioning that when Emperor Qianlong handled government affairs, he often asked his ministers to provide various information and opinions. He is not satisfied with superficial reports, but pursues a comprehensive understanding of the problem. This is time-consuming, but it helps to make more informed decisions.
In between government affairs, Emperor Qianlong would also find time to compose poems. As a prolific emperor of letters, he regarded literary creation as an important part of statecraft. Sometimes, he would improvise a poem on a political topic or historical event, and then order the ministers and scholars around him to perform a harmony. This is not only a literary activity, but also a way of political expression and exchange of ideas.
Emperor Qianlong's poems were often transcribed in multiple copies and distributed to ministers or local officials. These poems not only convey the emperor's literary talent, but more importantly, convey his political ideas and ruling intentions. In this way, Emperor Qianlong skillfully combined civil governance with martial arts, and while dealing with heavy government affairs, he did not forget cultural construction and the shaping of his own image.
In the morning, Emperor Qianlong would also meet with foreign envoys or leaders of ethnic minorities. These diplomatic activities are usually held in the Qianqing Palace or the Baohe Palace, and the scene is solemn and solemn. Emperor Qianlong would be dressed in official court clothes, sit on a dragon chair, and receive an audience and tribute from the envoys. These activities not only reflected the majesty of the Qing Empire, but also served as an important occasion for Emperor Qianlong to demonstrate his national strength and personal charm.
While dealing with these important affairs, Emperor Qianlong did not forget to pay attention to some seemingly trivial but equally important details. For example, he would review the expenditure accounts of the palace, inquire about the changes in prices in various places, and even care about the harvest in a remote area. This attention to detail reflects the comprehensiveness and meticulousness of Emperor Qianlong's governance.
As noon approached, Emperor Qianlong would temporarily put aside the government affairs at hand and prepare for lunch. But even during meals, he often continues to attend to less urgent matters. For example, listen to a report on the work of a certain department, or have a brief discussion with a minister on an issue. This way of working allowed Emperor Qianlong to maximize his time and deal with more state affairs.
The morning of government affairs was the busiest and most important time of the day for Emperor Qianlong. Through various methods such as reviewing and reciting recitals, summoning ministers, and composing poems, Emperor Qianlong not only fulfilled his daily duties as the king of a country, but also created his image as an all-round emperor. This busy and orderly pace of work became a microcosm of the political life of the Qianlong Dynasty and laid the foundation for the prosperity and stability of the Qing Empire.
As the bell rang at noon, Emperor Qianlong ended his morning of government affairs. However, this was only the beginning of his long day. Next, he had to face more state affairs and court affairs. After lunch, a short break will prepare you for a heavier afternoon of work.
After lunch, Emperor Qianlong took a short rest and then began his afternoon activities. Unlike the busy business activities in the morning, the afternoon time is more arranged for various pastime activities. These activities, while seemingly relaxed, were in fact an important part of the emperor's daily life, each of which had deep political and cultural significance.
First of all, Emperor Qianlong often convened scholars from the Hanlin Academy or other literati in the afternoon for literary creation and discussion. These activities are usually carried out in a side hall of the Yangxin Hall or the Qianqing Palace. Emperor Qianlong would propose a theme or a line of poetry, and then improvise it with the literati present. This is not only a literary activity, but also a form of political communication. Through this form, Emperor Qianlong was able to understand the ideological dynamics of the literati, while also showing his literary talent and ruling philosophy.
For example, once Emperor Qianlong proposed "thousands of willows in the spring breeze" as the theme, and asked the literati present to create harmony and rhyme. The scholars of Hallym have splashed ink, or Wing Chun scenes, or expressed their ambitions. Emperor Qianlong also personally composed a seven-character quatrain, among which the sentence "The imperial city is full of spring in the imperial state", which not only shows the prosperous scene, but also implies the confidence in the rule. This kind of literary activity not only enriched the cultural life of the court, but also became a microcosm of the martial arts of the Qianlong Dynasty.
In addition to literary creations, Emperor Qianlong also liked to enjoy various artistic performances in the afternoon. These performances may be Peking opera, acrobatics, or songs and dances of ethnic minorities. Performances are usually held in specialized venues such as Changyin Pavilion or Changchun Palace. Emperor Qianlong would sit in the center of the audience, surrounded by ministers and palace maids. These performances are not only entertainment, but also a means of cultural exchange and political presentation.
For example, Emperor Qianlong once watched a Uyghur dance performance brought by a Xinjiang artist. The dancers, dressed in colorful national costumes, danced to the enthusiastic music. Emperor Qianlong not only enjoyed the performance, but also asked about the meaning of the dance and the customs of Xinjiang. This kind of attention to the culture of ethnic minorities embodies the Qianlong Emperor's concept of "five ethnic republics" and is also a way to maintain the unity of the Qing Empire.
In addition to appreciating art, Emperor Qianlong would also find time to create calligraphy. He is highly skilled in calligraphy, especially in calligraphy. In a pavilion in the Imperial Garden, or in the study of the Palace of Nourishing the Heart, Emperor Qianlong would often splash ink and write his own poems or famous sentences of the ancients. These calligraphic works were often made into plaques, given to ministers or hung in palaces. This was not only an artistic creation, but also a way for Emperor Qianlong to demonstrate his personal charm and ruling authority.
In the afternoon pastime, Emperor Qianlong will also arrange some sports activities. For example, archery or horseback riding in the Imperial Garden. These activities are both a continuation of traditional Manchu martial arts and a way to maintain good health. In an archery activity, Emperor Qianlong hit three arrows in a row, which attracted the admiration of the surrounding ministers. This display of martial arts not only demonstrated the personal talents of the Qianlong Emperor, but also conveyed to the courtiers the image of the Manchu ruler as a formidable man.
In addition, Emperor Qianlong would also use the afternoon to inspect all corners of the palace. He might go to the Interior Office to inspect the precious cultural relics, or to the Manufacture Office to learn about the production of various artifacts in the palace. These seemingly leisurely inspections were actually a way for Emperor Qianlong to supervise court affairs.
For example, during a visit to the manufacturing office, Emperor Qianlong found that there was a leak in the production process of a cloisonné bottle. He immediately summoned the craftsman in charge, inquired in detail about the production process, and personally demonstrated how to improve it. This attention to detail not only reflects the excellence of Emperor Qianlong, but also promotes the development of court craftsmanship.
As the sun set in the west, Emperor Qianlong's afternoon pastime gradually came to an end. While these activities may seem lighthearted, each one has deep political and cultural significance. Through these activities, Emperor Qianlong not only relaxed his body and mind, but also skillfully demonstrated his talent and authority, while also completing some important political and cultural tasks.
As the sun set, Emperor Qianlong ended his afternoon pastime. However, his day is far from over. In the evening, there are more government affairs waiting for him to deal with. This busy and fulfilling rhythm of life has become a microcosm of the prosperous scene of the Qianlong Dynasty.
As the sun set, Emperor Qianlong ended his afternoon pastime and returned to the Yangxin Palace to deal with evening government affairs. Although it is the last working time of the day, it is also full of tension and busyness. In the flickering hall of candlelight, Emperor Qianlong continued his responsibilities as the king of a country.
Evening government usually begins with a review of the recitals. Unlike in the morning, this time is more of a time when less urgent but equally important government affairs are handled. Emperor Qianlong would carefully read each piece of the book, sometimes jotting down annotations on the side. These annotations are not only a response to the content of the recital, but more often a reflection and deployment of Emperor Qianlong's thoughts on major national events.
For example, in a memo on the management of the Yellow River, Emperor Qianlong not only gave specific instructions on the management plan, but also linked it to the lessons learned from previous dynasties in controlling the water. In his commentary, he wrote: "The strategy of river control should not be blindly dredged, but should take into account the embankment. The ancients said that 'it is better to be sparse than blocked', but it is not possible to insist on it. This kind of in-depth thinking instruction reflects the comprehensiveness and profundity of Emperor Qianlong's governance.
In between dealing with the twists and turns, Emperor Qianlong would often summon some important ministers for night discussions. These night meetings are usually held in the side halls of the Qianqing Palace or the Yangxin Palace, and most of the ministers involved are the ministers of military aircraft or the six Shangshu. Unlike daytime court meetings, the atmosphere of night meetings is more intimate and relaxed, and ministers can express their views more frankly.
On one occasion, Emperor Qianlong summoned the then Household Department Scholars and the Ministry of Industry Scholars to discuss the feasibility of a major water conservancy project. The two ministers expressed their opinions, with the Tobe Shogun expressing concern from a financial point of view, while the Ministry of Works Shoshu emphasized the necessity of the project. Emperor Qianlong patiently listened to the opinions of both sides, and finally decided to carry out the project in stages, which not only ensured the implementation of the project, but also avoided excessive financial burden. This kind of night discussion not only helped to solve specific problems, but also provided more decision-making references for Emperor Qianlong.
In addition to dealing with routine government affairs, the evening was also the time for Emperor Qianlong to think about the long-term development of the country. At this time, he often looked through historical classics and thought about the way to govern the country in ancient and modern times. Sometimes, he would order the scholars of the Hallym Academy to compile anthologies or history books on specific topics in order to summarize historical experience or promote specific political ideas.
For example, Emperor Qianlong once conceived a plan for the compilation of the Siku Quanshu one night. He believes that by systematically organizing and preserving Chinese cultural classics, we can not only inherit culture, but also consolidate our rule. This grand cultural project finally took nearly ten years and included nearly 80,000 volumes of classics, becoming a monument in the history of Chinese culture.
In the evening government affairs, Emperor Qianlong will also deal with some special affairs. For example, to receive envoys who have just returned from the frontier or from overseas and listen to their reports. These reports may relate to border situations, foreign developments or trade information, and are essential for the formulation of national policies.
Once, a missionary returning from Europe met with Emperor Qianlong and reported on the scientific and technological development and social conditions in Western countries. Emperor Qianlong showed great interest in this and inquired in detail about the scientific and technological achievements of the West such as astronomy and mathematics. This understanding of the outside world, although limited, also influenced Emperor Qianlong's decision-making to a certain extent.
In the middle of the night, Emperor Qianlong would also find time to read some tantric recitals. These secrets usually deal with sensitive political issues or the progress of investigations in major cases. Emperor Qianlong would carefully read these tantric pieces and sometimes personally give instructions on how to deal with them. This late-night practice of handling confidential affairs not only reflects Emperor Qianlong's concern for state affairs, but also shows his control over power.
As the revelation deepened, Emperor Qianlong's day finally came to an end. However, even at this time, he maintained a high level of vigilance and responsibility. Before going to bed, he double-checks the documents he worked on that day to make sure he hasn't missed important things. Sometimes, he would even write down some poems or notes before going to bed to record his thoughts on certain issues.
As night fell, Emperor Qianlong's day finally ended. From the morning court meeting to the late night secret music, from the busy government affairs to the short pastime, every day of Emperor Qianlong was full of tension and busyness. This kind of diligent work day after day not only shaped the image of Emperor Qianlong as diligent and loving the people, but also laid the foundation for the prosperity and stability of the Qing Empire.
When Emperor Qianlong finally returned to the palace to rest, the entire Forbidden City gradually quieted down. However, this is only a temporary tranquility, because tomorrow, it will be another busy day.
Although Emperor Qianlong's daily life mostly followed a fixed pattern, some days would break the routine and arrange some special activities. These unconventional activities not only enriched the life of the emperor, but also greatly influenced the political, economic, and cultural direction of the entire empire.
One of the most striking is the Southern Tour. During his reign, Emperor Qianlong made six southern tours, each of which was a spectacular political show. These cruises usually last for several months and cover major cities in the Gangnam region. During his southern tour, Emperor Qianlong's schedule was completely changed and filled with various rituals and activities.
Taking the southern tour of the 26th year of Qianlong (1761) as an example, this tour began on the sixth day of the first month and did not end until the ninth day of the fourth month. In the past three months, every day of Emperor Qianlong has been arranged. He would get up early in the morning and take the boat or chariot to the destination of the day. Along the way, he would stop to inspect water conservancy projects, ask local officials about the status of people's livelihoods, or visit some famous temples and Taoist temples.
In Hangzhou, Emperor Qianlong once stationed in the palace on the shore of the West Lake. Early one morning, he took a painting boat to visit the West Lake and admire the "Autumn Moon on the Peaceful Lake" and other famous places. Subsequently, he climbed the Leifeng Pagoda to overlook the entire West Lake and inscribed a poem on the tower. In the afternoon, he went to Longjing Village to experience the process of picking and roasting tea. These activities were not only sightseeing, but also a political showcase, showing the world the prosperity of the Qing Empire and the emperor's image of being close to the people.
In addition to the southern tour, sacrificial activities were also an important part of Emperor Qianlong's agenda. Every major festival, such as the winter solstice, New Year's Day, etc., Emperor Qianlong has to personally preside over the ceremony of worshipping the sky. These ceremonies usually began in the early hours of the morning, and Emperor Qianlong needed to get up before dawn, bathe and change clothes, and then head to the Temple of Heaven.
Taking the winter solstice sacrifice as an example, Emperor Qianlong would start fasting three days before the ceremony began. On the day of the festival, he would get up at about 3 a.m., put on a special sacrificial robe, and ride the imperial chariot to the Temple of Heaven. The whole ceremony lasts several hours, including incense, sacrifices, and recitation. This complex and solemn ritual is not only a continuation of tradition, but also a manifestation of the idea of divine power of the emperor.
Emperor Qianlong's special agenda also includes a number of activities related to folk traditions. For example, every year during the Lantern Festival, Emperor Qianlong would hold a grand lantern festival in the Forbidden City. He would invite some important ministers and members of the clan to enjoy the lanterns and hold a lantern riddle guessing activity. This kind of activity is not only a kind of entertainment, but also a way for Emperor Qianlong to connect with his subordinates.
One year, during the Lantern Festival, Emperor Qianlong specially ordered people to arrange a huge maze of colored lanterns in the imperial garden. He personally led a group of ministers through the labyrinth, and whoever found the exit first would receive the emperor's reward. This kind of activity, which seems to be a game, is actually a way to test the wisdom and adaptability of the minister.
In addition, Emperor Qianlong often arranged some special cultural activities. For example, he would organize large-scale poetry gatherings, inviting Korean Chinese courtiers and people from all over the country to participate. These poetry sessions usually last several days, and participants are required to compose poems based on a given theme. Emperor Qianlong would not only personally participate in the creation, but also comment on the works of others.
In the 40th year of Qianlong (1775), Emperor Qianlong held an unprecedented poetry meeting called "Qiansuo Banquet". He invited ministers over 60 years old from all over the country to attend, and more than 3,000 people attended the meeting. This event was not only a cultural event, but also a stage for Emperor Qianlong to showcase his achievements in his reign. At the poetry meeting, Emperor Qianlong personally composed several poems to praise the peaceful and prosperous times, and these poems were later carved into stone monuments to become the witness of the martial arts of the Qianlong Dynasty.
Emperor Qianlong's special schedule also included some more intimate activities. For example, he occasionally goes out on patrol to observe the people's feelings. During these secret patrols, Emperor Qianlong would disguise himself as an ordinary merchant or tourist and mingle in the market. He would listen to the people chatting in the teahouse or haggle in the bazaar. This practice not only allowed him to directly understand the suffering of the people, but also provided him with rich material for his poetry and writing.
These special schedules, although they broke the rules of Emperor Qianlong's daily life, were an integral part of his reign. Through these activities, Emperor Qianlong not only demonstrated his talent and authority, but also narrowed the distance with his subjects to a certain extent and consolidated the foundation of his rule. At the same time, these activities also left a large number of documents and works of art for future generations, which have become important materials for the study of the history and culture of the Qing Dynasty.
As he grew older, the special activities of the Qianlong Emperor gradually decreased, but their influence remained in the political and cultural life of the Qing Dynasty for a long time. These unconventional schedules, together with the daily handling of government affairs, constituted the complex and rich imperial life of Emperor Qianlong, and also became a microcosm of the prosperity of the Qing Dynasty.