Qianlong rewards his concubine with 2 cucumbers, the whole harem is jealous: Why?

During the feudal period, in the harem of the emperors, there were always thousands of talented concubines competing for favor. Everyone wanted to win the emperor’s love, especially the chance to get pregnant. If the concubines become pregnant, it will strengthen their position in the harem.

Moreover, the pregnant and giving birth concubines will be greatly favored, cared for and rewarded by the emperor. During the Qing Dynasty, there was a concubine who gave birth to a princess to the Qianlong emperor when he was 65 years old. Qianlong was delighted and ordered to reward the concubine with two cucumbers. Why?

Who is the person awarded by Qianlong?

It can be said that, for concubines, being pregnant and giving birth is a blessing and happiness that everyone in the harem desires. For the emperor is no exception, because according to the old social concept, the more children, the more happiness. Therefore, if any concubine became pregnant and gave birth to a child, they all enjoyed the special care of the emperor.

During the Qing Dynasty, Qianlong’s favorite concubine was Don concubine Uong Thi. When Consort Dun gave birth to a princess, the Qianlong emperor was 65 years old.

Because she is a concubine who is loved by all, Qian Long tried to think of a reward to give Don concubine. After that, he decided to reward Don Phi with 2 cucumbers. Don consort was overjoyed to receive the award, and everyone around was admiring. This award made all the other concubines in the palace very jealous.

What’s so special about the two cucumbers bonus?

In fact, in feudal China, the capital was usually located in the north. However, the North is a place where fresh fruit trees cannot be grown like in the South. Through many historical films, we can also see the emperors often go on excursions or patrols down to the South, combining sightseeing and enjoying specialties.

Qianlong was an emperor who loved to travel. He often visited the scene and patrolled Jiangnan. Here, he experienced very fresh and wonderful fruits.

The most special of which is the cucumber. At that time, cucumber was one of the rare fruits in the royal palace.

This type of melon cannot live in the North. At that time, the cultivation of vegetables and fruits was not as modern as it is now. The planting and care are dependent on the climate characteristics. Especially in winter, it was difficult for the emperor to want to eat a piece of green vegetables, let alone a cucumber.

Cucumber at that time was a unique fruit of the South. Qianlong also loved to eat the Manchu banquets that did not have this dish. So he tried to bring seeds to plant, but kept planting and died.

Finally, he ordered the farmers to plant off-season vegetables next to the hot spring, because he discovered that the hot spring could maintain the temperature and help the plants live. Qianlong cucumbers sent growers to produce fruit but very little, the whole tree only got a few fruits. So it can be said that this litter is really very precious. Qianlong used it as a reward for Don Phi who showed his care and affection.

In this day and age, hearing the award of two cucumbers will surely surprise and amuse all of us. But actually in the old days, when agriculture was not yet developed, it was very difficult to want to eat out-of-season fruits, especially fruits that were considered specialties in other regions.