Most of the princesses of the Ming Dynasty married commoners, and this phenomenon began with Princess Baoqing, the youngest daughter of Zhu Yuanzhang, Taizu of the Ming Dynasty.
Three years after Princess Baoqing was born, Zhu Yuanzhang died, leaving an edict for the concubine to be buried for herself, but Princess Baoqing's mother Zhang was spared because of her love for her daughter.
After Zhu Di usurped the throne, he regarded his young sister as the pearl of his palm, and ordered Empress Xu to take care of her like a daughter. When Princess Baoqing grew up, she was beautiful and her appearance was the most outstanding among the princesses.
When Zhu Di was looking for her in-laws for Princess Baoqing, he found a young man named Zhao Hui. He was a descendant of the Song dynasty, and his father, Zhao He, was a mid-ranking military officer who died in Vietnam in the early years of Yongle.
Zhu Di was very concerned about Zhao Hui, the descendant of the martyr, and decided to find him a good wife. After inspecting Zhao Hui, it was found that he was not only handsome, but also tall and strong.
So, Zhu Di decided to marry his favorite sister to Zhao Hui, who was originally only a thousand households in Jinchuanmen, but after getting the favor of the princess, he was immediately promoted to the rank of lieutenant of the horse and became a relative of the emperor.
The princess's dowry is very rich, several times that of other princesses, and Zhu Di often gives her a lot of treasures. At the wedding, Zhu Di's nephew, the crown prince, personally sent Princess Baoqing to his residence, which broke the general rules of the Ming Dynasty.
Zhao Hui originally got glory and wealth because he married a princess, and he looked satisfied. But there is a problem that bothers him, and that is his pursuit of beauty, which makes it impossible for him to indulge at will.
Although concubines were allowed, they had to be approved by the princess. But what woman would want to share her husband with another woman?
So as long as the princess is alive, Zhao Hui can't pamper other women. Princess Baoqing had a pure temperament and died in the eighth year of Xuande (1433) at the age of forty.
The history books do not record whether she left an heir for the Zhao family. But what we all know is that after the princess died, Zhao Hui completely let go of himself. At that time, Taoism was prevalent in the Ming Dynasty, and Zhao Hui learned the technique of "Yin and Yang Harvesting" from somewhere, which is a kind of aromatic technique, which is said to prolong life.
Ge Hong's "Hug Puzi Inner Chapter" clearly recorded: "There are more than ten methods in Fangzhong, either to remedy strain, or to attack and cure diseases, or to collect yin to supplement yang, or to increase life and prolong life, the main point is to also refine the brain and ears." ”
It is simply a great thing to be able to satisfy one's desires and prolong one's life.
Zhao Hui's life is undoubtedly a success. Although he was lustful, he was able to marry a wife and take a concubine by virtue of his status as a concubine, and enjoyed all the wealth and glory. His life was rich and colorful, whether it was in charge of the military capital governor's affairs or supervising the repair of the imperial tomb, his career was full of honors.
Zhao Hui's longevity is also a highlight of his life. He went through six dynasties and lived to be 94 years old, which is very rare in the history of the Ming Dynasty.
Although he indulged in alcohol, his attitude towards life is positive and worth learning from.