kingnovel Chapter 50 Building a heated kang bed in the palace
Chapter 50 Building a heated kang bed in the palace
Ying Wuyou decided to build a heated kang (a traditional heated brick bed) for his palace first, as this was a novel concept. Although a heated kang seemed a bit out of place in the solemn and magnificent imperial palace, Ying Wuyou believed that personal comfort was the key.
After all, the winters in ancient times without heating were unbearably cold. Every time she crawled into bed under those icy blankets, she deeply longed for a warm heated kang (a traditional heated brick bed).
In his previous life, Ying Wuyou lived in the countryside when he was a child. The houses there were all made of adobe, and the furniture inside was very simple. In particular, the sleeping quarters were made of earthen beds. These earthen beds were actually made by digging a large pit in the ground, then building a rectangular platform with bricks and mud, and then covering it with a thick layer of dry grass or cotton quilts.
Although this type of earthen kang (heated platform bed) looks rough, it has many advantages. First, it doesn't cost much to build; all you need are some bricks and mud. Second, it's very warm, providing comfort during the cold winter months. In the cold winter, people can enjoy a warm sleep on the kang, escaping the chill. At the same time, the kang can also serve as a place for family gatherings and relaxation, where family members can sit around chatting, eating, and playing, adding to the warm family atmosphere.
However, this type of earthen kang (heated platform bed) also has some drawbacks. For example, jumping on it too vigorously may cause the surface to collapse. Furthermore, if hygiene is not maintained, bacteria and parasites may grow on the surface, posing a threat to human health. Therefore, it is important to keep the earthen kang clean and hygienic when using it.
In summary, the earthen kang (heated brick bed) that Ying Wuyou slept on as a child, though simple, was a common type of bed in rural families of that era. Despite its shortcomings, it still carries many people's memories and emotions. Today, with the development of technology and the progress of society, the earthen kang has gradually faded from history, replaced by modern beds and heating equipment. But for those who spent their childhood on the earthen kang, it remains an indelible memory.
Prime Minister Wang Wan assigned six craftsmen to Ying Wuyou. Although the number was small, it was enough for Ying Wuyou. She first had a carpenter make a mold for making adobe bricks. This mold would be used to make the bricks, ensuring that each brick had the same size and shape.
Next, she instructed the craftsmen to begin building a model of the earthen kang (heated platform bed). The earthen kang is an ancient and unique form of bed, typically constructed from adobe bricks, offering excellent warmth and comfort. In addition, the earthen kang has another important component—the chimney. The chimney serves as a conduit connecting the kang to the outside, used to vent smoke and exhaust fumes produced during combustion. Through proper design and installation, the chimney ensures indoor air circulation, prevents smoke accumulation, and improves the quality of the living environment. Therefore, the chimney is also an indispensable part of the earthen kang.
The craftsmen skillfully used tools and materials to meticulously construct the framework of the earthen kang (heated brick bed), ensuring its stability and reliability. Ying Wuyou carefully observed the craftsmen's work, offering suggestions and guidance from time to time. She paid close attention to detail, hoping to create a perfect earthen kang. As time passed, the model of the earthen kang gradually took shape, revealing its general outline.
Next, the craftsmen will continue to refine the structure of the earthen kang (heated brick bed) and give it final touches and decorations. Ying Wuyou eagerly anticipates seeing the final product and believes it will be a satisfying work.
After the earthen kang (heated brick bed) was finally completed, Ying Wuyou instructed everyone to place its opening outside the house. If the opening were left inside, the large amount of dust generated when heating the kang would have a serious impact on the environment and human health. Therefore, he decisively decided to place the opening outside to ensure that the indoor air was fresh, clean and tidy.
Next comes heating the kang (heated brick bed). The newly built kang needs to be heated for several days before it's safe to move in. Dry grass and leaves can be used for heating. After heating for a few days, a layer of wheat straw is evenly spread on the kang, and then thick quilts are added on top. Then you can sleep peacefully.
Watching the princess bustle about for days, making a mess of the room, only to end up with something that looked like a bed, Cui'er couldn't help but worry. She frowned and asked, "Princess, are you sure this thing can be used to sleep?" As she spoke, she cautiously poked the strange bed, her eyes filled with doubt and concern.
Ying Wuyou was quite pleased with this. She took Cui'er's hand, gently touched the heated kang, and asked softly, "How is it? Is it warm?" Cui'er was overjoyed and exclaimed, "Warm, it's really warm! But Princess, this appearance is rather unsuitable. Doesn't it seem a bit out of place in this magnificent palace?"
Ying Wuyou waved her hand and said, "It's alright, as long as I'm comfortable. Besides, this is my palace, I can live however I want. What does it matter if it's appropriate or not?"
The news that Ying Wuyou had built a heated kang bed in Chaohua Palace quickly spread throughout the palace. Everyone in the palace was talking about it. Some praised Ying Wuyou's intelligence and creativity, believing that she had brought warmth and comfort to their living quarters in winter; others were jealous, feeling that she was too unconventional and did not follow the rules.
The gossip did not affect Ying Wuyou; she continued to do as she pleased. However, some curious concubines and princesses made a special trip to Chaohua Palace, eager to see what this legendary heated kang bed looked like.
When Ying Wuyou saw them, he smiled and invited them to experience the warmth of the heated kang (a traditional heated brick bed). The group stepped onto the kang with curiosity and were immediately enveloped by its heat.
"Wow, it's so warm!" "This heated kang bed is truly amazing."
Immediately, exclamations of praise arose from all sides. Ying Wuyou was delighted to see everyone's enjoyment. She enthusiastically introduced the benefits of the heated kang (a traditional Chinese bed-stove) and shared some tips on keeping warm.
From then on, the heated kang (a traditional heated platform bed) became a unique feature of Chaohua Palace, even prompting other palaces to follow suit. Ying Wuyou was extremely generous and unsparing, sending out all the skilled craftsmen who had helped him build the kang to serve the concubines and princesses of the various palaces. Whenever anyone needed a kang built, he would do his best to help them.
Upon hearing that Ying Wuyou had built a heated kang (a traditional heated platform bed) in the Chaohua Palace, the King of Qin eagerly went to the palace to see for himself. The moment he stepped inside, he was stunned. He saw a spacious and warm room, with a section against the wall resembling a giant fireplace, radiating warmth. The King of Qin quickly approached the kang, gently touching it. The kang was incredibly warm, prompting him to exclaim, "This is truly a wondrous object!"
Ying Wuyou said with a smile, "Father, what do you think? Is this heated kang bed alright?"
The King of Qin was also all smiles. He gently patted Ying Wuyou's head and said, "Jiayang, you are very good. When all the people of Qin can sleep on heated brick beds, there will definitely be fewer life-threatening situations this year."
Ying Wuyou said solemnly, "As long as it benefits the people of Qin, everything I do is worthwhile."
The King of Qin said, "Hmm, you did a very good job."
Ying Wuyou replied with a smile, "Thank you for your praise, Father. This is my duty."
The King of Qin nodded slightly, then turned and left.