In feudal society, the Forbidden City has always been the most mysterious place in the country. Five or six hundred years of expansion and repairs in the Ming and Qing Dynasties made it a real success.
Winds and clouds are comfortable, I am used to watching the mulberry fields turn into the vast sea; I have experienced history and been involved in it. Throughout the ages, there are so many stories and jokes!
In feudal society, the Forbidden City has always been the most mysterious place in the country. After five or six hundred years of expansion and repair during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it has truly become the crystallization of the wisdom of the working people. With the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the Forbidden City gradually became a scenic spot open to tourists. But those of us who often visit Beijing may not be able to notice these interesting little secrets in the Forbidden City.
First, there is a piece of wood hidden in the Nine Dragon Wall
Behind the South Third Palace outside Huangji Gate of Ningshou Palace stands a wooden structure built in the 37th year of Qianlong's reign (1770 AD). The single-sided glazed screen wall is called the "Nine Dragon Wall" because it is carved with nine lifelike reliefs of soaring dragons. But the material on the belly of one of the white dragons is not glass but a piece of white-painted wood.
There are different explanations for why there is a piece of wooden material on the Nine Dragon Wall, which is made of colored glaze. Some people say that each piece of colored glaze on the Kowloon wall is produced through complex processes and is unique. However, during installation, it was found that the piece of colored glaze had quality problems or was damaged, so the only way to make it up was to use wood. Some people say that the Nine Dragon Wall was originally complete, but was later unfortunately destroyed by the Eight-Nation Allied Forces or the Japanese Army, and had to be repaired with wood.
In short, every glazed brick on the Nine Dragon Wall is unique and difficult to copy.
Second, the ceremonial pier in the North Square of the Hall of Supreme Harmony
The North Square of the Hall of Supreme Harmony covers an area of ??30,000 square meters. Some important ceremonies of the royal family are often held here. Such as the emperor's coronation, wedding ceremonies and some important festivals. However, we may often overlook the two neat rows of stone piers in the square. Their height is the same as the surrounding floor tiles. Their function is actually to serve as a reference for the officials in the square. With these two rows of ceremonial guard piers, it is easy for officials to line up neatly, thus further demonstrating the royal majesty.
Third, the arrowheads on Longzongmen
In the previous article, Guoshijun (General Theory of National History) once specifically talked about the origin of the arrowheads on Longzongmen? In the 18th year of Jiaqing (AD 1813), the famous Tianli Rebellion broke out in the Beijing area. Although the rebel army only carried 72 weapons, they invaded the heavily guarded Forbidden City by cooperating with the eunuchs in the palace. This arrowhead was left behind when the rebel army fought with the palace guards. Emperor Jiaqing later issued the "Edict of Sinners in Case of Change", saying that this was "something that did not happen in the Han, Tang, Song, and Ming Dynasties" and ordered that it be preserved. Hold an arrowhead as a warning.
In fact, in addition to the more conspicuous arrowhead on the Longzongmen plaque, there is another one hidden under the eaves!
Fourth, the copper lion with drooping ears
We may not pay attention to what the stone lion’s ears look like at ordinary times, but if you see these two figures at Qianqing Gate, You will definitely feel strange when you see a stone lion? Why are their ears drooped? As we all know, Qianqing Gate is the dividing line between the inner and outer dynasties. The inner dynasty is where the concubines of the harem live, and the outer dynasty is where the emperor and officials work. It is said that these two stone lions with droopy ears are warning the concubines in the harem to listen less and talk less about government affairs. Their purpose is to prevent the harem from interfering in politics.
Fifth, the "crotch-covering lion" in the Forbidden City
The reason why there is such a weird-looking "crotch-covering lion" in the Forbidden City is that it is said that it was the eleventh year of Emperor Daoguang's reign. (1831 AD) Related to the death of the emperor's eldest son Yiwei. Emperor Daoguang attached great importance to the education of his children, especially the eldest son. After all, he was likely to be the heir to the throne of the Qing Dynasty. But Yiwei was a bit naughty. When his teacher said sincerely: "My brother must study hard so that he can be successful in the future." The impatient Yiwei said: "When I become emperor in the future, the first thing I will do is to You are put to death! ?Unexpectedly, this joke reached the ears of Emperor Daoguang. In anger, he kicked Yi Wei in the crotch. Yi Wei died soon after. Emperor Daoguang later regretted it and ordered that a "crotch-covering lion" be carved in the palace to express his memory.
It has survived many hardships and is an important cultural heritage of our country. While we work together to protect it, we should also discover and understand more of its secrets, because this is what China has to offer. A manifestation of the long history of civilization.