After Empress Dowager Cixi took control of the government at the age of 26, she always paid great attention to her own beauty, especially in terms of skincare and beauty care. She established the Imperial Pharmacy, which would present a pair of health-preserving medicines every day, tailored to the season, weather, and climate, with the aim of maintaining her beauty.
Empress Dowager Cixi discovered that the best way to maintain eternal youth and beauty was through Ruyi Changsheng Wine.
In the 13th year of Emperor Guangxu's reign (1887), Empress Dowager Cixi was 53 years old. She had already been in power twice, and her aging appearance was becoming apparent. Despite her extravagant and indulgent lifestyle, Cixi desired a long life. She often felt weak, suffered from digestive problems, discomfort in the chest and abdomen, and dizziness. Despite seeking treatment from imperial physicians, the results were unsatisfactory. Cixi was aware of her aging and declining health, which caused her great distress.
One day, Cixi summoned her trusted eunuch, Li Lianying, and said, "Xiao Lizi, I have been feeling unwell lately. I felt dizzy yesterday and my legs feel weak today. I must be getting old, right?" Li Lianying, who was skilled at observing words and expressions, immediately understood Cixi's concerns and reassured her, saying, "Your Majesty, this illness is just a minor ailment. There is no need to worry. I will find a miraculous remedy for you, and within a few days, all your ailments will be cured. You will have the fortune of the East Sea and the longevity of the Nan Mountains, forever reigning over our great Qing dynasty." Upon hearing this, Cixi smiled with satisfaction.
After returning to his quarters, Li Lianying racked his brain, pondering the issue. Despite several imperial physicians treating Cixi's illness and trying various medicines from the Imperial Pharmacy, none had been effective. Now that he had made such a promise to the Empress Dowager, if he couldn't deliver, he would face punishment ranging from scolding to flogging, removal from office, or even execution.
Just as he was at a loss, he heard a voice outside saying, "Tongrentang has delivered the medicines." Li Lianying's eyes lit up, and he immediately instructed the imperial physician to quickly bring the "Wenrentang Pill, Powder, and Ointment Formula Book." The book contained traditional medicines such as Biyun Powder, Wujibaifeng Pill, Shoubinan Mountain Green, and Niuhuang Qingxin Pill. However, Li Lianying's attention was drawn to the words "Ruyi Changsheng Wine." He thought the name of this medicine was excellent and urgently asked the imperial physician about its efficacy. The physician told him that Ruyi Changsheng Wine could nourish the skin, strengthen the hair and teeth, promote the growth of eyebrows and eyelashes, invigorate the muscles and bones, nourish the blood vessels, invigorate the spirit, activate the meridians, and replenish vitality. It could make a person full of energy, with strong muscles and bones, dark hair, a content heart, and a long life. This was exactly the elixir that Li Lianying had been seeking. It was truly a case of "finding what you seek without any effort."
Upon Li Lianying's urging, Ruyi Changsheng Wine was quickly delivered to Empress Dowager Cixi. The wine was a light yellow color, clear as amber, with a faint fragrance that was refreshing to the senses. From then on, Cixi drank it daily at the designated time, and before long, she felt her ailments disappear. Later, Cixi continued to drink Ruyi Changsheng Wine regularly. In her old age, she still had black hair, a rosy complexion, and light footsteps, and she rarely fell ill.
