"My sister was perhaps the most unfortunate queen. She was over-pressured with numerous commands and rules, and whiled away the time playing musical instruments and chess, reading books, and painting. She was deprived of the inherent right to lead a normal life as an ordinary woman."

Ruiqi's own life was not so happy either. His royal status did not necessarily bring him a luxurious life. In his youth, he was sent to study in Japan. There, Ruiqi was underfed and underwent great hardships. His leather shoes looked gorgeous but were actually made of paper.

In 1959, Ruiqi was assigned to work in a community glasswork unit, and soon he became a locksmith. However, because of his special identity, Ruiqi had no chance for promotion until Premier Zhou Enlai intervened to offer him a translation job in Beijing.

Ruiqi retired at the age of 82 in 1994 and began a herbalist clinic at home. He combined medical acupuncture with neurology, hence developing a unique therapy for high blood pressure, psoriasis, and gynecological diseases. Many patients do not know about the royal identity of this old doctor, and take him simply as a retired herbalist doctor. Ruiqi said his dream was to enhance his therapy.

Author: Cindy

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