Palace Eaves

Da Yuer and Qiqige agreed that she would first return home to rest for a few days, and if the weather was clear on the twelfth day of the first month, they would head out together to see Dorgon training his troops.

They also agreed not to inform Dorgon in advance—Da Yuer would wait until the last minute to request Hong Taiji's permission before leaving.

When Qiqige left the study, she again saw the palace maids at the door. Remembering how they had mentioned the dispute between Zarut and Yuer, she couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy. So much time had passed, yet Yuer never spoke of it to her. Despite being sisters, there remained an invisible distance between them.

Thinking about how vast Shengjing was, Qiqige realized she had no one besides her husband with whom she could truly open her heart. And when she thought about it, neither did Yuer. Perhaps for women like them, they would only be able to live with true openness when they were old and their hair had turned white.

Back home, Qiqige waited until late into the night for Dorgon to return. She originally wanted to bring up Zarut's death, but it was so late that she forgot about it entirely. Before she knew it, four or five days had passed.

On the tenth day of the first month, a fierce snowstorm swept through. Qiqige grew worried about Dorgon's safety outside the city. Thinking about the plan to watch him train in two days, she wondered whether they would be able to go at all if the snow didn't stop.

In the palace, Da Yuer wasn't particularly looking forward to the outing—it had just been something she said casually to cheer Qiqige up. It was only when Sumala reminded her that they wouldn't be able to go if it kept snowing that she thought to say, "I need to ask the Great Khan about it."

In the afternoon, when the snow let up a little, Da Yuer took Sumala to the Grand Politics Hall. At that time, no ministers were present, and Niman directly ushered her inside. Hong Taiji glanced up and gave her a faint smile. "Come, help me grind the ink."

Da Yuer rolled up her sleeves, and Hong Taiji noticed the bruise on her wrist. Frowning, he asked, "What happened?"

"Azhe threw a bowl at me," Da Yuer replied nonchalantly. "When Yatu and Atu were younger, they went through the same rebellious phase. It'll pass in time."

Hong Taiji, completely unfamiliar with the details of how children grew up, felt a pang of guilt. He reached out, intending to massage the bruise, but Da Yuer had already started grinding the ink and said casually, "It doesn't hurt anymore—it's been days."

It's been days, and Hong Taiji knew full well that he had spent all that time by Hairanju's side.

He withdrew his hand and lowered his head to continue reading the memorials.

Yet, for some reason, he found himself distracted. Looking up again, he saw Yuer curiously studying the characters on the memorial in front of him. His heart softened as he smiled and asked, "Can you make sense of it?"

Da Yuer nodded. "It says that the Eight Banners of the Mongols have been established."

Hong Taiji replied, "Yes, with this major matter settled, the next step is to organize the Eight Banners of the Han Army."

Da Yuer asked, "So, does this mean Han people can also become masters in the future?"

Hong Taiji shook his head. "It's not about making them masters, but rather about ensuring they aren't treated as slaves. The Han civilians and soldiers who have surrendered are currently still under the oppression of the various banner lords, even though I've treated them kindly. I can't oversee everything myself. Take the recent incident of Dodo taking Fan Wencheng's concubine as an example—it highlights the issue perfectly."

Da Yuer listened earnestly, though she didn't understand every detail. Still, she found these discussions far more engaging than before. In the past, she wouldn't have understood, and Hong Taiji wouldn't have bothered to explain.

Hong Taiji continued, "As we capture more cities and territories, more Han civilians and soldiers surrender to us. In the end, I'll need to lead Han troops to fight against their former masters. To ensure their loyalty and faith in us, we can't treat them as slaves."

Da Yuer remarked, "Even if the Great Khan thinks this way, the people below you don't. Changing their mindset will be difficult. Look at the incident with Dodo—some of the women in the inner court even defended him, saying he's a war hero who risks his life in battle, so what's wrong with him taking a woman?"

Hong Taiji nodded with satisfaction. "Exactly. We're constantly at war on all fronts, and I can't enforce everything upon the Eight Banners without alienating them. Introducing reforms is incredibly challenging. And in their eyes, I'm a Great Khan chosen by consensus, not an heir to the throne. Without their support, I wouldn't even be here."

When Sumala brought in tea, Da Yuer set down the ink stick and personally handed the tea to Hong Taiji with a smile. "Mr. Fan says being an emperor is arduous, which is why it requires a son of destiny to bear the burden. Hard work or not, Your Majesty, let me serve you tea."

Hong Taiji chuckled and said teasingly, "You've really matured—you no longer bicker with me all the time, and you even say such thoughtful things. Fan Wencheng has taught you well."

Da Yuer pouted. "I've always been good."

"By the way, what brings you here?" Hong Taiji asked as he sipped his tea. "It's still windy outside, isn't it? Why come all this way and risk catching a cold?"

Da Yuer suddenly remembered why she had come and asked Hong Taiji if he would let her go outside the city to watch Dorgon train his troops. Feigning seriousness, she added, "Why should Qiqige be the only one gathering information for us? Let me go and bring back some news for you, alright?"

Hong Taiji sighed inwardly. Ever since forcing Da Yuer to ensure Qiqige took the infertility medicine, they had both been on a path of no return.

"I'll go with you," he said. "I should check on the training as well."

Da Yuer quickly objected, "That won't do! Qiqige wants to see her husband. If you go, she'll feel awkward. Next time, when you go, I'll accompany you. Let me go ahead this time and pave the way for you."

Hong Taiji gave her a sidelong glance. "You were behaving properly just now. Why are you back to being playful again?"

Da Yuer smiled sweetly, her brows arching in delight. "So, will you let me go?"

Hong Taiji agreed, instructing her to continue grinding ink. As he finished writing two letters, Da Yuer started to complain about her sore hands. At that moment, Niman entered the room, looking slightly uneasy. "Great Khan," he reported, "the Great Consort sent word that Consort Lan has come down with a fever."

"A fever?" Hong Taiji frowned. "She was fine last night. How did this happen?"

Niman seemed increasingly uncomfortable, avoiding eye contact with Da Yuer. He kept his head lowered as he replied, "I'm not sure, but since the Great Consort sent someone to report, it must be serious."

Hong Taiji put down his brush and began to rise, only to remember Yuer was still beside him.

Da Yuer looked at Niman with concern, hoping for more details about her sister's condition.

But Niman remained silent, and the hall grew quiet. The sound of Hong Taiji setting down his brush broke the stillness. Da Yuer's heart sank as she quickly masked her emotions, saying, "I should return to the study. The tutor is still waiting for me."

She adjusted her sleeves and called for Sumala to fetch her cloak. Bowing slightly to Hong Taiji, she said, "Great Khan, I'll take my leave."

Hong Taiji's expression darkened, and as she turned to go, he suddenly said, "Let's go together. Your sister is ill."

Da Yuer froze in confusion and turned back to him. Hong Taiji stepped forward, pulled up her snow hat, and took her hand firmly in his. "Let's go see her. Otherwise, you won't feel at ease either."

Da Yuer did not resist as Hong Taiji led her through the wind and snow toward the inner palace. When they arrived at Hairanju's quarters, a physician was already present, and Jeje was there as well.

"Her fever is burning hot, and she's already delirious," Jeje said anxiously. "The doctor fears she might break out in a rash. Great Khan, it's best if you don't come here for the next few days."

"It doesn't matter," Hong Taiji said firmly, walking straight to the bedside. Hairanju's eyes were tightly shut, her cheeks flushed, and her forehead was burning to the touch. His heart filled with anger. Seeing Baoqing nearby, he scolded her harshly, "How did you people take care of her?"

Terrified, Baoqing dropped to her knees, trembling and stammering incoherently.

Jeje stepped forward to mediate. "Let's focus on taking care of her first. You can hold the servants accountable once Hairanju recovers."

From behind her aunt, Da Yuer peeked out and saw her elder sister lying there unconscious from the fever. Her heart ached with worry.

Suddenly, someone tugged at her sleeve—it was Adai.

"Consort Yu, may I have a word with you?" Adai whispered, leading Da Yuer outside.

"What's the matter?" Da Yuer asked uneasily, sensing something ominous.

"Consort Yu, I should have told the Great Consort, but after careful consideration, I feel it's better to speak with you." Adai leaned in and whispered, leaving Da Yuer utterly stunned and unsettled by what she heard.

That day, Hong Taiji stayed by Hairanju's side until late at night. Da Yuer left at some point, though he likely didn't notice when.

During dinner, Sumala relayed news from the adjacent quarters that Hairanju's fever seemed to have subsided, and she had woken briefly to take her medicine. However, Da Yuer seemed lost in thought, her vacant eyes fixed on Yatu, who was feeding Atu nearby. She appeared not to register Suma's words.

It wasn't until two days later, on the morning of the twelfth of the first month, that Hairanju fully recovered. By then, the wind had ceased, the snow had stopped, and the sky was brilliantly clear. It was the day Da Yuer had planned to go out with Qiqige to watch Dorgon train his troops.

Qiqige arrived at the palace gates in her family's carriage to pick up Da Yuer. After five or six days of rest, Qiqige looked much healthier, but this time, it was Da Yuer who appeared pale and weary. Knowing about Hairanju's illness, Qiqige asked, "Were you taking care of Sister Hairanju these past two days?"

Da Yuer shook her head woodenly. "It was the Great Khan."

Qiqige chuckled bitterly. "Are you jealous?"

"Not at all," Da Yuer forced a smile. "If I were to get jealous over this, how would I survive this lifetime? You know me—I wasn't jealous from the start. I just can't understand it."

"Don't overthink it," Qiqige said with a comforting tone. "Let's take a ride outside, and on the way back, we can bring Sister Hairanju some treats. I didn't tell Dorgon, as you suggested. Let's hope he doesn't get upset. If he scolds me, it'll all be on you!" Qiqige teased.

Da Yuer laughed faintly. "Dorgon, scold you? The sun would have to rise in the west for that to happen."

At this moment, outside the Grand Politics Hall, Hooge requested an audience with Hong Taiji. However, Hong Taiji, having adjourned the court, went straight to check on Hairanju. Hooge let out a cold chuckle toward Niman, then turned and walked away.

At the palace gates, his servant brought his horse forward and whispered, "My lord, the men we sent have already departed. They should soon gather information on Dorgon's situation."

Hooge replied icily, "Good. Let's return to the residence and await the news."