Palace Eaves

Following the trail, they arrived at the Fenghuang Tower. Hong Taiji removed his windbreaker and snow boots, lazily collapsing onto the couch. He lightly tapped his forehead with one hand, looking visibly troubled.

Da Yuer instructed the palace maids to take away his clothes and shoes, then approached to feel his forehead. After adjusting his pillow, she gently asked, "Shall I summon a doctor to take a look?"

Hong Taiji shook his head. "I'm just upset. I'll rest for a while, and it'll pass."

Da Yuer knew he must be distressed about the princes. For the younger ones, the worst mistake they could make was neglecting their studies. The only one capable of upsetting him to this degree was Hooge.

However, Hooge was older than Da Yuer herself, so as his stepmother, it wasn't her place to interfere.

"Hooge has achieved considerable military merits over the years. He is brave and skilled in battle, a natural talent for warfare," Hong Taiji sighed, seemingly indifferent. "But because of his mother, he always feels inferior. And with Dorgon later surpassing him—smarter and more capable—Hooge deeply believes he's not as good. This time, I gave tasks separately to him and Dorgon, intending to show my trust in his abilities. But he lacked confidence and even sent spies to investigate Dorgon's military training methods, dragging you into it as well."

Da Yuer asked in surprise, "Was it the first prince's men?"

Hong Taiji exclaimed angrily, "Should he not be punished?"

Da Yuer thought for a moment and said, "Could Dorgon use this to pressure you or make things difficult for Hooge?"

Hong Taiji opened his eyes, sighed, and gently stroked her hand. "You're becoming more perceptive."

"What did he do?" Da Yuer asked worriedly. "Qiqige hasn't entered the palace in the past few days, and I don't know much about what's happening outside. If Dorgon is truly making things hard for you and Hooge, that would be my fault."

"What does this have to do with you? You almost lost your life." Hong Taiji's anger surged again. "Luckily, you're safe. Otherwise, I'd have slaughtered Hooge myself."

Da Yuer wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or not. She wished nothing had happened in the first place. Now, the one most troubled was still her husband.

"If only I could do something for you," she said, guilt weighing heavily in her heart.

"It's nothing serious. Dorgon has already given me a way out today. But anyone with eyes can see that he gave Hooge a hard slap in the face—perhaps even me," Hong Taiji said bitterly. "What audacity!"

"But what if Dorgon also fears you? Perhaps he thinks dragging this out isn't a solution. He can't possibly expose Hooge's shortcomings outright. Does he expect you to heavily punish Hooge?" Da Yuer suggested. "In my opinion, Dorgon didn't handle this matter well either. Maybe he wanted to save face, but at this moment, he wouldn't dare slap you directly."

"That's the optimistic view. If you look at everything positively, then all will be well—peace under heaven, and no wars to fight," Hong Taiji said angrily. "Hooge must be thinking the same, and he's all smug about it. I saw him earlier, practically leaping with joy."

Da Yuer smiled but said nothing. Hong Taiji lightly tapped the back of her hand. "What are you smiling about?"

She grinned. "But if you see everything in the worst light, what is there to hope or strive for in life? The first prince was wrong, but war is full of deception; it's all about winning. What use is being open and upright? I think there was nothing wrong with Hooge sending spies to investigate Dorgon's methods. It was just his bad luck that I messed things up. Besides, how do you know Dorgon didn't send his own spies to probe Hooge's strengths and weaknesses?"

Huang Taiji looked at her in astonishment, stunned for a moment. "That phrase—'war is full of deception'—did you just learn it?"

Da Yuer nodded. "Not recently. I learned it back when Fan Wencheng was still in the study." She chuckled, "I'm not defending myself to shift blame or speaking up for the first prince; I truly think this way. Still, I do feel guilty for ruining his plans."

"Plans?"

"As long as they can come up with a military training method that satisfies you, does it really matter how they got there?" Da Yuer said. "Perhaps combining Dorgon and Hooge's ideas will yield the best result."

Hong Taiji's eyes lit up, his worry dissolving. Elated, he sat up, pulled Da Yuer into his arms, and kissed her cheek.

Da Yuer beamed and rubbed her face. "What are you doing? It's broad daylight."

Just then, Niman barged in. Startled by the scene, he quickly stepped back, only to be stopped by Da Yuer. "What is it? Don't leave."

Niman braced himself, stepped forward, and bowed. "The Great Consort has sent someone to inquire after the Great Khan."

Da Yuer got off the couch and said with a smile, "I'll go respond to Aunt. You take a rest."

Hong Taiji nodded. "I'll head to the Grand Politics Hall shortly. Have them bring some pastries and tell Jeje I'm fine—everything is well."

Da Yuer curtsied and accepted the order, but just as she turned to leave, Hong Taiji called her back. "Why did you hit Yatu? She's so well-behaved."

"I hit her because she disobeyed," Da Yuer replied calmly. She had anticipated Hong Taiji's question. "If you're curious, Great Khan, you should ask my elder sister. She'll explain everything. Not only did Yatu make a mistake, but so did my sister."

"I understand," Hong Taiji said, gazing deeply at her. "Yuer, I've wronged you."

Da Yuer smiled gently. "I know. Even if you don't say it, I know. But I care for you. For your sake, I'll accept anything."

Niman quietly withdrew, sighing as he stood outside the room. He had watched Consort Yu grow from a young girl into the woman she was now. Only someone like her, so extraordinary, could truly match the Great Khan.

As Da Yuer exited, she saw Niman and said, "If the Great Khan ever becomes stubborn, refuses to listen, and scolds you for your advice, you can always come to Qinging Palace to report it. We're here for you."

Niman chuckled. "Thank you, Consort Yu. With your support, I have nothing to fear."

Da Yuer left Fenghuang Tower and made her way to Qinging Palace. Hong Taiji stood at the window, watching her go. Her poised figure and the once-vivid red of her cloak now carried an air of dignity and grace. He felt a twinge of unfamiliarity mixed with pride. Everyone grows, and he could not hold Yuer back, but it pained him to know that her growth came at such a heavy cost because of him.

Seeing Yuer step into Qinging Palace, Hong Taiji turned around, called for Niman, and dressed to leave for the Grand Politics Hall.

Outside the palace, an elated Hooge returned home, gathering his advisors to recount Dorgon's apology. His men exchanged uncertain glances before cautiously pointing out the implications.

One advisor said hesitantly, "My Lord, as long as it's believed that our people were spying on Dorgon, others will inevitably think that Dorgon let you off lightly. To put it plainly, no matter how this is handled, it will always appear that Dorgon granted you mercy. Whether or not the truth is known is secondary. What matters is whether you can stand firm before Dorgon."

Hooge's face flushed purple with rage as he cursed, "It's all because of that wretched woman, Bumubutai! She ruined everything!"

Another advisor carefully added, "The Great Khan must be extremely angry right now. You must tread carefully. And moreover—"

"What is it?" Hooge snapped impatiently.

"My Lord, as we've discussed before, we don't even have a single ally in the harem," one of Hooge's advisors said thoughtfully. "Now, everyone's talking about how the Great Khan is preparing to declare himself emperor. He's already past his prime, and his stamina and energy aren't what they used to be. Constant long-distance campaigns and sleepless nights will take their toll. Eventually, the Great Khan is likely to step back and focus on strategic planning, staying in Shengjing. When that time comes, whatever the women in the harem whisper or suggest, we'll have no way of knowing."

"Isn't that obvious? If my mother were still in the harem, would it be this hard for me?" Hooge said bitterly as he sat down. "My father is a cold and unfeeling person."

"Zarut is long gone, Consort Doutumen is too timid, and the other concubines are all insignificant," another advisor said, stepping forward. "But, My Lord, there's still one person who hasn't arrived yet. Whoever goes to bring back Nam Jung will gain a critical advantage."

Hooge narrowed his eyes. "Are you suggesting I request permission to fetch that woman?"

Meanwhile, Dorgon had returned home and entered the inner courtyard, only to see Qiqige disciplining two servants. A man and a woman knelt in the snow, their postures suggesting they had been caught in some improper act.

Qiqige exuded authority, so much so that even Dorgon instinctively straightened his posture at the sight of her. Seeing that Qiqige paid him no attention, he bypassed the scene and went straight to his room.

Soon, cries, shouts, and the sound of a whip came from outside. Dorgon frowned and asked a maid who had come to help him change, "What's going on?"

The young maid blushed and answered, "My Lord, they were caught doing shameful things in the back courtyard by the steward."

The commotion continued for a while before Qiqige finally came in, her face livid with anger. Dorgon handed her a cup of tea to calm her down. "Is it really such a big deal?" he asked.

Qiqige downed the tea in one gulp and slammed the cup onto the table. She said angrily, "I can't stand girls who don't respect themselves. If they were truly in love, I'd reward them with silver and let them marry. But that girl didn't even open her eyes to see what kind of heartless beast she's tied herself to!"