Palace Eaves

Qiqige heard this, her face lit up with joy, and she ran toward her husband, her eyes curved in delight, smiling so brightly.

Dorgon looked at her carefully and said softly, "You've gotten thinner."

With that, he took her hand and turned to leave the Fenghuang Tower.

From the window, Da Yuer saw this scene, and a smile naturally appeared on her face. Hong Taiji noticed and asked lightly, "What's making you so happy?"

"Just seeing Dorgon and Qiqige leave together. The Grand Consort and I thought they wouldn't get a chance to see each other today," Da Yuer replied, handing a teacup to Hong Taiji. Then she asked, "Great Khan, how long will Dorgon stay in Shengjing this time?"

Hong Taiji imitated the tea-drinking etiquette of the Han people, slowly sipping the Longjing tea sent from Hangzhou, savouring its refined taste, though not entirely impressed. He said indifferently, "He'll only stay for a few days before leaving again. Lin Dan Khan is on the verge of death, and someone needs to keep an eye on things. I shouldn't send anyone else to steal Dorgon's credit."

He looked up and noticed Da Yuer smiling happily, frowning as he asked, "What are you grinning about so carelessly?"

Da Yuer pouted slightly, puzzled by her husband's irritation. "Isn't it a great thing that Lin Dan Khan is dying? And seeing Qiqige happy makes me happy for her too..."

Hong Taiji gave her a frustrated look, though it was unclear what was troubling him. But he couldn't bear to vent his annoyance on Da Yuer. Exhausted, he lay down, and Da Yuer quickly climbed onto the bed to adjust the pillows and blankets for him.

His thick palm gently held her delicate hand, and just like that, he drifted off to sleep. Seeing how tired her husband was, Da Yuer felt a deep pang of heartache. She softly stroked the old scar on Hong Taiji's face, silently murmuring, "Take care of your health."

A little later, Adai came to check in and, upon seeing this scene, immediately ran back to the Qingning Palace to inform the Grand Consort that the Great Khan had fallen asleep with his head resting on the side consort's lap.

Jeje felt deeply comforted and ordered that no one disturb the Khan's rest. She then instructed Adai, "Send some fertility medicine to Qiqige. I know how much she's been longing for this."

It wasn't just the Grand Consort who knew of Qiqige's hardships; everyone in the Eight Banners was aware.

The servants in the Beile's mansion were all perceptive, understanding exactly what should and shouldn't be done. Now that the Beile had returned, the courtyard was completely quiet, not a soul daring to interrupt.

After attending to her husband's washing, Qiqige turned to call for wine and food, only to find that her husband had already collapsed onto the bed, snoring loudly.

Reaching out to cover him with the blanket, her delicate fingers lingered near his collar, unable to resist slipping them inside to feel the warmth of his skin. A wave of emotion surged through her, but she couldn't bring herself to disturb the tired man any further.

"Dorgon," she whispered softly, "the wars are endless, but your dreams have already been fulfilled. Among the Eight Banners, who would dare to challenge your achievements? Isn't it time we thought about our home..."

Qiqige had words at the tip of her tongue, but in the end, she swallowed them and carefully nestled into Dorgon's embrace. Even if it was only for a brief moment of closeness, she was content.

Dorgon slept soundly, waking only at sunset.

Many people were waiting to meet him, and Qiqige had already made all the arrangements. The men were in the study discussing matters, and she was preparing refreshments to serve.

As she approached the door with tea in hand, she overheard someone inside say to Dorgon, "Those women have tribes, livestock, and gold. After Lin Dan Khan's death, shouldn't we also think of ways to bring them all back?"

Qiqige frowned slightly upon hearing this, quietly setting down the tea and retreated unnoticed.

Over the following days, Dorgon was either resting or meeting with visitors. In the blink of an eye, three days had passed, and the day to rally the troops at the Ten Kings Pavilion had arrived. Dorgon was preparing to leave again for the battlefield.

Standing at the door, Qiqige watched her husband's figure fade into the distance, silently sighing in her heart.

Following her aunt's orders, Da Yuer brought a set of new armor and knee guards for Dorgon. As she arrived, she noticed Qiqige's frail figure standing in the biting wind. Walking up to her, she gently took her cousin's hand and said softly, "They will return soon. Don't worry."

Qiqige gave a faint, bitter smile. Her gaze remained fixed on her husband, not once moving away, as she quietly replied, "I've long grown used to it."

Over on the other side, Dorgon bowed to the Great Khan, mounted his horse, and looked up to see Da Yuer standing next to Qiqige. He raised his hand, hesitated for a moment, and then waved it vigorously. Qiqige quickly waved back, and Da Yuer also waved her hand alongside her cousin.

A warmth surged through Dorgon's heart as he spurred his horse forward, galloping out of the Ten Kings Pavilion, leading the charge.