Hong Taiji stood with his hands behind his back, observing from a high vantage point as the snowflakes kicked up by Dorgon's horse slowly settled back to the ground. With a commanding sweep of his hand, the gathered soldiers, full of vigor and spirit, rallied, ready for action. As he glanced again, he noticed Da Yuer supporting Qiqige, both walking toward the inner palace to the west.
At the Ten Kings Pavilion, the soldiers began to disperse. The crowd gathered to escort the Great Khan back to the Fenghuang Tower. Niman handed a hand warmer to Hong Taiji, who casually asked in a low voice, "Has that matter been taken care of?"
Niman's hair streaked with gray, he nodded, replying, "Rest assured, Great Khan, it's been handled according to the usual protocol."
Meanwhile, Qiqige and Da Yuer were already seated in the Great Consort's palace. Adai served the tea, bringing milk tea for Da Yuer and a jujube tea for Qiqige to nourish and replenish her energy.
Jeje chuckled, "Han women all maintain their health like this. I've been drinking this for over half a year, and now look… I'm expecting."
Qiqige gave an awkward smile, took a small sip, and set the tea down. She began talking with her aunt and Da Yuer about the happenings at home over the past few days, mentioning how busy Dorgon had been, so much so that they barely had time to speak to one another.
Just then, the wet nurse came by to inform Da Yuer that her little daughter had been crying incessantly and asked if she could come to check on her. Da Yuer, worried about her daughter, excused herself and left.
Once she was gone, Qiqige gazed at the gently swaying cotton curtain at the door, lost in thought, until Jeje softly called her, "What are you thinking about, so absorbed?"
Qiqige turned back, her expression cold, and said, "Aunt, I overheard some people telling Dorgon that after Lin Dan Khan's death, they plan to bring his consorts to Shengjing and settle them here, suggesting that the Khan and several of the Beiles each take one or two of them."
Jeje looked up, her brows furrowing slightly, "Is that true?"
Qiqige stood up, her hands lowered, but her demeanour grew increasingly authoritative as she coldly said, "Aunt, let me make it clear now—I won't agree to it. If it becomes an issue, I'm not afraid to fight it out, even in front of the Great Khan."
Jeje gestured for her to sit down and reassured her, "It's just talk for now. Don't scare yourself over something that hasn't happened yet."
Qiqige responded, "Once it's right in front of us, it'll be too late. If you do bring it up with the Great Khan later, please make it clear that in the Fourteenth Beile's household, we will not take in those women."
Jeje asked, "Have you told Dorgon this?"
Qiqige shook her head, her gaze firm, "I decide what happens at home."
Jeje exchanged a glance with Adai, who then quietly left the room. She then motioned for Qiqige to sit next to her, gently stroking her hand as she said, "Don't overthink it. Since you run the household, Dorgon won't do anything to upset you. Besides, with so many brothers in the Eight Banners, it won't come down to the Fourteenth Beile. You have nothing to worry about."
Qiqige nodded without saying more. After a few moments of soothing her, Jeje softly asked, "And how have you both been these past few days?"
"Aunt, are you referring to... matters between the sheets?" Qiqige's expression was melancholic as she sighed, "He's so exhausted that the moment his head touches the pillow, he falls asleep. I simply can't bring myself to disturb him."
Upon hearing that the couple had not shared intimacy despite their rare reunion, Jeje felt a sense of regret in her heart, though her words remained gentle as she tried to console Qiqige. However, both women knew that such reassurances had long lost their power; they each understood the truth in silence.
Soon, Qiqige prepared to take her leave. Jeje grew more serious and said, "Don't mention the matter of Lin Dan Khan's consorts to anyone else. We don't want unrest spreading to the other households."
Qiqige understood and responded, "Aunt, are you worried about Yuer?"
Jeje lowered her head and sipped her tea without replying.
Outside the side palace, under the eaves, Da Yuer was holding her little daughter, trying to make her laugh. When she saw Qiqige emerging from Qingning Palace, she warmly waved her over. Sumala quickly approached the Fourteenth Consort and invited her to join them for a chat.
Looking at the infant in the swaddling clothes, Qiqige couldn't hide her envy. Recalling the advice Jeje had given her earlier, an odd thought suddenly surfaced in her mind. Almost as if she were talking to herself, she murmured, "Lin Dan Khan's Great Consort is currently pregnant. If it turns out to be a posthumous child, I wonder if the Khan would take in that child as well."
Da Yuer, bewildered, looked at her cousin and asked, "What did you say?"