Qiqige snapped back to reality, uneasily saying, "My bad, I was told by Aunt to keep this to myself, and here I am, unable to hold my tongue. Yuer, just pretend you didn't hear anything, alright? Please don't ask about it."
"But..." Da Yuer hesitated, but finally nodded, "Don't worry, I won't ask."
Qiqige gently patted the baby's swaddling clothes before leaving gracefully with her maid. Da Yuer stood still, holding her daughter, not moving until Sumala summoned the wet nurse to take the child away. Only then did Da Yuer stir slightly.
Sumala asked, "Miss, what's wrong? What did the Fourteenth Consort say to you?"
"Nothing," Da Yuer replied. She had promised her cousin not to speak of it, so she remained silent.
However, it wasn't long before the matter ceased to be a secret. Adai had caught wind of some rumors, and Jeje decided to ask Hong Taiji directly. Knowing that Jeje was always mindful of the bigger picture, Hong Taiji did not hide the truth, replying candidly, "Indeed, there have been discussions about accepting a few of them, but nothing is set in stone yet. Perhaps they will follow Lin Dan Batur in death, and if they do, it won't matter."
Jeje then asked, "If they do come seeking refuge with you, will you take them in?"
Hong Taiji, unconcerned, replied, "I'll share them with my brothers."
Jeje gazed at him intently, making Hong Taiji feel a bit uncomfortable. He chuckled and asked, "What, are you jealous?"
"You know me better than anyone, I don't care about anything but you." Jeje said, lowering her eyes and placing her hands gently on her belly, uncertain of what the future held. With a bitter smile, she added, "But for Yuer, Great Khan, please, at least care for her a little more."
"What's wrong with Yuer?" Hong Taiji asked.
Jeje pursed her lips and remained silent. The tension lingered for a moment, but Hong Taiji, in truth, understood everything. He smiled, pulling his wife into his embrace, and said, "Don't trouble yourself with Yuer and me. For my sake, you've already endured so much unfairness and hardship. Even though she's your niece, I won't let you worry about her. Jeje, no matter what happens or which woman enters my harem, no one will ever shake your position."
"I've never feared that you would betray me," Jeje replied, resting against his chest. "But Yuer and I, we both want to do more for you."
Hong Taiji gently stroked her cheek, offering a faint smile without saying more.
It was near the end of the year, and the people of Shengjing were busy decorating their homes with lanterns and preparing for the New Year. Luxurious silks and brocades taken from the Ming Dynasty had been sent to the palace, and Jeje led Da Yuer along with some Beile consorts and concubines to measure and tailor new clothes.
Where there are many women, chatter naturally fills the air, and Da Yuer, who disliked such scenes, found an excuse to check on her children and quietly slipped out of the bustling Qingning Palace.
The cold air outside instantly refreshed her, lifting her spirits as she made her way toward her side palace. As she approached, she heard Yatu's sweet, childish voice saying, "Daddy, Yatu wants a little pony, but mommy won't let me."
Da Yuer's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly ran to the window. Sure enough, there was Hong Taiji lounging leisurely on the warm kang, their youngest daughter nestled in his arms, while Yatu and Atu lay on him, affectionately playing. When he looked up and saw her standing at the window, his eyes were full of a pleading look, clearly overwhelmed by his daughters.
Sumala, standing nearby, cheerfully remarked, "Why is the Great Khan in our quarters?"
Da Yuer entered the room and managed to coax the daughters away from their father. When she heard Hong Taiji promise Yatu that she could pick out a pony, she couldn't help but chide him, "You're spoiling her! She's still so young. If she falls, don't blame me."
Hong Taiji laughed, "Yuer, how old were you when you started riding a horse?"
Da Yuer shook her head, "That's different. The grasslands of Khorchin are soft and thick, but Shengjing's streets are paved with stone. A fall here would be serious."
"Yuer, which is better—Khorchin or Shengjing?" Hong Taiji suddenly became serious and added, "Tell me honestly. I want to hear what's in your heart."
But before Da Yuer could answer, Niman hurriedly arrived, carrying Hong Taiji's armour. "The soldiers are fully assembled at the Ten Kings Pavilion, just waiting for your command, Great Khan."
Hong Taiji immediately rose to leave. Da Yuer swiftly and carefully helped him into his armour. As her husband, radiating an air of majesty, reached the door, he glanced back and said, "I won't be back for the New Year. Take care of yourself."
"I will," Da Yuer replied, gazing up at him, "You take care too."
Hong Taiji smiled, loosened his grip, and strode away confidently.
By the time the attendants in the Qingning Palace realized it, the Great Khan had already left the royal city with his army. The women, concerned for their respective husbands, began to take their leave one by one.
Only then did Da Yuer have the chance to approach her aunt to report. Jeje, long accustomed to her husband's sudden departures, was pleased to hear that before he left, Hong Taiji had spent some time resting in the side palace.
"Now you have time to properly take care of your health," Jeje said, dismissing everyone else in the room. Turning to her niece, she added, "Next year, give the Great Khan a little prince."
Da Yuer suddenly lifted her head, looking at her aunt and at her slightly swollen belly. She twisted the silk handkerchief in her hand tightly, hesitated for a long while, and finally nodded stiffly, though her heart was conflicted.