Jeje sighed softly, seeing Da Yuer's expression, and gestured for her to sit down. Her tone grew heavy as she said, "You don't like dealing with people and know little of the outside world. Those consorts of the Beile have probably already spread the word, yet you're still in the dark."
Da Yuer seemed to understand. What her aunt was about to say was related to the half-finished remark from Qiqige, and she knew that Lin Dan Batur's end was near.
"The eight consorts of Lin Dan Khan are not only young and beautiful but also hold tribes, livestock, and treasures in their hands. Once Lin Dan Khan dies, their fate will play a crucial role in the Great Khan's unification of the desert. We've battled the Chahar for so many years—it's time for it to end."
Jeje's steady gaze remained on Da Yuer as she continued, "The Great Khan might take in one or two of these women. Look at the side palaces in the palace courtyard—many are still empty. These women were once of noble status, and the Great Khan cannot treat them poorly. When they arrive, they'll be your equals. But don't worry, with me here, and considering the bond between you and the Great Khan, no one will dare to mistreat you."
Da Yuer lowered her eyes slightly, the hand that had been twisting her handkerchief slowly relaxed, as if she had given up resisting. Yet even she didn't know what she was resisting or what she could resist.
"Yuer?" Jeje called again, "We need to give the Great Khan a son. If I can't, you must."
Da Yuer lifted her head, a sorrowful smile appearing on her lips. "Auntie, you will definitely give birth to a little Prince this time."
Jeje, however, responded, "That may be my task. But what about you?"
Da Yuer was stunned. Had her aunt forgotten the words she had just spoken, or were they simply said to comfort her? After all, she and the Khan still shared a bond—he liked her, and she loved her husband. They had three daughters, and surely they still had... feelings for each other.
"...Yes."
Da Yuer stood up and responded. She had no choice; she had to obey, and she must obey.
Upon leaving Qingning Palace, A-dai greeted her warmly, but with just one glance, Sumala could tell that her mistress was troubled. She stayed close by, offering her support. It wasn't until sunset, after the three little Princesses were settled, that the two of them huddled together on the warm kang, whispering to each other.
Sumala, curious about where the Khan and the Fourteenth Beile were currently engaged in battle, leaned in as Da Yuer, head tilted, began counting on her fingers. First there was the southern desert, then Korea, and also the Ming Dynasty... It felt as though their Jin Kingdom was at odds with the entire world.
"So many enemies. If they were to strike back and launch a counterattack, wouldn't we be left with no place to hide?" Sumala, quick-tongued, voiced her thoughts, but immediately realized her mistake. She covered her mouth and glanced at her mistress with fear.
Da Yuer flicked Sumala's forehead and scolded, "Are you asking for trouble?"
Sumala pouted and begged for mercy. Seeing that her mistress wasn't really angry, she asked, concerned, "Did the Grand Consort talk to you about having a son again today?"
Da Yuer nodded but said, "Let's not talk about it anymore. It's always the same thing, and it only makes me feel worse when it's brought up."
Sumala asked, "The Grand Consort keeps pushing this—does the Great Khan know? Isn't the Grand Consort afraid of making him angry?"
Da Yuer sighed, "Whether he knows or not, I don't want to damage the bond between him and my aunt. Besides, she's not trying to harm me. She has her own difficulties, and things aren't easy for any of us."
Sumala hesitated, seeing her mistress hugging her knees and gazing out at the night sky through the window. She knew Da Yuer was thinking of the Great Khan. Their side palace was different from the others—at the very top of the bright window was a piece of transparent Western glass, brought from the Ming Dynasty by the Great Khan and specially installed for Da Yuer at the highest point. At night, when she sat at the edge of the kang, she could see the stars.
"Sumala, do you think he really knows how much I care for him?" Da Yuer asked softly, as if speaking to herself, not expecting anyone to answer.
"Miss, may I speak frankly? I've always..." Sumala, full of concern, said, "Miss, I've never really understood the Great Khan."
Da Yuer gave a sorrowful smile, resting her face on her knees as she looked at Sumala. "You can't see through him?"
Sumala nodded. "Does Miss understand him?"
Da Yuer shook her head with a smile. "Whether I understand him or not, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that I know my own heart. Sumala, coming to Shengjing and marrying Hong Taiji, I'm happy—I have no regrets."