The Fourteenth Beile's residence was the most lavish and magnificent among the noble estates in Shengjing, yet it was so eerily quiet. The stillness made one hesitant to glance around or even speak while walking through its long corridors.
In the Fourteenth Beile's residence, all the servants wore identical uniforms, a rule set by Qiqige to ensure that everything, from people to objects, was orderly and well-kept.
Sumala, following her mistress and the Fourteenth Consort cautiously, entered the grand hall of the main courtyard. The maids swiftly served tea and snacks, leaving Sumala without much to do. After exchanging a glance with her mistress, she contentedly took her place outside the door.
Once the maids had retreated, the large room fell into silence. Da Yuer had no interest in tea, but she was curious about the décor. The south wall was adorned with various swords and knives, the room's atmosphere exuding an air of severity rather than the warmth expected of a bedroom.
"All of these are Dorgon's prized swords," Qiqige said proudly as she noticed Da Yuer gazing at the wall. Leading her closer, she pointed out each one. "Every sword and every blade was brought back from the battlefield, each stained with blood."
Da Yuer was filled with admiration. "The Great Khan often praises Dorgon, saying he is the most promising of all the brothers, the most valiant warrior of the Eight Banners. When the kingdom is finally secured, Dorgon's merit will surely be unmatched."
Qiqige glanced at Da Yuer, unsure if her cousin was genuinely naïve or just being polite on the surface. The words they spoke were not meant for them to discuss—these were the deep grudges between Hong Taiji and Dorgon, matters of life and death for them both.
"When will the kingdom truly be secured?" Qiqige smiled bitterly. "Yuer, has the Great Khan ever told you how far the Jin Empire must expand?"
Da Yuer shook her head. "He's never mentioned it, and I've never asked."
Qiqige pressed further, "Then what do you talk about with the Great Khan?"
"He's always so tired. I don't want to burden him. When he's willing to talk, I just listen," Da Yuer answered candidly. "Recently, he spoke to me about Lin Dan Khan's imperial seal, but before that, you know, he's barely been in Shengjing this past year."
Qiqige understood Da Yuer's care. Just as she couldn't bear to make Dorgon worry, Da Yuer's love and affection for the Great Khan were much the same as hers for her husband. They shared the same sentiments.
Qiqige sat back on the warm kang, handed a cup of milk tea to Da Yuer, and continued the conversation. "I've heard that Lin Dan Khan's imperial seal is in the hands of his Great Consort, the woman they call Consort Nangnang," she said.
Da Yuer didn't know much about the matter and listened quietly as her cousin explained. Qiqige was always a decisive person, the matriarch of her household, quite different from Da Yuer, who still relied on her aunt's guidance as a Side Consort.
With a sense of pride, Qiqige added, "I've already made it clear to Aunt that our Fourteenth Beile's household will not accept Lin Dan Khan's widows. If things get awkward later, Yuer, you'll need to stand by me."
Da Yuer nodded vaguely, not committing to anything. Qiqige then went on, "Since that Consort Nangnang is the most honored wife and holds the imperial seal, it's inevitable that the Great Khan will take her in. You should prepare yourself—such a woman, who's endured so much, will not be simple."
"Maybe she doesn't want to seek refuge with us," Da Yuer muttered, clutching her cup of milk tea as if hoping to escape from the uncomfortable topic.
"Yuer, don't be so naïve. Though Khorchin is the most loyal and dependable ally of the Jin dynasty, the Great Khan and his men are certainly wary of us, always trying to balance the powers," Qiqige said, her sharp and calculating eyes contrasting with Da Yuer's more innocent nature. She solemnly reminded her cousin, "The empty palaces in the courtyard will be filled sooner or later. When that time comes, can you be sure that the woman who truly fills the Great Khan's heart will be you?"
Da Yuer trembled slightly as she set down the cup of milk tea, lowering her gaze. "But… I'm not like you. As long as I obey, everything will be fine."
"Obey?" Qiqige frowned.
Da Yuer nodded and softly murmured, "I need to bear a son."
Qiqige let out a bitter, cold laugh, filled with sadness. She tightly gripped Da Yuer's hand, her eyes filled with deep resentment. "We are women, not just tools for them to use for bearing children."