"Did you come from the palace?" Hong Taiji asked, pulling Da Yuer over to the fire. As she helped him remove his armour, he frowned upon hearing that she had come from Daišan's residence. "In the future, there's no need for you to attend such gatherings."
"Yes," Da Yuer agreed without hesitation. She never liked crowded places anyway.
Hong Taiji continued, "The soldiers on the front lines are enduring harsh conditions, while you all are drinking and making merry in Shengjing. How am I supposed to answer to them?"
Da Yuer smiled gently, "Don't be upset. From now on, I will remind the Great Consort and urge the women to be more cautious."
Hong Taiji chuckled, "I'm not angry, and I'm not blaming you. I was just sharing what's on my mind."
He sat cross-legged on the bed, gesturing toward the tea on the table. Da Yuer immediately brought it to his lips. Hong Taiji chuckled, "When I'm bouncing on horseback, thinking of you being so considerate at home makes all the hardship worthwhile."
Da Yuer smiled sweetly, "Only because you won't let me come with you. Otherwise, I'd follow you anywhere to take care of you."
Hong Taiji pulled her close, breathing in the fresh scent of her hair. He couldn't help but kiss her soft cheeks several times. As she lay tenderly in his arms, he asked, "Yuer, did you miss me?"
Da Yuer nodded, "I did. I kept asking the Great Consort when you'd return, and she got tired of my questions. But, Great Khan, how did you suddenly come back without anyone hearing about it?"
Relaxed, Hong Taiji lay back, and Da Yuer naturally rested in the crook of his arm. He lazily replied, "I was headed to the Yalu River and wouldn't have returned until year's end, but I thought I'd pass through Shengjing and stop by to see you."
Da Yuer giggled, "It can't be just to see me. If you're going to sweet-talk me, at least make sure your story makes sense."
Hong Taiji playfully scolded, "You think you're clever, huh?"
Da Yuer stood up and pulled the quilt over Hong Taiji, her heart aching for him as she noticed the dark circles under his eyes, suggesting he probably hadn't slept well the night before.
Even though she teased him about his sweet words, deep down, she wanted to believe that he had indeed returned to Shengjing just to see her. But that was a thought she kept to herself, never voicing aloud.
"How is Jeje's health?" Hong Taiji asked.
"She's been feeling sluggish, but the doctor says it's nothing to worry about. She's due in late summer. Will you be able to come back by then?" Da Yuer replied.
Hong Taiji shook his head, closing his eyes. "I don't know where I'll be. I'll try, but tell Jeje I'm unsure. You wouldn't be able to explain it properly anyway."
"I'm not so clueless anymore," Da Yuer muttered, hesitantly glancing at Hong Taiji. When he opened his eyes slightly and looked at her, she shyly lowered her head.
In no time, he had pulled her back into his arms, into the warmth of the blankets, and against his strong chest. With the snow melting away outside and the gentle embrace of her husband, Da Yuer felt herself melting too, lost in a moment of perfect contentment.
That night, Da Yuer spent the night with Hong Taiji in the military camp. When she woke the next day, she longed to steal a few more moments of warmth and intimacy with her husband, but the sound of the gathered soldiers outside reminded her that he had already left.
Slipping into her soft shoes and wrapping herself in a thick fur-lined cloak, she lifted the corner of the curtain and peeked outside.
The cold wind rushed in, and the sound of horses' hooves grew more distant. At the front of the troop, Hong Taiji rode off without a word of farewell.
"Be careful of the cold, Miss," Sumala entered, gently pushing Da Yuer back inside, smiling brightly. "The Great Khan didn't want to wake you. He told us to let you sleep. You slept so soundly, even with all the noise outside."
Da Yuer pouted, feeling somewhat discontented. "Why didn't you wake me? I wanted to see him off. Who knows when I'll see him again?"
Sumala laughed softly. "But the Great Khan cares for you. What could I do?"
Noticing the way her mistress sulked, Sumala leaned close and whispered something in her ear, causing Da Yuer's eyes to widen in surprise. "Is that true?" she asked.
Sumala proudly said, "Niman told me, so it can't be false. The Great Khan really missed you, that's why he made a detour to come back."
The mood around Da Yuer instantly brightened. "I thought he was just teasing me."
Sumala added, "But there's something else, did the Great Khan mention it to you? Miss, Lin Dan Khan has died."