Da Yuer didn't want to bring up the issue of the fertility medicine. She silently fastened her buttons and smoothed the satin of her dress, giving herself a small smile in the mirror.
Knowing she would be seeing Hong Taiji, she chose to wear his favourite colour—red. Fortunately, red made her appear more full and healthy.
At the door, the curtain was lifted, and Adai stood there respectfully, saying, "Side Consort, the Grand Consort requests your presence."
Sumala quickly asked, "Is the Great Khan still there?"
Adai smiled deeply. "Yes, he is, which is why the Grand Consort asks that you come quickly."
As Da Yuer made her way from the side palace to the Qinging Palace, she kept her eyes fixed on the curtains at the entrance of her aunt's quarters, almost as if she could see the man she loved through them. But just as she reached the eaves, the curtain was suddenly lifted, and out came Hong Taiji.
After a long time apart, the man before her, no longer clad in his thick winter robes, now wore a sleek and elegant dark blue gown. The jade belt around his waist accentuated his figure perfectly. Hong Taiji had always been the man Da Yuer admired deeply. As he looked her up and down, there was a hint of displeasure in his expression. Initially, Da Yuer was overjoyed to see him, but the weight of his commanding gaze soon caused her to lower her head. Unconsciously, she stepped closer to him, inching forward until she was standing right in front of him.
"Has the palace run out of food?" Hong Taiji asked. "Or are you feeling unwell and keeping quiet about it? Those around you every day might not notice, but seeing you now—you're like a different person from when I last saw you in February."
Da Yuer murmured softly, her eyes filled with a mix of shyness and joy that she couldn't hide. Just seeing her husband return safely, standing before her in good health, made her heart swell with contentment, and her smile grew even brighter.
"Still smiling?" Hong Taiji feigned reproach, but he couldn't help but smile himself. How could he be angry at such a sweet expression? Chuckling, he said, "I've suddenly got a craving for sticky rice cakes. Have them pound some for me. I'll come to your quarters later to eat."
Da Yuer nodded eagerly, her heart soaring with happiness as she watched him smile. But as always, Hong Taiji was busy. After exchanging just a few words, he had to rush off again to attend to military matters.
After Hong Taiji left, Adai lifted the curtain, inviting the Side Consort inside.
Just seeing her was enough to make Da Yuer anticipate what her aunt would say, and a wave of aversion washed over her. Instinctively, she stepped back and said, "The Great Khan wants to eat sticky rice cakes. I'll go prepare them for him. If aunt needs anything important, let me know."
Hearing this, Sumala was overjoyed, immediately following her mistress without looking back.
Once they returned to the side palace, the two stood behind the door, Da Yuer clutching her chest as if her heart might leap out of her throat.
"Miss!" Sumala was beaming with excitement, exclaiming, "This is how it should be! Little by little, we can resist the Great Consort, until one day she can no longer force or control you."
The flush on Da Yuer's face slowly faded. She became calm again, realizing this wasn't something to be happy about; in fact, it was quite sad, wasn't it? Not wanting to discuss it further, she took Sumala's hand and said, "Let's make some snacks for the Great Khan. He surely hasn't eaten well while away."
However, after Hong Taiji left, there was no sign of when he would return. Da Yuer, waiting with the delicately crafted pastries, watched the sunset gradually fade into darkness, yet her husband's figure never appeared.
Meanwhile, on the vast grasslands of southern Mongolia, a group of riders holding torches moved through the night like a fiery dragon. Dorgon sat upon his steed, his eyes cold as he observed the approaching caravan. Suddenly, he raised his hand, signaling his men to halt.
"Older Brother, the Consort Doutumen has arrived," came Dodo's voice from beside him. "Shall I go ahead and check?"
Dorgon, with an icy gaze, replied indifferently, "Go tell that woman to leave her carriage and servants behind. She must walk over here alone."