In this world, there is only one moon, and there is only one Da Yuer. Dorgon knew he had missed his chance.
But as long as his beloved was happy, he was willing to be happy for her. Yet, Da Yuer was not living a good life. Qiqige had told him long ago that the Khorchin clan and the Great Consort were pressuring Da Yuer to bear a son.
As for Hong Taiji, he already had sons. His eldest, Hooge, was even older than Dorgon by a few years, and like him, had achieved great military feats. Apart from his children who had died young, Hong Taiji had three living sons. Though not many, they were enough.
Hong Taiji did not lack sons, nor was he desperate for children from the Khorchin women or for Da Yuer to give him a son. Yet, the Khorchin and the Great Consort would not leave Da Yuer alone.
Thinking of his beloved trapped in a life not of her choosing, Dorgon's heart twisted with pain—a pain that carried with it deep guilt and remorse. His feelings for Da Yuer, even if hidden from the world, made him feel like he was betraying Qiqige. What had Qiqige done to deserve this?
The cold moonlight that bathed the steppe also fell upon the palace in Shengjing. Da Yuer had waited for Hong Taiji all day, and eventually, she grew tired, curling up in a corner of the kang, wrapped in a woolen blanket. She drifted off into sleep, unsure of who might visit her in her dreams.
When Hong Taiji returned, it was already past midnight. Seeing the lights still on in the side palace, he knew Da Yuer had been waiting for him. Entering the room, he spotted her small figure curled up in the corner.
He quietly approached, intending to lift her into his arms, when the faint sound of a baby crying drifted from outside. The noise wasn't loud, and the baby's room was a bit farther away, but even this soft sound was enough to rouse Da Yuer. Instinctively, she sat up, her eyes darting towards the window with concern.
The next moment, she realized Hong Taiji was standing beside her. A smile spread across her face as she asked happily, "You're finally back?"
In the Qingning Palace, Jeje, who was nearing childbirth, found it hard to sleep, as usual. The faint sounds of the little princess's cries from the side palace naturally disturbed her. She sat up, taking a deep breath, and noticed that there were still lights on in the direction of the side palace.
Adai, who was sleeping in the outer room, heard Jeje's call and, draping herself in a robe, brought her tea and water. Seeing that Jeje asked about the Side Consort, she instructed a night maid to go find out what was happening.
The message came back that the Great Khan was in the Side Consort's quarters, eating a late-night meal with her, the two chatting and laughing.
Jeje felt relieved. "That's good. It's kind of Yuer to keep him company."
Adai brought Jeje a sachet of mint to help her breathe easier. Jeje gently stroked the embroidered flowers on the sachet. Though not delicate work, it was still Yuer's thoughtfulness. She murmured, "Yuer didn't come to see me today, and oddly, I feel a bit glad about it. For so many years, she's never resisted me, no matter how much I push and confine her. That can't be a good thing."
"Consort, the Side Consort understands your intentions," Adai comforted her. "She knows you both carry the burden of Khorchin on your shoulders. The Side Consort is as clever as they come—she doesn't say it, but she understands everything in her heart."
Jeje clenched the sachet in her hand and said, "But that child can't continue to endure everything like she did before. If my fate is short and I leave early, or if something happens to me, how will she face the other women in the palace? And when the Great Khan is no longer here, leaving Yuer alone, Hooge and the others... they won't treat her kindly."
"Consort..."
"Consort Doutumen will arrive in Shengjing soon. I've never met that woman, but anyone who can secure a place by Lin Dan Khan's side must be far from simple." Jeje's voice was filled with worry. "I only hope Yuer will mature quickly. I'm not afraid of her resisting me, I just hope she won't let herself be bullied by others."
At this moment, the lights in the side palace went out, signalling that the Great Khan had retired to bed. Jeje gazed at the pitch-black window, her eyelids heavy with exhaustion, and finally closed her eyes.
In the side palace, Hong Taiji fell asleep almost immediately after his head hit the pillow. Though his mind was always burdened with concerns, the toll of fatigue and age made it impossible to resist sleep. Da Yuer, having shared his bed for so many years yet having seen him so little, could feel how the weight of years had settled on her husband's body.
She gently tucked the blanket around him, content, and lay by his side. In a soft voice, she whispered, "When the wars are finally over, I'll be able to see you every day."