That night, Da Yuer didn't sleep soundly, constantly afraid that she would wake up to find that Hong Taiji had left without a word again.
The next morning, as soon as Hong Taiji opened his eyes, she woke up immediately as well. The two of them stared at each other, which made Hong Taiji chuckle, "Are you really that afraid I'll leave?"
Da Yuer nodded. "You come and go so quickly, it feels like every time I'm just dreaming. It doesn't feel real. Only when I wake up and see you, touch you, do I know it's truly happening."
The army of the Great Jin was constantly at war, and Hong Taiji rarely had time to see his women throughout the year. Even when he was in Shengjing, he was always so busy that he barely had a moment to spare.
But home is still home, and family will always be family. Having a home and family means warmth and support in one's heart.
Hong Taiji kissed Da Yuer gently on the forehead and said indulgently, "One day, when we've taken down the Ming dynasty and entered the Forbidden City— the most grand and majestic palace in the world— aside from the main palace, you can choose any palace you like. From then on, that will be our home."
Da Yuer's eyes lit up as she looked at her husband with joy. "I've heard that the Forbidden City is enormous."
Hong Taiji nodded, "It's ten times the size of our palace here in Shengjing."
"Ten times as big?" Da Yuer tried to imagine such a colossal palace, but her calculations left her awestruck. Hong Taiji, amused by her dazed expression, ordered Niman to fetch the map of the Ming imperial city from the Fenghuang Tower. He then showed her the layout of the Forbidden City, pointing out each part of the inner palace.
"Where would you like to live?" Hong Taiji asked.
Da Yuer shook her head, smiling foolishly, unable to give an answer. Hong Taiji playfully mocked her indecision, but she only responded with a shy "I don't know." The two shared laughter, then got up to wash and dress. Hong Taiji left to join Jeje in the Qingning Palace for breakfast, while Da Yuer remained in her own quarters.
Sumala carefully took the map off the kang and approached her Mistress, asking, "So this is the Ming Dynasty's palace? It's really this big?"
Da Yuer chuckled, "When we get there, make sure you don't get lost."
Sumala couldn't fathom the idea. Though she often followed her Mistress into the palace, she understood the weight of the Ming dynasty. Even though the country was weakening, it was still the ruler of the central plains, and Jin had been fighting them for years without fully conquering them. Becoming the master of the Han Chinese wouldn't be so simple.
"The Great Khan said that when we go, I can choose anywhere to live, except for the central palace," Da Yuer said with delight, taking the map from Sumala's hands to glance at it once more. "Guess where I'll choose?"
Sumala, seeing the maids busy tidying the bedding, crouched down to respond in a whisper, "If I had to guess, you'd choose the palace closest to the Great Khan's quarters."
Da Yuer's cheeks immediately flushed. She shoved the map back to Sumala and turned away, trying to hide her excitement. "Go return this to Niman quickly and tell him to store it safely," she instructed.
Not long after, Adai came to invite Da Yuer to join them for breakfast in the Qingning Palace. Once in her aunt's presence, Da Yuer no longer dared to behave as playfully as she did with Hong Taiji in her own chambers. She sat dutifully by, quietly listening as her husband and aunt conversed.
As breakfast was nearing its end, Hong Taiji was giving Niman instructions for the day's tasks when a messenger from outside the palace arrived, kneeling at the door to report, "The Fourteenth Beile has sent word by pigeon. The Consort Doutumen has been taken under his care and is enroute to Shengjing. She will arrive in a few days."
Da Yuer kept her head lowered, though her heart raced with anxiety. So, Lin Dan Khan's widow was indeed coming. Was this Consort Doutumen beautiful? Would Hong Taiji treat her well?
Unconsciously, she lifted her gaze toward her husband. Hong Taiji, still conversing with Jeje, caught her glance and said, "I'm leaving soon, and might not meet her when she arrives. Take good care of her when I'm away."
Jeje responded with grace, "Don't worry, Great Khan. I won't neglect her. Though I'm not as mobile as before, Yuer has grown into her responsibilities and will see to everything."
Da Yuer stood up, and Hong Taiji gently took her hand, saying, "I'm leaving the matters at home in your hands."