Qiqige said, "The Great Khan has ordered the children of the Eight Banners to study, and got people to translate Han studies. When I'm idle at home, I occasionally go and listen. The scholarship of the Han people is truly remarkable. Even their legends and operas are fascinating. The most famous opera troupe from Liaodong came to Shengjing during the new year. I went with some of the other sisters-in-law to watch. Those stories of emperors and generals are truly tear-jerking."
Da Yuer marveled, "What a pity I wasn't taken along."
Qiqige laughed, "It's not easy for you to leave the palace, especially when the Great Consort needs someone by her side. How could you get away?"
As they spoke, a message arrived from outside the palace: Consort Doutumen had entered the city, and someone sent by the Fourteenth Beile, Dorgon, had come to deliver a message to the Fourteenth Consort. Quickly, Qiqige made her way to the palace gates to hear what Dorgon had instructed.
An hour later, Consort Doutumen had passed by the Fenghuang Tower.
In the Qingning Palace, Adai set up a silk screen in front of the kang. Jeje was already dressed and groomed, though still in her confinement period after childbirth. She had no intention of meeting the new arrival directly but insisted on maintaining a dignified presence, even if it was from behind the screen.
Qiqige, Da Yuer, and several of Hong Taiji's concubines were also present. Soon, the palace attendants brought forth a delicate figure—Consort Doutumen. Her attire was elegant and proper, though she appeared frail and nervous, evoking a sense of pity.
After paying respects to the Great Consort, Adai began introducing each person present. Following the formal greetings, Jeje spoke from behind the screen, "I am not feeling well, so I apologize for not properly receiving you. Side Consort Yu will take good care of you. From now on, you belong to the Great Khan, and this is your home. If anyone dares to show you disrespect, you may come to me. I hope you can live in harmony with the other sisters and sisters-in-law. The Great Khan cannot tolerate troublemakers, and neither can I."
Though Jeje was known for her gentleness, as the Great Consort, she possessed an undeniable authority. She and Hong Taiji had already discussed how to handle the widow of Lin Dan Khan, but beneath the surface, she had her own calculations.
Da Yuer took the new Side Consort to arrange her living quarters, while it was time for Jeje to take her medicine. Qiqige, always attentive, was there with a handkerchief, waiting by the Great Consort's side.
In a soft voice, she said, "Dorgon asked me to pass on his message. He made the decision on his own to prevent Consort Doutumen from bringing her old servants and maids into the palace. The Great Khan hadn't specifically ordered this, but Dorgon felt it was best. He believes the Great Khan is offering them refuge, not letting them take charge or cause trouble. Dorgon thought of this for your benefit, to set the rules now, so it'll be easier to manage anyone who comes after."
Jeje nodded, appreciating the thought. "Dorgon supports me, and you two are both careful and considerate. But..."
Qiqige smiled knowingly, "Yuer doesn't see the bad in people, her heart is too kind. It's convenient though, you don't need to worry about getting close to the new arrival; let Yuer play the kind one."
Jeje smirked. "If she were as thorough as you, I'd have nothing to worry about."
Meanwhile, Da Yuer had settled the new Consort and was about to return to the Qingning Palace to report. When someone arrived with a letter, she asked Sumala to receive it. After glancing at the letter, Sumala smiled and said, "Miss, it's a letter from Khorchin."
Da Yuer didn't think much of it. "With Aunt giving birth, of course, they'd send their regards."
After entering the room, She presented the letter to Jeje, and continue talking with Qiqige on the side. Suddenly, they heard Jeje sigh. The two of them quickly became serious. Qiqige asked, "Auntie, what's wrong?"
Jeje frowned and replied, "Hairanju's husband has died. She is too grief-stricken and has lost the child she was carrying. Wukeshan has already taken her back to Khorchin for recuperation."