At that moment, Sumala approached from the side. She understood why Hairanju was waiting outside but still politely asked, "Elder Princess, why don't you go inside and sit?"
Hairanju replied, "The Khan likely has things to discuss with Yuer. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to stay. By the way, Sumala, I need to ask you for a favour."
"Please feel free to instruct me," Sumala replied quickly, "Elder Princess, you don't need to be formal with me."
Hairanju smiled gently. "Could you arrange a place for me to stay? Anywhere suitable will do. I'll be staying in Shengjing until after winter, and I can't keep staying in Yuer's quarters."
Sumala understood the Elder Princess's thoughtful intention but responded with sincerity, "Princess, you may feel uncomfortable these few days, but after a while, once the Great Khan leaves on his next campaign, you should return to stay with Miss. To be honest, the Great Khan is rarely home throughout the year, and Miss must be thrilled to have you here. I'm sure she'd love to spend every day with you."
Hairanju knew Sumala was right. After all, Hong Taiji was constantly waging battles and spreading his influence across the lands. Such a busy man couldn't possibly be home often to spend his days in leisure with his wives. Sumala's suggestion was practical.
"Alright then," Hairanju agreed softly. "When the Great Khan leaves Shengjing, I'll move back to stay with Yuer. For now, just find me another place to stay for a few days. Anywhere will do—I'm not particular."
Hairanju's calm and kind nature shone through, as she kept the grievances she had suffered from her brother and aunt quietly locked in her heart.
Sumala dared not delay and immediately led the Elder Princess out to find a suitable place to stay.
Meanwhile, inside, Hong Taiji was holding little Azhe in his arms, chuckling as he teased, "The older she gets, the more she looks like you. Let's just hope she doesn't pick up your temper—that wouldn't endear her to anyone."
Da Yuer ignored her husband's playful jabs, feeding him a slice of pear she had cut and asking, "You're so busy today, how did you find time to come sit with us? I didn't expect you to visit, so I didn't prepare anything."
Hong Taiji replied, "Everything is in order for tomorrow's ceremony. If I'm busy, everyone else will be too, so I thought I'd give them a breather."
Casually, Da Yuer remarked, "I heard Dorgon made it back. The Great Consort was worried he wouldn't arrive in time when she mentioned him last night."
Hong Taiji's brows twitched slightly, a subtle reaction, but it was clear that his mood had shifted. Carefully, he set down their daughter and pushed away the pear slice Da Yuer was offering, now uninterested in eating. "So, he made it in time after all," he said with a cool tone.
Da Yuer, unaware of the tension brewing, expressed happiness for her cousin. "Qiqige must be overjoyed. It's only in August every year that she has something to look forward to. Dorgon has it hard too."
But suddenly, her husband's mood darkened. "Yuer, when you mention Dorgon in front of me, do you really have no thoughts about it?"
Da Yuer froze, taken aback by his sour expression. Holding half a slice of pear, she nervously shook her head, not understanding why he was upset.
"Forget it," Hong Taiji sighed, reclining against the cushions with a bitter smile. "Why did I even ask you that? If you had any thoughts, you wouldn't speak his name so casually. A heart that is clean and free of suspicion is truly rare."
In truth, Da Yuer had heard the rumours surrounding Dorgon's birth mother, Consort Abahai, and her forced suicide.
But what she had seen with her own eyes was the outward harmony between Hong Taiji and Dorgon—how her husband had raised and cultivated his younger brother with care and how Dorgon had shown absolute loyalty, serving the Jin Dynasty with all his might. So, she believed the rumours were just that—unfounded whispers.
The pear slices on the plate slowly began to turn brown, losing their appeal. Hong Taiji lay back against the soft pillows, eyes closed, seemingly resting. Da Yuer sat quietly beside him, the unease lingering between them.
After a long while, their daughter, little Azhe, mumbled something in her sleep, causing Hong Taiji to open his eyes slightly and smile as he cradled her gently in his arms.
"Great Khan, I understand now," Da Yuer said softly.
"There's no need for all this fuss," Hong Taiji replied. "I've told you before, live your life according to your own heart."
"But…" Da Yuer began, only to be stopped by the look on his face. His expression, though calm, carried a chilling intensity beneath his otherwise gentle gaze. It startled Da Yuer. How could someone exude such an air of severity, even while appearing so at ease?
Suppressing her nervousness, Da Yuer quietly peeled another pear, cutting the white, smooth flesh and offering it to her husband. "In any case, I understand now," she repeated.