Da Yuer could clearly see that Qiqige was momentarily lost in thought, yet she claimed nothing was wrong. With everyone else moving forward, Da Yuer felt it was inappropriate to linger, but an unsettling feeling lingered in her heart.
Beside her, Hairanju asked with concern, "Is something wrong between you and Qiqige?"
Da Yuer shook her head, her gaze shifting toward the poised figure of her aunt, Jeje, who walked ahead. She couldn't quite pinpoint whether it was something unusual in her aunt's regal posture or her own unsettled thoughts, but what had stuck with her most was her own words to Hong Taiji the previous night: "I understand now." That phrase hadn't been said lightly.
In that moment of clarity, Da Yuer had sensed for the first time the depth of Hong Taiji's unease—not just a rivalry with Dorgon, but a deeper insecurity stemming from his solitary rule as the Great Khan.
Straightening her posture, she walked with more purpose, guiding her sister to follow closely behind their aunt.
The solemn and dignified procession left the palace, making its way to the imperial mausoleum in the eastern suburbs of Shengjing. The women rode in carriages and sedan chairs, maintaining strict order as they traveled.
Upon arriving at the mausoleum, the Beiles accompanied Hong Taiji to ascend the grand hall, while Jeje led the consorts in following them.
Nurhaci's tomb stood majestically, with the Hun River before it and Tianzhu Mountain behind, surrounded by towering pines.
The one hundred and eight steps leading to the grand hall were imposing and solemn. As the group neared the final steps, a sudden cry broke the silence, drawing everyone's attention. Qiqige had stumbled on the stairs, nearly falling but managing to avoid dragging anyone else with her or tumbling down entirely.
Dorgon, reacting swiftly, rushed down to her side, scooping her up in his arms. "Where did you hurt yourself?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
Qiqige leaned against his shoulder and, in a quiet voice, relayed Ajige's message.
A brief shadow passed over Dorgon's brow, his expression turning serious for a moment. But knowing the gravity of the occasion, he quickly released her, helping her stand on her own. With a calm, reassuring smile, he said, "Be more careful."
Meanwhile, Hong Taiji had already entered the grand hall, and Dorgon couldn't afford to delay any further. He gently let go of Qiqige and hurried to catch up with the Great Khan.
Jeje glanced over at Qiqige. "Are you alright? Do you need someone to help you back to rest?"
Qiqige shook her head, smiling graciously. "I'm fine, thank you for your concern. It was my carelessness."
The group continued their ascent to the grand hall. Hairanju noticed that Da Yuer had stopped in her tracks and gently tugged at her. "Yuer, it's time to go," she whispered.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Da Yuer followed her sister up the steps. Moments earlier, she had seen Qiqige whisper something to Dorgon, causing his expression to change suddenly, though both had quickly resumed their composed demeanour as if nothing had happened.
"Yuer?"
"Yes?"
"Are you thinking about the children?" Hairanju asked gently, trying to ease her sister's mind.
Da Yuer quickly nodded. "Yes, Azhe was crying a lot this morning."
Hairanju smiled warmly. "Sumala and the nurses are taking good care of them. You'll see Azhe when we get back, so don't worry too much."
Her words were meant to comfort, but they were overheard by Jeje, who shot a warning look at Hairanju. The message was clear: mind the decorum. Hairanju, not wanting to upset her aunt further, immediately lowered her head in submission.
Da Yuer, feeling guilty for her sister's misunderstanding, suppressed her wandering thoughts and followed closely behind, determined not to lose focus again.
The ceremony to honour Nurhaci was grand and solemn. Today, his remains would be interred in the mausoleum's underground chamber, alongside Hong Taiji's mother, the Yehenara Dowager, Consort Monggo, and to everyone's surprise, the Empress Dowager Abahai.
During the rites, Hong Taiji led the procession, with Daišan, Amin, and other elder brothers following in ranks. Though Dorgon and his brother Ajige were the biological sons of Abahai, they were not invited to the front. Instead, they stood behind their uncles and older brothers, observing the hierarchy.
Dorgon wasn't certain if Ajige had brought a sword today, but he had correctly predicted one thing: Hong Taiji would not dare show disrespect to their mother.
Hong Taiji had ascended the throne by forcing Abahai to her death, and her spirit would haunt him for the rest of his life.
After the men completed their rituals, Jeje led the consorts forward. The Beiles stood to either side, watching as the women made their way. Da Yuer and Qiqige walked side by side, and as they passed, many eyes were on their own consorts, but Dorgon's gaze was not on his wife. Instead, his attention was drawn elsewhere—to Da Yuer.
It had been some time since Dorgon had seen her, and he couldn't help but notice that Da Yuer's complexion had improved considerably.