It was as if Da Yuer could feel a gaze lingering on her. When she turned her head, she unexpectedly locked eyes with Dorgon. A tremor went through her heart, and Dorgon, equally startled, quickly looked away.
As the formalities of the ceremony continued, with intricate bows and gestures, Da Yuer followed her aunt Jeje step by step, but her mind was unsettled. Dorgon's gaze had stirred her worry about Hong Taiji once again.
As she bowed her head, she noticed a handkerchief slip from Qiqige's sleeve. Suddenly, Da Yuer's memory flashed back to eight years ago, when she had handed her own handkerchief to a tearful Dorgon.
Back then, they were just children. In the blink of an eye, eight years had passed. The once-crying boy had become a battle-hardened warrior with countless victories to his name. The young, naïve consort she had been no longer pitied him—now, she was full of worry, afraid that Dorgon might one day harm her husband.
Would he? Could Dorgon really betray Hong Taiji?
Da Yuer didn't want to believe it. Over the past eight years, Dorgon had risked his life to secure victory after victory for his elder brother. He had never been able to guarantee he would survive each battle. Wasn't this fierce dedication for the sake of the Jin dynasty, for the sake of his brother?
"Death to the barbarians! I'll blow you all to pieces!"
A man dressed as a servant suddenly leaped from behind the altar, tearing open his robe to reveal his body strapped with explosives. He grabbed a candelabra, quickly lighting the fuse, and hurled the bundle of explosives into the crowd.
The hall erupted into panic. Although the explosion was not powerful, the deafening noise and billowing smoke sent everyone into a frenzy.
Women screamed in terror as confusion spread. Da Yuer, lost in her thoughts, was caught off guard and had no idea what was happening. She was shoved and jostled by the panicked crowd, feeling dizzy and disoriented. Suddenly, a strong hand grabbed her arm, steadying her. She opened her eyes—it was Dorgon.
He held onto her with one hand and Qiqige with the other. After ensuring they were stable, he pushed them both back, his voice full of urgency. "Go! Get outside now!"
Qiqige grabbed Da Yuer by the arm and hurriedly ran with her out of the hall, stumbling their way to safety. Once outside, they found the palace guards rushing in, while Hong Taiji and Jeje were already being escorted away by the soldiers.
"Sister?" Da Yuer shouted as she came to a halt, her eyes frantically scanning the chaotic crowd for any sign of Hairanju. But no matter how hard she looked, Hairanju was nowhere to be found. Even Qiqige couldn't spot her.
"Could she still be inside?" Qiqige's eyes widened in fear. "Hasn't Hairanju made it out?"
Inside, smoke billowed through the grand hall as Dorgon emerged from the haze, approaching Hong Taiji. "The man has taken one of the consorts hostage. He demands to see the Great Khan," Dorgon reported, his voice steady.
Da Yuer's heart seized at the words. She rushed forward, her voice trembling with panic. "Great Khan, my sister didn't come out! She's still inside!"
Though Dorgon didn't know Hairanju personally, he realized from Da Yuer's words that the young consort taken hostage must be the unfamiliar beauty who had been by her side throughout the day.
Hong Taiji remained calm, his face cold and unreadable. "He wants to see me?" he asked with a detached air.
"Yes," Dorgon confirmed.
Hong Taiji sneered, his composure unwavering. Then, glancing at Da Yuer, who was visibly distressed, he scolded her with a cool tone. "Why panic? It's your own fault for not looking after her properly."
Da Yuer wanted to plead with him further, but before she could, Jeje firmly pulled her aside, positioning herself protectively between her niece and the Great Khan. With grace and composure, Jeje addressed Hong Taiji, "Great Khan, I'll see to it that the women are safely escorted away. As for Hairanju's life, I leave it in your hands."
Hong Taiji nodded, giving a slight acknowledgment before turning toward the grand hall. But before he could take more than a few steps, several of the Beiles surged forward to stop him. "Great Khan, it's too dangerous inside. Let the archers take care of that scoundrel!" they shouted in a cacophony of voices, urging him to reconsider.
Da Yuer's heart raced at the thought, but her aunt shot her a sharp, stern glare. "Why are you panicking?"