This turbulent event, as Hong Taiji had decreed, was to be forgotten by all. After the ceremony, everyone departed the imperial mausoleum as though nothing had happened.
Jeje had already taken the other women back to the palace, so Hong Taiji insisted that Da Yuer and Hairanju accompany him. Though Hairanju had suffered only minor injuries, Da Yuer was filled with guilt when she saw the bloodstains on her sister's neck. She kept repeating, "I was too focused on running myself. I left you behind, sister."
Hairanju, however, didn't blame Yuer. She could hardly recall what had happened herself and instead comforted her sister. "We're both safe, Yuer. That's all that matters. Don't dwell on it. I didn't have time to look out for you either, did I?"
Da Yuer frowned, still shaken. "It was so chaotic. I…" She trailed off, realizing how Dorgon had pulled her out of harm's way. If not for him, she wasn't sure what might have happened to her. She hadn't even had the chance to thank Dorgon. Despite the complicated feelings she had toward him, fearing for the tension between him and Hong Taiji, she knew she couldn't ignore the debt of gratitude she owed him.
As the carriage rolled forward, Hairanju leaned against her sister and closed her eyes. She was utterly exhausted, her body and spirit drained from everything that had happened. But one thing stayed with her from today: Hong Taiji's words to her, "You must live."
It was the same final message her husband had left her. She longed deeply for him, and if she had simply thrown herself onto the blade, it would have ended all her suffering.
But Hong Taiji had said that death wouldn't reunite her with her husband and children.
"Sister?"
"Hmm?" Hairanju opened her eyes, still weary.
"Once we return to the palace, Aunt will surely scold me," Da Yuer said with a sigh. "And she'll probably take it out on you, too. You should pretend to be sick and stay in your chambers. After she calms down, it'll all blow over."
Hairanju looked confused. "Why would Aunt scold you? If she wants to blame me, that's one thing, but why you?"
Dayu'er chuckled softly. "When I realized you were missing, I was outside shouting like a fool, begging the Great Khan to save you. I completely lost my composure, and Aunt Jeje gave me quite the glare—she was furious."
Hairanju affectionately patted Da Yuer's head. "You see, this is all my fault in the end."
Da Yuer smiled. "It's fine. Aunt is tough on the outside but soft on the inside. I've been scolded by her countless times over the years, so I'm used to it. I can even predict what she's going to say."
Hairanju raised an eyebrow. "She scolds you often?"
Da Yuer nodded, her carefree expression masking the underlying sense of frustration. "Aunt thinks I'm foolish, too naive... and, well, that I can't bear a son."
"Yuer…" Hairanju's heart ached for her sister. It seemed no one's life was truly free from hardship.
"I don't hold it against Aunt," Da Yuer said with a small smile. "For every one thing she scolds me for, she probably scolds herself a hundred times over in her heart. Instead of resenting her, I just feel sorry for her. After all, if something goes wrong, I can still hide behind her. But Aunt? She has to shoulder everything alone."
"You shouldn't have to…" Hairanju began but left the rest unsaid.
Her connection to Khorchin had long since faded, and while she couldn't stop Jeje and Da Yuer from bearing their burdens, her own thoughts were consumed by the desire for vengeance against Wukeshan.
When they returned to the palace, Hong Taiji immediately summoned his brothers and ministers to the Grand Politics Hall. The consorts, however, dispersed to their respective quarters. Adai met Da Yuer and Hairanju at the palace gates, informing them that the Great Consort was waiting to see them.
Da Yuer quickly said, "My sister is injured and needs to rest. I'll come after a while. You go ahead and inform the Great Consort."
The two sisters retreated to the side palace. Despite her protests, Hairanju finally agreed to Da Yuer's suggestion and hid in the side palace, feigning illness while Da Yuer went alone to the Qingning Palace.
As the afternoon passed, Niman delivered the midday meal to the Grand Politics Hall. While attending to the Great Khan, Hong Taiji asked casually, "Have the consorts eaten?"
Niman hesitated slightly before replying, "Yes, they have, Great Khan," but then faltered, unsure how to proceed.
Hong Taiji narrowed his eyes at him. "Out with it—what are you mumbling about?"
Embarrassed, Niman stammered, "It seems... that Consort Yu is being punished by the Great Consort. She's been standing outside under the eaves of Qingning Palace for over two hours now."