Seeing her sister so happy, Hairanju felt reassured, but she couldn't simply let the matter go. Allowing someone to breach the imperial mausoleum, almost ruin the grand ceremony for the founding emperor, hurl insults, and throw explosives—where was the dignity of the Great Jin?
"You've been standing for so long. Your feet must hurt. Let me rub them for you," Hairanju offered.
Da Yuer, ever the spirited one, waved her off. "I'm sturdy enough. But it's you, sister," she said, rushing over to inspect Hairanju's neck. She sighed in relief seeing that the bandaged wound from the knife no longer bled. "You must take care, sister. Don't let it scar."
Hairanju nodded in agreement and gently set little Azhe down. "Yuer, I should return to my own chambers. Once the Great Khan leaves Shengjing, I'll move back and stay with you again."
Da Yuer hesitated but couldn't argue. Instead, she smiled playfully and said, "Well then, let me personally escort you back!"
Meanwhile, in Qingning Palace, Hong Taiji rested against the cushions, getting a nap. Jeje, not wanting to disturb his rest, had the wet nurse take the baby away and quietly sat by his side.
When Hong Taiji finally stirred and opened his eyes, he smiled upon seeing her. "What time is it? It better not be evening already."
"It's only been a quarter of an hour," Jeje replied, smiling. "You never sleep too deeply. I've been keeping watch over the time. Rest a little longer."
Hong Taiji shook his head. "There's still a lot to be done. It's no time to rest. I've arranged to have drinks with the brothers tonight."
Jeje looked at him knowingly. "Did you come over here because of Da Yuer?"
Hong Taiji chuckled. "Are you still upset?"
Jeje didn't hide her feelings, as she had always held high hopes for Da Yuer. "She's the mother of three daughters and yet still behaves like a child. If I say she's clueless, she understands everything. But if I say she's responsible, she always fails at the crucial moment."
Hong Taiji said nothing, smiling lazily as he watched his wife vent. Jeje grew more irritated at his nonchalance. "It's all because you spoil her! If she grows up without being capable or responsible, you'll regret it one day."
Hong Taiji shook his head, still smiling. "That won't happen. She's learning under your guidance—how could she go astray?"
Jeje sighed and took the tea from Adai, offering it to Hong Taiji. After he drank, she helped him into his robes and asked, "Are you visiting the west wing tonight?"
Hong Taiji nodded. "It's important to be courteous. Don't worry, I know my limits." then he asked casually, "How is Hairanju? How badly is she hurt?"
Jeje's long eyebrows twitched slightly, and she avoided her husband's gaze, brushing off his concern. "No need to worry about her. I'll have her kneel and thank you for saving her tomorrow."
Hong Taiji waved it off. "Let it be. As long as she's fine." He straightened his collar, took a deep breath, and strode out of the room with renewed energy.
Jeje accompanied him to the door, watching as he made his way toward the Fenghuang Tower. Once he was out of sight, Adai quietly approached Jeje's side and whispered, "Great Consort, I overheard something—about Princess Hairanju…"
Meanwhile, at the Fourteenth Beile's residence, Qiqige was helping Dorgon change into fresh clothes. He was preparing to head to the palace for a meeting with the Great Khan, followed by the brothers' evening banquet.
Bringing him a bowl of yogurt, she reminded him, "Don't drink too much tonight. Be careful not to get drunk and say things you shouldn't. And make sure to keep an eye on the Twelfth Beile—he's the easiest one to sway with flattery."
Dorgon chuckled, teasing her, "You're even managing my brother's affairs now? Does everyone fear you as much as I do?"
Qiqige shot him a playful glare. "What are you afraid of? Tell me, what are you afraid of?"
Though they were jesting, both knew that this wasn't an occasion for light-heartedness. In the early years, Dorgon had struggled with his grief, and during this time of year, the house had always been gloomy, even when the couple could spend time together.
But now, after everything they had gone through, they were older and had learned to rein in their emotions. The days of freely crying out their sorrow had long passed.
Just before leaving, Dorgon suddenly recalled something. "That Princess Hairanju—how did she end up in Shengjing?"
Qiqige explained the reason for her arrival and asked why he was curious. Dorgon frowned, saying, "I overheard something earlier. While facing off in the grand hall of the mausoleum this morning, Princess Hairanju asked the Great Khan to kill Wukeshan for her."
Qiqige was stunned. "How is that possible? Wukeshan is her own brother!"