At that moment in the mausoleum, with many guards protecting Hong Taiji, Hairanju had spoken those words with the belief that she was facing her death. Now, reflecting on her near-drowning before arriving in Shengjing, it no longer seemed like a mere accident.
"If Yuer finds out, she'll be heartbroken," Qiqige murmured to herself. "I hope this isn't leading to something worse. She's already carrying enough weight on her shoulders."
Dorgon lowered his gaze, turned away, and began walking out. Qiqige rushed after him, handing him his hat, playfully scolding, "Look at you, can you manage without me at all?"
But Dorgon was no longer in the mood for teasing. His thoughts were heavy with suspicion about the true purpose of Hairanju's arrival. If Khorchin were attempting to place yet another woman in Hong Taiji's life, Yuer would surely be devastated.
If only Hong Taiji would vow never to do anything that would hurt Yuer, then he's willing to… Dorgon's chest tightened as he mounted his horse.
Deep grievances could never be so easily wiped away, especially not when Hong Taiji continued to cause Da Yuer pain.
That night, in the Ten Princes Pavilion, brothers from the Eight Banners gathered, drinking and celebrating freely. Their women did not join them, so the men indulged even more. Meanwhile, two Side Consorts and concubines dined with Jeje in her chambers, and Hong Taiji had sent additional food and wine for them.
The women rose to give their thanks and then sat back down, but Consort Doutumen timidly spoke up. "Great Consort, I've been in Shengjing for some time now, and I've been thinking about my family. A few days ago, I received a letter from my cousin. She wants to visit me. Would it be possible… can I invite her to Shengjing?"
Jeje remained calm and composed. "There are no rules against seeing your family. Invite her, by all means. But do so quickly—the autumn season is fleeting, and we wouldn't want her to be caught by snow on the road."
Consort Doutumen was overjoyed, standing up to thank Jeje. "Thank you, Great Consort. I'll write to her tonight."
Jeje smiled faintly, not paying the matter much attention, and continued tending to the children nearby, exchanging light-hearted conversation with the others.
After the evening meal had ended and the guests had dispersed, Adai returned from delivering the hangover soup to the Ten Princes Pavilion. Jeje quietly instructed her, "Keep an eye on this cousin. Find out who she is, how old she is, where she's coming from, and her family background."
Adai quickly responded, "Don't worry, I'll have everything investigated for you in a few days."
Jeje then asked, "Did you pass on my message to Hairanju?"
Ada nodded repeatedly, "Princess Hairanju assured me she won't mention anything to Consort Yu."
Jeje clenched her fist unconsciously. "But how will the Geat Khan perceive this? He didn't say a single word to me today—he's probably grown suspicious. Hairanju, Hairanju..."
Adai offered a suggestion, "Great Consort, maybe it's best to send Princess Hairanju away. If she leaves, the Great Khan won't have any reason to suspect anything."
"It's too late for that," Jeje replied, her voice heavy with resignation. "The issue isn't whether Hairanju becomes the Great Khan's woman. What matters is the intention behind Khorchin's actions."
As night deepened, the lively gathering at the Ten Princes Pavilion began to disperse. Da Yuer, standing by the window, held little Azhe in her arms, waiting anxiously. After what felt like an eternity, she finally saw a group of people escorting Hong Taiji from the Fenghuang Tower.
She couldn't tell if he was drunk, nor whether he was tired. Across the way, the lights in Consort Doutumen's residence were still bright, and she was already waiting outside to greet the Great Khan.
"Miss, let me take the child," Sumala murmured gently beside her. "It's late. You should get some rest."
"Sumala."
"Yes?"
"Do you think the Great Khan will like her?" Da Yuer asked softly.
Sumala hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "It's hard to say, Miss. The Great Khan has his own burdens. Since he's accepted her, he'll have to show some favour, even if only for appearances."
Da Yuer bit her lip, watching as the light in Consort Doutumen's quarters was suddenly extinguished. With a distant look in her eyes, she whispered, "How I wish none of them existed—not even Aunt..."
"Miss!" Sumala quickly cut her off, gently but firmly taking the child from her arms. "You mustn't say such things aloud."
"I know." Da Yuer turned away, her gaze falling on the empty bed. With a quiet sigh, she mumbled to herself, "In my next life, I want to be born twenty years earlier, to meet him sooner, and just be the daughter of an ordinary family."