At the moment Da Yuer made her move, Dorgon happened to return with his men from patrol. He didn't know what had happened earlier; he only saw Da Yuer rush forward and knock down a seductive woman.
Unconsciously, he gripped the sword at his waist but quickly calmed down.
This had nothing to do with him—he had no position to intervene, and his impulsiveness would only harm Yuer.
Hairanju had already caught up, pulling Da Yuer down to kneel. She had sensed her sister's anger but never expected that Da Yuer would actually rush forward and strike.
Hong Taiji was stunned for a moment before regaining his composure. Before he could speak, Jeje had already stepped forward and ordered Da Yuer and Zarut to be taken away.
The music began again, and although everyone laughed, trying to brush the matter aside, the atmosphere remained awkward. Dayu'er had done something quite rash just now; she had publicly embarrassed Hong Taiji.
Hong Taiji was wealthy, the entire Eight Banners under his command, and the Manchu lion roared across Mongolia, Tibet, Korea, and the Ming Dynasty, instilling fear wherever it went.
Yet, the powerful Great Khan of the Jin State had to consider the moods of his side consort. The mere thought would make others laugh their heads off.
Although Hong Taiji seemed calm and at ease, and Jeje remained poised, it was impossible to pretend that nothing had happened. By the next day, this incident would surely become a joke spread throughout Shengjing City.
Hairanju took Da Yuer back to the main tent, thinking to herself that just seeing Zarut's flirtation was enough to provoke her sister. If she knew what had happened yesterday, how heartbroken she would be.
Da Yuer wrapped herself in a blanket, knowing she had made a mistake and unwilling to talk to anyone. She had always been unable to tolerate any other woman at Hong Taiji's side, and only Sumala understood her; she wouldn't even tolerate her aunt.
Hairanju dared not persuade her and, fearing that Zarut would come causing trouble, stayed nearby, cradling Atu to sleep while keeping watch over her sister.
Time passed, and the music in the distance gradually faded. Adai appeared at the entrance, giving Hairanju an awkward smile.
Looking at Da Yuer, she was still tightly wrapped up and motionless; it was unclear if she had fallen asleep.
"Princess Lan, the Great Consort says that you should watch over the Side Consort and make sure that person doesn't cause any more trouble. You should stay here for the night," Adai said, inviting Hairanju outside. "This matter isn't over yet, so please be vigilant."
Hairanju replied, "Please tell aunt not to worry. I'll take good care of Yuer." She thought for a moment and then softly asked, "How badly is that person hurt?"
Adai, looking scornful, said with disdain, "How badly could she be hurt? She's just making a scene, crying out in pain, acting all pathetic. The Great Consort regrets agreeing to Consort Doutumen bringing her cousin here."
They chatted briefly before Adai left. Sumala brought in hot water and snacks, but Da Yuer continued to ignore everyone. Sumala then quietly pulled Hairanju outside and whispered, "Older Pincess, did you hear? I just overheard that Zarut was with the Great Khan last night."
Hairanju looked embarrassed, stammering, "Not only did I hear it, but I—I also saw it… Sumala, do you think Yuer is furious?" Sumala's mouth fell open as she stared at Hailanzhu, speechless for a long time before saying, "Older Princess, what should we do about this?"
Among the Eight Banners nobles, it was common for men to have multiple wives and concubines, and conflicts among women in the household were inevitable. But to make such a scene publicly, especially concerning someone close to Hong Taiji, could have severe consequences. If it was any ruthless ruler, Da Yuer might not survive this.
Men highly valued their reputation, while women could be discarded at any time.
Originally, Da Yu'er had asked Jeje to arrange an extended hunting trip for Hong Taiji. However, it seemed that due to her outburst, Hong Taiji was so displeased that he decided to end the trip early and announced the return to the palace the very next morning.
The large entourage headed back to Shengjing City, with the women following in carriages in an orderly procession. Da Yuer remained silent, allowing her elder sister to lead her along. Curious, Qiqige came over to take a look, but Hairanju motioned for her to go away—it was not the time to talk.
Upon returning to the palace, perhaps deliberately arranged, Hairanju and Da Yuer did not encounter Consort Doutumen and her sister. This was for the best; meeting them would have only led to more conflict.
Jeje returned surrounded by attendants, and Hairanju, pulling Da Yuer, stood to the side. Jeje cast an angry look at them, saying coldly, "Yuer, kneel in the courtyard and reflect. When you've thought things through, you may stand up."
Da Yuer clenched her fists tightly, her jaw set stubbornly, refusing to speak.
Hairanju wanted to plead for her, but Adai shook her head, supporting the great consort as they returned to Qingning Palace.
"Yu'er…" Hairanju murmured, at a loss for what to do next.
"Sister, you should go rest," Da Yuer finally spoke, then walked forward to the centre of the palace courtyard and knelt straight down facing Qingning Palace.
Sumala hurried after her; if her mistress was kneeling as punishment, as a servant, she could not stand by idly.
"Mommy." Yatu walked up from behind, visibly startled to see her mother kneeling in the courtyard.
Fortunately, they hadn't been present for the events of the previous night, but she might have already heard something from the other sisters. Hairanju picked up her niece, told Baoqing to take Atu, and quickly led her back to the side palace.
The courtyard was silent. The concubines didn't reside here. In the main palace complex, Qingning Palace stood in the centre, flanked by two side palaces on each side, with five palaces in total around the Fenghuang Tower. In the past, one of these had been occupied by a consort from the Yehe Nara clan, who had passed away years ago.
Currently, two of these palaces remained empty, while Da Yuer lived in the one closest to Fenghuang Tower.
Da Yuer was now kneeling in the center, visible to anyone passing by. Zarut stood under the eaves of her cousin's palace, watching the spectacle with interest.
Consort Doutumen tried to pull her back, saying, "You'd better not cause any more trouble; I can't take any more of this."
Zarut scoffed, "Why are you panicking, sister? I was simply performing a dance, and Da Yuer attacked me. How could that possibly be my fault?" She shrugged off her cousin's hand and strutted out of the side palace, making her way behind Da Yuer.
Sumala saw her approach and quickly said, "The Side Consort is under orders to reflect. Please do not disturb her."
"Shut up! It's not your place to speak," Zarut snapped, slapping Sumala across the face. Hearing the commotion, Da Yuer turned to see Sumala being struck, and her anger surged. She grabbed Zarut by the collar, ready to fight.
"Oh, Consort Yu is truly easy to provoke," Zarut sneered, deliberately adopting a submissive posture, her arms hanging at her sides, with no intention of fighting back.
People were already peeking out from the entrance of Qingning Palace. She cast a sidelong glance, then turned to Da Yuer and said, "Does Consort Yu not know? I'm already the Great Khan's woman. That night when he and I were together, your sister witnessed everything. Didn't she tell you? Or perhaps you already knew and that's why you hold a grudge against me?"
"What are you saying…?"
"So you didn't know?" Zarut saw Da Yuer release her grip and calmly smoothed her collar, covering her mouth as she laughed softly. "From now on, we are sisters serving the Great Khan together. We must get along well."
Jeje had already come out from the doorway. Seeing that they hadn't started fighting, she simply nodded as Zarut bowed respectfully and, without a word, swayed her way back to her cousin's side palace.
Da Yuer stood frozen, her expression lifeless, and didn't even respond when Jeje called her name, which only made Jeje angrier.
In front of the Ten Kings Pavilion, the Beiles dispersed, discussing last night's incident in small groups. Some spoke cautiously, while others laughed openly. Hong Taiji had certainly lost face this time.
However, he appeared indifferent and unemotional, giving a few orders before instructing Niman to fetch the map of Korea from the Fenghuang Tower, then summoning Dorgon and Dodo for an audience.
The two brothers, upon hearing that Hong Taiji wanted to entrust them with the Korean campaign, grew serious and solemn.
Dorgon, known for his wisdom and cunning, and Dodo, full of youthful vigour, listened intently as Hong Taiji, with his keen foresight, discussed strategies with them. They lost track of time until it was already past noon, and only when Jeje sent food did they pause.
Hong Taiji casually asked Niman, "How is everything over there?"
Niman hesitated, seemingly reluctant to speak in front of the young Beiles.
But Hong Taiji brushed it off, saying, "We're all family; there's nothing that can't be said."
Niman, looking embarrassed, replied, "Great Khan, Consort Yu has been kneeling in the courtyard since she returned. It's been five or six hours now. I asked Adai how long she must remain, and Adai said she can rise once she's come to terms with things. What do you think…?"
Hong Taiji continued eating his rice, picking at the food with deliberate calm.
Dorgon, too, kept his head down, focusing on his meal, afraid that if he looked up, his brother would see his concern. Hearing that Yuer had been kneeling for so long, he felt a surge of heartache.
Dodo, younger and more straightforward, laughed, "I remember Sister-in-law Yu used to be so gentle and quiet. How has she become so fierce in these past two years? Maybe she learned it from my fourteenth sister-in-law."
Hong Taiji couldn't help but chuckle, almost spitting out his food.
Dorgon scolded Dodo, who retorted, "I'm just speaking the truth."
Hong Taiji said, "They've grown up, Dodo. You'd better watch out for your own wife as well."
Dodo laughed, "My wife's a simple-minded girl; she's easy to please."
Hong Taiji lightly scolded him, telling him to be considerate of his wife, though inwardly he sighed. Da Yuer had indeed changed a lot in these past two years. He liked her spirit, but perhaps he had indulged her too much. She was still young, impulsive, and lacking in restraint. Perhaps Jeje's endless nagging was not entirely without reason.
His heart clenched as he thought about the moment when Hairanju had stumbled upon him and Zarut together. If Yuer found out, how would he even begin to handle the situation?
After finishing the meal and discussing matters related to Korea, Dorgon kept thinking about Da Yuer, though he dared not say a word. Dodo, with his straightforward nature, spoke without restraint, advising Hong Taiji, "Great Khan, you should go check on her. Sister-in-law Yu is such a wonderful person. Forgive my boldness, but you can't neglect her just for that little widow."
Dorgon scolded his brother for his tactlessness, but Hong Taiji took Dodo's suggestion in stride. They exited the Grand Politics Hall together, and after parting ways with his brothers, Hong Taiji strolled back toward the palace courtyard with his hands clasped behind his back.
As he passed by the Fenghuang Tower, he saw the frail figure kneeling in the centre of the courtyard. Her stubborn silhouette swayed in the wind, barely holding herself upright. The sight made him feel both exasperated and amused.
He walked over and lifted Da Yuer to her feet, holding her in his arms.
Da Yuer stared at him, stunned, and suddenly, tears began to flow down her face.