Hairanju smiled and said, "I'm happy for you. The Great Khan adores you, and you love him so much too."
Da Yuer, feeling proud, responded, "Sister, although I'm not as beautiful as you, I'm still pretty, right?"
Hairanju deliberately looked her sister up and down, making Da Yuer feel a bit guilty, her face turning red. "I know, I'm not as beautiful as you," she muttered.
"You're even more beautiful than me," Hairanju replied, her eyes filled with affection. "Our Yuer is the pearl of Khorchin."
"Sister is the big pearl, I'm the little pearl..." Da Yuer giggled foolishly.
Seeing her sister so purely happy, Hairanju couldn't help but feel infected by her joy. For a long time, Hairanju had felt no meaning in life. But that day, at the imperial tomb, when Hong Taiji had said to her, "Yuer is still waiting for you outside," such a simple sentence had reignited her will to live.
"Yuer, that day you said..."
Hairanju wanted to bring up the promise she hadn't had a chance to respond to, wanting to reassure her sister that she had no intention of taking her husband away. But before she could finish, Yatu and Atu came running over. The two little girls squeezed between them, wanting to join their mother and aunt in being "punished" to stand outside.
Da Yuer, even while being punished, took the opportunity to scold her daughter in a mock-serious tone. "Look how much trouble you caused! Fourteenth Uncle and Aunt had to bring you all the way here. Was your father angry? This is the last time. If you misbehave again, mother will spank your bottom."
Yatu, spoiled by everyone's love, had no fear of her mother. She cheerfully said that her aunt and mother were sisters, she and Atu were also sisters, chattering away non-stop.
Hairanju didn't get a chance to continue the conversation she wanted to have, but in her heart, she thought quietly to herself. As long as she understood her own feelings, that was enough. No matter what, she wouldn't let Yuer be hurt or sad because of her.
At this moment, Qiqige came out of Jeje's quarters, playing the role of their aunt and scolded them in a serious tone: "What are you all making such noise about? Even while being punished, you can't stay quiet!"
Da Yuer might have been afraid of Jeje, but she certainly wasn't intimidated by Qiqige. "Don't get too smug. You should be asking for mercy on behalf of me and my sister," she retorted.
Just at that moment, Jeje stepped out and cast just one glance. Immediately, Da Yuer lost her defiance.
Qiqige, laughing heartily, supported Jeje while adding fuel to the fire, "Aunt, Da Yuer is way too mischievous, acting like a child even at her age. If it hadn't been for me and Dorgon passing by today, what would she have done? Aunt, you must punish her severely. I'll go get the ruler for you. Otherwise, back in Shengjing, she'll grow even more unruly, taking advantage of the Great Khan's affection."
Da Yuer was so furious she couldn't stand it. "Qiqige, you... Aunt, on the way here, Qiqige said she wanted to go shopping too, and promised not to tell you."
Qiqige widened her eyes, retorting, "You're flipping the script to accuse me first?" She turned to Hairanju and said, "Sister, look at her! Before you came, she always bullied me like this."
Hairanju could only smile weakly, unable to handle the playful bickering between these two. Meanwhile, the children kept shouting, adding to the lively atmosphere. What was once a quiet palace courtyard had now become chaotic.
When Dorgon passed by, he was initially startled, thinking something serious had happened. But upon closer inspection, he saw the sisters embroiled in playful banter, filling the courtyard with joy. Even the palace maids, peeking from the sides, were chuckling at the scene.
He hadn't expected to witness such a cheerful sight upon arriving at Hetu Ala. His wife and the woman he cared for were both here, and he hoped they could always remain so happy.
With that in mind, Dorgon felt that the Jin dynasty must grow stronger and more prosperous, for only a secure and peaceful home could ensure such good days.
He clenched his fist. For so many years, he hadn't been fighting for Hong Taiji's kingdom—it was his father's kingdom, and perhaps even his own.
After years of risking his life in battle, he desired to grow strong, to make Hong Taiji fear him. Even if one day their bond as ruler and subject or brothers turned into enmity, he wouldn't be defenseless.
But what the future held, Dorgon couldn't be sure.
That night, long after everyone had gone to bed, Hairanju returned from Sumala and Baoqing's quarters. The two had just been punished with a beating, their bottoms swollen high with bruises, a pitiful sight. Yet they were simple-minded and loyal to their mistresses. When Hairanju went to apply medicine for them, they had laughed, saying that Hetu Ala was much freer than Shengjing.
Sumala remarked that with fewer people here, being punished wasn't as embarrassing. If they had been in Shengjing, those jealous palace maids would have taken great delight in their misfortune.
Standing under the eaves, Hairanju gazed out at the peaceful courtyard and up at the cool, clear moon. She thought to herself, maybe she should ask her aunt to let her stay here permanently, preventing Wukeshan from coming to find her. After all, this was Aisin Gioro territory, wasn't it?
The night wind blew gently, and Hairanju shivered as the cold deepened.
She lifted the curtain and entered the room, recalling that morning outside the gates of Qinging Palace when Hong Taiji had told her that autumn in Shengjing was cold and asked Adai to bring her more clothing.
Hairanju's heart ached unbearably. Once upon a time, she too had been pampered by her husband, just as just as Dayu'er was by Hong Taiji now. Her husband would always chase after her, scolding her: "It's cold, put on more clothes. You need to take care of yourself..."
Inside the room, the night maid whispered, "Princess Lan, the side consort and the girls are all asleep."
Hairanju nodded, quietly washed up, and undressed before carefully climbing onto the kang. In the dim candlelight, she saw Da Yuer, arms wrapped around Atu and Yatu on either side, with all three having kicked their blankets halfway off.
"Honestly," Hairanju murmured with a soft laugh, gently tucking them back in. She then checked the cradle where little Azhe slept.
Suddenly, Da Yuer called her softly. When Hairanju turned back, Da Yuer had already moved Atu aside, making space for her sister to lie down. The two of them slipped under the same quilt, snuggling close to one another.
"When winter's over, I'll take you to explore some other places," Da Yuer said. "There are still many fun spots in Jin, and I've always wanted to go out and see more. But the Great Khan never has time, and Aunt can't leave the palace. With you by my side, both the Great Khan and Aunt will feel reassured."
Hairanju asked, "Yuer, do you like Shengjing or Khorchin better?"
Da Yuer paused, surprised. This was the same question Hong Taiji had once asked her, though she hadn't been able to answer him at the time. But she had thought about it.
"Shengjing," Da Yuer finally replied, "because here I have my husband and my children."
Hairanju thought to herself, of course Shengjing was better. Here, there were people who cared for her, while in Khorchin, there were only nightmares.
The night passed peacefully. Early the next morning, while the women were still having breakfast, Dorgon arrived with his men.
Among those accompanying him to pay respects to Jeje was none other than the man who had saved Da Yuer and her group at the market the previous day—Oboi, a towering figure who stood like a mountain before them.
Jeje praised him, "So you're Fiongdon's nephew. Your uncle was loyal throughout his life, devoting himself to Jin, and the Guwalgiya family is a house of heroes. Oboi, don't stay in Hetu Ala. Go back to Shengjing with Dorgon. The Great Khan will arrange for you to serve. With your strength and skills, not going to the battlefield to earn merit would truly be a waste of your uncle's legacy."
Oboi bowed in thanks, while Dorgon added, "Fourth Sister-in-law, after the memorial rites, Qiqige and I will return to Shengjing. Why not leave Oboi here to protect you and the children for now? If the Great Khan plans to promote Oboi, a few more days won't make a difference."
Dorgon turned to Oboi and asked, "Are you willing to protect the Great Consort and the Side Consort?"
Oboi cupped his hands and replied, "I will carry out my duties faithfully. Please rest assured, my Lord."
Jeje cleared her throat and said, "Oboi, prepare everything. The Side Consort, the Fourteenth Consort, Princess Lan, and the little girls will be going into the city for a stroll. Make sure not to disturb the common people. We will be traveling incognito."
Upon hearing this, Da Yuer's eyes widened in surprise. She glanced at her aunt and then at Qiqige beside her. Qiqige quickly whispered, "Silly girl, don't get too excited. Just play it cool."
Da Yuer quickly lowered her head. Not long after, Oboi left to carry out his orders. With Dorgon still present, Jeje, now more relaxed, scolded Da Yuer: "You might act calm, but I bet your mind is racing. Go change your clothes! The weather is lovely, and we should head out early for our outing."
"Auntie, you're the best!" Da Yuer exclaimed, rushing forward to hug Jeje. Startled, Jeje was about to reprimand her when Qiqige and Hairanju quickly pulled Da Yuer away.
The room was still filled with cheerful energy, and seeing Yuer so happy made Dorgon smile unconsciously. Jeje, always close to Dorgon, spoke without reservation: "Once you take Qiqige back, treat her well. It's rare for you to be home for this long. Dorgon, it's time for you to have a child. Don't worry, while you're away fighting, I'll help take care of her."
Dorgon bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Fourth Sister-in-law."
Life in Hetu Ala was peaceful and comfortable, but after the memorial rites, Dorgon and Qiqige had to leave. Da Yuer, feeling a sense of reluctance, was teased by Qiqige for acting as if they weren't ever returning.
But after some thought, Qiqige added, "Yuer, enjoy yourself, but head back sooner rather than later, otherwise..."
Da Yuer's heart skipped a beat, understanding her cousin's meaning. She asked, "That woman is very favoured, isn't she?"
Qiqige shook her head. "Whether the Great Khan truly likes her, I haven't been able to tell. But she's been given her own quarters in a side palace, and though the Great Khan hasn't formally decreed her promotion, both inside and outside the palace, people have already started calling her the Side Consort. She's quite clever, and the other concubines are beginning to be drawn to her side."
Da Yuer sneered with disdain, "A cunning little fox. If she meets Auntie, I bet her true nature will show. I refuse to believe she could ever surpass Auntie or that Hong Taiji would actually favour such a woman."
Qiqige advised her, "Just as I told you before, don't be too proud when it comes to matters concerning Khorchin. The Great Khan has his own struggles."
After Dorgon and Qiqige left, Da Yuer found herself unable to stop thinking about the situation in Shengjing. The idea of Zarut taking over what had once been the domain of her and her aunt made her feel uneasy and restless.
One day, Jeje hosted a banquet to entertain the elder consorts of Hetu Ala, and Da Yuer attended as a companion. However, she was clearly distracted, and after the event, Jeje called her over and asked what was on her mind.
After hearing Da Yuer's worries, Jeje was unimpressed and said, "Do you think the Zarut is so capable, or do you doubt your aunt's abilities?"
Da Yuer didn't know how to respond. Jeje scolded her lightly, "Put your mind at ease. As long as I'm here, you don't need to worry about anything."