Such a joke was not appropriate to share with their elder sister, and as a younger sister, Da Yuer knew her limits. Hairanju wouldn't pry further either.
Once Da Yuer was dressed properly, the three of them went to the Qingning Palace to chat. The wives of the Beiles arrived one after another, and Jeje, as the hostess, hosted a luncheon in celebration of Zarut's pregnancy.
Meanwhile, in the Grand Politics Hall, before lunch, Dorgon arrived with Oboi to pay respects to the Great Khan. Dorgon reported that Oboi had rescued both Consort Yu and Princess Lan during an outing in Hetu Ala.
Oboi bowed deeply, and Hong Taiji said, "When your uncle passed, I had intended to summon you to Shengjing. Since you are here now, you should stay. Dorgon, make the necessary arrangements."
"Yes," Dorgon replied.
"The southern Mongol tribes will arrive soon," Hong Taiji continued, "and I've already entrusted Jirgalang to oversee this matter. Officially, they are free to enter Shengjing city at will, as after all, the families of many of the Beiles' wives are also arriving."
Hong Taiji gave his orders with a calm expression: "I don't want them treating Shengjing like their own home. Secretly assign people to keep a close watch on everyone, noting all their movements. Under no circumstances should anyone be allowed to disturb the city's citizens."
Dorgon replied, "Great Khan, Oboi is a fresh face. Perhaps he could assist with this task as well."
Hong Taiji glanced at Oboi and said, "Handle it as you see fit. Report to me if there's any suspicious activity."
That night, after Dorgon finished his work, he returned home. Qiqige told him about the scene at the Great Consort's gathering, mentioning how Zarut had adopted a plain and modest appearance. She remarked that Zarut, though seemingly humble now, was likely to stir up further trouble in the future—truly a clever and cunning person.
Although Dorgon didn't say much in response, his thoughts lingered on Da Yuer. With her uncompromising nature, he hoped that Zarut would behave, for if she dared to bully Yuer...
Dorgon smiled bitterly to himself. If such a thing happened, how would he protect her?
"Today, Yuer asked me why nothing has happened with my body," Qiqige said quietly, as she held her husband's clothes, fingers tracing the embroidered patterns. Her expression was filled with frustration. "I told her that I've come to terms with it. So now, I want to talk to you about it."
Dorgon's demeanour turned serious. "Go ahead, I'm listening."
Qiqige continued, "Maybe it's my body, or maybe it's yours. We're both still young, but we can't seem to conceive. Perhaps we're just not meant to have children. But I can't leave you without an heir. In the coming days, you should spend time at the other courtyard. If even those two women can't conceive, then..."
Dorgon chuckled, "Get a doctor to check me out?"
Qiqige blushed. "Don't get upset. I already saw a doctor, and he said I was fine. There's nothing more I can do."
Dorgon said, "Understood. No need to visit the other courtyard. I'll have a doctor check me tomorrow."
Qiqige quickly responded, "That would embarrass you. If word got out, people would laugh at you. Why not just try with those two first?"
Dorgon, unfazed, replied, "What's there to be embarrassed about? It's the body given to me by the heavens. We live the life that matches our bodies. If we're truly destined to be without children, we could always adopt a child that no one wants. That would be a good deed."
To Qiqige, these words—though potentially humiliating for most—were spoken by Dorgon with such ease. She realized that she had married the best man in the world.
Though their lives were destined to face many challenges, particularly now with war, Hong Taiji would continue to rely on Dorgon. Yet when the empire was finally stable, there would be little room for a man whose merits eclipsed his ruler. It would be a blessing if Dorgon could simply survive.
Thinking this way, the matter of having children seemed less important. Without children, they would have one less burden to carry.
"Then there's no need to see any doctors. Why make things more complicated?" Qiqige said, adding, "Dorgon, I've made up my mind. Let's just live well together."
Dorgon, pulling her into an embrace, was deeply comforted by her words. He said, "In a few days, the Mongolian tribes from south of the desert will arrive, including the Khorchin tribe. You should assist the Great Consort in welcoming the family members, and invite them to visit our home when you have time."
Qiqige smiled and agreed, "Don't worry. In Shengjing, aside from aunt, who is more thorough than me?"
Meanwhile, in the palace, the lights were gradually being extinguished, and silence descended. A tall figure swiftly made its way into the Fenghuang Tower. Under the faint candlelight, Hong Taiji looked at the man kneeling before him and said, "For now, follow Dorgon. He's meticulous, but you won't be by his side for long. When the time comes, let it happen naturally. Don't be too attached. But for now, remember everything you observe."
Oboi replied, "I understand, Great Khan. Rest assured. That day, I didn't know the Fourteenth Beile was heading to Hetu Ala. When I saw the side consort in danger, I had to intervene, revealing myself. I beg your forgiveness."
Hong Taiji responded, "No harm done. I already ordered you to protect her in secret. Knowing her, she wouldn't stay put and was bound to go out. It gave you a chance to meet Dorgon. Otherwise, I'd still have to find a way for him to notice you."
Oboi added, "Today, I also saw Beile Dodo. The Fifteenth Beile looked at me with noticeable wariness."
Hong Taiji nodded, "The three brothers each have their strengths. Even Ajige shouldn't be underestimated. Focus on your duties and leave the rest to me. When the time comes, I will instruct you."
Oboi quietly took his leave. Hong Taiji walked to the window, which overlooked the palace gardens. He hadn't expected Zarut to become pregnant. Whether it was a boy or a girl didn't matter to him, but Jeje would inevitably face more pressure from the Khorchin tribe, and Yuer's feelings would be troubled as well.
He had once told Da Yuer that he didn't want his women to live difficult lives, but it was clear now that all their struggles came from him.
In the dim moonlight, he saw a frail figure hurriedly walking by, holding a child. A maid followed, holding a lantern as they quietly entered the side palace.
From the figure, it seemed to be Hairanju. Hong Taiji was surprised at how easily he could recognize her. Thinking about it, he realized that she seemed different from when she first arrived.
He felt a pang of hunger and suddenly regretted not having tried the box of pastries that day. A missed opportunity, indeed.
In the days that followed, Hong Taiji remained as busy as ever. Whether he was home or away, it hardly made any difference.
In the imperial harem, Zarut remained in her side palace, seldom going out, trying to protect her pregnancy. Without her stirring up trouble, the palace was naturally quieter. Da Yuer didn't take the initiative to meet her either, wishing nothing more than for the woman to disappear entirely.
As the weather grew colder, the various tribes from the southern desert arrived in Shengjing, including Wukeshan, who came with his wife and children.
Before this, he had exchanged letters with Jeje, filled with pleasantries and inquiries about well-being, but he hadn't mentioned Da Yuer or Hairanju at all.
Although Da Yuer missed her relatives back home, her feelings toward her elder brother were lukewarm. She despised Wukeshan for pressuring her to give birth to a son for Hong Taiji, but her life had settled down, and she was wholeheartedly in love with Hong Taiji. She found Wukeshan annoying, but not intimidating.
Hairanju was different; she would tremble at the mere mention of her brother's name.
Not wanting to burden her sister with her own sorrow, she had yet to reveal to Da Yuer that Wukeshan had poisoned her pregnancy and forced her to come to Shengjing. In private discussions with Jeje, the two women agreed that as long as they could keep Yuer from knowing, there was no need to bring it up.
One day, Wukeshan entered the palace with his family. Hairanju stood next to Jeje, barely able to lift her gaze toward him, her body frozen in fear.
Wukeshan insisted that his wife and daughter-in-law meet Consort Doutumen and Zarut, so Jeje ordered Da Yuer to lead the way. Although Da Yuer felt extremely unwilling in her heart, she understood her status and firmly agreed.
Once they left, only Wukeshan remained in the room. Jeje instructed Adai to take the palace maids out as well, leaving Hairanju trembling, unsure of what to do. She wanted to follow Ada, but Jeje stopped her, saying, "You two siblings should clarify things today."
Wukeshan sneered, "I've heard that my sister wishes for the Great Khan to kill me?"
Hairanju shuddered at the accusation, stiffly shaking her head, "No, brother, I haven't…"
Wukeshan softened his expression, "I thought as much. My sister wouldn't even dare to step on an ant, how could she have the heart to kill?"
Jeje interjected to mediate, "Don't listen to what people say. Let's talk about how to arrange for Hairanju. Though she is my niece, she cannot just stay in the palace without a name or position."
Wukeshan asked Jeje, "Aunt, doesn't the Great Khan find Hairanju appealing? With her beauty, how could he remain indifferent?"
Jeje replied coldly, "What do you think the Great Khan is? Wukeshan, you're becoming increasingly arrogant."
Wukeshan pondered for a moment before sighing, "Well, since she can't stay here, I'll take Hairanju back with me to Khorchin. It's better to avoid putting you and Yuer in a difficult position."
Hairanju looked at Jeje, pleading with her not to let her brother take her away. But Wukeshan continued, "Sister, if I've wronged you in any way, please don't hold it against me. Come back to Khorchin with me; you'll be with your sister-in-law, and it's much better to be at home than being a burden to others. You don't want to trouble Aunt and Yuer, do you?"
With no choice left, Hairanju realized that no one can protect her any more and her fate left in the hands of her brother.
As the sun began to set, Baoqing had already packed Hairanju's belongings. Since there were guests in the Qingning Palace, Jeje did not come to see her off.
Da Yuer thought her sister was merely going to the outskirts of the city to spend a few days with her sisters-in-law and had no idea that this would be a permanent separation. Therefore, she accompanied Jeje to greet the guests and did not come to see her sister off.
Wukeshan's wife urged her sister-in-law, "It's getting dark, sister. We should leave now."
Hairanju's gaze was vacant as she took the luggage from Baoqing and moved step by step behind her sister-in-law.
They passed by the Fenghuang Tower just as Hong Taiji emerged. Wukeshan's wife immediately knelt down to pay her respects, while Hairanju stood frozen in the wind, gazing blankly at Hong Taiji.
"Send more people to escort you; it looks like it might snow," Hong Taiji said indifferently to Wukeshan's wife. "If there's anything lacking while you're outside the city, just let someone inform us. In a few days, my wife and I will also come out to visit; it will be good for the family to gather."
He glanced at Hairanju but said nothing before heading towards the Grand Politics Hall.
Wukeshan's wife rose and pulled Hairanju along, saying, "Sister, let's go."