Hong Taiji carried Da Yuer all the way to Fushun. As he had said, the heavy snow here made the roads nearly impassable, with people everywhere shovelling and clearing paths. Da Yuer couldn't help but ask, "Great Khan, how is Shengjing? Did it snow this heavily there?"
"Shengjing is fine. How about Hetu Ala?" he asked in return.
"It's fine..." she replied.
Hong Taiji dismounted and extended his hands to help her, but Da Yuer hesitated, looking embarrassed and whispering, "My back and hips hurt. I didn't sit properly, and you rode so fast that I didn't dare say anything."
"Serves you right," he teased, ignoring her complaints as he helped her down. Seeing how she grimaced in pain, he softened, slipping his hands under her cloak to gently rub her back. "Where does it hurt?" he asked.
Blushing under the open sky, Da Yuer felt shy, the chill of the wind bringing a bright flush to her cheeks, making her even more beautiful—especially the glint of joy in her eyes.
Hong Taiji felt his heart lighten as he took her hand. He handed the horse to the guard who had caught up with them, and together, they walked through the knee-deep snow.
Not far ahead, Yoto could no longer restrain himself. He had been responsible for Hong Taiji's safety on this trip, and after waiting for half a day with no sign of him, he couldn't take it any longer and had gone out searching. To his surprise, he encountered Hong Taiji just outside the city.
He approached anxiously. "Great Khan, you've returned? And... with so few people?"
Hong Taiji gave a faint smile. "If I can't even venture here with ease, then what right do we have to conquer this land?"
"Understood, Great Khan," Yoto replied in a low voice.
He stepped aside and bowed, waiting for Hong Taiji to pass, glancing up only when they had gone by. There, sure enough, was Da Yuer walking beside him.
It was remarkable that Hong Taiji cared this much for this carefree, unpredictable woman. He truly allowed her a special place in his heart, showing a rare indulgence within his palace.
For years, everyone only knew that Consort Yu was beautiful and that Bumubutai hadn't borne any sons either. But no one expected that she would have such courage and spirit.
As Yoto thought, what Da Yuer had done in the past would be unthinkable in the household of any Beile or minister. While there were other mistresses like Qiqige who could oversee the household, they always held their husbands in utmost reverence and would never risk losing face for them in public.
Da Yuer, however, had done all of it.
At first, Da Yuer excitedly walked alongside Hong Taiji through the snow, but she suddenly stopped. Hong Taiji asked, "Are you tired? Can't go on? Did you twist your ankle?"
She shook her head. "What about the children? How will they get in later? I want to wait for them."
Hong Taiji reassured her, "With so many people here, someone will certainly bring them in for you."
But on her face was the unmistakable concern of a mother. She was young, barely in her early twenties, and though few expected her daughters to be born, Da Yuer treasured all three of them as if they were precious gems, even more so than Jeje did.
"I see. We'll go pick them up. Taking you out is nothing but trouble."
"I didn't come out with you; you came to fetch me," she replied.
"When did you learn to talk back? Nowadays, for every word I say, you have one to counter it. If you keep it up, I'll bury you in a snowbank."
Though Hong Taiji feigned impatience, he walked with Da Yuer back outside the city gates. Yoto, watching with confusion, dared not ask questions. He could only tell that those two were in a good mood.
Halfway there, Hong Taiji playfully scooped Da Yuer up and pretended he was going to throw her into a snowdrift. The petite beauty pleaded with him in fear, a sight that could make any man lose himself. This playful exchange didn't escape Yoto's notice, and a cold, cunning smile crept onto his face as he led his men a few steps behind them.
They soon met up with Qiqige and the children. Hong Taiji decided they would spend the night here and return to Shengjing in the morning.
After ensuring Da Yuer was settled in, he went back to his work, and by the time he returned, night had already fallen.
Da Yuer had curled up on the kang bed and fallen asleep, wrapped in a blanket provided by a maid. Only her head was visible, and she was sleeping soundly.
Hong Taiji approached her, and though she hadn't woken up fully, she sensed his presence. Sitting beside her, he watched her for a moment before she slowly opened her eyes, still drowsy, meeting his gaze. Still half-asleep, Da Yuer instinctively snuggled up to him.
"Behaving yourself now?" Hong Taiji teased, kissing her warm cheek. "Did you sleep well?"
Da Yuer gazed at him lazily and grinned, still not quite fully awake, resting on his shoulder for a long moment until, finally coming to her senses, she looked at him with sudden nervousness. Hong Taiji lay back leisurely, instructing, "I'm thirsty. Bring me some tea."
She stumbled to her feet, uncertain where to find it, and started to go look for Sumala. Hong Taiji chided her, "Where's that cleverness of yours? You can't even find a cup of tea?"
She looked around the room in a bit of a fluster, eventually managing to find a warm cup of tea and holding it carefully to his lips. After he drank, she mumbled softly, "It's my first time here, and I don't know my way around."
"You always have an excuse," Hong Taiji replied in a cold tone, his expression serious as he glared at her. Da Yuer knew he wasn't done with her yet; she would have to face this reckoning, and when they returned to the palace, her aunt would likely have something to say as well.
"Sit here," he said. "Yuer, let's clear the air."
She climbed up beside him, kneeling at first, but soon nestled into his embrace. The surroundings were unfamiliar, but she understood that here, at least, her husband was entirely hers.
"Do you remember what I told you before we came back?" he asked.
"Yes," she replied.
"What did I say?"
"Um…" Da Yuer hesitated, uncertain where to begin.
"Liar!" But her hesitation had already earned her a smack on her backside. His glare made her eyes fill with tears, her hurt evident.
"You said so much; how could I remember every word?" she whimpered. "I've been anxious since that night, unable to feel at ease for even a moment. You must be furious with me, and I'm furious, too. I don't even know what I'm doing myself."
"More excuses?" he asked, brushing her tears roughly away. "You think if you cry, I'll let this go?"
"I understand, even if it doesn't make sense, I still understand," Da Yuer sighed, her heart heavy with pent-up hurt, yet she forced herself to continue. "Even if I had women like Zarut to face, it wouldn't hurt as much as this. One is the man I love, and the other is my own sister. Couldn't one of you just tell me what happened? You both left me on my own, assuming I'd be fine, but how could you know that? What if I can't be fine and I die from it?"
"Are you fine now?" Hong Taiji held back a smile, though he knew she understood everything deep down.
"No," she retorted, defiant. "I told you, I'll never forgive either of you." She had already come this far and wasn't going to take her words back. "But I can't let you go. I'm afraid if I'm not okay, neither of you will be either."
"So noble of you." Hong Taiji laughed, looking at her.
"What's so funny?" Da Yuer looked down, nervously twisting her fingers. "Do you truly like my sister that much? Is it because she's prettier than me? Or is her temperament better than mine?"
Hong Taiji replied, "I've never compared anyone to you, and it's not because Hairanju is 'better' than you. But being with her, I feel at ease—I can let go for a moment."
"And I can't make you feel at ease?" Da Yuer asked. "You once said that when you're away in battle, knowing I'm waiting for you at home, nothing feels too difficult to bear. Was that all just to humour me?"
Hong Taiji gently touched her cheek. "I'm telling you this, but you can't tell your aunt."
Da Yuer turned her face away. "What aunt? I don't know any aunt."
Hong Taiji turned her face back, his gaze both authoritative and affectionate. She knew he had always cherished her, holding her as dearly as ever.
Settling into a calm tone, he said, "During the past two weeks while you were gone, I was with your sister. She never asked why."
"Why?" Da Yuer echoed, momentarily caught in her own confusion.
"Why, indeed?" Hong Taiji teased with a laugh.
Not realizing what he meant, Da Yuer faltered. "What why you're talking about?" When she asked, she seemed to understand now.
Hong Taiji closed his eyes, lazily wrapping an arm around her, pulling her close. "She never asks anything—about what should happen between us, about how long you'll stay here, or when I'll come to see you. She doesn't even ask if I'll bring you back with me on my way back from Fushun. I told her I wouldn't interfere in matters between you two. She simply replied that she wouldn't interfere in matters between you and me."
Da Yuer sat there, listening blankly as Hong Taiji continued, "I'm tired, Yuer. There's the state to run, the army, endless battles to fight, and I'm always watching my back for those who plot rebellion. Every day, people demand answers from me on every big and small matter, public or private, and your aunt also has her questions, always waiting for my response."
"Am I like that too?" Da Yuer asked with a soft smile, already knowing the answer. Hong Taiji laughed as well and patted her head. "See that?"
"Well… you did ask me questions too," she replied stubbornly, sitting up. "Great Khan, is my sister really that great?"
Hong Taiji replied, "Yes, she is. But so are you. No matter what you ask of me, I never feel annoyed." He sighed, his voice lowering. "Yuer, saying this to you feels so heartless, even to me, but falling for your sister—it made me feel young again. I do love her… very much."
Tears welled up in Da Yuer's eyes as she pulled away from his touch, but he quickly caught her hand again. She choked, "I can't do it. I don't have that kind of heart. Please… give me some time to think this through."
Hong Taiji nodded, his gaze softening. "Take as much time as you need, even if it's a lifetime. I owe you that."