Though she was reluctant, Da Yuer always obeyed Hong Taiji's words.
However, she wasn't particularly pleased just because he chose to dine in her quarters. In the long term, would she always feel saddened that he would visit her to simply remind her to meet with her sister instead of enjoying their time together? Could her happiness really rely on just seeing him occasionally?
She had considered everything carefully before deciding to return to Shengjing; every scene unfolding now had already played out countless times in her mind.
After a full meal, Hong Taiji leaned back on a soft cushion, feeling drowsy. Da Yuer brought him some tea to rinse his mouth, but he said impatiently, "Why is everything getting so particular these days?"
Da Yuer laughed, "I heard that in the Ming Dynasty, the Emperor would use a new handkerchief each time he washed his hands. When he dined, there'd be a whole entourage just for rinsing and washing up."
Hong Taiji shook his head. "Who told you such bizarre things?"
"Qiqige," Da Yuer replied. "In the Plain White Banner, there are many Han ministers. She listens to their stories when she has time, then tells them to me."
"You and Qiqige really are close," Hong Taiji remarked.
"Rest assured, I know my boundaries," Da Yuer said seriously. "I know that Qiqige is my cousin and also Dorgon's woman. We only talk about light-hearted things, and I haven't even told her why I decided to return."
"So, it wasn't to see me?" Hong Taiji teased.
Da Yuer nodded, then shook her head, her words side-tracked by his question. She pouted and playfully slapped his arm. "Since you don't believe me anyway, why would I tell you?"
"Massage my arm a bit," Hong Taiji sighed, closing his eyes with a satisfied smile. "Let me rest; wake me in half an hour."
Da Yuer leaned in and asked, "Why don't you ask why I came back?"
Hong Taiji looked at her with a playful smile, "Do you want to tell me? I'm not that curious."
Her carefree smile seemed just like before, but Hong Taiji knew in his heart that Yuer was holding herself together, trying to make him happy, and trying to find happiness for herself as well.
He had so many women; even the occasional night of indulgence wasn't rare. He wasn't a good man, or even a good person. Yet, there were still people in his life—the one here before him, the one in the Qingning Palace, and Hairanju—who he would always keep close to his heart.
It was pointless to try to balance everything perfectly. Even if it was a form of self-deception, he hoped that both Yuer and Hairanju could each find some contentment.
Fortunately, they were both wise women.
He might not deserve to talk about deep love, but he still held all the affection of the women he cherished.
After his noon rest, Hong Taiji left the inner palace and headed toward the Grand Politics Hall, where he encountered Dorgon coming in with a heavy expression. "Great Khan, as expected, Joseon has rebelled. Yi Jong has once again submitted to Chongzhen, sending a secret message to Beijing pledging loyalty to the Ming and swearing to fight against us alongside Chongzhen."
Hong Taiji gave a cold smile. "He's asking for trouble."
Dorgon continued, "Since our ceasefire, they've grown restless."
Striding toward the Grand Politics Hall, Hong Taiji replied calmly, "When they get restless, it's easier to read their intentions. Don't be hasty."
"When I next reach Hanyang, I'll hang Yi Jong's head from the city gates," Dorgon declared with a fierce, fiery determination.
Hong Taiji chuckled. "Why do you sound just like Dodo?"
Realizing his outburst, Dorgon quickly bowed. "Forgive me, Great Khan. I was out of line."
Hong Taiji's expression turned icy. "When we return to Hanyang, don't kill Yi Jong. Capture his crown prince instead and use him as a hostage."
"Yes, Great Khan."
"First, let's secure Joseon," Hong Taiji said. "Dorgon, once you and Dodo return from Joseon, we'll march south and cross the Great Wall."
Dorgon looked up sharply, his gaze fixed intently on Taiji.
"Rest well while you can," Hong Taiji said, "because who knows when you'll be back after you leave. I have people watching the Ming and Joseon. For now, go and spend time with Qiqige. She's done so much for Jeje and Yuer, and I can't openly reward her, so I'll just let you return to her side for now."
"But, Great Khan..."
"Don't make Jeje keep nagging me about you." Hong Taiji chided with a playful smile, showing a brotherly affection for Dorgon. "Go on, until New Year's Eve, there's nothing major. You don't need to come to the palace, but don't slack off either—just keep an eye on Joseon."
Hong Taiji turned and went inside, leaving Dorgon behind. Soon, other ministers arrived to see the Great Khan, and Dorgon had no choice but to leave.
Nearby, Dodo had been waiting, and from afar, he could tell that Hong Taiji and Dorgon were talking, which he sensed could only mean trouble. After hearing what was said, Dodo sneered, "What's going on with Hong Taiji? Just because he has a beautiful woman of his own, he suddenly feels embarrassed and starts meddling in his brother's affairs?"
Dorgon remained silent.
He couldn't disobey Hong Taiji's orders; he wasn't yet powerful enough to defy him or remove him from his position in the Grand Politics Hall. Until then, he had to comply.
Dodo, puzzled, asked, "Brother, you and sister-in-law are so close, so why don't you have any children? Have you thought about it?"
Dorgon stared blankly. In a few months, if the concubines still failed to bear children, would he have to tell everyone it was his own issue, or would he let Qiqige shoulder the blame?
"Let's go back," Dorgon said without answering, patting his brother on the shoulder before leaving.
The New Year was approaching, and with it, Hong Taiji's birthday. In past years, he had often been away on campaigns, rarely celebrating his birthday in the palace. This year, with him home, Jeje naturally wanted to organize a celebration.
Hong Taiji, who felt less concerned about such formalities as he got older, agreed anyway, not wanting to disappoint her.
In the past, Yuer would have been there assisting Jeje with the arrangements, but since returning from Hetu Ala, she had largely withdrawn from palace affairs. If Jeje was unable to manage something, she would occasionally ask Hairanju to help if she was nearby.
This time, with preparations underway for the Hong Taiji's birthday, Consort Doutumen and her sister had arrived, but Yuer had taken her daughters out of the palace. In the past, she would at least ask for Jeje's permission to leave, but now she came and went as she pleased, without so much as a word.
Naturally, Jeje was frustrated, but she didn't want to make a scene. With a cool expression, she said, "It's hard managing three children—she's on her feet all day."
Zarut gave an awkward smile, just as her cousin quickly stopped her from speaking further.
So, with the preparations for Hong Taiji's birthday, Hairanju took on most of the responsibilities. She was used to managing household matters, though the imperial palace in Shengjing was larger and had more people to oversee.
Meanwhile, in the Fourteenth Beile's residence, Yuer visited Qiqige with her daughters, and was surprised to find Dorgon home. Qiqige then explained that the Great Khan had given him time off, encouraging him to focus on starting a family.
Yuer teased with a mischievous grin, "Dorgon doesn't look so well—are you wearing him out?"
Qiqige, slightly offended, responded, "As if! I can't bear to see him worn down; it's just that he hates being cooped up and gets restless at home."
While Yatu and Atu went off with their Fourteenth Uncle to the archery range, Yuer and Qiqige stayed in the garden, entertaining little Azhe in the sunlight.
Yuer joked, "Honestly, it's awkward enough to have run into Dorgon at home—I wouldn't have come if I'd known."
Qiqige laughed. "I thought you'd planned it this way! When you came rushing over, I half expected you were leaving home again."
Yuer shook her head. "If I tried that again, he'd really break my legs."
Qiqige laughed even harder. "By 'he,' do you mean Auntie or the Great Khan?"
"Hong Taiji, of course," Yuer replied, muttering his name in both annoyance and fondness. "He warned me in Fushun about it, too."
Qiqige asked, "Are things still tense between you two?"
"You mean my sister and I?"
"Yes, you're so clever, understanding what I meant right away." Qiqige smiled.
"How many years have we been together?" Da Yuer replied casually.
"So?"
"Not great," Da Yuer replied, matter-of-factly. "I've said what I needed to say, and we still see each other sometimes, but no one speaks. I'm getting used to it. It doesn't even hurt anymore."
"And the Great Khan? Isn't he worried seeing you both like this?"
Da Yuer shook her head. "He's not worried at all. Maybe he even finds it convenient. How perfect it is for him, that both my sister and I ended up playing right into his hands."
Qiqige didn't quite understand Da Yuer's words, but as they sat in the chilly garden, she decided to go inside to grab her cloak, not wanting to call the maidservants over.
Da Yuer saw her leaving, so she assumed it was Qiqige returning when she heard footsteps behind her, and sighed loudly, "My days feel so empty; besides the children, there's nothing left to look forward to. I don't even bother with palace affairs anymore—don't want to hover around my aunt. She always has some long lecture. If I don't argue back, I feel stifled; if I do, she's furious. What's the point?"
With a bitter smile, she added, "Qiqige, if you have any new stories, tell me quickly before I wither from boredom."
But the figure behind her remained silent. Yuer turned around, and to her surprise, it was Dorgon standing there, his eyes sombre and intent on her.
"It's you?" She flushed instantly, standing up with little Azhe in her arms. The movement startled the baby awake, and she immediately began crying.
Da Yuer tried soothing her, pacing around the garden as the nursemaids, hearing the commotion, rushed over. By the time Qiqige returned with her cloak, the garden was bustling with people.
Barely acknowledging her husband's presence, Qiqige walked straight to Da Yuer, cooing at the little one. "Why's Azhe crying? Let Auntie hold her."
Dorgon took a few steps back, watching the scene for a moment before slipping away quietly.
As Yuer handed the baby to Qiqige, she caught a glimpse of Dorgon's departing figure, her heart racing.
Should she mention to Qiqige what had just happened? But then, what was there to say? It was nothing but the grievances of a woman feeling trapped. After a brief struggle within herself, Da Yuer decided to let it go and act as if nothing had happened.