Side Consort Nam Jung

Before setting out, Hong Taiji had already decided the fates of the remaining widows and family members of Lindan Khan. Consort Tesina, the consort of Borjigit, was assigned to Hooge. Additionally, Consort Sutai, the mother of Lindan Khan's eldest son Eje and a member of the Yehe Nara clan, was taken into the household of Jirgalang, as she was the sister of his wife.

The prominent Beiles of the Aisin Gioro clan each received one of Lindan Khan's women. Even the aged Daisan was given Princess Taisong, Lindan Batur's sister, as a consort by Hong Taiji.

The only exception was Dorgon, who received no such marriage arrangement. While many joked that Qiqige's formidable presence deterred even Hong Taiji from interfering with her status as the Fourteenth Beile's wife, others whispered that this was a deliberate slight against Dorgon.

Lindan Khan's widows held no allure for Dorgon, but he noticed Hooge's apparent satisfaction with his assigned consort. Dorgon pitied him for his lack of discretion.

As the eldest son of Hong Taiji, Hooge had every advantage of birth and opportunity, yet he lacked the wisdom to wield them effectively.

Dorgon had no personal recollection of their late brother Cuyen, who had died when Dorgon was only three. However, he had occasionally overheard their father speak of him in their youth, always with a mix of frustration and sorrow.

Hooge, too, had never met this ill-fated uncle, but the tragedy of Nurhaci executing his own firstborn son was still widely remembered. How could Hooge, also a firstborn son, remain so oblivious to the cautionary lesson?

"Fourteenth Uncle, what should I call Nam Jung when I meet her?" Hooge asked with a laugh. "Father gave no instructions before we left."

"Show her the respect due," Dorgon replied indifferently.

The two men exchanged a glance, neither holding the other in high regard. Yet both understood the importance of maintaining decorum. Any dispute between them would only embarrass Hong Taiji and bring harsh consequences upon themselves.

Meanwhile, in a yurt within the Chahar camp, preparations were underway. The maids brought in a radiant crimson wedding gown. Nam Jung, dressed in mourning attire, rose and allowed them to assist her in changing.

"Great Consort, you are so beautiful... if only the Great Khan…" The maids' voices were a mix of admiration and sorrow. Their Great Consort was about to don her wedding attire and leave for the Great Jin.

Nam Jung looked at her newly transformed reflection in the bronze mirror. With a cold expression, she said, "It fits well, no need for further adjustments. Take it off. I'll wear it when we reach Shengjing."

She changed back into her plain mourning attire. Soon after, the maids came to report that Consort Sutai requested an audience.

Before long, a woman also dressed in mourning attire entered. Consort Sutai was ten years older than Nam Jung. Her eldest son, Eje, had now inherited Lin Dan Batur's khanate, but with their impending surrender to the Jin, her son's title was already meaningless.

"Great Consort," Sutai greeted respectfully. Rising, she said, "The men Hong Taiji sent are about to arrive—Dorgon and Hooge, his younger brother and eldest son."

"I know," Nam Jung replied, her expression cold. "Are you all packed? Once we leave, there will be no coming back."

Sutai said, "Great Consort, I will be staying at my brother-in-law Jirgalang's household. With my sister taking care of me, life shouldn't be too difficult. But you, entering Hong Taiji's harem, must take great care of yourself."

In the past, they had both served the same husband, and Sutai had been Nam Jung's greatest rival. But with Lin Dan Batur's death, all their jealousies, rivalries, and struggles for favour had dissipated. Now, they were both helpless widows, and if they didn't support one another, they would be left at the mercy of others.

"Batma's cousin," Consort Sutai said with a cold laugh, "died in Shengjing. She didn't even last six months. Those Khorchin women are truly impressive."

Nam Jung's eyes turned vacant, her expression icy. "And yet, she's still doing well, isn't she?"

That Batma they were speaking of was Consort Doutumen, who had been sent to Hong Taiji a long time ago. Among the Eight Consorts, she had been the most fragile and easiest to bully. At the time, it was Nam Jung who had arranged for her to be sent off first.

"That's true…" 

"Sister, from now on, we should each focus on living our own lives," Nam Jung said. "Jirgalang holds a prestigious position. As his Consort, you'll have chances to visit the palace often, and we'll still be able to see one another. Even if it's for the sake of your son Eje, take care of yourself. None of us need to depend on one another, nor should we drag each other down."

"Yes," Consort Sutai replied.

At that moment, maids rushed in, looking flustered. "Princess Taisong is trying to kill herself!" they reported. Consort Sutai sighed. "If she truly wanted to die, she would have done so long ago. All this endless commotion—it's exhausting. She only dares act up around us. Once she gets to Shengjing, who will bother giving her any face?"

"Great Consort, what should we do? We can't wait until Hooge and Dorgon arrive..."

Consort Sutai's words were cut short as Nam Jung rose to her feet. She took her horsewhip down from the wall and strode out of the yurt with an air of defiance, heading straight to Taisong's quarters.

The proud princess was holding a dagger, threatening to cut her throat, while her maids desperately tried to restrain her. Such scenes had played out daily since the message arrived from Hong Taiji, assigning her as a bride to the over-fifty-year-old Daisan.

The sharp crack of a whip echoed from the yurt, sending the maids scurrying in fear. The whip lashed relentlessly, striking Taisong again and again. She screamed, "Nam Jung, you're mad! Nam Jung, you lunatic!"

Ten lashes, then twenty—Taisong curled into a trembling heap in the corner, crying and wailing for her dead brother and father, painting a pitiful picture.

Nam Jung kicked the dagger back toward her and gazed down with eyes colder and sharper than any blade.

In a voice filled with cruel resolve, she said to her sister-in-law, "If you want to die, then make it quick. If not, behave yourself and head to Shengjing. Should you pull another stunt like this when Hooge and Dorgon arrive, I'll string you up, strip you bare, and whip you to death as entertainment for them."

Taisong turned as pale as a ghost, unable to utter a word. Consort Sutai sighed deeply and ordered the maids to carry the princess away.

She stepped forward, took the whip from Nam Jung's hand, and said gently, "Great Consort, the road ahead is long. Please take care of yourself."

Nam Jung turned her icy gaze toward her and replied coldly, "Sister, our connection ends here. From now on, take care of yourself."

When Dorgon and Hooge arrived at the Chakhar camp, they were treated with great hospitality. The young khan Eje and Consort Sutai showed them the utmost respect, but Nam Jung remained unseen. Hooge, impatient as always, brought Tesina into his tent to indulge himself, and no one dared to comment. After two days, they prepared to depart.

The Imperial Seal remained firmly in Nam Jung's possession. She insisted on presenting it personally to Hong Taiji, and neither Dorgon nor Hooge dared force her hand. They acquiesced to her demand, taking the seal and the Chakhar people back to Shengjing.

News of the seal's retrieval soon reached Shengjing, and some officials quickly petitioned Hong Taiji to declare himself emperor upon receiving it. However, Hong Taiji refused.

In the inner palace, meanwhile, Hairanju had already completed the first dragon-patterned robe symbolizing imperial authority.

That night, as she snipped the final thread, Hong Taiji had fallen asleep on a soft cushion nearby. Quietly, she approached him and murmured, "Great Khan, the robe is finished. Would you like to try it on?"

Hong Taiji lazily opened his eyes and saw Hairanju carefully holding up the bright yellow robe, gently shaking it to show him. She peeked her head out from behind the robe and smiled, saying, "Is it like this?"

He reached out and touched the robe. The bright yellow brocade was cool and smooth to the touch, and every dragon and cloud pattern on it had been stitched by Hairanju herself. Her fingers must have been pricked by countless needles in the process.

"Put it on."

Hong Taiji rose, unfastening his clothing and standing on the floor. Hairanju solemnly draped the robe over him, tiptoeing to fasten the buttons at the collar, then smoothing the front and adjusting the shoulders and hem. After stepping back a few paces, she looked at her man with deep reverence.

Hong Taiji slowly walked to the mirror. The image of himself before him felt both unfamiliar and prideful. He had finally reached this day.

Hairanju unconsciously bent forward to perform a grand bow, and Hong Taiji smiled, walking over to lift her up. He gently stroked her fingers, which were covered in needle pricks, and said with a touch of pity, "By the time you finish an entire set of court robes for me, will your hands be ruined?"

"No, I'll be careful," Hairanju replied happily. "As long as you don't mind."

Hong Taiji said, "How could I mind? It's just that it's too hard on you. After that day comes, don't do such hard work anymore. But I know you like doing it, so whatever you make for me, I will wear. But those large court robes, you can't touch anymore."

"I'll listen to the Great Khan." Hairanju's eyes were filled with pride and admiration as she touched Hong Taiji's shoulder, feeling deeply moved. "My life has been truly extraordinary, to have a day like this."

Hong Taiji replied, "It's unfortunate, but I always knew I would have a day like this."

Hairanju softly asked, "Did you know of me as well?"

Hong Taiji nodded and embraced her waist. "Of course, but I never imagined that you would suffer so much in the past."

These were surely comforting words, and Hairanju understood that Hong Taiji was joking. But she loved hearing it. What woman wouldn't love to hear such sweet words? What woman wouldn't want to be cherished by the man she loved?

After a moment of warmth, Hong Taiji asked Hairanju to put away the dragon-patterned robe. It wasn't yet the time to wear such conspicuous clothing. Once Dorgon and Hooge brought Nam Jung and the Imperial Seal, everything would proceed according to his plan.

Five days later, after several days of light spring rain, the sky cleared and the sun shone brightly, illuminating the entire city of Shengjing.

Early in the morning, Hong Taiji, along with Jeje, Da Yuer, and other civil and military officials, went outside the city to await the arrival of the Imperial Seal.

Dorgon and Hooge, with their entourage, arrived at the city gates. In the middle of the procession was a brightly decorated red carriage. As the carriage slowly approached, Hooge and Dorgon came forward to bow to Hong Taiji. Hong Taiji gestured for them to rise, and Hooge said, "Father, Consort Nangang is in the carriage with the Imperial Seal."

Hong Taiji raised his hand to signal for the ritual officials to step forward. The carriage curtain was lifted, revealing a woman dressed in wedding attire, holding the Imperial Seal wrapped in yellow cloth, slowly descending from the carriage.

She lifted her head, her radiant beauty gleaming in the sunlight. All eyes were drawn to her, and no one expected Nam Jung to make such a grand appearance, as if she was marrying herself to this place with such ceremony.

Da Yuer and Hairanju, both in formal attire, followed closely behind Jeje. Their dignified robes lacked the vivid colours of Nam Jung's red wedding dress, and at that moment, it seemed as though all the light was focused on her.

She walked forward, her expression composed, neither happy nor sad. There was no fear of Hong Taiji or the forced marriage; she held the yellow cloth bundle with the Imperial Seal, which served as her protection.

"Great Khan, this is the Imperial Seal. I, Nam Jung, have brought it to you," she said as she reached Hong Taiji, slowly kneeling and raising the Imperial Seal high with both hands.

Hong Taiji stepped forward to take it, and immediately, Daisan took it from his hands. He opened the bundle and removed a large jade seal from the brocade box, holding it high to show to the crowd.

The ministers and soldiers cheered, and a fragrant incense was set up to honour heaven and earth. They then rode to the royal tomb to pay respects to Nurhaci and the ancestors. After the ceremony, they were about to return to the palace, when Niman approached Hong Taiji. "Great Khan... that Consort Nangang is still at the city gate, waiting for you to bring her into the imperial city."

Hong Taiji's face darkened. "What do you mean?"

Niman replied, "It seems she wants you to dismount and personally bring her into the city when you return."

Hong Taiji sneered coldly, then turned to look at Jeje. Jeje's expression remained indifferent, but at the mere glance from her husband, she understood his meaning. She bowed slightly and said, "I understand."

As the procession returned to the city, Hong Taiji rode through the city gates, deliberately ignoring the bright red carriage parked to the side. Nam Jung sat inside, hearing the urgent and domineering sound of horse hooves.

Not long after, someone announced, "Side Consort, the Great Consort has come to fetch you."

Side consort?

How ridiculous. Nam Jung had now been reduced to a mere concubine.