New Rules

Consort Doutumen's legs nearly gave out, and she seemed ready to collapse to her knees. Namuzhong caught her firmly, preventing her from doing so. "From now on, you and I are equals. If there's to be any distinction between us, it will be decided by the Great Khan. You don't need to kneel before me anymore. I hope… you never kneel before me again."

The two sentences carried clearly different implications. Consort Doutumen understood that this woman would never willingly remain beneath others—not even on equal footing.

Why had Hong Taiji taken her in? Could he truly be unaware of what Nam Jung had done while by Lin Dan Batur's side? He cared so deeply for the three women from Khorchin; why would he push this demon into their midst?

"Side Consort, the auspicious hour has arrived. The ladies are here to pay their respects," announced the maid at the door. Through the window, the courtyard outside was packed with a dense crowd of women.

"Lixin," Nam Jung called to her maid, "bring the gifts. I'll reward them."

Lixin, a maid close in age to Nam Jung who had served her since childhood, stepped forward. Just as she had behaved in Chakhar, she disregarded Consort Doutumen entirely, brusquely brushing past her.

"Will you stay here to help with introductions?" Lixin asked with a faint smirk.

"N-no… I don't know most of them well," stammered the timid woman, retreating several steps before fleeing out of the side palace in a panic.

From afar, Qiqige watched her hasty retreat. Her mind was full of speculation, but outwardly, she maintained a façade of cheerful chatter with the other women. When it was her turn to enter and greet the new consort, she blended in with the others, occasionally casting a glance at the beauty seated at the head of the room.

Nam Jung was indeed stunning. Her beauty radiated naturally, drawing every gaze without effort. She did not dim her brilliance, making it impossible for anyone in the crowd to ignore her presence, yet no one could accuse her of being ostentatious.

Would Hong Taiji like her? Qiqige pondered silently. He already had unparalleled beauties like Yuer and Hairanju. Could another woman's appearance still captivate him? But if someone like Zarut, with such a humble background, could make her way into his bed, then why couldn't Nam Jung? She was of noble birth, and her arrival carried immense significance. Why wouldn't she?

Qiqige inwardly mocked herself—what a foolish train of thought.

The ladies offered their congratulations, accepted their rewards, and dispersed—some returning to their own chambers, others heading to the Qingning Palace to pay their respects. The palace was still bustling with activity. Taking advantage of the commotion, Qiqige slipped into Hairanju's room, where Da Yuer and her sister were sitting cross-legged on the kang, trimming Atu and Yatu's nails.

Qiqige leaned in and remarked, "I can do many things, but trimming a child's nails isn't one of them. Their tiny, delicate fingers—one wrong clip, and the whole finger could be gone."

Da Yuer laughed. "Oh? So there are things you're afraid to do?"

Hairanju spoke gently, "When you have your own children one day, you'll learn with time."

Qiqige's heart sank for a moment, and Da Yuer felt it too. Still, she chose not to steer the conversation away—doing so would only make it seem like she cared too much. Sure enough, Qiqige herself didn't wish to linger on the topic. Why repeatedly reopen wounds, dragging skin and flesh with it? It only made it more painful.

"Look at this—she's certainly generous. It seems Lindan Khan truly doted on her when he was alive." Qiqige took out a pouch. Though the embroidery was crude, the pouch was quite large and stuffed full of gold pieces. She poured them out onto the table, where they gleamed brilliantly, filling half the surface. The gold was of excellent quality.

Hairanju sighed. "She gave this much to everyone?"

Qiqige replied, "It's not endless. She must have calculated it carefully." Seeing that Atu and Yatu were intrigued, she pushed the gold toward them generously. "Here, play with it—but don't put it in your mouths!"

The children went to the window to play, and Qiqige took a seat at the table. Sumala brought her favourite milk tea. Seeing Sumala, Qiqige remarked, "The maid by her side is someone she brought with her. I haven't had the chance to speak with Dorgon today, but I'll ask around and let you know what I find out later."

Hairanju smiled. "It's hard on you, always gathering information for us."

Propping her chin with her hand, Qiqige replied, "Otherwise, life would be too dull. I don't even need to worry about household finances—give the servants a warning every now and then, and they'll behave for six months. I really can't think of anything else to do."

"You're blessed with a life of comfort and wealth," Hairanju said, as she instructed Baoqing to put away the scissors. She and Yuer washed their hands together before sitting down to enjoy tea.

Outside, there was laughter, and some women tried to peek in, but Baoqing and Sumala intercepted them and politely sent them away.

"While I was waiting outside earlier, I saw Consort Doutumen leaving Nam Jung's quarters. Her face was pale, and she looked absolutely terrified," Qiqige said with a click of her tongue. "She's so timid. Was she often bullied in the past? Now, seeing that woman again, it's as if she's seen a ghost."

Da Yuer commented, "If she could stand up for herself, she wouldn't be mistreated here. Aunt never bullies anyone."

Hairanju understood the implication behind Da Yuer's words and sighed for Consort Doutumen's helplessness. Now, she and Nam Jung shared a husband again.

Thinking about it, the widows of Lindan Khan, like objects, were divided among the men. What made her different? She was once a pawn of Wukeshan. In the end, were they really any better off than each other?

Qiqige teased Da Yuer, "These days, the Great Khan must be spending time in her quarters. Don't get jealous, and don't hit anyone again."

Da Yuer shot her a look and tossed a piece of dried beef into Qiqige's mouth.

By midday, Jeje sent a message through Adai, asking Da Yuer to visit the Ten Kings Pavilion. The Great Khan had left early and eaten an early breakfast; Jeje feared that once the Great Khan got busy, he might forget to eat again.

Da Yuer had been doing this for ten years. Although, due to constant battles, they had only spent less than three years together, in her heart, the years spent with the Great Khan were invaluable and should never be underestimated.

As usual, Niman met her at the door with a smile, saying, "Consort Yu, don't worry. The Great Khan has had his lunch and ate well. He had two rolls of large bread with beef, the size of a small arm."

Da Yuer knew Niman wouldn't lie to her, and she was pleased. "Tell him to eat slowly, don't choke, and don't overeat."

She walked away a few steps, then hesitated and turned back. After a long pause, she said, "You don't need to tell the Great Khan this, but it's about Nam Jung. Although Lin Dan Batur died suddenly from illness, he was likely pushed to his death by us. As for what Nam Jung really thinks, only she knows. Be cautious, and watch out so that she doesn't harm the Great Khan's health."

Niman replied repeatedly, "I understand, I'll be careful."

Da Yuer thought for a moment and added, "A few days ago, I discussed new rules with the Great Consort. She didn't agree, but I still want to try. Wait for a while, and I'll come back with my answer."

Niman didn't understand, but since Consort Yu asked him to wait, he was more than happy to do so.

When they returned to the Grand Politics Hall and the ministers had left, the Great Khan asked, "Did Yuer come by?"

Niman answered, "It's the same as usual—Consort Yu asked if you had eaten."

Hong Taiji smiled. "In their eyes, they're only worried that I'll either freeze to death or starve. Always fretting over nothing."

Seeing the Great Khan's happy expression, Niman understood—it was a blessing to be loved and cared for. How could he truly resent her? He was happy, not annoyed. Still, Niman decided to tell the Great Khan what Da Yuer had said earlier.

Hong Taiji squinted at him, "What new rules?"

Niman also shook his head, "I haven't heard anyone mention it. It seems only the Great Consort knows."

Hong Taiji furrowed his brows slightly and dismissed him, "Go ask."

Meanwhile, the guests had all dispersed. There were no banquets in the palace today, and the next feast would be in three days. Jeje was feeling rather tired after an early start, so she had lunch and planned to rest. However, Yuer returned just then.

At that moment, Da Yuer was kneeling by Jeje's couch, speaking solemnly, "The Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Jiajing, was nearly strangled by a palace maid. To this day, such rules were implemented in their palace. It's humiliating, but who knows if Nam Jung holds any grudge against the Great Khan? We must be cautious of someone like her."

Jeje replied, "So from now on, both you and your sister must serve him like this? Your sister is so timid, would she not be terrified?"

Da Yuer was still worried that Nam Jung might have some resentment towards the Hong Taiji. What if she was someone fiercely determined enough to harm the Hong Taiji, even to the point of wanting to die together with him?

While reading about Ming history, Da Yuer came across the story of Emperor Jiajing almost being strangled by a palace maid. Although the Emperor was cruel and deserved his fate, the event was still a wake-up call. A woman like Nam Jung, who came with hatred, couldn't be left near the Great Khan unguarded.

Jeje sighed lightly, "Why aren't you wary of Consort Doutumen? She's from the same background, I know, you're just wary of Nam Jung."

Da Yuer didn't hide her feelings: "Yes, I'm afraid she might harm the Great Khan."

Jeje cautiously asked, "Do you think we should discuss this with the Great Khan before deciding? He might not like this—having a woman brought to him naked and wrapped in a blanket, what does that even mean? Furthermore, you and Hairanju are both his favourites. Would he really agree to this?"

Da Yuer replied firmly, "It's better than him getting hurt. Just the thought of it keeps me awake at night."

Jeje then instructed Adai, "Go fetch Hairanju."

"Why do you want to call her?"

"If Hairanju isn't afraid, then we'll proceed. But what if your sister is afraid?"

By evening, before Niman had even gathered any information, someone from the Great Consort's side had already sent word. He was left stunned, asking several times before daring to enter and report back.

Hong Taiji listened and burst into laughter. "Did Yuer come up with this idea?"

Niman was quite embarrassed: "It seems so."

Hong Taiji muttered to himself, "This won't do. Women are meant to be cherished and protected, not subjected to such treatment. She can be cautious of others, but she shouldn't demean herself like this."

Niman lowered his head and said, "Great Khan, the Great Consort has already agreed."

Hong Taiji paused, then put down the memorial in his hand and said, "Then this should only apply to Nam Jung."

Niman was stunned: "Great Khan, isn't this... too much? Too harsh?"

Hong Taiji sneered, "If she resists or refuses, just send her back."

"Yes, yes..."

As night fell, in the side palace, Nam Jung sat in front of her mirror with her long, dark hair scattered around her. Lixin, her maid, was combing her hair as they whispered to each other. Suddenly, the door was thrown open. Several older, sturdy palace matrons entered, coldly reciting the rules of the palace regarding serving the Great Khan. Without saying a word, they moved forward to grab Nam Jung.

Lixin screamed, "How dare you! You servants, release your mistress!"

Nam Jung's heart was pounding heavily, but she steadied herself and asked, "Is this the palace rule?"

The matrons replied, "Yes, Side Consort, please forgive us."

In the opposite side palace, Da Yuer was holding Azhe, trying to coax her to sleep. Through the window, she could see the movement in Nam Jung's palace. Hairanju, having placed Atu on the bed, quietly walked over and whispered, "Yuer, isn't this a bit too much?"

The room was dimly lit by candlelight, making it hard to clearly see each other's faces. Da Yuer asked, "Sister, are you sympathizing with her?"

Hairanju hesitated: "Not exactly... I just..."

Da Yuer continued, "Do you know how many women have suffered under her hands, even losing their lives?"

Hairanju felt a chill in her spine and softly said, "Yuer, don't say anymore. I won't mention it again."

Da Yuer sighed: "If she hadn't come, she wouldn't have to suffer these hardships. She brought this on herself."

The words were said without malice, but Hairanju, even if she had any sympathy, knew that Yuer would never speak about her in such a way.

Still, the logic was undeniable—Nam Jung's reputation hadn't disappeared with the death of Lindan Khan. Everyone knew that this Great Consort was ruthless, and now that she had come to Shengjing, she should have been prepared. What happened today was just the beginning.

The several palace matrons walked out from the opposite side and coldly instructed the people by the door on what to pay attention to. Everyone was confused, as it was the first time these rules were being enforced tonight.

In the side palace, Lixin managed to slip away from her watchers and ran inside. She saw Nam Jung rolled up in a blanket, her neck and shoulders bare, as though she was wearing nothing. She was heartbroken and asked, "Consort, what happened? What did they do to you?"

In Nam Jung's eyes, there was a glint of murderous intent. She coldly smiled and replied, "I'm fine. Go out, the Great Khan is coming."