Who Can Really be Desire-Free?

Hong Taiji opened his eyes and saw Hairanju looking at him with a puzzled expression. Realizing that what he had just said was inappropriate—especially since Hairanju was timid and easily frightened by such bloody matters—he softened his tone.

"I haven't had much of an appetite these days. Have them prepare something soft and easy to eat tonight," he said. Turning to sit up, he bent down to find his boots. "I can't just keep resting like this," he added. "If I do, my legs will grow weak."

Hairanju got off the kang to help him put on his boots, but Hong Taiji couldn't bear to see her bending over for him and called for Baoqing instead.

Taking Hairanju's hand, he noticed its chill. "The weather is warm, yet your hands are still cold. Why is that?"

Hairanju smiled gently. "I just washed them. They'll warm up in a moment."

Hong Taiji instructed Baoqing, "Use warm water when your mistress washes her hands. You're not being attentive enough."

Baoqing, no longer startled by Hong Taiji's occasional chiding, knew that these remarks were merely his way of expressing care.

Smiling, she accepted his instructions and stepped back once Hong Taiji was ready to rise.

Hairanju began to smooth his hair and straighten his robes, carefully dusting off a stray hair that clung to his garments. Her meticulous attention made Hong Taiji laugh. "Do you all think I can't eat, dress, or take care of myself? You're always fretting over me."

Hairanju smiled warmly, her serene demeanour as comforting as ever. Just one glance at her brought him peace of mind.

"I'll come back tonight," Hong Taiji said. "The sun is out this afternoon—go for a walk and don't stay cooped up indoors all the time."

Leaving Hairanju's quarters, Hong Taiji issued instructions to Niman on the way. "Send someone to manage matters at the First Prince's residence. The incident with Hada Nara must not be leaked. Make sure everyone keeps their mouths shut. If anyone dares to speak of it, they will be executed without mercy."

Niman accepted the order and left. Standing at the entrance to the Grand Politics Hall, Hong Taiji paused in thought before giving further instructions to a palace attendant. "Go to the study and fetch Yuer."

In the study, upon hearing that Hong Taiji had requested her presence, Da Yuer felt puzzled. Being called specifically to the Grand Politics Hall meant there was something urgent. Could it be that something had happened with Qiqige?

When Da Yuer arrived at the Grand Politics Hall, she found Hong Taiji standing by the sand table, adjusting the markers that represented military positions. A teacup was set aside on the edge of the table, and with a careless wave of his hand, Hong Taiji accidentally knocked it to the ground, where it shattered into pieces.

Da Yuer, unfazed, remarked lightly, "See? No wonder Aunt keeps saying not to let you use those fine porcelain cups."

Hong Taiji gave her a playful glare. "How many cups of yours could I possibly break? Is this how the Great Khan of the Great Jin is treated—living so pitifully?"

Their banter was light-hearted, but to those outside the hall, it sounded like a completely different scene. Word quickly spread that as soon as Consort Yu entered the Grand Politics Hall, she had angered the Great Khan so much that he smashed a teacup.

Inside, however, the atmosphere was calm. Hong Taiji was focused on the markers on the sand table as he explained to Yuer, "Hooge is currently heading toward the Ming border in Shanxi. He has orders to destroy Ningwu Pass. If all goes well, he will lead the army to Daizhou and Xinzhou."

Da Yuer, though not well-versed in military strategies, had heard her tutors mention Ningwu Pass before. Hong Taiji himself had often shared bits of strategy with her in the past. Naturally, an idea came to her. "That's one of the Ming's key fortresses. Even if it's captured, staying there would only lead to endless attempts by the Ming to reclaim it. Fighting back and forth over the years would just waste soldiers and resources."

Hong Taiji looked at her with surprise and satisfaction. Then he nodded. "Exactly. Once the fort is destroyed, they're to withdraw immediately. It's the height of their farming season now. Hooge will burn their crops and houses before retreating."

Da Yuer sighed softly. "It's always the common people who suffer the most. Great Khan, when we eventually enter the Central Plains, we'll have to work hard to win over the people. Although the common folk may seem weak, they are everywhere. A rebellion here today, another uprising there tomorrow—it would be exhausting to deal with."

Hong Taiji gazed at her, a warm smile spreading across his face. His steady stare made Da Yuer blush, and she asked, flustered, "Did I say something wrong?"

"Not at all. What you said was excellent. These might be words I hear from ministers all the time, but hearing them from you fills me with pride." Hong Taiji, clearly in high spirits, continued to discuss his plans with her, regardless of whether she could fully understand.

Da Yuer's limited knowledge eventually led her to make a few amusing remarks, drawing hearty laughter from Hong Taiji.

Outside the hall, the attendants were perplexed. Hadn't there just been a shattered teacup and a supposed quarrel? Why were they laughing now?

"Oh, by the way, the Great Khan hasn't said why he summoned me," Da Yuer suddenly remembered as she followed Hong Taiji back to the desk.

"Oh…" Hong Taiji, too, had forgotten. He replied, "Earlier, when I was with your elder sister, I said something I shouldn't have. I told her that Hada Nara didn't hang herself, but was actually killed by Hooge through his cruelty."

Da Yuer stared in disbelief. "Really? The First Prince killed his own wife?"

Hong Taiji's anger flared up again as he growled, "I had warned him beforehand not to treat his wives and concubines harshly, yet this fool came up with such a deceitful scheme. He must have thought that Hada Nara was a disgrace to him, that he no longer wanted her. Even so, there were many other ways to solve it. Why did he have to take matters into his own hands?"

Da Yuer quickly tried to calm him down. "Great Khan, please don't be angry."

Hong Taiji shook his head and instructed her, "I don't want this matter to leak out. I won't confront Hooge directly about it. So, go and subtly remind Hairanju, tell her not to speak of it to anyone."

"Don't worry, my sister won't say anything." Da Yuer reassured him. "Though she is gentle, she knows what matters most."

Hong Taiji nodded. "I know that, but being cautious isn't a bad thing. You decide when it's appropriate to remind her, but don't frighten her."

Da Yuer replied, "But we can't say this is your suggestion, right?"

"Of course not, why else would I ask you?" Hong Taiji knew from the glint in her eyes that she was up to something. He frowned and asked, "What conditions do you want?"

Da Yuer beamed with joy. "Take me horseback riding in a few days, just the two of us."

Hong Taiji huffed, "Fine, now you bargain with my every time I ask you to do something for me?"

Da Yuer was delighted and teased, "You can't go back on your word, I'll remember this."

"Go, I'm getting tired of looking at you." Hong Taiji waved her off, though a smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

Seeing the hall was empty, Da Yuer dashed over, hugged her husband tightly, and then swiftly ran off.

"Be more composed." Hong Taiji called after her, watching her retreating figure. "Don't wear your emotions on your sleeve."

Da Yuer paused, turned around, and curtsied to him. With a suppressed smile, she said, "Great Khan, I take my leave."

Though she left the Grand Politics Hall with grace, the joy in her eyes was impossible to hide. As she passed by, it seemed as if a light radiated from her. She was so beautiful and full of vitality.

People in front of the Ten Kings Pavilion couldn't help but look her way. In recent days, there had been much discussion about who among the five consorts in the harem was the most beautiful.

But shortly after Da Yuer left, Hong Taiji received several memorials. The news of Mangguji humiliating and abusing Tesina had already spread to the southern Mongol regions. Although Mangguji had been executed, the Mongols still seemed to be dissatisfied.

The Chahar Tribe had just submitted to him, and Hong Taiji was unwilling to provoke any unrest. He knew he needed to show some sincerity, especially since Nam Jung came from the Abahai Tribe, and her father Eqigenuoyan Junwang was still alive. How could he allow his daughter to suffer in the harem of the Great Jin?

"Hah..." Hong Taiji sneered, calling for Niman. He ordered, "Go to Nam Jung's quarters tonight."

Niman hesitated, "But you told Consort Lan to prepare the meal, and the kitchen is already making it."

Hong Taiji replied, "Go tell Hairanju that I won't be coming tonight, don't make her wait."

As night fell, Hairanju stood by the window, the food on the table already cold. The older palace maids had just gone to Nam Jung's quarters, probably to undress her and wrap her in blankets again. So, tonight, Hong Taiji...

"My lady, you shouldn't stand here, someone from the opposite side might see you," Baoqing said, agitated. "That Lixin is so arrogant, just looking at her makes me upset. If she sees you, she'll definitely tell her mistress."

"I just want to take a look," Hairanju replied. "A quick glance is enough."

Baoqing didn't dare to persuade her further, so she went to blow out some of the candles in the room.

They stood there for another hour before Hong Taiji slowly arrived. A dozen lanterns lit the path like fire dragons, escorting him into the side palace. Shortly after, food was delivered, bowls and dishes being sent in.

Hairanju sat back on the bed, looking at the untouched food on the table, feeling empty inside.

She had been looking forward to his visit and had even personally prepared soft and easy-to-digest meals, but now he had gone to the other side.

"My lady, you haven't eaten anything either. Should I have them send fresh food?" Baoqing asked.

"Don't make a fuss, the Great Khan will worry. Who's eating at this hour?" Hairanju replied, holding Baoqing's hand. "Don't, just bring me some hot water, I'll wash up and go to sleep."

Baoqing knelt down, saying, "Please don't be upset, these days will be long. I heard from Sumala that Nam Jung's family has a lot of power. The Great Khan probably can't treat her unfairly."

Hairanju nodded absently, not answering Baoqing. Instead, she muttered to herself, "I know, I know. I don't even understand what's happening to me. The human heart... it really can change. Who can live without desires, without demands, their whole life?"

Baoqing smiled, "Isn't it because you care about the Great Khan? That's a good thing."

Hairanju subconsciously glanced toward her sister's room. Was it the same way Yuer numbed herself every time she felt heartbroken or upset? The suffering she had imposed on her sister had now returned as retribution upon herself.