Kill Da Yuer for You

The Jisi Incident was the largest military operation Hong Taiji launched against the Ming Dynasty since becoming the Great Khan. At one point, the Jin forces reached the outskirts of Beijing, forcing the Ming court to enforce strict defensive measures around the capital.

However, as the dominant power in the Central Plains, the Ming Dynasty's fortifications proved impenetrable, and despite avoiding defeat, Hong Taiji found the outcome deeply regrettable.

After this campaign, Hong Taiji shifted his focus to conquering Mongolia and aligning with Tibet. In recent years, he had also been contending with Joseon, progressively isolating the Ming Dynasty. Meanwhile, he had invested in casting red-barrel cannons, strengthening his army, and promoting agriculture. Years of these efforts had turned the Jin state into an even stronger force than it had been under Nurhaci.

A few days later, Sonin officially began teaching Consort Yu in the study, recounting that significant campaign. Back then, Da Yuer had been in Shengjing with her aunt, praying daily for Hong Taiji's safety. She had only known of a major battle, unaware of its gravity. Hearing later that Hooge had almost lost his life, she had been deeply shaken.

Now, for the first time, she could truly "experience" the campaign. Every word from Sonin struck her heart with awe.

"The Ningjin Line was solid and difficult to breach. At the time, the Great Khan used Mongols as guides to break through the Great Wall and threaten Beijing," Sonin explained. "Unfortunately, Yuan Chonghuan's reinforcements blunted our momentum. If we had managed to capture Beijing then, today I would be recounting this war to you, my lady, from within the Forbidden City itself."

"That day will come," Da Yuer said proudly. "I believe that one day, I will sit in the Forbidden City's study and hear you lecture again."

Sonin smiled and said, "It would be my honour."

They talked at length, unaware of the sunset. When the time for the palace dinner arrived, Hairanju brought the children to the Qingning Palace, where Jeje inquired, "Where is Yuer?"

Yatu replied, "Mother is still in the study. Sumala said she didn't dare disturb her."

Jeje frowned slightly. "What is she so engrossed in listening to? Recently, I heard from a few Beiles' consorts that people outside are gossiping about Yuer attending the study, saying it's unseemly for a woman to study or learn politics. I was thinking it might be excessive and intended to discuss it with the Great Khan, asking him to discourage her. But before I could say anything, the Great Khan had already assigned Sonin to the study. He really doesn't mind stirring things up."

"Aunt, is that Sonin a very remarkable minister?" Hairanju asked.

That night, she had discussed with Huang Taiji that from now on, whenever she didn't understand something, she would ask. The Han people say, "It is not shameful to ask," so there was no need to be embarrassed, especially since they were the closest people to her.

Jeje answered, "A few years ago, during the great battle between the Great Khan and the Ming Dynasty, Hooge was surrounded and nearly lost his life. It was Sony who rescued him single-handedly, earning great merit. His ancestors have served the previous Khans, though they were all scholars. Now, his uncle works in the Translation Bureau, and as for Sonin, he's become a rare talent, both literary and martial."

After speaking, she turned to Adai and instructed, "Go find Yuer and bring her back. She can skip meals, but Sony's family is waiting for him to return for dinner."

Adai accepted the command and left with a young maid. On the way, they met the kitchen staff bringing food to the side palace, so she stopped to ask a few questions. When Lixin emerged, Adai ordered, "Make sure to serve Side Consort well and don't let anything go wrong."

Lixin, who had once been a top servant in Chahar, resented being commanded by Adai. She forced a smile and answered, but when Adai turned to leave, Lixin spat on the ground in her direction.

The food was delivered to the side palace. Nam Jung, who had been suffering severe pregnancy nausea, hardly had any appetite. She ate a bowl of porridge and a few bites of vegetables before giving the rest to Lixin.

Leaning back against the kang, she said, "When I was pregnant with Abunai, I never felt like this. Could they have poisoned my food?"

Lixin responded, "But I've eaten everything you've eaten, and I'm fine."

Nam Jung irritably said, "You're not the one carrying the child."

Lixin dared not speak further and quietly began tidying up the table. Nam Jung then asked, "Who were you talking to outside just now?"

Lixin replied cautiously, "It was Adai. She seemed to be heading to find Bumubutai. That woman has been so engrossed in studying lately that she's even skipping meals. I also heard that the teachers are all young men. Doesn't she mind?"

"Ridiculous!" Nam Jung snapped, "There are so many maids in the study, and it's right next to Chongzheng Hall. What could happen?"

She was annoyed at Lixin's stupidity and reminded her, "You'd better keep your mouth shut outside, or you'll embarrass me."

"Yes," Lixin muttered, still dissatisfied. After a pause, she added, "Tomorrow, Tesina is coming to pay her respects. She'll probably have some message from the first prince again. You've been ignoring her lately. Don't you think that might anger him? I've heard he has quite a temper."

Nam Jung closed her eyes wearily, saying, "I have my own plans."

But at this moment, Hong Taiji encountered Adai on his way. Upon learning that she was going to find Yuer, he realized that the girl was still in the study at this late hour.

When he arrived, he saw Sonin drawing the outline of the Ming Dynasty's territory on a large sheet of paper by hand, explaining to Yuer the route of the army's attack in the past.

Upon seeing Hong Taiji, both of them greeted him, and he scolded, "Why are you teaching her this? Does she even understand?"

Yuer candidly replied, "I don't understand, but I really want to listen."

Hong Taiji shook his head. "Listen tomorrow. The palace gates will be locked soon. Don't forget the palace rules."

It was then that Yuer realized it had already turned dark outside. With autumn setting in, the sun set earlier, and as night fell, it became hard to tell the time. She also noticed that she was feeling quite hungry.

When the palace maids came to deliver tea, Hong Taiji handed a cup to Sonin and said, "You must be thirsty."

Sonin was startled, Yuer took it from Hong Taiji to pass it to him. "You should drink it, then you can leave."

"Yes..." Sonin nervously took the tea.

Hong Taiji then reached out to hold Yuer's hand, and they both left Sonin behind as they walked away.

Sonin let out a deep breath, feeling parched, and drank an entire bowl of tea in one go. Looking at the Great Khan and Consort Yu leaving, he thought about what Consort Yu had said—that one day she would be in the study at the Forbidden City listening to him teach again. His heart swelled with a sense of pride.

Meanwhile, as Yuer followed Hong Taiji back to the inner palace, she chattered on about everything she had heard that day. Hong Taiji was rather annoyed. "What are you saying? I'm the one who led the troops, and now you need to teach me?"

Yuer retorted, "But you only led your own troops. Did you see how Sonin broke through the encirclement?"

Hong Taiji asked in return, "Did you see it?"

Yuer froze for a moment. She knew she couldn't argue with her husband. Though she was still upset, she felt happy inside. "I was so happy last night that I couldn't even sleep. All those years you weren't home, I often wondered what you were like out there. Now, after hearing Sony talk, it feels like I've learned so much."

Hong Taiji said, "It's rare that you're happy. If it makes you happy, then that's good."

Yuer gently shook his hand. "Actually, what I like most is that you know I like it."

She wanted to spend more time alone with Hong Taiji. Although she was hungry, she didn't rush back to Qingning Palace to have dinner with her aunt and sisters. After leaving Chongzheng Hall, they circled around the east road before returning to the Fenghuang Tower. Although Hong Taiji was somewhat annoyed with her, he still patiently listened to her, and it gave him a chance to stretch his muscles and get some fresh air.

The palace attendants, holding lanterns, kept a distance, following them quietly. Their figures could be seen from quite a distance.

At that moment, Dorgon and Dodo were about to leave when they saw the scene. Dodo sneered, "Hong Taiji is living in comfort, enjoying the best of both worlds, with two beauties from the Khorchin, holding one in each arm."

Dorgon couldn't stand such sights. He was driven mad with jealousy, but every time he thought about how Yuer was happy, he felt more at ease.

He was about to leave with his younger brother but heard Dodo say, "Hong Taiji really values this Bumubutai. She's already been rumoured to have close relations with you, but he hasn't rejected her."

"Don't mention that again." Dorgon said, his voice full of anger.

"Brother, if there's any trouble later, I'll kill Da Yuer for you. That woman is a disaster." Dodo said, his gaze fierce as he mimed a killing motion.

"Shut up!" Dorgon instantly lost control and lowered his voice to scold his brother, "I warn you, don't mess around."

Dodo, confused, blurted out, "Brother, don't tell me you really have something with Bumubutai…"

Dorgon grabbed Dodo by the collar and hissed, "Say another word and I won't go easy on you."

Dodo, both angry and frightened, pushed his older brother away, saying, "No need to get mad, I was just saying! I won't say it again. Let's go!"

Watching his younger brother leave in a huff, Dorgon finally calmed down a little. Fearing that Dodo might be thinking the wrong things, he quickly followed him to give him a proper warning.

Dorgon went directly to the Fifteenth Beile's mansion and sent a message home, saying that he wouldn't be dining there tonight. In fact, Qiqige had been too busy to take care of him lately. She hadn't gotten tired of the novelty of taking care of the child yet, and Dong'e, growing cuter by the day, was learning to crawl. Her little bottom would wiggle as she crawled toward Qiqige, who was being treated like her real mother.

The concubines also loved Dong'e and often helped take care of her. Qiqige, who used to avoid talking to them, had now found that life at home wasn't as dull as she once thought.

A servant came with a message saying that Dorgon would be home late, and just then, someone from the palace arrived.

It was so late that Qiqige was a little anxious, but to her surprise, it was a messenger sent by Yuer with two newly translated books, with instructions to convey her message exactly: "In the past, you always gave me books. Now, I'm giving you some. Don't kneel and thank me; it's unnecessary."

The messenger delivered the message and then knelt in fear. Qiqige was both angry and amused, "She's really too bold."

After the palace messenger left, Qiqige turned to the concubines and said, "Tomorrow, come with me to the palace. The last time you went was when Mother was still around, right?"

The two women, trembling, replied that it was indeed true. Since they were chosen by Consort Abahai to serve Dorgon, they hadn't been back to the palace, thinking they would never get the chance again. To their surprise, the Consort had suddenly shown them mercy.

The next day, with clear skies before noon, Qiqige, accompanied by Dong'e and the concubines, entered the palace. The Fourteenth Consort frequently came and went through the palace gates, so the palace servants were always respectful. Today, it was new for them to see her with the concubines, making it an interesting sight.

Coincidentally, Tasina, following a command from Hooge, had come to "visit" Nam Jung and crossed paths with Qiqige's group. She quickly called out, "Aunt."

Qiqige had long been used to older women calling her "Aunt," and responded warmly, "In the future, if you have time, come to our residence and sit with us. The family should be more close-knit."

Tasina, with her gentle nature, simply nodded and replied in agreement.

While chatting, Qiqige casually mentioned Nam Jung and said, "I heard that the side consort has been suffering from severe morning sickness. I was thinking of sending her some sour dates, but I'm not sure if she'll like them."

Tasina responded, "I've heard that too. They say she couldn't even eat properly. But when she was pregnant with Abunai, it wasn't like this—she was full of energy throughout the whole pregnancy."

Qiqige quietly noted this down in her mind. Afterward, they went to Qingning Palace to pay their respects. Tasina then excused herself to visit Nam Jung, and Qiqige stayed with Jeje, telling her aunt and Hairanju what Tasina had mentioned.

Hairanju said, "When I was pregnant with my son and daughter, the symptoms were different. It looks like she's carrying a daughter this time."

Jeje, ever cautious, responded, "Let's keep this to ourselves. She must be hoping for a son right now. There's no need to pour cold water on her hopes."

Qiqige said, "If she really has a son, it would be remarkable. Aunt, please be careful."

Jeje nodded silently, but in her heart, she understood. If Nam Jung were to give birth to a son next year, it would be the first prince born after Hong Taiji ascended the throne. Everyone would remember him.

Qiqige didn't stay long and headed to the study, intending to give Da Yuer a good lecture for her arrogance the night before.

However, as she stepped outside, she suddenly heard a loud banging noise from the side palace. Fearing that she might be watched, she pretended as if nothing was wrong and left. Sure enough, Nam Jung was very alert and was now regretting her earlier outburst.

Tasina was trembling with fear and timidly explained, "These are Hooge's exact words, not mine. Please don't be angry."

Nam Jung sneered coldly, saying, "You should know Hooge's temper. When you go back, don't mention my exact words to him."

Tasina quickly responded, "Yes, yes, I know how to handle it."

Nam Jung's mood slightly calmed, but her gaze was sharp as she fixed Tasina with a piercing look. "Everything will be discussed after I give birth to this child. Tell him to be more at ease and not to act too openly. His father doesn't want to see his son wishing for his death."