Location of the North Star

A single word, "death," turned Tesina's face pale. She kept her head down, not daring to meet Nam Jung's eyes. After a long silence, Nam Jung dismissed her, and only then did she feel as if granted a reprieve.

However, every move Tesina made was under Jeje's watchful gaze. Before long, Adai came to report to Jeje, saying, "Tesina left the palace with her head bowed, looking troubled."

Adai sighed and added, "To be honest, the First Prince doesn't even bother hiding it anymore, constantly sending her to win over Nam Jung. Does he really think we're blind? He is acting this way without fear of angering the Great Khan?"

"Hooge is no longer a young man. He wields military power and knows his father won't deal with him easily," Jeje said gravely. "And now, he's merely showing favour to someone in the harem. As long as there's no concrete evidence or explicit disobedience, what crime can we pin on him? Even the Great Khan can do nothing but watch. Hooge made his choice, and he has no scruples left. Naturally, he set aside father-son affection, and the Great Khan has long done the same."

Adai gave a bitter smile. "I suppose the one most hoping Nam Jung gives birth to a daughter now is the First Prince."

Jeje sighed softly. "Even if she gave birth to a dragon, it wouldn't matter to me. What's crucial is when Yuer will give the Great Khan a son. That foolish girl relies on the Great Khan's favour and refuses to take her medicine. She's not afraid of cutting off our Khorchin's path forward."

In the side palace, Hairanju Atu and Azhe were playing with little Dong'e. In no time, Azhe had learned to walk. Though her speech was still fragmented, she occasionally pronounced words clearly, making her utterly endearing.

At that moment, she was pointing at the baby in the swaddling clothes, sucking her fingers, and joyfully mumbling, "Sister, sister…"

Hairanju guided her on how to say the words properly, and the little girl's eyes narrowed with delight.

Nearby, two of Dorgon's concubines trailed quietly behind, likely offering flattering remarks. "The little princess looks quite a bit like Consort Lan."

Hairanju smiled and replied, "Perhaps it's because Yuer and I resemble each other somewhat—we are, after all, sisters." She gently tapped Dong'e's cheek and added with a laugh, "To me, this child looks like Qiqige. It's as if she were her own."

The concubines timidly cautioned her, "Consort Lan, our mistress dislikes hearing such things. None of us in the household dare to mention it."

"Is that so?" Hairanju silently noted their words. She had spoken out of goodwill, but it seemed Qiqige still cared deeply about the origins of the child.

"Even saying she resembles his lordship is off-limits," they added cautiously, pleading, "Consort Lan, please don't let anyone know we said so."

"I understand. It's best if I forget it altogether," Hairanju promised gently. She then asked Baoqing to bring some snacks and turned the conversation to lighter household matters.

Meanwhile, Da Yuer had met with Qiqige. At the same time, Sonin arrived to pay his respects to the Fourteenth Consort.

"The last time we met was at the First Prince's residence, wasn't it? Have you recently had a new addition to your family, Lord Sonin?" Qiqige inquired graciously.

Sonin bowed and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Fourteenth Consort. My concubine gave birth to a daughter just the other day."

Da Yuer was surprised. "Why didn't you mention this earlier? Honestly, keeping you tied up here has kept you from caring for your wife and child."

Sonin replied respectfully, "My lady, I would not dare. The household has wet nurses and maids, and everything is well."

Da Yuer smiled. "For them, you, as a husband and father, are the most important. Go back. There's no need for today's lessons. Consider this my order: return and see your child."

As she spoke, Da Yuer instructed Sumala to return to the inner palace and bring some gifts for Sonin. Having followed Da Yuer for a few days, Sonin was already familiar with her temperament. After a token refusal, he accepted her order and left.

"I must be distracting you from your studies," Qiqige remarked deliberately. "It's becoming increasingly difficult to see Consort Yu."

Da Yuer rolled her eyes at her. "If I hadn't sent you a book last night, you wouldn't have thought to come and thank me, would you? Hurry up and bow in gratitude!"

Qiqige reached out to pinch her cheek. "You cheeky thing, no respect at all. I'm still your elder sister."

Da Yuer burst out laughing. "Well, I'm still your elder sister-in-law!"

The two teased each other until Sumala returned, reporting the items given to Sonin. Da Yuer, who had always been indifferent to gold and silver, sent Sumala to the kitchen to fetch some warm snacks.

Qiqige remarked, "Sonin is rushing home to see his concubine and child. What do you think his wife will feel about that?"

Da Yuer was puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Qiqige laughed and explained, "His wife might feel jealous. She's given him children, yet he doesn't show her the same affection. If she sees him so attentive to the concubine..."

Da Yuer dismissed the concern. "It's difficult to be in anyone's shoes."

"Exactly," Qiqige agreed. "If you think about it, concubines are also in a difficult position. And really, so are the Great Khan and Dorgon. They must think we're terribly unkind."

Da Yuer muttered for a moment and then said, "It's the men's fault. If they didn't keep marrying one after another, wouldn't the world be more peaceful? Why is it that women can only marry one man, but men can marry so many women?"

Qiqige laughed. "What, are you planning to turn the world upside down and marry multiple men? If the Great Khan doesn't chop you into pieces, Aunt will break your legs."

Da Yuer scoffed. "I just think it would be fairer if men could only marry one woman."

Qiqige replied, "If that day ever comes, you won't be here anymore—only Aunt will."

The two exchanged a glance, and Da Yuer fell silent. She couldn't imagine herself marrying anyone other than Hong Taiji. In her eyes, no other man was worthy of her.

"That's why…" Qiqige said with a bitter smile. "It's fate. Let's not make things harder for ourselves. It's better to let things go."

Da Yuer gave her a sideways look. "You're saying this to yourself, aren't you?"

Qiqige's eyes reddened slightly. "I'm so useless. Dong'e is just too adorable. Every day, I go back and forth—one moment I love her so much it hurts, and the next, I hate her mother with all my heart. Yuer, I feel like I'm losing my mind."

"Fool." Da Yuer sat down beside Qiqige, patting her gently. "If you feel like you're going crazy, come and talk to me. I'll help you through it. Don't let yourself suffer. You're the second-best woman in the world. Dorgon won't let you down."

Qiqige laughed through her tears. "Why second-best?"

Da Yuer gave her a sly smile. "Because I'm the best."

Qiqige was both amused and exasperated, but it was only with Da Yuer that she could share these thoughts and let her guard down. She softened and said, "Don't tease me. I'm still feeling upset."

Yet, as Da Yuer hugged her, she felt a dull ache in her chest, as if she could barely breathe. How could she joke so lightly? How could she so easily forget what she had done to Qiqige?

Just consider it compensation, she thought, as she leaned against her cousin. She resolved to spend the rest of her life caring for Qiqige.

After sharing this moment of closeness, they turned to discussing lessons. Qiqige watched Da Yuer, marvelling at how she had grown from someone who knew nothing and relied entirely on her for guidance, to someone who could now eloquently discuss ancient and modern history.

Her vision had broadened, her spirit had lightened, and her entire demeanour had transformed into one of confident radiance. To Qiqige, it seemed as though Da Yuer shone with an inner light.

"I want Dong'e to study too," Qiqige said. "A girl should learn to read."

Later, they returned to the inner palace to visit Dong'e in Hairanju's quarters.

Seeing that Dorgon's concubines had rarely been to the palace, Da Yuer instructed Sumala to give them several gifts. By sunset, she sent everyone on their way.

After sending off Qiqige, Da Yuer passed by the Fenghuang Tower on her way back. A sudden cold wind blew through, a reminder that Shenyang's winters always came abruptly. Although it was still autumn, it could easily turn to winter overnight.

"Have the bedding in the Great Khan's chambers been changed yet?" Da Yuer asked the palace attendants. They, not being responsible for those quarters, could not provide an answer. Growing impatient, Da Yuer decided to check for herself.

Hong Taiji often worked late into the night and would not return to the inner palace. This part of the residence was left entirely to the palace attendants' care. Today, it occurred to her to oversee the arrangements herself; naturally, there was no need to consult her aunt about it.

Upon entering the room, she saw that the bedding on the bed was indeed too thin. She ordered Sumala to add more quilts and cushions. Glancing at the desk, which was in disarray, Da Yuer began tidying it up without a second thought.

Da Yuer dared not disturb Hong Taiji's belongings too much. She merely stacked some books neatly, but as she moved a few aside, a sheet of paper underneath caught her attention. The paper bore elegant words such as "Gui" and "De." Upon closer inspection, Da Yuer realized it must be related to the consort titles that had been mentioned recently.

Curious, she shifted a few more items and saw some notes Hong Taiji had jotted down. She immediately recognized his handwriting. On the right side of the paper, a single character stood out: "Chen".

Da Yuer's heart leaped. She recalled that before Wu Zetian became Empress, she had asked Emperor Gaozong to confer upon her the title of Chenfei.

The character "Chen", referring to the North Star, symbolized imperial authority and was often associated with the emperor. Though technically a consort title, Chenfei implied a status above even that of noble consorts, perhaps even equal to the empress herself. While Wu Zetian's request was ultimately opposed by ministers, the story persisted and was remembered for centuries.

"What are you looking at, Miss? You mustn't touch the Great Khan's belongings," Sumala reminded her, even she was aware of this strict rule.

"Nothing." Da Yuer quickly replied, placing the items back as they were. Yet, she couldn't hide the joyful smile spreading across her face.

These past days, she had been pestering Hong Taiji with stories of Wu Zetian, whom she deeply admired. While he often complained about her chatter, it seemed he had been listening. Could it be that he intended to give her this title as a sign of his acknowledgment? The thought filled her with exhilaration.