Poisoning You and Sister-in-law

After Sumala finished tidying the Great Khan's bedding, Da Yuer took another careful look around. She instructed the attendants to bring out a tea warmer, ensuring that Hong Taiji would always have tea that was warm but not scalding. After a series of such meticulous instructions, she finally left with Sumala.

Da Yuer walked along, her face glowing with joy. Her entire demeanour radiated happiness. Sumala, taking small steps to keep up, couldn't help but ask, "Miss, what's making you so happy?"

Da Yuer gave her a mysterious glance and replied, "I'll tell you later. I think I can stay this happy until the New Year."

Sumala pouted. "Miss, you're so stingy, not even telling your servant."

Da Yuer's brows arched with delight as she teased, "It's because it's too precious. Let me enjoy it myself for a little while longer, and then I'll share it with you."

For Da Yuer, her delight was not only due to her admiration for Wu Zetian and her fondness for the character "Chen," but more so because Hong Taiji had remembered her preferences. Being seen through completely might not always feel comfortable, but she enjoyed it when it came from her man.

That day, Hong Taiji had remarked that titles like "Gui" and "De" were too bland. However, his aunt had insisted on something dignified and traditional, avoiding excessive ostentation. Hong Taiji hadn't argued then.

"Ah!" Da Yuer suddenly stopped mid-step, exclaiming aloud.

"What now?" Sumala asked, her curiosity piqued, eager to uncover the source of her mistress's cheerfulness.

Da Yuer grinned mischievously but kept her lips sealed, continuing forward with a playful air.

What she regretted was that, in her excitement earlier, she had only noticed the character "Chen" and hadn't paid attention to the other names or titles. Perhaps Hong Taiji had also chosen an excellent title for her sister, as well as names for their respective palaces.

She recalled what Sonin had mentioned: the naming of consort palaces could not be arbitrary. They must align with cosmic harmony, follow celestial and terrestrial principles, and ensure auspiciousness and propriety.

With a serious air, Da Yuer pondered what name her own palace should take. If she proposed a name herself, would Hong Taiji approve?

"Miss, please tell me! I won't be able to sleep tonight if you don't," Sumala pleaded persistently.

"Well, then just stay awake…" Da Yuer replied resolutely, unmoved by her maid's persistence.

They returned in high spirits, visiting her aunt and sister along the way. Everyone noticed Da Yuer's radiant cheerfulness. Even Hairanju asked Sumala, "What's made Yuer so happy?"

Sumala, being a discreet and loyal maid, refrained from mentioning the visit to Fenghuang Tower. Instead, she shook her head and replied, "I don't know, my lady. The mistress has been acting mysteriously and won't tell me."

Hairanju chuckled, "As long as she's happy, that's what matters. Seeing her so spirited lifts my own mood."

That evening, though Hong Taiji stayed with Hairanju, the following morning at breakfast in the Qingning Palace, Da Yuer sat beside him, brimming with joy. Her gaze lingered on him, making her delight impossible to miss. Even Hong Taiji couldn't help but laugh and tease her, "What's gotten into you? Have you gone mad?"

Jeje, observing from the side, remarked, "Who knows what's come over her? She seemed to be growing more composed these past few days, yet overnight, she's back to her old self."

Da Yuer remained unbothered. No matter what anyone said, she was impervious to criticism in her current mood.

After breakfast, Hong Taiji went off to court while Yuer, still smiling to herself, took Yatu with her to the study.

Jeje stood at the door, watching her leave, muttering to herself, wondering why she was so happy. Adai, standing beside her, reminded her: "Could it be that Consort Yu hasn't menstruated this month, and she's thinking she might be pregnant but doesn't dare to say it?"

Jeje's heart skipped a beat. She quickly called for a maid from Yuer's room, but was still disappointed by the result.

Jeje sighed and said, "Never mind, it's been a long time since I've seen her this happy. If she's happy, let her be. It's always a good thing."

On that day's morning assembly, another minister petitioned Hong Taiji to claim the title of emperor, but Hong Taiji once again politely declined. The discussions in the court revolved around the construction of a munitions factory and this year's autumn harvest. After the assembly, the ministers left, and groups of them gathered together, discussing why Hong Taiji had not declared himself emperor yet.

Dorgon and Dodo stayed behind, seemingly to talk about matters concerning Joseon. Hooge, who had not been invited to stay, felt that his father favoured Dorgon more and harboured dissatisfaction in his heart.

Yoto followed behind him and smiled: "First Prince, how is the new consort?"

Hooge sneered, "She's too young, doesn't understand anything. Every time I touch her, she starts crying. It's really boring."

Yoto said, "But Tesina is truly a rare beauty, women from the Chahar tribe know how to please people. The Princess Taisong almost made my father's waist go out of place the other day."

The two laughed, and then they mentioned the woman in the palace, Nam Jung. Yoto said, "She was so flamboyant when she came, but now she's just an honest person. We haven't seen much activity from her in the palace. She's not as clever as the previous Zarut."

Hooge thought about the words Tasina had sent him yesterday and became filled with resentment: "That woman is very shrewd, she must understand. Why compete with Bumubutai and those cheap women for attention? The key is to get pregnant first, have a little prince, and her future will be assured."

Yoto coldly responded, "If she really has a son, we won't be able to make use of her. First Prince, you should carry yourself with some dignity, don't let her look down on you."

Hooge looked dismissively and said, "I don't care about this bit of face. If I can use her, I'll use her first. She might not have a son. If she has a useless child, then she'll have to come to beg me. But I won't make things difficult for her. Everything will be settled later. That woman is quite a refined one. After I've had my fill, I'll let you have a taste too."

Yoto laughed heartily, and together with Hooge, they swaggered away from the crowd.

In the Grand Politics Hall, Hong Taiji was discussing how to deal with Joseon with his brothers, Dorgon and Dodo.

Dorgon had recently made a trip to Joseon for a secret inspection and discovered that King Yi Jong of Joseon was not completely loyal to the Great Jin. He seemed to be trying to maintain a neutral stance, waiting to make decisions based on future developments.

The goal of Hong Taiji was to completely isolate the Ming Dynasty, so that the armies of the Jin Empire could march without worries. Joseon, with its agile thinking, had always been a hidden danger. It must be completely subdued.

Dodo, full of passion, said, "Great Khan, let me lead the troops to crush them."

Hong Taiji waved his hand and said, "Didn't your brother tell you? They're not recovered yet, they're terribly poor. We can give them another year or so to rebuild. Once their crops are growing well and their livestock fattened up, we can just take everything. They'll deliver grain and supplies to us for free. Isn't that great? Then, we can force Yi Jong into a corner and make them stay quietly in their corner without any foolish thoughts."

Dorgon cupped his hands and said, "I was resentful before when the Great Khan didn't let me lead the army. But after this trip, I now understand your intent. We don't need to rush to attack Joseon, but after we finish with them, we should officially deal with the Ming Dynasty."

Hong Taiji said, "Exactly, our ultimate goal is still the Ming Dynasty."

Dodo, somewhat dissatisfied, sneered, "It looks like the Fourteenth Brother's trip to Joseon was very fruitful."

Hong Taiji smiled mockingly, "He even got a daughter."

Dorgon blushed, glared at his younger brother, and soon the two of them withdrew. As they walked outside the palace, Dodo muttered, "Hong Taiji is truly far-sighted. Even while staying in the women's quarters in Shengjing, he can predict Joseon's current situation?"

Dorgon said, "His spies are everywhere in the world. What do you think helped him become the Great Khan?"

Dodo paused, his expression becoming serious as he said, "Brother, you can have children with the woman outside, so why can't you have children with your wives? Could it be that your residence is full of spies for Hong Taiji, and they've been poisoning you and your wives?"

Dorgon didn't dare take this lightly, but he had checked thoroughly countless times and found nothing unusual in the house. He sighed and said, "Don't bring it up again. Your sister-in-law will get upset."

As the autumn wind grew colder, Hong Taiji, having not led an army for a year, felt uncomfortable and wanted to get out and stretch his limbs before the heavy snow arrived. During breakfast that day, he mentioned to Jeje that he wanted to go hunting. Before he could finish speaking, someone nearby's eyes lit up.

Jeje smiled lazily, "Anyone can go, but not you. The trouble you caused last year is still being talked about outside. If you cause any more, I might die of anger because of you."

Da Yuer innocently looked at her aunt and asked, "I didn't hear anyone say that. Who's been saying that?"

After breakfast, Hong Taiji rushed off to court. As he passed Fenghuang Tower, Da Yuer suddenly ran up behind him, with a sweet smile on her face, holding a small pair of scissors. She stood on tiptoe and began to untangle the tassels on his hat.

Nowadays, only his own woman, holding a sharp instrument in front of him, would Hong Taiji remain completely unperturbed: "You're quite observant."

Da Yuer happily replied, "Of course, I keep everything about you in my heart."

Hong Taiji smiled, "Go back now. The weather's getting cooler these days. Go sit in the study and remember to add more clothes."

Da Yuer nodded and obediently asked, "Are you going to take me hunting?"

Hong Taiji smiled, "If you promise not to hit anyone again, I'll take you."

Da Yuer pressed her lips together, then hesitated and said, "Then you also promise not to..." She didn't dare finish her sentence. She turned and instructed Niman, "Hurry, send the Great Khan to court."