Memories in the Maple Grove

Hong Taiji could naturally see through Yuer's little thoughts. Before parting, he softly said, "I know, I know. If another Zarut shows up, you'll ignore me, won't you?"

These words filled Da Yuer with delight, leaving her floating on air the entire day. Even Sumala couldn't help but comment to Hairanju, "Older Princess, is Miss enchanted or something? Why does she keep smiling all day?"

Hairanju, though helpless against her younger sister's whims, shared in her joy. She wished for every day to be like this, as that would mean peace and contentment.

This hunting trip was planned to last five days. If not for last year's clash between Dayuer and Zarut, the trip would have been this long as well.

Before their departure, Jeje repeatedly warned Da Yuer not to cause any trouble. Da Yuer retorted, "Is that person going?"

Jeje replied coldly, "I wouldn't feel at ease leaving her behind. The doctor said she's fit to travel, so we'll bring her along."

Da Yuer discussed this matter privately with Hairanju. The latter, being soft-hearted, said, "She looks so pitiful, losing so much weight. How is it that she's gotten thinner while pregnant? If I were her, I wouldn't want to go anywhere."

Da Yuer responded, "I heard her morning sickness is severe, even after months. Pregnancy and childbirth are tough, but sister, don't pity her. Once the child is born, who knows what will happen? She's not someone easy to deal with."

Hairanju agreed, "I know. I won't concern myself with her matters; it's best if we just stay out of each other's way."

After Da Yuer left, Baoqing brought in a chest with some palace maids, preparing her mistress's belongings for the trip.

Compared to last year when Hairanju was merely a guest, everything this year was different. Now, she was Hong Taiji's cherished consort, so her outings naturally had to reflect her status. Seeing Baoqing prepare so many things, including seven or eight outfits, Hairanju just smiled and let her be.

While packing, Baoqing cheerfully reminisced about last year's festivities, laughing, "I still remember that big, fat rabbit, and I wonder if that maple grove is still there. It's hard for trees to thrive on the grasslands."

Hairanju's memories suddenly surfaced vividly before her eyes. She thought of the moment when Hong Taiji had pressed her against the tree trunk, her chest warming at the recollection, and her face involuntarily flushed.

What once had been moments of fear and uncertainty had now transformed into precious memories. She, too, wished to see if that maple grove still stood.

However, the grasslands, with their scant rainfall and poor soil, offered little nourishment for trees. Without rain from above or roots securely in the earth, few trees thrived. A year later, the maple grove had indeed disappeared.

After the main party arrived at the hunting grounds, Hairanju stood outside the tent, gazing into the distance, feeling a sense of loss.

At that moment, Hong Taiji happened to walk over. Seeing her expression, he followed her gaze. Memories from a year ago resurfaced—of Hairanju wandering into the maple grove by accident.

Why had he pressed her against the tree trunk then? Was it out of frustration that she had stumbled upon him and Zarut in an intimate moment? Was he deliberately trying to tease her?

Hong Taiji chuckled. He vividly remembered Hairanju's response to his words back then—every single word. It was because of that response that Hairanju had stayed and become his woman. No one had forced her; it had been her choice, and it proved he was someone she was willing to rely on.

Hairanju withdrew her gaze and turned to find Hong Taiji standing nearby. He gestured toward the direction of the vanished maple grove, a deep smile playing on his lips. Hairanju blushed instantly and hurried back into the tent.

That evening, bonfires lit up the hunting grounds. Hong Taiji had specially ordered fermented mare's milk sent over from Khorchin, the taste of home. Da Yuer and Qiqige couldn't resist and quietly indulged, cup after cup, until they both got tipsy.

By the time Jeje noticed and tried to stop them, it was too late. Qiqige was relatively composed, but Da Yuer was already grinning foolishly and had to be carried back to her tent.

Seeing her sister so drunk, Hairanju left the banquet to care for her. Da Yuer snuggled into her sister's arms, murmuring drunken words Hairanju couldn't understand before eventually falling asleep.

"So well-behaved," Hairanju remarked to Sumala with a smile. "Just like when she was a child."

Sumala replied, "Miss has been so happy lately. I haven't seen her like this in such a long time. Older Princess, there was a time when she didn't want to speak to you, and I was so worried. I thought you two would never make up."

Hairanju said softly, "How could that be? Even if it took a lifetime, I would have waited. Da Yuer is my sister."

After making sure Da Yuer was settled, Hairanju decided not to return to the banquet. By then, even Atu and Azhe had been brought back to sleep. She helped care for the children, bringing them back to her tent to stay the night.

As the night deepened and the banquet dispersed, the hunting grounds grew quiet. Hairanju prepared to wash up and retire early. She called for Baoqing, but no one answered outside. Instead, the tent flap was lifted, and Hong Taiji appeared at the entrance. He crooked a finger at her and said, "Come out."

Hairanju froze for a moment, glancing back at the three sleeping children. Hong Taiji gestured again, and she had no choice but to step outside. Baoqing was waiting at the door, smiling as she held out a cloak. After wrapping it snugly around Hairanju, Baoqing reassured her, "Don't worry, my lady. I'll take good care of the little princesses."

Still dazed, Hairanju let Hong Taiji take her hand and lead her away. The night was pitch dark, and she had no idea where he was taking her. A group of seven or eight attendants lit the way with lanterns. By the time she realized, they had already left the camp and gone quite a distance. Judging from the direction, it seemed to be...

When they stopped, she saw a roofless tent set up in the open. Inside, a large bed similar to those in the main camp was prepared, layered with thick animal pelts and blankets. It was clearly meant for lying down.

Hairanju's heart raced wildly, but Hong Taiji pulled her to lie down beside him.

"Great Khan..." she began.

"Shh," he hushed her, putting a finger to his lips. Then he clapped his hands twice, and the lanterns outside the tent were extinguished. Footsteps gradually receded until silence enveloped them. The guards who had accompanied them earlier now seemed to have disappeared into the shadows.

In the darkness, Hairanju couldn't even make out Hong Taiji's face. As her eyes adjusted, the sky above came into view—an endless expanse of stars, dazzling and dreamlike. The Milky Way stretched across the heavens, illuminating her heart.

Leaning against the man she loved, she felt no regrets, even if the maple grove no longer stood.

"Great Khan, look at the North Star," she whispered after a long silence, pointing to the brightest star in the northern sky. "When I was a child, my father told me that if you get lost on the grasslands, you can find your way by following it at night."

Hong Taiji replied, "So you knew? I thought you didn't. Since there's no moonlight tonight, I wanted to bring you to see the stars."

Hairanju murmured softly, "I only don't know how to read Han characters. Of course I know these things."

Hong Taiji wrapped his arm around her. "As for the maple grove here, it didn't wither. The trees were replanted elsewhere."

Hearing this, Hairanju felt a surge of comfort in her heart. "Really?"

Hong Taiji nodded. "If you want to see it, we'll go in a few days."

Hairanju's heart swelled with joy. "It's enough to know they're still alive. I don't need to see them."

Hong Taiji said gently, "Trees may wither one day, but look at the North Star—it will always shine in the sky. How about we come here every year to stargaze together?"

"As long as I'm with you, whether it's the maple grove or the stars, it doesn't matter," Hairanju replied tenderly. "Anything is wonderful as long as I'm by your side."

Hong Taiji chuckled, half-teasing, "You're giving me an easy way out because you know I might not be able to keep that promise, aren't you?"

It was true. Hong Taiji was incredibly busy, and it was unlikely he could find time every year for stargazing.

Da Yuer had once mentioned that the Great Khan was rarely home for more than a few days a year. But since Hairanju had been with him, they'd spent nearly an entire year together. Was it because her luck was better than Yuer's?

"Ah…" Lost in thought, Hairanju suddenly felt a hot hand slide beneath her robe, gently caressing her slender waist. She tensed, startled, and stammered, "No, Great Khan, please… not here. There's no roof, and I—"

But Hong Taiji wasn't one to relent so easily. He turned and pressed her beneath him, kissing her tender lips before asking, "No? Why not?"

Hairanju, trembling like a frightened rabbit, managed to stutter, "Because… not here…"

Yet Hong Taiji pulled her undergarments away in one swift motion. Startled, Hairanju let out a small cry, but the thought of the guards nearby made her clasp her hands over her mouth in panic.

There was no escape. The late autumn grasslands were bitterly cold at night, and her skin shivered at the thought of being exposed to the frigid air without her husband's embrace. Though wrapped in animal pelts and shielded by the tent, the shame welling up inside her made her both terrified and oddly exhilarated.

When they had both indulged in each other's warmth and passion, Hong Taiji carried her back to the camp, wrapped securely in animal pelts. Once inside the main tent, the sight of her soft and delicate figure rekindled his affection, making him yearn for her all over again, leaving her dazed and entranced.

That night's events remained a secret. Hong Taiji's impromptu act of intimacy was meant to console her momentary sorrow. By dawn, the Eight Banners soldiers were already preparing for the hunt, none paying attention to who had spent the night beside Hong Taiji.

As for Da Yuer, she was still sound asleep, nursing a hangover. The main party had long departed when she groggily sat up on her bed, clutching her pounding head and urgently asking for water.

Hairanju came to tend to her sister. "Why didn't you go hunting, Sister?" Da Yuer asked, rubbing her temples.

"I was waiting for you," Hairanju replied with a gentle smile. "If we had left without you, you'd be upset later, wouldn't you?"

When Da Yuer arrived at the hunting grounds in her riding attire, the men had already gone ahead. Only the women remained under the tents, chatting. She twirled her riding crop confidently as she approached Jeje and said with a bright smile, "Aunt, I'm off now. Sister said you agreed."

Jeje, in a good mood, instructed her, "I'd like a fox fur scarf—bring one back for me. But be careful and take care of your sister."

Da Yuer noticed Qiqige sitting nearby and sneered, "You're not going? You don't like riding horses—are you even Mongolian anymore?"

Qiqige ignored her. With so many women around, she didn't want to bicker with Yuer. Instead, she held little Dong'e in her arms and said calmly, "The child can't be without me. You go ahead and bring back a rabbit for our Dong'e."