We Can Have Children If You Want

Nam Jung's spirits had been much better these days compared to autumn. The child in her womb was growing larger and more active, and several doctors who had checked her pulse all claimed it was a boy.

Hearing Lixn's remark, Nam Jung couldn't help but sneer, "Wukeshan must deeply regret it. He originally intended to send a beauty to win the Great Khan's favour, but instead, she's taken both his heart and his attention. Now Bumubutai can only get her turn every few days. If it were me, my heart would have gone cold—how could I even think about having children?"

Lixin added, "That so-called concubine? I can't even match a face to her name. Ever since winter began, all sorts of women have been coming and going from the Fenghuang Tower. It seems the Great Khan is in a hurry to have sons."

Nam Jung gently stroked her belly and said, "They're not worthy. Only I can give birth. Only I am capable of bearing him a son. And only my son will be…"

Before she could finish her words, the baby in her belly kicked strongly. Nam Jung caressed her abdomen with satisfaction and said, "Good boy, grow strong and healthy like your brother Abunai. You're luckier than he is, and I'll ensure you have an even better future."

Two days later, Hong Taiji returned to the palace and went with Jeje to visit Lady Nara. Jeje had already arranged for palace servants to take meticulous care of her, and everything seemed well in order.

After leaving Lady Nara's residence, Hong Taiji inquired about the happenings in the palace over the past few days and asked about Hairanju and Da Yuer. Jeje replied that Da Yuer had been in the study daily, delighted with Fan Wencheng's return. However, since the day she was scolded for not dressing warmly, she had been sulking and hadn't gone to the Qinging Palace to pay respects for several days.

"She's got quite the temper," Hong Taiji said with a mix of affection and irritation. "You should've made her stand in the snow for four hours. That would've taught her."

Jeje laughed, "Would the Great Khan have allowed that? You'd blame me in the end."

"How could I blame you?" Hong Taiji chuckled.

He glanced around and said, "You may return. I'll stop by the study and also check on Yebusu and Sose."

Jeje nodded, reminding him not to scare the two boys. Hong Taiji sighed lightly, "They haven't been improving, but it's my fault—I've had no time to educate them properly."

Upon reaching the study, he learned that Yebusu and Sose were out practicing horseback riding and archery. Relieved, he changed course and headed for Da Yuer's quarters. The number of little princesses studying had dwindled, leaving only Sumala constantly by Da Yuer's side.

Fan Wencheng was the first to notice the Great Khan's arrival and quickly stood to bow.

"What interesting stories are you telling?" Hong Taiji asked as he entered. "Let me hear as well."

"Great Khan, I wouldn't dare," Fan Wencheng said nervously.

"Come and sit, Great Khan!" Da Yuer cheerfully fetched a cushion and placed it beside her, inviting him to sit down with a beaming smile. "The teacher is telling me about Chiyou!"

Hong Taiji frowned and asked Fan Wencheng, "Why are you always telling her about war and killing?"

Da Yuer laughed, "Well, the teacher can't exactly tell me romantic tales like Qiqige does about star-crossed lovers."

Though Hong Taiji pretended to be displeased, he sat down regardless. As Sumala served tea, they listened as if enjoying a story session, unknowingly spending over two hours.

It wasn't until Niman came to summon the Great Khan for a meeting with officials that Hong Taiji reluctantly rose, stretched his limbs, and prepared to leave.

Da Yuer saw him to the door. Hong Taiji allowed her to help him put on his winter cloak before he said leisurely, "Have you gained some nerves? Are you still upset with Jeje?"

"No..." Da Yuer pouted, feeling a bit sulky. "Aunt is always tattling."

Seeing Hong Taiji's stern gaze, she defended herself, "But I ask Sister every day how Aunt is doing." The words came out weaker, and she reluctantly added, "I'll go over in a bit, why are you glaring at me?"

"You're upset about Lady Nara being pregnant, so you take it out on your aunt?" Hong Taiji said.

"No!" Da Yuer quickly refuted, but how could she hide her feelings from him? Her anxious eyes betrayed her. She lowered her head and murmured, "I know, I'm being petty."

Hong Taiji gently replied, "If you're upset, come to me. We can talk about anything, even argue. At least your heart will feel lighter, right? I know I have a lot to apologize for and will cause you sadness, but everything you bear, I'll bear with you."

Da Yuer realized that Hong Taiji wasn't scolding her for her aunt's sake but was trying to comfort her about Lady Nara.

Hong Taiji continued, "Yuer, I want a son, you know that. I'm sure you understand, I've been hoping for a son. But I worry that if I press this too much, it will hurt your feelings. I've been holding this in for so long, watching others get pregnant. If I don't speak now, it will only make you more upset."

Da Yuer's emotions were complicated. She forced a neutral expression on her face and looked at him sideways. "You're the best at making excuses for the things you do. I'm not as easy to appease as before."

Hong Taiji sighed lightly and deliberately turned as if to leave. "Fine."

Da Yuer quickly grabbed his arm and softly said, "You're overthinking it. If you want a son, let's have one."

Hong Taiji replied, "I'm just afraid you'll misunderstand, thinking I only want a son."

Da Yuer understood his intentions. "For you, I'll do anything. As for Khorchin, let them dream."

Hong Taiji smiled and pulled Da Yuer into an embrace.

Avoiding her husband's gaze, Da Yuer's expression was complex. She was happy because Hong Taiji eagerly hoped for their son, but she was also sad. Why did everything have to be explained so clearly? Weren't they husband and wife? Why couldn't they just understand each other without saying everything so explicitly?

After Hong Taiji left, Da Yuer had no interest in listening to the rest of the conversation and asked Fan Wencheng to leave the palace.

As Fan Wencheng left the study, he couldn't help but glance back. After several months, he noticed the change in Consort Yu. The light in her eyes had become heavier. If she had appeared a bit innocent and carefree when he first met her, that was no longer visible.

Indeed, people do grow, and this is not necessarily a bad thing. However, it seemed that Consort Yu had grown too quickly, and it pained others to see it.

Fan Wencheng, lost in thought, quickly averted his gaze and left in haste.

Da Yuer sat quietly in the study for a long time. Although she flipped through the pages of the book in front of her, she wasn't really reading. She was just pretending. She knew there were eyes watching her from outside the door, and her disappointments and sadness would reach Hong Taiji's ears.

These days, seeing the various women coming and going from the Fenghuang Tower, she couldn't help but think that Hong Taiji must have concerns. At times like this, when he came to her room, their intimacy would inevitably be misunderstood.

Sure enough, she had guessed correctly about Hong Taiji's feelings, and he understood hers as well. They were in tune with each other in this way, and Da Yuer never doubted it. But now, she had an unshakable bad habit—she always had to consider her sister. She was curious about how Hong Taiji would explain himself to her sister. How laughable.

"Sumala, it's probably my own fault. Just causing unnecessary worry for myself," Da Yuer suddenly spoke out loud. Sumala stopped copying the characters in front of her and pursed her lips. "Miss, it's really not a bit deal..."

Da Yuer looked at her in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Sumala gently said, "If you're unhappy, just accept it. If you keep being upset and then blame yourself for being upset, life will be exhausting, right?"

Da Yuer was stunned, and Sumala continued with a smile, "If you can't even accept your own emotions, how can you expect others to?"

Da Yuer blinked and then chuckled. "That actually makes sense." She reached out and rubbed Sumala's head. "You're getting smarter. I'm glad I brought you here to study."

Sumala replied, "But I would rather follow Older Princess to do embroidery..."

As soon as she said it, she quickly covered her mouth. Da Yuer didn't let her off easily, pinching her waist, making Sumala squirm and beg for mercy. "Please, Miss, I won't say it again!"

After sorting out her emotions, Da Yuer left the study and went to pay her respects to Jeje. Jeje couldn't possibly be angry with her, knowing that Da Yuer was upset because of Lady Nara and Nam Jung.

If in the past, Jeje had pressured Yuer to have a son, but was Yuer not wishing for one herself? Surely, she must also wish that it was their son to be the one who would inherit the empire.

Hairanju brought the children over and intentionally smiled, saying, "What a rare guest! I haven't seen you here for a few days. We were all saying that you're busy with your studies, huh?"

Da Yuer pouted in protest and leaned against her sister, about to tickle her. Hairanju immediately begged for mercy, and the two sisters whispered to each other in secret.

Seeing the closeness between the two sisters, Jeje felt a great sense of comfort. However, just when everything seemed perfect, Hong Taiji sent someone to deliver a message. He had received a letter from Wukeshan, he wanted to visit Jeje to pay his respects, likely staying until after the New Year before leaving.

Hairanju's expression immediately darkened. She gathered the children and sat quietly to the side, no longer speaking.

Jeje didn't know what to say to comfort her, so after a few words of consolation, she allowed the two sisters to withdraw.

Back in her side palace, Hairanju grabbed Da Yuer's hand and said, "Yuer, I don't want to see Wukeshan. Remember, if I die in the future, I don't want him to come and offer sacrifices for me."

Da Yuer hurriedly covered her sister's mouth and scolded, "What nonsense are you talking? Don't say such unlucky things during the twelfth month!"