Permission Granted

Recently, there have been many new additions to the palace staff, with several newly selected palace maids entering Da Yuer's palace as well.

Some of the older ones have retired, and now the new maids have to learn a complex set of rules.

Not long ago, Baoqing and Sumala were called to learn these rules. Among the palace maids and eunuchs, a clear hierarchy was established, and what bothered Sumala and Baoqing was that Nam Jung's Lixin was on equal footing with them.

Sumala complained to Da Yuer, but Da Yuer replied, "When we go to the Forbidden City in the future, we will need to manage many more people. With such a large palace, it takes a lot of people to serve it. You should learn properly now, because managing these people will be your responsibility in the future."

The changes in the palace were obvious to anyone paying attention. Furthermore, as the year came to a close, more and more ministers petitioned the Great Khan, asking Hong Taiji to officially claim the title of emperor. However, Hong Taiji repeatedly declined.

On the evening before the Chinese New Year's Eve, Dorgon returned home, and Qiqige was waiting at the door holding Dong'e. The little child was happy upon seeing her father and stretched out her little arms to be held.

However, just as Dorgon was about to hold the child, someone on horseback approached from the distance. Qiqige, with her keen eyesight, said, "It's Daisan and Jirgalang."

Dorgon furrowed his brows slightly, and indeed, the two men and their attendants dismounted in front of them.

After Qiqige greeted them respectfully, she took the child from her husband's arms. Jirgalang handed Dong'e a gold ingot, and after exchanging a few polite words, the brothers headed to the study together.

The maidservants served tea, and Qiqige instructed those unrelated to the matter to leave. She pondered in her mind, suspecting that the two men were there to discuss the issue of Hong Taiji proclaiming himself as emperor.

Not long ago, Hong Taiji had restored the title of Beile to Haoge, and Dorgon had said that it was in preparation for the Qinwang future title after Hong Taiji ascend to the throne, so that his eldest son would have a place. Dorgon and his two brothers also wanted to fight for their positions.

The men discussed the matter for over two hours in the study, and when they were about to leave, Qiqige came to see them off and invited them to stay for dinner, but Daisan and Jirgalang had other places to go. Dorgon did not insist, and Qiqige naturally was just being polite.

After the people had dispersed, Dorgon stood for a moment before returning to the house. He saw Qiqige waiting alone and asked, "Where's Dong'e?"

"She's asleep," replied Qiqige. "What's the matter? Does Hong Taiji plan to declare himself emperor?"

"Yes," Dorgon replied. "Daisan wants me to join them, along with others, to kneel and ask Hong Taiji to ascend the throne at the New Year's Day court session. It's laughable…"

Qiqige sighed. "You don't have a choice. If you're unwilling, you'll be the first to oppose him. If Hong Taiji decides to kill you in the future, he won't even need a reason."

Dorgon clenched his fists. "I could rebel now if I wanted to, but once we have internal strife, the Ming Dynasty will definitely join forces with Joseon to attack. No matter what, we must first crush them underfoot. After the kingdom is stabilized, then I can fight for my own position."

Qiqige, with a gentle smile, spoke heavy and cruel words: "But you mustn't wait too long, or he might just kill us first. Dorgon, I also want to be empress."

Dorgon held her tightly. "Wait a little longer, Qiqige, that day will surely come."

As he said this, a heavy tremor passed through his heart. What would happen to Yuer when that day arrived?

After returning from the hunting grounds, Qiqige had thanked him on behalf of Da Yuer, which warmed Dorgon's heart. He knew that Yuer must have been holding back out of concern, which was why she couldn't personally express her gratitude. In a way, this was for the best, as he never wanted her to be hurt because of him before he was able to protect her.

Although Dorgon had calmed down, he often found himself laughing at how ridiculous he felt. He had overcome many challenges in his life, but this particular one seemed insurmountable.

He had come to realize that the throne and a beautiful woman could indeed be of equal importance, making it an impossible choice.

On the morning of New Year's Day in the tenth year of the Tiancong reign, Jeje woke up before dawn, dressed herself, and stood under the eaves of the palace, gazing up at the Fenghuang Tower.

The surrounding side palaces had yet to light their lamps, but soon, Hairanju appeared, wearing a windcoat, her hair uncombed, and her face still carrying the traces of sleep. She asked anxiously, "Aunt, what's wrong?"

"Are you cold? You are not wearing enough clothes."Jeje reached out and touched Hairanju's hand, pulling her inside. With a smile, she replied, "I'm just a bit excited and couldn't sleep."

Today, the ministers were once again petitioning Hong Taiji to declare himself emperor, and he was about to agree. This moment would change the history of the Jin Empire. However, Hong Taiji had only shared this with Jeje, and neither Da Yuer nor Hairanju knew it would happen today.

Just moments before, Hairanju had woken up and heard the palace maids on night watch mention that the Great Consort was standing under the eaves. Concerned about her aunt, she hurried out to check.

Baoqing entered with palace maids, bringing the clothes for her mistress. On a whim, Jeje decided to personally comb Hairanju's hair. As she looked at her niece in the mirror, she smiled and said, "Your mother was a great beauty. You and Yuer have inherited her beauty."

Hairanju's cheeks flushed slightly. "When I was little, people always said I looked like Aunt."

Jeje laughed. "Your mouth has become sweeter too. Have you learned that from Yuer?"

Hairanju replied, "It's because my heart is sweet, so my mouth is sweet. Aunt... I'm sorry."

Jeje smiled gently, carefully arranging Hairanju's long hair. "Sorry for what? For not having a son?"

"I've always felt that you favoured Yuer more," Hairanju said. "When I first came here, you were so stern with me, and I thought you disliked me. But after the Great Khan brought me back, you were the first to accept me and even comforted me. Back then, I had already resigned myself to the idea that you would favour Yuer over me. Looking back, I realize how narrow-minded I was, not appreciating the love you gave me, even though you cared for me so much."

Jeje smiled and said, "You are both my nieces, both children whose fate was beyond your control. How could I not love you? You've suffered too much. If I don't take good care of you, how can I face your mother in the future?"

Hairanju turned around, her eyes filled with happiness. "Aunt, I'll be fine. I won't make you worry anymore."

Jeje carefully twisted Hairanju's hair up into a bun, feeling relieved. "I've never really worried about you, only your health. Don't blame me for being too nosy. We may not be trying to have children, but we should still take good care of ourselves. You've always been frail. Take some nourishing medicine to build up your strength, for your own good and for the Great Khan's as well. How does that sound?"

Hairanju obediently nodded, "I will listen to Aunt. Tomorrow, I'll have the doctor come and check on me, and prepare some nourishing medicine to drink. It'll also help persuade the Great Khan to take some."

Jeje was pleased, "Yes, make sure to persuade him to take some."

As the auspicious time approached, Da Yuer dressed neatly and came to Qingning Palace to bow to Jeje for the New Year. Soon, Nam Jung arrived as well. Her belly had grown noticeably large, and she stood out among the crowd.

After giving them some instructions, Jeje led the women to the Ten Kings Pavilion.

She clearly remembered that on last year's New Year's Day, Zarut was still struggling in the side palace, and in the blink of an eye, she had disappeared from this world, only for someone else to quickly take her place.

The grand ceremonial procession in front of the Ten Kings Pavilion made Nam Jung feel the overwhelming power of the Jin Empire for the first time. As she watched Hong Taiji ascend to the high platform, Nam Jung's emotions surged inside her. She cradled her belly, determined that her unborn child would one day stand there as well.

Da Yuer and Hairanju stood beside Jeje. They both noticed the tears in Jeje's eyes. Da Yuer had already realized that her aunt had been up before dawn, and both Hairanju and she had a strong feeling that something significant was about to happen today. And the most important thing at the moment....

The morning audience. Unlike before, this time, led by Daisan, Jirgalang, Dorgon, Abatai, Ajige, Dodo, Hooge, Dudu, Yoto, Sahaliyan, and other prominent Beile and Beizi, all gathered to petition Hong Taiji to declare himself emperor and change the era name.

When the ministers saw this grand display, they all joined in, and before the Ten Kings Pavilion, there was a wave of kneeling and shouting that sounded like thunder, shaking the mountains and rivers as they petitioned Hong Taiji to take the imperial title.

Jeje stood steadily with the women by her side. They couldn't participate in politics, so all they could do was wait for the result.

At this moment, Da Yuer finally understood why there were tears in her aunt's eyes. Jeje had accompanied the Great Khan through countless bloody battles. Although Da Yuer had married Hong Taiji when Nurhaci was still alive, the situation was already mostly settled by then. Hong Taiji had a clear vision of the future. Da Yuer had not experienced the most difficult and painful days.

The hardships of the past, the struggles they had gone through, were all reflected in the tears in Jeje's eyes.

Da Yuer had always thought that her aunt did not love Hong Taiji as much as she did. But at this moment, she realized that her aunt's love had transcended romantic feelings.

"Permission granted!" Hong Taiji's voice rang out clearly, and at this moment, the history of the Jin Empire was rewritten.

Jeje knelt down, and Hairanju and Da Yuer followed suit. The phrase "Long live the Emperor" that Da Yuer had once playfully said to Hong Taiji echoed through the palace, ringing in Da Yuer's ears and making her head buzz. For the rest of the day, the words "Long live our Emperor, long long live!" seemed to echo in her mind.

After that, the men had a lot of business to attend to, while the women retreated to the inner palace. A few of the sweet-talking Beile's consorts rushed to call Jeje "Your Majesty the Empress," and by now, Jeje no longer declined their praise.

Throughout the day, as people came and went, Da Yuer was exhausted from all the socializing. Today was a grand day, and even though she disliked these kinds of formalities, she had to maintain the dignity of Hong Taiji.

Finally, after the grand banquet, the palace quieted down for the night.

Da Yuer collapsed onto the heated kang, pulling Sumala close and saying, "My ears hurt so much, my throat too. I've said all I needed to say in a year today."

Sumala, excited, said, "Miss, from now on, should I start calling you 'Your Majesty' like the Han people do? What will His Majesty title you as? Will you be Guifei?"

Da Yuer thought of the character "Chen" and felt proud, "Maybe better than Guifei."

Sumala smiled widely, "Your Majesty, may you live long and prosper."

Da Yuer scolded lightly, "Don't get too cocky. Aunt said we must be cautious."

She sat up to take a sip of milk tea but suddenly felt a dull ache in her abdomen. After sending the palace maids out, she had them check, and indeed... her monthly cycle had started after being delayed for five days.

Sumala comforted her, "Don't worry, Miss."

Da Yuer sighed, "I gave birth to three daughters one after another, how can it suddenly stop now? I feel like I've drained the Great Khan dry."

Sumala chuckled out loud, and the young lady's face turned red at the sound.

Da Yuer swatted her on the head, "Keep laughing, and I'll take back your New Year's red pocket money."

Sumala clutched her money pouch in her arms, "Miss, you can't take it back. I've been waiting all year for this, and this pouch was embroidered for me by the older Princess."

Da Yuer shot her a tired look and lazily turned over on the kang, "You all like my sister... Speaking of which, Sumala, does my sister's monthly cycle never happen on time?"

"Yes," Sumala replied, holding the exquisite money pouch given to her by Hairanju, counting the silver inside. "I heard from Baoqing that it only comes once every two or three months, and last summer it didn't come at all. The Great Consort almost thought she was pregnant."