He Shouldn't Have Wronged Yuer

Da Yuer knew that Hong Taiji was busy, and now was not the time for idle chatter. So, she took Azhe back and invited the emperor to attend to his affairs, while she took their daughter to catch up with the other children.

As the mother and daughter's figures faded into the distance, a thought suddenly crossed Hong Taiji's mind. He frowned slightly, let out a soft sigh, then turned and headed toward the Grand Politics Hall.

During the New Year celebrations, the Beile households inevitably hosted banquets and entertained guests. One feast after another, and before long, the holiday would be over. This year, the most discussed topic at these gatherings was none other than Hong Taiji's impending ascension to the throne.

At Daisan's residence, Qiqige happened to catch a glimpse of Yoto and Hooge sneaking off to the backyard. Their furtive behaviour caught her attention, and she silently made a note of it while continuing to chat and laugh with the others.

Among the women, the discussion revolved around the titles that the four side consorts in the imperial palace would receive. According to the Ming dynasty's court system, there should be a ranking among them. However, if everything was modelled after the Ming, it would feel humiliating—people would say that the Jin dynasty was merely copying them.

Qiqige listened quietly, her thoughts drifting elsewhere: The Jin dynasty would soon become history.

Dorgon had told her that the country's name would soon be changed to "Qing." Nurhaci would be posthumously honoured as "Taizu," and following this sequence, Hong Taiji would naturally be "Taizong." She had comforted her husband, reminding him that Hong Taiji was older than him, so there was no need to dwell on such matters.

But while the fight for the empire was a concern for the future, right now, what Dorgon sought was a solid position for himself and his brothers.

After the emperor's enthronement, there would not only be imperial consort titles to bestow but also honours for his ministerial brothers. Dorgon, with his outstanding military achievements, was certain to receive a Qinwang's title. However, he also wanted Ajige and Dodo to secure their places among the Qinwang ranks.

Yet, when it came to merit, Ajige was slightly lacking; in terms of seniority, Dodo was the youngest.

These past few days, the household atmosphere had been tense. Ajige and Dodo had even quarrelled loudly at the dining table, frightening their wives half to death. Even after moving their argument to the study, they had continued their dispute.

Thinking of this, Qiqige let out a soft sigh. Dorgon carried far too many burdens.

"Fourteenth Aunt, which consort in the palace do you think will receive the highest title?" The women were at an impasse in their discussion and naturally turned to pull Qiqige into the conversation.

The women chattered away, some saying Hairanju was the most favoured, others mentioning Nam Jung's high status. Amidst the lively discussion, no one brought up Da Yuer.

Qiqige casually remarked, "What about Consort Yu?"

The room fell silent for a moment before someone spoke up, "She's younger than Consort Lan, and with Consort Lan being so favoured now, it's natural for the elder sister to take precedence. But she's been with the Emperor for so many years and has given birth to several little princesses. It doesn't seem fair to slight her, but if Consort Nam Jung gives birth to a little prince this time, things will really be different, won't they?"

Another voice chimed in, "By the way, have you heard? The Emperor is in a hurry to have a son."

Qiqige responded with a perfunctory smile, "Is that so?"

As for Hong Taiji's urgency to have a son, he seemed indifferent to outside opinions. The various consorts in the palace took turns visiting the Fenghuang Tower, and Concubine Nara had also become pregnant. It was clear that he wanted to add more sons to his lineage.

While this matter wasn't explicitly stated, no one dared to draw conclusions rashly. But once it was made clear, one thing became evident: the eldest son, Hooge, had been cast aside by the Emperor and had lost his eligibility to inherit the throne.

From the day Concubine Nara's pregnancy was announced, Hooge had been on edge for over a month. In front of Hong Taiji, he was extremely cautious, not daring to make the slightest mistake. But once he returned home, he vented his frustrations on the women in his household.

At this moment, Hooge and Yoto retreated to the backyard, standing under the corridor to warm themselves by the fire. Yoto spoke at length, but Hooge's mind wandered, growing increasingly restless. "I've seen through it all," Hooge said irritably. "He made me take a public beating with the army rod, in front of so many people, including women and children. He even stripped me of my title. He no longer sees me as his son."

Yoto replied, "If the Emperor hadn't handled it that way, others would have used your case as an excuse to claim he was unfair. You brought it upon yourself."

Hooge angrily retorted, "Nonsense! In his eyes, I'm worth less than a few women. It was such a trivial matter!"

Yoto sneered, "What trivial matter? Killing a horse is a serious crime. And let me tell you, you really can't touch those women. The Emperor isn't old yet. If you were to face him one-on-one, you might not even stand a chance. If his body isn't old, how could his heart be? If you lay a hand on those women, he would have the resolve to take your head. After all, to the Emperor, your bloodthirsty nature will eventually lead you to regicide and patricide. What do you think?"

Hooge's heart grew heavy. "So I just have to wait indefinitely?"

Yoto chuckled coldly, "Dorgon is smarter than you. He keeps a low profile while building his achievements. He works tirelessly to earn merit, and with thousands of eyes watching, it's impossible to ignore. On the surface, he's humble and patient, showing utmost respect to the Emperor, leaving no room for criticism. Let me tell you, First Prince, if the Emperor wanted to kill Dorgon now, he really couldn't. But if he wanted to kill you, he could easily find a pile of charges against you."

Hooge, seething with anger, kicked over the charcoal brazier. "So I'm just supposed to wait?"

Yoto sneered, "Or are you planning to rebel?"

Hooge's entire body stiffened. He truly didn't have the courage to rebel.

Yoto patted his shoulder and said, "Be patient. Set your sights on the long term. Why waste your energy on a few women in the inner palace? They might end up fighting among themselves. Nam Jung isn't someone to be trifled with. Why dirty your own hands? If you can't stand Da Yuer, the Emperor can't stand you. It's better to stay on the side-lines and keep your distance."

Hooge replied, "I still need to win over Nam Jung. Even if she gives birth to a son, I can pledge my loyalty to her first, showing that I'm willing to support her son. After all, given how miserable I am now, she can see it too."

Yoto laughed, "Now you're being smart. No matter what, Nam Jung is indeed someone to be used. On the surface, it looks like we're being manipulated by her, but in reality, we're the ones using her."

They talked for a long time before returning to the banquet. Amidst the bustling crowd, only the most observant would notice who came and went, and Qiqige happened to be one of those observant people.

That night, when Qiqige returned home, Dorgon, who hadn't gone to Daisan's residence today, had actually arrived home earlier than her. As she approached the bedroom, she heard him playing with their child before she even entered.

Her husband adored this daughter and had never doubted that she wasn't his own child. In truth, Qiqige was deeply pained by this. If a man could love a child, he would inevitably love the child's mother, something Qiqige couldn't tolerate.

But life had to go on. Dorgon was her life, her everything, and she had to endure it. Besides, that woman was already long dead.

"Attending banquets every day has made my waist thick," she said with a laugh as she entered. "And here you are, skipping out and leaving me to be the one they pour drinks for."

Dorgon picked up Dong'e, who immediately babbled and reached for her mother upon seeing her. He chuckled, "Who would dare pour drinks for you? They're probably too scared of you. Don't try to fool me."

Qiqige warmed her hands before picking up Dong'e. Her daughter cupped her face and planted kisses all over it, softening Qiqige's heart.

"Was Dong'e good at home today?" Qiqige sat down, expertly checking her daughter's diaper, and smiled. "Mommy will take you to the palace tomorrow to play. It's so fragrant there, isn't it?"

Dorgon asked, "Are there new rules now for women entering the palace?"

Qiqige nodded, "Something about receiving tokens. I haven't asked for details yet. But Aunt told me not to worry too much. No matter how strict the rules are, there are always exceptions. Otherwise, how could there be such a thing as 'favour'?"

Dorgon let out a cold laugh.

Qiqige, unfazed, recalled what she had seen at Daisan's residence and said, "By the way, today Hooge and Yoto were sneaking around, talking for a long time in secret. When they left, Hooge looked furious, but when they returned, he seemed relieved. They must be up to something again. You need to be careful."

Dorgon replied, "Hooge has been scared into behaving himself by Hong Taiji. He'll likely stay quiet for the next few months."

"I hope so. He's really too foolish," Qiqige said disdainfully. But then she thought about how they were soon to be granted the title of Qinwang. "Today, the women were all talking about how the consorts in the palace will be granted titles. I was wondering, since you all are about to be made Qinwangs, will there be rankings? Could Hooge end up above you?"

Dorgon listened but wasn't particularly concerned about whether Hooge would rank above him. What he was curious about was where Hong Taiji would place Yuer. In terms of years of service, affection, and contributions, Hong Taiji shouldn't treat Yuer unfairly, right?

Meanwhile, in the palace, Hong Taiji stood at his desk in the Fenghuang Tower, staring at the titles he had written down. His brows were furrowed as he struggled to make a decision.

Before long, Jeje arrived. After so many years of marriage, whenever Hong Taiji sent for her to come to the Fenghuang Tower, it was always because of some troublesome matter. Jeje was comforted by the fact that she held such an important place in her husband's heart, but she would have preferred if everything were peaceful.

"Weren't you in good spirits earlier?" Jeje casually handed Hong Taiji a bowl of tea. "What's wrong?"

Her gaze followed his to the paper on the desk, and she smiled, "Are these the titles for the consorts?"

Hong Taiji nodded. "We'll need to discuss this with the Ministry of Rites later. Since we've established the Six Ministries, we should let them handle their duties and not ignore them."

Jeje asked, "Then why did you call for me?"

Hong Taiji explained, "You know, although I intend to give high positions to you and the others from Khorchin, doing so would upset the balance between the inner palace and the court. Nam Jung and the others come from Chahar, and their families are from the Abagai tribe..."

Before he could finish, Jeje interjected, "I understand. Between Hairanju and Yuer, you have to slight one of them?"