Nam Jung Gave Birth

Hong Taiji already had a decision in his heart—who would be wronged and how—but what troubled him was how to convey it.

Should he announce it on the day of the conferment, or should he discuss it beforehand to prepare and appease those involved? He even felt that speaking about it too early would only bring unnecessary sorrow ahead of time, which seemed pointless.

Jeje asked, "Does Your Majesty want me to tell her?"

Hong Taiji paused. "Not exactly..."

Jeje smiled. "Since Your Majesty is struggling with this, it means you care. That reassures me."

Hong Taiji grew a little impatient. "Of course, I care! If I don't care about you all, then who do I care about?"

Jeje comforted him. "Your Majesty, don't worry. Speak to Yuer properly. She has become very sensible now. She will surely understand that you must consider the bigger picture."

"So… I have to be the one to tell her?" Hong Taiji smiled bitterly. "Why is it always her that I ask to endure, to suffer? She used to be timid and afraid of me. Later, when she acted mischievously, I scolded her, and she was still afraid of me. Now that she's mature and capable, she still fears me—because every time I call for her, it's never good news."

Jeje said gently, "That is something Yuer must bear. As the woman of an emperor, how could she not? But, Your Majesty, I believe that as long as she knows your feelings for her are true, she will fear nothing."

"You're right," Hong Taiji sighed deeply. "If you were to tell her, she would feel even worse. She would rather hear it from me."

Yet, in the end, Hong Taiji never managed to bring it up. Partly because he was too busy, and partly because every time he was with Yuer, seeing her radiant smile, he simply couldn't bear to dampen her joy.

At one point, Jeje had asked Hong Taiji, "Why not Hairanju? If we consider seniority and merit, she is older, and even if she ends up with a lesser title, it wouldn't be too unjust. After all, the long-standing concubines, like Yanja, even though she bore you a son, have no real hope for advancement."

Hong Taiji didn't answer at the time, but Jeje could see it in his eyes—Hairanju and Yuer were different in his heart. They could not be compared to anyone else.

Jeje didn't bring up the matter again. Even though Hong Taiji was delaying the decision, she acted as if nothing was wrong. Sooner or later, that day would come.

However, the coronation ceremony was scheduled for May, and Nam Jung's pregnancy couldn't wait that long. By mid-February, the baby had already dropped, and her belly hung heavy. Within a few days, she would give birth.

On this day, Da Yuer was in the study, listening to the teacher explain the rituals and protocols of the new emperor's coronation ceremony in the Ming dynasty. A young maid under Sumala hurried in and quietly called Sumala outside.

Sumala excused herself and stepped out. At the door, the maid whispered, "She's about to give birth. The Great Consort has already gone over."

Sumala dismissed the maid and quietly returned to Da Yuer's side, continuing to listen to the lecture.

It wasn't until the break that Da Yuer asked, "What happened earlier?"

Sumala replied softly, "Nam Jung is about to give birth."

Da Yuer let out an "oh," put down her brush, and after a moment's thought, instructed, "Go and ask what she gave birth to."

In the side palace, Nam Jung was struggling against the intense pain of childbirth. When she gave birth to Abunai, the pain had nearly made her pass out. The saddest part was that the child's birth had brought no hope to anyone, only trouble.

But this time, the son in her womb would bring her a bright and glorious future. The iron hooves of the Great Jin had destroyed her life, but she would rise again here.

"Side Consort, push! Push harder!" the midwife shouted. "I can see the baby's head now!"

"My son, my son..." Nam Jung screamed, using the last of her strength. She felt a sudden release in her abdomen and collapsed, utterly exhausted.

The sound of a baby's cry came from the side palace. Jeje stood at the door, accompanied by Consort Doutumen, who had come to make an appearance. Someone rushed out and bowed to the Great Consort.

The servant gasped, "Reporting to the Great Consort, the Side Consort has given birth to a little princess."

Jeje's expression remained indifferent as she nodded faintly. "I see." She raised her eyes and noticed the smile on Consort Doutumen's lips. The frail woman showed a hint of rebellious joy but quickly suppressed it when she realized Jeje was watching her.

Jeje paid no mind and calmly instructed, "Go and report the good news to the Great Khan."