It Should be a Girl

Jeje agreed, and Hong Taiji hurried off to court. His hurried and distant figure disappeared into the inner palace. Jeje stood under the palace eaves, gazing into the distance for a long time before instructing Adai: "Let Yu'er go to the study. But aside from the study, she is not allowed to go anywhere else for ten days."

"Yes," Adai responded, hesitating briefly before adding softly, "Your Majesty, last night, His Majesty and Her Highness Zhuang Fei barely spoke. When I went over this morning, they were different from usual. Her Highness barely looked at me. In the past, she would greet me happily and then rush to get dressed so she could come here for breakfast..."

Jeje gestured for Adai to stop speaking. "From now on, I will no longer interfere in their affairs. Let it be."

In Yongfu Palace, upon hearing that her aunt had allowed her to go to the study, Da Yuer, who had been wearing simple clothing with her hair loosely tied, immediately asked Sumala to help her dress properly. Quiet and reserved, she walked past Fenghuang Tower to her favourite place.

For the next ten days, this became her routine. To catch a glimpse of her sister and speak with her, Hairanju would wait halfway along Da Yuer's route, accompanying her to the study or waiting for her at sunset to walk her back.

Of course, both Hong Taiji and Jeje knew about this, but Jeje never relented, and Hong Taiji chose not to interfere. As long as the sisters were well, that was all that mattered.

Da Yuer didn't hate Hong Taiji, nor did she resent Hairanju. She had simply come to understand that what she wanted was unattainable, and what existed no longer belonged to her.

She tormented herself, and those around her suffered too. Slowly, she tried to let go, to get used to it. The initial pain was sharp, but eventually, she would grow numb — and then it would stop hurting.

Ten days passed quickly, and Shengjing's mild, relentless summer neared its end. When autumn arrived, the crops across the land would be ready for harvest. This year marked the first year of Chongde, and the empire needed a bountiful harvest to celebrate the new reign.

However, King Yi Jong of Joseon sent a letter pleading for mercy. He described how Joseon had been ravaged by natural disasters, leaving many regions with no harvest at all. He begged the Qing emperor to reduce their annual tribute, so his people could at least have food to survive.

Though the situation was unfortunate, Hong Taiji regarded Joseon as a vassal state, and its people as his subjects. He couldn't be too harsh. He had already heard rumours of the disasters, and he knew King Yi Jong was not lying. So he issued a benevolent decree, exempting Joseon from their tribute that year, and even ordered food to be sent to the border to aid the struggling people.

In the blink of an eye, it was already August. The troops sent to destroy the Ming border towns, crops, and livestock returned smoothly. Although the Qing army had been resting and recovering for nearly two years, Hong Taiji had not halted his advances against the Ming dynasty.

He wanted to push the Ming people back, emptying those border towns — so that in the future, he could attack with ease or reduce unnecessary bloodshed.

Naturally, this year had nothing to do with Hooge or Dorgon. They remained focused on studying and training for joint military operations. In early August, Hong Taiji went to the training grounds to inspect the troops. Dorgon finally delivered results that satisfied the emperor, while Hooge's performance was merely passable.

August 11th — Nurhaci's death anniversary.

This year, Hong Taiji had ascended the throne. It was his first time honouring the late emperor as a sovereign, so the ceremony had to be grand and solemn. At dawn, a massive procession left the palace, heading towards the imperial tombs in the suburbs with great fanfare.

Hairanju's pregnancy was now visible; her belly had rounded, and the baby inside her was active and lively every day. On this significant day, after confirming her health, Hong Taiji gladly brought her along to the tombs.

To Hairanju, their love story seemed to have begun at the imperial tombs. Every year on this day, she was overwhelmed with emotion.

Because of her pregnancy, she was surrounded by attendants, and Da Yuer carefully supported her sister, cautiously helping her up the stone steps.

The imperial tomb of Nurhaci, after two years of renovations, stood tall and majestic, with lush greenery surrounding the halls and pavilions — every corner exuding imperial grandeur. Standing atop the high platform, gazing out at the picturesque scene, it was almost hard to believe this was a burial ground.

Inside the main hall, the scars of past gunpowder damage had long been repaired. After Hong Taiji led the Eight Banners in the memorial ceremony, Jeje brought the imperial consorts and noblewomen to pay their respects.

Hairanju looked up and immediately recognized the place where she had once been abducted. Memories surged like a tidal wave, and when she turned to glance at her sister, she instinctively clutched Da Yuer's hand tightly.

"Are you feeling unwell?" Da Yuer, sensing her sister's grip, asked worriedly. "Is the smoke bothering you?"

Hairanju shook her head and smiled faintly. "I'm fine."

After the ceremony, Hong Taiji allowed the imperial family to walk around the tomb complex, quietly observing the resting place of the late emperor. They were instructed not to make loud noises or run around, and everyone had to leave within an hour.

Hong Taiji initially planned to take the women along to see the progress of the restoration, but a messenger rushed in from the palace — Concubine Nara was about to give birth.

"What a day to choose. This child will surely be clever," Jeje said with delight, turning to Hong Taiji. "Your Majesty, allow me to return to the palace first. It's her first childbirth — it wouldn't do to have no one around."

Hong Taiji nodded. Seeing Nam Jung standing nearby, he had no interest in bringing her along, so he said, "These days, Gui Fei has been taking care of her. You should follow the Empress back and take good care of Lady Nara."

Nam Jung sneered inwardly but had no choice but to obey. She followed Jeje reluctantly, her steps heavy with frustration.

As they were leaving, they ran into Hooge, who bowed respectfully and greeted them, "Your Majesty, Your Highness Gui Fei, are you leaving already?"

Jeje briefly explained that it wasn't appropriate to linger and quickly led Nam Jung away.

When Nam Jung brushed past Hooge, they exchanged a glance — a fleeting moment loaded with hidden meaning. For some time now, they had been secretly exchanging letters through Tesina, quietly forging a connection.

Nam Jung had long fallen out of favour in the palace. Even though she had given Hong Taiji a child, it seemed he no longer felt the need to keep up appearances. Linzhi Palace, from the moment its plaque was hung, had barely seen the emperor step through its doors.

Hooge was frustrated. Nam Jung was disheartened. Yet, in their mutual disappointment, they had found each other — a chance to support one another in secret.

After bowing to send off the Empress and Gui Fei, Hooge casually strolled deeper into the imperial tomb complex, soon running into Yoto. The two of them decided to walk together.

Meanwhile, Hong Taiji led Hairanju and Da Yuer around the tomb grounds. Just as they were about to head up the mountain, they ran into Dorgon and Qiqige. The two of them stepped forward and bowed. "Why didn't you bring Dong'e along?" Hong Taiji asked.

Qiqige, ever graceful and composed, replied, "Dong'e is timid. She cries whenever she sees too many people. I was afraid she might cause a scene in front of Your Majesty. But if you miss your little niece, I can bring her to the palace tomorrow."

Hong Taiji smiled. "Bring her tomorrow, then. Let her stay in the palace for a couple of days — I do miss her dearly."

As they prepared to climb the mountain, Hairanju softly said, "Your Majesty, please go up the mountain with Rui Qinwang. I can't walk any further. Let Qiqige and Da Yuer stay with me. We'll wait for you and Rui Qinwang to come back down."

Hong Taiji ordered. "Don't stand around in the wind. Move up to where there are more people."

The three women agreed, watching as Hong Taiji and Dorgon made their way up the mountain. Then, Hairanju, with Da Yuer and Qiqige by her side, returned to the front area. The palace attendants rushed to bring her to a resting pavilion, serving her hot tea and snacks.

Once they were seated, Qiqige asked, "Where's aunt?"

Da Yuer explained, "Lady Nara went into labour, so aunt and Nam Jung went back to take care of her. Shu Fei wasn't feeling well, so she didn't come today."

Qiqige chuckled. "It's only Shu Fei who could stay in the palace without worry. If Nam Jung claimed she wasn't feeling well, aunt would probably have her carried over, whether she liked it or not."

Da Yuer dismissed it casually: "She's been quiet these past few months. Other than occasionally meeting with the Chahar consorts, she mostly busies herself taking care of the concubines and getting close to them."

Qiqige blew the foam off her tea and said coldly: "She's calculating. She's probably planning to adopt a little prince from one of the concubines. Those women don't have much hope for themselves — they can't climb up the ranks, so all they can do is cling to her."

Just then, Hairanju needed to relieve herself. Baoqing and Sumala supported her as they left. Qiqige followed to the door, glanced outside, then turned back to Da Yuer. "Wherever your sister goes, she's always surrounded by people. That must be the emperor's order, right?"

Da Yuer replied, "It's always good to be cautious. My sister is fragile."

"And you?" Qiqige walked back, leaned in close, and whispered, "How has the emperor been treating you these days? Has your monthly cycle come?"

Da Yuer glared at her: "Mind your words! This is a solemn place — your in-laws are buried beneath us."

Qiqige smirked: "Then they should be blessing their descendants, not minding taboos."

Da Yuer lowered her eyes. "The emperor visits Yongfu Palace every few days, and I serve him well. But this isn't something that can be forced. Now that my sister is pregnant, if she gives birth to a little prince, my burden will be lifted completely. That would be wonderful."

Qiqige pressed her lips together. "Yuer, you've changed."

Da Yuer laughed lightly: "Am I getting prettier?"

She understood it clearly — after indulging in so much food and drink at Rui Qinwang's manor, she might be just like Qiqige now, unable to conceive.

Yet Hong Taiji never punished her for it, never questioned why she overindulged there. Maybe it was because he had stopped tampering with the food at the manor, or maybe, now that her sister was pregnant, it simply didn't matter anymore.

Da Yuer chose to believe the latter — because she wanted to let go completely.

Before long, Hairanju returned, and just as she sat down, the baby in her belly started moving. Qiqige placed her hand on Hairanju's belly and asked excitedly, "Sister, do you think this baby is a boy or a girl?"

Hairanju smiled gently: "Probably a girl. When I carried my daughters before, I felt good like this — no nausea, no discomfort. But when I was pregnant with a son, I had terrible morning sickness, even with a big belly. It was exhausting."

Qiqige sighed with envy: "I wish I could throw up just once."

Hairanju, ever kind and compassionate, reassured her: "You will have your chance. You're still so young."

On the mountain, Hong Taiji dismissed the attendants, leaving only him and Dorgon. The brothers walked through the forest, and when they reached a clearing, they were greeted by fresh air and a breath-taking view. Hong Taiji said, "How about we climb Mount Tai together someday?"

Dorgon replied immediately, "I will gladly accompany you, Your Majesty."

As soon as he finished speaking, laughter echoed from ahead. Hong Taiji frowned and led Dorgon forward.

They walked around a massive boulder and saw Hooge and Yoto with their servants, laughing loudly. Yoto said, "Don't worry, First Prince — women from Khorchin can't give birth to sons."

Hong Taiji's expression darkened with rage, but before he could speak, Hooge sneered, "One day, we should dig up that wretched woman Abahai. What right does she have to be buried here?"

Dorgon's face turned grim, but with Hong Taiji present, he didn't need to act. He knew Hong Taiji wouldn't turn a deaf ear to such insults.

"What are you laughing at?" Hong Taiji stepped forward, his voice icy. Dorgon silently followed behind him.

"Your Majesty...​"

"Royal Father...​"

Hooge and Yoto turned pale, bowing in panic.

Hong Taiji's eyes sharpened. "Do you only see me?"

"Four... Fourteenth Uncle...​" they greeted Dorgon reluctantly, avoiding his gaze.

"I asked, what are you laughing at?" Hong Taiji repeated, his voice carrying the weight of impending fury.

Even if Hong Taiji killed them on the spot, Hooge and Yoto wouldn't dare admit they had insulted Khorchin women or called Abahai a wretched woman — especially in front of Dorgon, her son. They stood in suffocating silence, unable to come up with an excuse, terrified that their conflicting words might expose them.

"I told you to pay respects to the late emperor's tomb," Hong Taiji's voice thundered, "I forbade loud chatter and laughter. What were you laughing at?" His rage erupted — he slapped Hooge hard across the face. "Unfilial son! Unfilial son!"

Down the mountain, Hairanju and Da Yuer were chatting with Qiqige about the latest happenings in Shengjing when they noticed people rushing around in confusion. Sumala went to investigate and returned, bewildered. "His Majesty just issued a decree," she said, "Su Qinwang and Cheng Qinwang have been demoted to Beile and sent home to reflect on their mistakes. What on earth happened?"