Sonin still had to return to teach Yebusu and Sose, so Da Yuer couldn't keep him for long. After thanking her multiple times for the generous gifts, he respectfully took his leave.
Only then did Sumala step forward and say, "The gifts I prepared were Ming Dynasty rouge and powder that the Fourteenth Consort had sent earlier, and I also asked the Elder Princess at Guanju Palace for a few pieces of brocade. When the Elder Princess heard that you were preparing a gift for Lord Sonin, she even took out a Suzhou sandalwood fan that the Emperor had given her."
Da Yuer scolded her gently, "Why did you take something from my sister?"
Sumala grinned sheepishly, "The things in our palace are all books and ink that the Emperor gifted you, none of which are suitable for gifting. But everything in the Elder Princess's place is meticulously kept—whatever you take out is elegant and refined."
"But my Sumala is truly clever," Da Yuer said with a pleased smile. "I only asked you to prepare a gift, but you knew exactly what I wanted."
"Childbirth is a matter where few people think about the mother," Sumala said with a knowing smile. "Everyone focuses on giving gold and silver to the baby or exchanging favours between men. Although wishing for the child's health and growth is every mother's hope, if someone truly cares for the mother, that is a gift that touches the heart. Lord So's household does not lack gold and silver, so we can't just let him feel your kindness—we have to make sure his wife feels it too."
These lessons in human affairs were what Da Yuer and Sumala had learned from watching Jeje's every word and action. Jeje had never been stingy in teaching Da Yuer. Though they had their share of arguments and rebellion, looking back now, Da Yuer realized that she had unconsciously absorbed all her aunt's skills.
But thinking deeper, considering how much effort her aunt had invested in her, she feared that she was still far from meeting her aunt's expectations. To grow complacent now would be unacceptable.
That afternoon, Da Yuer's tutor arrived.
Upon learning that Her Highness had already spent half the day reviewing on her own, he was greatly impressed. He then mentioned that earlier in the day, he had witnessed the departure of the three armies from Shengjing. He marvelled that in the past two years, the Emperor had refrained from sending troops abroad, leaving the city nearly devoid of soldiers, which had once filled his heart with unease.
But today, watching the mighty warriors march through the snow, he realized how extraordinary the Emperor was. "The power of the Great Qing and the Emperor's foresight," he said with admiration, "are things that someone like me can barely begin to comprehend."
These words seemed to awaken something in Da Yuer.
She thought she understood her husband, but in reality, what she knew was merely the man who came to Yongfu Palace to dote on her.
Beyond Yongfu Palace—in the Grand Politics Hall, the Chongzheng Hall, on the training grounds, and on the battlefield—did she really know what kind of man Hong Taiji was?
Everything in the study, her tutors, the ink, brushes, and books, all these historical records and classics—everything was arranged by Hong Taiji.
Apart from the position of Empress, Hong Taiji had indeed given everything to her sister; but apart from love, he had also given everything she desired to her.
She could deal with Nam Jung and the pregnant concubines without hesitation, precisely because she knew that it was not just her aunt's protection behind her—it was the unwavering support of Hong Taiji.
Perhaps it was because her heart was tied to the man who had gone off to war, longing for his safe return. The heart that had once been restless from love was gradually calming down. She understood very well—she no longer yearned for the kind of love she had once dreamed of, but Hong Taiji was still her sky, and she would always be his woman.
"Sir, tell me about the history of Joseon, will you?" Da Yuer closed her book and smiled. "Tell me everything you know about it."
That day, after leaving the study, Da Yuer went to Guanju Palace to thank her sister. Hairanju was sitting on the kang, threading beads. When Da Yuer went over to tease her, Hairanju lost track of how many beads she had counted and had to start over again.
Da Yuer reached out to grab a few beads to play with, but Hairanju slapped her hand lightly. "Your hands aren't clean yet! These were given to me by Aunt."
"I don't even care about them…" Da Yuer pouted.
"Her Highness will follow the Empress to the temple tomorrow to pray for the Emperor's safety," Baoqing came in, bringing warm water for Da Yuer to wash her hands. She smiled and asked, "Will you go, Your Highness?"
Da Yuer shook her head. "Buddha is so merciful—if I make a wish, He can hear it. There's no need for all that bowing and meditating, so troublesome! I'm afraid Buddha might get annoyed with all of you."
Turning around, she saw her sister glaring at her with a displeased look. Da Yuer quickly knelt down before the door, pretending to plead for forgiveness, making Sumala and Baoqing burst into laughter. Hairanju scolded her, "Throw her out! She's always making trouble."
But before she could finish the sentence, Da Yuer had already bounced back onto the kang, her eyes eagerly watching her sister string the beads. Hairanju, carefully threading the beads, said softly, "Don't disturb me again, or I'll lose count again."
The two of them quietly strung together one hundred and eight prayer beads. Da Yuer placed the beads around her sister's neck, and Hairanju held them close to her heart, silently praying: "May the heavens bless and protect Hong Taiji, granting him victory in battle and a safe return."
Da Yuer, noticing her sister's devout expression, leaned on her shoulder and softly said: "Sister, your prayers will surely be heard by the Buddha. Don't worry."
Hairanju smiled gently and said: "The Buddha will also hear Yuer's wishes. I only hope that everything goes smoothly for you."
Da Yu'er replied frankly: "How can there be a perfect life? It's fine to leave a bit of fortune for the next life."
Just then, a little palace maid came to ask if the two consorts were going to Qingning Palace for dinner.
Da Yuer sat up and said: "Tell Her Majesty that tonight, invite the Fourth and Fifth Princes to have hotpot at Qingning Palace. They've been craving it, and let the princesses join in too. My sister and I won't go. Let them enjoy themselves."
Hairanju added with a smile: "Yebusu and Sose are always fearful of the Emperor. Whenever they come to the inner palace, they behave so cautiously. You are thoughtful to consider this."
"Too bad Yanja is such a muddle-headed woman. I just hope she doesn't harm Yebusu." Da Yuer smiled faintly, recalling that it was this same woman who had first informed her that her sister had gone to Fenghuang Tower in the middle of the night.
Soon, dinner for both Guanju Palace and Yongfu Palace was delivered. Watching the palace maids meticulously inspect each dish for her, Hairanju said somewhat apologetically: "It's rare for you to come and dine with me, and yet I've kept you waiting like this."
"They're just doing it for your sake. I'm not in a hurry," Da Yuer said nonchalantly. Thinking of what Shu Fei had warned her about, she then said: "Sister, you're with child now. You mustn't be frightened or worried. So whatever happens, you and Baoqing should stay here safely. As for everything outside, leave it to me and Aunt."
Hairanju grew tense and asked: "Is something going to happen?"
Da Yuer reassured her: "I'm just being cautious. Better to be prepared. After all, they are all Nurhaci's descendants. Why should only our Emperor sit on the throne?"
"Yes..." Hairanju sighed softly. "Even when the Emperor is in Shengjing, he lives each day on guard, fearing that someone might try to harm him. How could he ever truly have peace in this life?"
Da Yuer fell silent and began eating. Hong Taiji might have denied her sister the title of Empress, but her sister had given everything she had to him.
Two days had passed since the imperial entourage had left the capital. They had surely travelled a great distance by now, but even before Hong Taiji's departure, the vanguard of the Qing army had already pressed against the borders of Joseon. King Yi Jong of Joseon had never imagined that Hong Taiji would launch an attack in the midst of this bitter winter. Now, hastily gathering his troops to respond or seeking aid from the Ming Dynasty was already too late.
War was imminent. Though separated by a thousand miles, no cannon fire could be heard, and no scenes of bloodshed were visible. Yet, after two days of overcast snow in Shengjing, a sinister plot was quietly brewing.
Early that morning, Qiqige was still sound asleep when Dong'e woke up. The little girl crawled all over her, pestering her mother to get up and play.
Qiqige ignored her, so she hugged her mother's face and planted wet kisses all over, leaving her face covered in saliva. Annoyed, Qiqige wiped her face and pinned the little girl down on the kang bed, tickling her.
As mother and daughter laughed and played, her maid suddenly rushed in, flustered and breathless: "My Lady, there's an outbreak in the palace. The gates have been sealed."
Qiqige froze for a moment: "An outbreak? What disease?"
"I'm not sure, They say seven or eight palace maids have died suddenly." the maid replied anxiously. "My Lady, should we call a doctor to check on you? You were in the palace just a few days ago."
Qiqige's face grew tense: "What about the Empress? And Zhuang Fei and Chen Fei?" But the palace had already been locked down, and no information could get out. The gates were sealed—those inside could not leave, and those outside could not enter. No one could answer her questions.
Her household urged her not to approach the palace. The concubines and other family members advised: "It's better to be safe than sorry. In times like these, preserving one's life is the most important thing."
A heavy guard was stationed outside the Five Palaces, with Fenghuang Tower as the boundary. Meanwhile, Da Yuer, along with Yebusu and Sose, was trapped in the study.
The message she received was said to be from the Empress, telling everyone to remain where they were. No one was to move until the infected individuals had been dealt with.
However, the faces Da Yuer saw around her were all unfamiliar. She and Sumala did not resist but simply brought Yebusu and Sose close to them. Naturally, this also meant that Sonin, her teacher, and the palace maids were all confined in the same place.
"Lord So," Da Yuer asked softly, "Are these your men?"
"No," Sonin replied with a grim expression. "Do not worry, Your Highness. I will ensure your safety."
Da Yuer's gaze was calm as she said: "I'm more worried about the Empress, Chen Fei, and my daughters."
=============================================================
For more chapters, please visit my Patreon page: www.patreon.com/c/Yukisworld