Palace Eaves

Hong Taiji's aspiration to become emperor was not something he could propose himself. Although in recent years many ministers had urged him to ascend the throne, citing the submission of distant tribes and the increasing strength of the nation, he had always declined.

Once he declared himself emperor, the Great Jin would enter a new chapter, and such a monumental decision required careful consideration—it could not be resolved by a few flattering words.

Even if Hong Taiji longed for the title of emperor, he could not show it. It had to come as a result of repeated petitions from the ministers, culminating in a moment where he seemingly could not refuse, as though it were destiny's decree.

Before that, however, a justification was needed. The imperial jade seal in the hands of Lin Dan Khan became that opportunity.

Hong Taiji did not know how the seal had ended up with Nam Jung—whether it was by coincidence or foresight on her part in seizing it from Lin Dan Khan. But that no longer mattered. What mattered was that Hong Taiji needed this seal as a stepping stone to his throne.

Nam Jung was clever. The day after Lin Dan Khan's sudden death, she declared her surrender and offered to present the imperial jade seal.

With this, Hong Taiji could not take it by force but instead had to send someone to ensure its safekeeping, thereby protecting Nam Jung's life.

Carrying the unborn child of Lin Dan Batur, she made a condition: permission to remain in Chahar to give birth and to mourn her late husband for one year.

That year gave Hong Taiji ample time to prepare for his enthronement. But during that year in Chakhar, Namu Zhong was surely planning her own future as well.

Through successive petitions, Nam Jung, without prior approval, pleaded for Hong Taiji to come to Chahar to bring her back and requested that their wedding be held there. She wished to become Hong Taiji's woman under the blessings of her people.

In the Grand Politics Hall, Niman returned with news: the Fourteenth Consort was in Consort Lan's chambers, along with Consort Yu. He had delivered the newly translated book to Consort Yu.

Hong Taiji then asked Dorgon, "Do you want a copy too? I know Qiqige also reads."

Dorgon replied, "Qiqige doesn't seriously read—it's just a pastime. I wouldn't dare trouble you."

Niman withdrew, and Hong Taiji rose, pacing within the hall. Not long after, Daisan, Jirgalang, Hooge, and others entered one after another.

Hong Taiji handed Nam Jung's letter to them, and they exchanged uneasy glances. Though inwardly they cursed her audacity, the fact that she was about to become Hong Taiji's woman left them no choice but to keep their thoughts to themselves.

Hooge, mindful of advice from his counsellors, stepped forward and said, "Father, I am willing to go to Chahar to escort Lady Nam Jung to Shengjing. Since she is to become my stepmother, as your eldest son, it would only be proper for me to go, both in sentiment and propriety."

Hong Taiji said nothing but turned to Daisan. "Second Brother, what do you think?"

Daisan clasped his fists and replied, "Great Khan, forgive my bluntness, but Lady Nam Jung seems overly presumptuous. It is beneath your dignity to personally go to Chahar."

Jirgalang nodded in agreement. "Great Khan is receiving the Imperial Jade Seal, not Nam Jung herself. She appears to have her priorities reversed, overestimating her importance. We already granted her the grace to mourn Lin Dan Batur for a year without pressing her for the seal. That was more than enough respect."

Dorgon, standing silently to the side, knew in his heart that Hong Taiji had already made up his mind. After all, the matter had been entrusted to him the previous day during drills.

Hooge tried again, saying, "Father, please allow me…"

Before he could finish, Hong Taiji interrupted, "Since you are willing to go, you may accompany Dorgon. One is my eldest son, the other my younger brother—this will give her ample respect."

Both Dorgon and Hooge were taken aback, exchanging glances. Hooge's eyes betrayed his hostility, while Dorgon responded calmly, "Great Khan, I am currently focused on preparing for the campaign against Joseon and have no time to fetch Nam Jung."

Hong Taiji countered, "I've received word that Yi Jong is sending emissaries with a peace proposal. Let's see what he has to say before deciding whether to spare him."

"But Great Khan…" Dorgon protested.

Hong Taiji cut him off, "The combined-arms training has yet to yield satisfactory results. By the Twentieth of February, I doubt you'll have anything impressive to report. Our artillery is limited, so we must maximize its effectiveness. Both the Ming and Joseon are still recovering. Even if given another ten or twenty years, their best hope is to hold their ground, not counterattack. There's no need to worry about their resurgence."

Seeing Dorgon's reluctance, Hooge, inwardly delighted, quickly volunteered, "Father, if the Fourteenth Uncle is focused on Joseon, perhaps I could go alone. Or… I could go with the Second Uncle…"

Hong Taiji shot him a cold look, silencing him immediately. Hooge, unnerved, gradually closed his mouth.

Daisan and Jirgalang exchanged a glance. It was evident that Hong Taiji was determined to send Dorgon, though they could not yet discern his reasons. Both understood, however, that this was not the time for them to intervene.

Dorgon, feeling defiant, noticed that Daisan and Jirgalang avoided his gaze. He realized that Hong Taiji had left him no room to refuse.

Hong Taiji said, "When spring arrives, choose an auspicious day. Hooge and Dorgon, you will go together to escort Nam Jung here."

The hall fell silent for a moment. Hooge accepted the command, and Dorgon, albeit reluctantly, also acknowledged it.

Shortly thereafter, the four men dispersed. Dorgon, simmering with frustration, stormed off alone. Hooge, with a cold smile, bade farewell to his uncles before riding away.

Jirgalang helped Daisan mount his horse. Daisan remarked, "When the Great Khan becomes emperor, he'll create new Qinwangs. Dorgon will surely be among them. Young, capable, and resourceful—who would've thought back then?"

Jirgalang replied, "Yet over the years, the Great Khan's treatment of Dorgon hasn't shown any sign of precaution."

"The Great Khan is straightforward," Daisan said with a sardonic laugh. "Without his support, Dorgon wouldn't be where he is today. But isn't it strange? We rid ourselves of Abahai but kept Dorgon alive."

"It's precisely because of Dorgon's supporters that the Great Khan's position was legitimized," Jirgalang replied. "After all, the Great Khan would never admit what we did back then."

"Enough. In ten years, who knows what the world will look like," Daisan sighed. "I'm old, and Hong Taiji will grow old too."

Meanwhile, in the inner palace, Qiqige had long departed. After finishing court affairs, Hong Taiji went to visit Da Yuer. He asked if she enjoyed the historical books Niman had brought her.

Knowing he wouldn't leave tonight, Da Yuer instructed Sumala to prepare Hong Taiji's favourite dishes and wine. The two sat cross-legged, casually flipping through one of the books, recounting historical tales.

When they reached the story of Li Yu, the later ruler of Southern Tang, offering his consort, Xiao Zhou, to Emperor Taizong of Song, Hong Taiji frowned and said, "Where did you hear such wild tales?"

Da Yuer chuckled, "Qiqige told me. She was telling my sister and me this afternoon. She's annoyed that I've been reading more than her lately."

"You're being ridiculous," Hong Taiji said. "Such apocryphal stories are unfit for scholarly circles. Why bother listening to them? Aren't you afraid that centuries from now, people will fabricate nonsense about us too?"

"I wonder how they'll tell our story," Da Yuer mused, resting her cheek on her hand. "Hopefully, they'll write me as a great beauty, like a celestial maiden."

Hong Taiji teased her, "Why don't you go tell the historians yourself and have them record it in the official annals?"

Da Yuer pouted. "Are you mocking me? Just think, in the future, people might say, 'Hong Taiji took Lin Dan Khan's widow.' Oh, by the way, aunt asked Qiqige to tell Dorgon not to restrict Nam Jung from bringing her entourage into the palace."

Hong Taiji nodded. "That works. I decided today that Hooge and Dorgon will go to Chahar together. Let Dorgon handle it as he sees fit."

Da Yuer tilted her head curiously. "Wasn't Dorgon supposed to go to Joseon?"

Hong Taiji sipped his wine and picked up a bite of food, leaving her question unanswered. At that moment, Sumala entered with a hot pot, filling the room with a mouth-watering aroma. Da Yuer prepared some lamb and placed it in front of him, smiling. "It's only because it's you. Otherwise, I wouldn't allow the whole room to reek of food."

Hong Taiji chuckled. "Once we move to the Forbidden City, the space will be larger. Dining and living won't be in the same room—you can fuss about as much as you like."

Da Yuer teased, "Bigger places aren't always better. I'd have to walk so far just to see you."

When Sumala had left, she lowered her voice and said, "Great Khan, do you want your son and brother—especially Dorgon—to be the ones who present the Imperial Jade Seal to you?"

Hong Taiji smiled serenely at her, then nodded.

Da Yuer's heart raced with excitement. "So, it's really happening? You're going to be emperor?"

"Next year," Hong Taiji replied. "It'll be the perfect time to change the era name."

Delighted, Da Yuer poured him another cup of wine and raised her own. In a soft voice, she said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty. Long live the emperor!"

Hong Taiji laughed heartily. "Let me guess—Fan Wencheng taught you that?"

Meanwhile, at the Fourteenth Beile's residence, Qiqige had been waiting in the dining hall for quite some time, yet Dorgon didn't come over from the study. Worried, she wrapped herself in a coat and went to check. She found Dorgon standing under the eaves, wearing only a thin robe despite the biting cold wind.

"Are you insane?" Qiqige scolded, her tone full of concern. "What if you catch a chill? You've always been so careful about your health."

Dorgon stood still, his gaze heavy with sorrow and defiance. "Qiqige… why not me?"

Stunned, Qiqige asked, "What do you mean, 'why not you'? What's wrong, Dorgon? Did something happen today?"

He let out a long sigh, a bitter smile on his lips. "Nothing happened. Nothing at all… ha…"