Palace Eaves

Jeje turned her back, her hand gripping the silk handkerchief tightly in her palm. But Hairanju couldn't see it. 

"Yuer thinks of you often and cares deeply for you. She's so happy you're here, and everything she's done is in hopes of comforting her elder sister. You should just enjoy it," 

"Yes," Hairanju responded, her gaze fixed on her aunt's back. Feeling uneasy, she asked once more, "Aunt, will you truly send me back?"

"I gave you my word," Jeje replied. "But you must promise me—what Wukeshan entrusted you with and everything I've said to you—none of it can be shared with Yuer."

"Don't worry, Aunt," Hairanju quickly reassured her.

Jeje let out a soft sigh. "As for Yuer... let her remain innocent and carefree for a few more years."

Hairanju's heart sank at these words, the weight of their meaning pressing down on her. She wanted to say something but hesitated, bowing respectfully before quietly leaving the room.

Back in the side palace, Da Yuer had just lulled little Azhe to sleep. The chubby baby, so full of life, was utterly endearing, making it impossible not to love her. Hairanju entered, and upon seeing Da Yuer leaning over, lovingly watching her daughter, it reminded her of herself years ago. The sisters were so alike in this way—both deeply devoted to their children.

Apart from the posthumous child she had lost before, she also once had a son and a daughter, both of whom tragically died before reaching the age of four. If not for her husband's kindness and support, the grief of losing her children might have broken her completely. 

But Da Yuer was blessed with good fortune—three daughters, all so healthy and adorable.

"Azhe looks the most like you," Hairanju said softly as she walked to her sister's side. "Do Yatu and Atu look like the Great Khan?"

Da Yuer smiled. "Come to think of it, you haven't met the Great Khan yet, but you guessed right. Both Atu and Yatu take after their father, not a trace of me in them."

Hairanju reminisced, "When you were still in the cradle, the Great Khan came to Khorchin to marry Aunt. I was still young, only about six years old. I saw the Great Khan's face, but I don't remember much of it now."

Da Yuer's eyes gleamed with pride and admiration. "He's very handsome, very majestic, like a god."

Hairanju chuckled, "To me, your brother-in-law was also like a god."

Hearing this, Da Yuer's heart ached with sympathy for her sister. Without warning, she threw her arms around Hairanju, holding her tightly. The sudden movement caused Hairanju to stumble back, and the two sisters tumbled to the floor. After a brief moment of hesitation, Hairanju, her hands trembling, slowly wrapped her arms around her younger sister, pulling her into a comforting embrace.

"Silly Yuer, who's comforting whom here?" Hairanju whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "Don't worry, I'm fine."

But Da Yuer began to cry. She couldn't hold back the pain she felt for her sister. Why had fate taken away all of Hairanju's happiness? Why hadn't the heavens spared even her last child?

Just then, the curtain at the door lifted, and the familiar figure of Hong Taiji stepped into the room. On the carpet, the sight of a beautiful, unfamiliar woman holding his beloved Yuer made him pause.

Hairanju looked up and immediately saw the tall, imposing man standing before her. Without a doubt, the only man who could enter here so freely was Hong Taiji himself.

She barely had time to get a proper look at this legendary ruler of Jin before nudging her sister gently. "Yuer, the Great Khan is here."

Da Yuer, with her tear-streaked face, looked up. Standing next to her beautiful elder sister, she looked like a young girl who had yet to fully grow up. Seeing her husband, she quickly wiped away her tears and stood to greet him.

"You've been crying?" Hong Taiji frowned slightly, brushing his hand across Da Yuer's face, wiping away the last traces of her tears. His words, though laced with mock disapproval, couldn't hide the concern in his voice. "Why are you always crying? Where do you get so many tears?"

Dayu'er, feeling defiant, responded, "When do I ever cry?"

Hong Taiji glanced at Hairanju, and Da Yuer quickly understood. She invited the Great Khan to sit beside the window, and then guiding her sister forward to make introductions. "Great Khan, this is my elder sister, Hairanju. Thank you for saving her."

Hairanju respectfully bowed before Hong Taiji, then lowered her gaze with quiet grace. She had no desire to relive the incident of her rescue from the water, and thankfully, Hong Taiji merely remarked, "It's good that you're alright," without dwelling on the matter.

Hairanju swiftly excused herself and stepped outside. Her eyes met Adai's, who had been peeking curiously at the entrance of the Grand Palace in her direction. Adai gave an awkward smile and quickly averted her gaze.

Hairanju, however, remained calm and composed, her heart as still as water, as if she had already forgotten what she was meant to do to the man in the room.