MLMD -Chapter 93 Attending the Mansion for Official Business

Hailanzhu let out a soft, lingering sigh and said, “Bumubutai, it seems you still haven’t forgotten to look out for your man’s interests, after all.”

“No, sister, you’re mistaken!” Dayuer turned to Hailanzhu with sincere eyes. “I’m not doing this just for the Khan—I’m also doing it for you. Over the years, while idly staying in the palace, I’ve read a few books by the Han people, and there’s a saying I think makes a lot of sense. Sister, would you like to hear it?”

Hailanzhu’s expression remained neutral. “Such as?” she asked.

Dayuer spoke slowly: “For example… ‘An innocent man in possession of a treasure may be accused of wrongdoing.’”

Hailanzhu was silent for a long moment before softly asking, “Bumubutai, should I take this as a threat?”

“No… how could I ever threaten you, sister?” Dayuer chuckled lightly. “You’ve been clever since you were young; there are some things you understand without me needing to say them. Some things, if exposed before one has enough strength, easily attract prying eyes. If I were your husband, I wouldn’t display my treasures for others to see. Now that it’s been discovered, the wisest course is to seek help from someone who can protect you. That’s what a smart person would do. Don’t you think, sister?”

A faint sigh escaped Hailanzhu’s lips. “Bumubutai… it seems my mother was right. Once a woman marries, she gives her heart entirely to her husband. I used to doubt it, but seeing it today… truly, you’ve gone to great lengths for Huang Taiji.”

Seeing the flicker of emotion in Hailanzhu’s eyes, Dayuer opened her mouth to speak, but Hailanzhu interrupted, “Bumubutai… don’t say any more. I know what you and the Khan are trying to do, but I will not help you. Huang Taiji is your husband, so everything you do is for him. And I am no different. Tomorrow I will return to the Ming with him. As his wife, I must serve the elders, bear children for him, and dedicate myself entirely to his world. You can strive for your husband’s sake, even persuade me for sisterly reasons, but how could I ever compromise my husband’s interests for the sake of sisterly affection?”

Snap…

As Hailanzhu’s words fell, the candle burning at the edge of its wick flickered and emitted a faint violet spark. Then the entire tent fell into darkness.

And… after that, no sound came from it.

As dawn broke, the quiet grasslands slowly came alive. Small animals began appearing one after another on the land—but even earlier than them, people had already started moving.

“Wuu wuu wuu… wuu wuu wuu…”

The blast of horns announced the arrival of groups of cavalry, slowly gathering into formation. At the front stood Zaisang, the chief of the Kerulen tribe, mounted on a horse.

Today, Zaisang’s usual casual attire was replaced with a brand-new blue coat. His face was freshly washed, and at his waist hung a golden curved saber said to have belonged to his ancestor, Torei—he looked ready to lead an expedition.

Early risers Hailanzhu and Yue Yang accompanied him, riding a white and a red steed respectively. Hailanzhu, still elegant and beautiful, showed a subtle shadow beneath her eyes—barely noticeable, but there.

Seeing his beloved daughter, Zaisang’s eyes reddened. He turned and sighed. “Hailanzhu, from today onward you will live with your husband in another place. You must serve the elders, care for your younger siblings-in-law, bear children for your husband… Are you ready to shoulder all a woman’s responsibilities?”

“Abu, I am ready!” Hailanzhu’s voice trembled slightly, but her tone was resolute. “Abu, rest assured, the women of the Borjigit clan excel at everything they do. I will never bring shame to our family.”

“Good!” Relief showed on Zaisang’s face. “You’re a smart child, Abu has always trusted that. As long as you live well, write letters to me and your mother when you have time!”

“I will!” Hailanzhu nodded firmly.

Zaisang then turned to Yue Yang. “Son-in-law, today I officially entrust my precious daughter to you. I am not boasting, but in looks, temperament, and ability, she is exceptional. She will not disgrace you—treat her well, or I won’t forgive you!”

Faced with this threat, any inexperienced son-in-law would respond the same way. Yue Yang lowered his head in acknowledgment.

After a light cough, Zaisang continued: “Well… son-in-law, our Kerulen tribe lives in a remote area and lacks specialties—basically, we lack everything. If you have extra food or…”

Hearing this repetitive lament, Yue Yang felt his head grow heavy. He thought that if this old man had lived in a later special era, he would be born to work in politics—his complaints alone would be first-rate.

“Abu… please stop…”

Hailanzhu couldn’t bear it. Her husband had just sent hundreds of carts of food and supplies the day before—they hadn’t even been used yet—and now her father began lamenting poverty again. Even she, his daughter, couldn’t bear it.

“Wuu wuu wuu… wuu wuu wuu…”

Just as Hailanzhu was about to intervene, the sound of horns echoed nearby. A squad of white-helmeted, white-armored riders appeared, galloping toward them. Leading them were Dayuer, Dorgon, and Dodo.

“Hahaha… Brother Yue, I hope I’m not late! I heard you were leaving today, so we came to see you off!” Dorgon’s voice reached them quickly, and soon they were before Yue Yang.

Yue Yang smiled faintly and turned to Dorgon. “I am grateful for the escort, Beile and Consort, but I dare not take credit. I trust we will meet again soon, and that day is not far off.”

“Yes, I also believe we will meet again soon,” Dorgon said, his eyes glinting with a strange light. “I look forward to our next meeting, Brother Yue.”

While Dorgon and Yue Yang exchanged perfunctory words, Hailanzhu and Dayuer leaned together, whispering intimately as if the small tension of last night had never existed.

Dayuer whispered with a smile: “Sister, what I said last night was truly for your and brother-in-law’s sake. I hope you’ll reconsider.”

Hailanzhu smiled softly. “Bumubutai, as I said before, matters of men are for them to resolve. We women just need to fulfill our roles. There’s no need for you to worry.”

“Too bad…” Dayuer shook her head slightly, disappointed. By now, she had given up hope. It was unrealistic to expect to get what she wanted through her sister. She sighed: “Since you insist, sister, I won’t bring it up again. But if in the future I or the Khan offend you, I hope you will forgive us.”

Hailanzhu’s beautiful eyes sparkled, and she also smiled: “That is a sentiment I share. Then let’s wait and see! Bumubutai, you must take care of Dodo!”

“Sister… you too!”

The two sisters, separated for ten years, felt a strange sensation—they sensed that after today, when they meet next, their statuses might have changed greatly.

After bidding farewell to Zaisang, Dorgon, and Dayuer, Yue Yang and the group set off home with the cattle, sheep, and horses Zaisang had gifted. Along the way, Yue Yang and Hailanzhu grew closer, their affection blossoming rapidly. By mid-April, after over half a month of travel, Yue Yang finally returned to Yingzhou city.

Upon arrival, the entire family, except the old matriarch, came out to greet them. Especially the household servants—all eager to see the future mistress. Hailanzhu was graceful and courteous, treating Yue Yang’s younger sister, Yue Ying, and the delicate Linglong sisters with equal politeness. Her poise commanded respect; despite her Mongolian background, her comportment exceeded that of many highborn ladies.

Finally, Yue Yang took Hailanzhu to the backyard to meet the matriarch. Seeing Hailanzhu, the old lady was very fond of her, holding her hand for a long time, and immediately set the wedding date for ten days later. The news filled the Yue residence with joy.

Yue Yang was about to marry, a milestone in this era signaling his coming of age.

“Greetings, Master…”
“Congratulations, Master…”

Walking alone in the courtyard, Yue Yang heard the servants address him as “Master” repeatedly, and he felt a bit puzzled. He was only twenty-one or twenty-two. In modern times, he’d probably still be in university. Yet here, they dared to call him “Master.”

As he walked, Yue Yang remembered he hadn’t spoken privately with the Linglong sisters since returning. He worried that if he didn’t reassure them, they might take offense. With that thought, he turned toward their small courtyard.

Before he could take a few steps, a servant hurried over. “Master, several officers have arrived, claiming they were sent by the prefect to summon you to the mansion for official business…”