Hailanzhu knew that Xueli was pregnant but didn't say anything; she had two daughters, which was enough for her.

Huang Taiji was very pleased and rewarded Xue Li handsomely.

In the same year, the original owner's father, Eqigenoyan, was granted the title of Zasak Dorozhoriktu of the Abaga tribe, a hereditary title that would not be replaced, and he was in charge of the left wing.

Meanwhile, the Qing Dynasty continued its wars against the Ming Dynasty.

In the Battle of Songshan, the Qing army besieged the Ming army for half a year. In the end, the Ming army ran out of ammunition and food, and its commander Hong Chengchou surrendered.

This battle was the decisive battle in the Ming-Qing Songjin War. After the battle, the Ming Dynasty lost its main force outside the pass, and the Ningjin defense line completely collapsed. This marked the complete collapse of the Ming Dynasty's defense line in Liaodong and laid the foundation for the Qing Dynasty's entry into the pass.

Sherry kept a close eye on Abu Nai every day, determined to knock his rebellious spirit back down.

If he wants the empire, isn't the Ryukyu Islands nearby? Or, if all else fails, he can unify Mongolia and complete his ancestors' hegemony.

Sherry watched Abu Nai chattering away every day. Whether he paid attention or not was unknown, but Kambu was very attentive.

Then I heard from Sherry that that wretched island was a menace, and that she was always thinking about this fertile land.

The little guy pulled his older brother, younger brother, and younger sister along, promising to clean up that wretched island when he grew up.

The four siblings put their fingers together and made a pact.

Sydney:……

System: Our little darling is so cute! (?＞?＜)☆

Sherry: Is the one in my belly cuter or the four of them cuter?

System: This is such a familiar pitfall! Why don't you just ask me who I would save first if you and the baby fell into the water?

Sherry: I won't ask. I'll definitely stay in the water. You might even be worried that I'll come up!

System: Oh my, Your Majesty, you understand me so well! I'm so shy!

Sherry: Get lost!

Sherry realized that she was considered an older mother, even though she was 34 years old, she still needed to take good care of herself!

Because Hailanzhu was in poor health, Huang Taiji would mainly go to Qingning Palace to discuss serious matters, to Guanju Palace to express his feelings, and to Linzhi Palace to declare his love.

Anyway, Sherry was very satisfied. She only wanted his body; whether she loved him or not was completely unimportant.

Hailanzhu was also very satisfied. She had won Huang Taiji's sincere love, so whether she had a son or not didn't matter.

The Empress was fairly satisfied. As long as she didn't make any mistakes, she would remain the incomparably noble Empress of the Qing Dynasty.

Everyone was very satisfied and harmonious. Huang Taiji was also very happy because the situation was very favorable.

Only Consort Zhong harbored resentment.

So one day, while Hailanzhu was taking the children to sunbathe, she went to pay her respects to Hailanzhu.

Then, seeing the little princess crying her eyes out, she told Hailanzhu the truth!

Hailanzhu was stunned on the spot, then spat out a mouthful of blood and fainted.

The two little princesses were so frightened that they cried their hearts out.

Consort Zhong belatedly realized that she had made a mistake!

When Huang Taiji received the news, Hailanzhu was already on her deathbed.

She had always thought that the day her child died during childbirth was just a nightmare, but she never imagined it would actually be real.

To put her mind at ease, the emperor brought her another man's child.

She cherished her child like a precious jewel, but what about her child? Perhaps there won't even be any descendants!

She knew Huang Taiji's intentions, but she couldn't help but feel angry and refuse to see him.

The little princess was also returned to Consort Zhong.

Consort Zhong waited and waited, thinking that the matter was over.

Huanhuan happily hugged her daughter and kissed her, but the little princess didn't recognize her and cried desperately for her mother.

In a fit of anger, Consort Zhong grabbed the child and shouted, "I am your mother, I gave birth to you! Remember that!"

He met Huang Taiji's icy gaze.

Consort Zhong's eyes were filled with fear, and she trembled with terror!

Huang Taiji closed his eyes, trying to control his emotions, and arranged for people to move the mother and daughter away.

"By the way, Consort Zhong doesn't know how to write the character '忠' (zhong, meaning loyalty), so let's remove her title! Treat the little princess well, otherwise, you're not worthy to be her mother!"

After saying that, he strode away.

Consort Zhong collapsed to the ground, her face deathly pale.

Not to mention the various sarcastic remarks and teasing from the concubines every now and then.

"She lives with Consort Chen and enjoys very good food and drink. I wonder if the little princess is getting used to it now?"

"Yes, a perfectly good title can be revoked, tsk tsk tsk, the first time in the entire palace!"

"Sigh, as long as the child is well, how could a mother not be happy? What is she after?"

"..."

Yeah, what's she after?

On the other side, Hailanzhu ultimately couldn't hold on until New Year's Day; once she felt relieved, she passed away.

On his deathbed, he begged Huang Taiji not to take his anger out on the little princess and her mother, or the Khorchin!

Huang Taiji agreed, but was also greatly affected by Hailanzhu's death!

There weren't many women in the palace at that time; the imperial concubine selection was initiated by Emperor Shunzhi.

Moreover, with the love of his life gone, Huang Taiji had no interest in choosing any more concubines.

On January 20th, 1642 (the seventh year of the Chongde reign), Shirley gave birth to a boy.

Huang Taiji was quite pleased, after all, no boy had been born for many years.

Huang Taiji looked at Xue Li's pale face and sweat-dampened hair, and his heart softened.

He was given the name Bomubogor, meaning "bright pearl."

After Shirley woke up, Huang Taiji sat beside her reading memorials.

Sherry watched him quietly, wondering if he had fallen for someone else. She hoped he wouldn't, that he wouldn't shatter her beautiful fantasy.

When Huang Taiji looked up, he saw her clear, bright eyes, smiled, and began to serve the meal.

Sherry leaned back, her eyes shining as she looked at him.

Huang Taiji felt that his concubine must be a vixen, otherwise how could she seduce him even with a bare face?

Thank goodness Sherry didn't know, otherwise she would have definitely bowed to him: "He really is the emperor, his judgment is truly sharp!"

Xue Li enjoyed her meal and leaned against Huang Taiji's chest to look at the baby.

"Sir, your dark circles are so heavy. You must take good care of your health. Not only me, but all these millions of people are counting on you!"

Sherry was telling the truth. Who would he rely on without her son? Besides, what has he been doing these past few days? He might not have the strength to rely on her!

Sherry: You don't have to give me your love, but you absolutely have to give me your strength!

Huang Taiji kissed her forehead: "Alright, Lao Nana, I've been thinking of you!"

Sherry smiled sweetly, her eyes sparkling with spring, and leaned softly against him.

After a while, Huang Taiji suddenly handed her a box.

Sherry opened it with a puzzled look on her face.

Inside was a bright yellow imperial edict:

By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:

I, the Emperor, believe that the education of women begins in the palace, and virtue is the foundation of their support. Therefore, I bestow upon you this honorable title to honor your virtuous example and glorify your virtue. I hereby bestow upon you, Imperial Noble Consort Borjigit Namuzhong, that you are of virtuous character and conduct, prudent and cautious in your actions. Since entering the palace, you have been respectful and cautious, diligent day and night, and your demeanor has been exemplary. You have rendered meritorious service in bearing a son, bringing joy to my heart.

The prince is now young and requires careful nurturing. You, the Imperial Noble Consort, should diligently and cautiously guide him, upholding filial piety, loyalty, trustworthiness, benevolence, and courage as fundamental virtues, ensuring he is well-versed in literature and martial arts, so that he may become a pillar of the nation. I place great trust in you and expect the prince to inherit the ancestral teachings and bring glory to the family. So be it.

Huang Taiji

January 21st, the seventh year of Chongde