Sumalagu had always been puzzled as to why the Khorchin needed to use women to solidify their position, when they were already a powerful and well-equipped army! Did they intend to rebel? Why were they doing this?
If it were someone the emperor liked, even if they were sent to the palace, the women of Khorchin wouldn't have a bad life. But now it's not that the emperor likes them; it's that the Empress Dowager is forcing the emperor to take women in.
Young girls in the prime of their lives, if they are favored in the palace, that's good; if they are not, they will be widows until they die!
The Empress Dowager herself was not favored in the past. How did she get through those empty and lonely days? Has she really forgotten?
Moreover, the women sent to the palace by the Khorchin were all the legitimate daughters of princes and ministers, while the women sent by the Aisin Gioro clan to the Khorchin for marriage alliances were all women who were not favored.
Sumalagu shook her head. As a woman, she didn't understand politics very well, but she found the Empress Dowager's behavior increasingly incomprehensible!
On the other side, Harigana went to see Senegia with the imperial edict in her arms. Although it was wrapped in a piece of cloth, there was probably no one else who would carry an imperial edict out like this!
"Mother!"
Harigana entered the tent, opened the package in his hand, and the golden imperial edict caught Saenjiya's eye.
"Harigana, you just brought the imperial edict here like this?"
Saenjiya's feelings are complicated now, whether it's because she saw the imperial edict and felt heartbroken, or because of Harigana's carefree attitude.
Harigana was taken aback. Had she done something wrong?
"Mother, what's wrong?"
Saenjiya felt a pang in her heart; she had truly forgotten to tell Harigana that the imperial edict required offerings.
However, the imperial edict did not come from a legitimate source, so there was no point in her worrying about it. Later, she should be taught about palace etiquette so that she would not be disrespectful and be punished.
"It's alright! I'll tell you about these things later when I'm done!"
Saenjiya took the imperial edict from Harigana and was about to send someone to invite Baoliri over when a maid's greeting came from the doorway.
"Abu!"
Harigana and Sainziya watched the boisterous Baoliri; the former bowed respectfully, while the latter rolled his eyes.
"You're well-informed!"
Seneja held her breath, unsure how to find out, and looking at the unseemly Baoliri, she finally whispered something.
"Cough cough!"
Baoli's face flushed slightly. He wanted to refute Saienjiya, but seeing his wife's displeased expression, the words that were about to come out turned into two light coughs.
"Abu, Mother, let's look at the imperial edict first!"
Harigana quickly interrupted, even though he knew the two wouldn't start arguing—it was common knowledge that Baoliri doted on his wife—Harigana didn't want to watch the drama unfold.
"good!"
Baoli opened the imperial edict and, upon seeing the words "Consort Chen" on it, was both shocked and pleased.
He had already heard the congratulations many times when he came back, but he still couldn't believe he hadn't seen the imperial edict.
After all, the highest rank the Empress Dowager's branch held was only Noble Lady, not even a Consort, while his daughter held the rank of Imperial Concubine. Although he didn't want to admit it, his daughter was already the most powerful person on this grassland besides the Empress Dowager!
Once Harigana has her own child, she will have a foothold in the palace. Even if the emperor no longer cares for Harigana as much as he does now, her status will still be there. If they send her more money, the mother and child will surely have a comfortable life in the future!
"Harigana! My dear daughter! Your mother and mother will not be by your side from now on, so you must be careful in everything you do!"
Although Baoli Ri thought a lot when he saw the title of Consort Chen, he felt very uncomfortable at the thought that his pampered daughter would soon have to serve a man with many women.
He himself was chaste and had no women other than Saenjiya. Namuria was the same; she had no concubines or mistresses other than Erdun.
But their daughters insisted on sharing the man's suffering. If it weren't for the imperial decree from Bumbutai that everyone should participate in this inspection tour, he would never have brought his two daughters here.
"Abu, don't worry! Your daughter understands and will definitely not bring shame to you, Mother, or the Borchijin tribe!"
Harigana hugged Sengiya tightly, his heart filled with reluctance. After speaking, his eyes were red, and he couldn't help but cry while holding Sengiya's arm.
"My dear daughter! Don't cry! Your mother is seeing you off. Your mother and Eqige have already agreed to go with you to Khorchin and escort you to the capital. We'll come back after you've settled in there!"
Harigana shook her head. Although she really wanted to take them to the capital, Baoliri was a tribal chief, and with autumn approaching, he would have many things to deal with.
And even if they were sent to the capital, what difference would it make? Not to mention the long journey, they couldn't get involved in the affairs of the palace, and they would eventually have to come back anyway!
"Mother! Abu!"
Harigana released Senjya's hand, took two steps back, and knelt down straight in front of the two of them.
"Harigana!"
"daughter!"
Saenjiya and Baoliri rushed forward to help Harigana up, but she refused.
"Abu! Mother!"
Harigana wiped away her tears, then forced a smile, but couldn't manage it, and stopped trying.
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