Chapter 09: Defeat

Since then, I have truly experienced every single gaze of astonishment, admiration, and even greedy lewdness without exception

Such a beautiful face, with the passage of time, may perhaps become even more enchanting and captivating. The purity intertwined with a playful allure is the true description I see reflected in the mirror.

A few days later, Lin Bulou, who had narrowly escaped from the battlefield, returned to Yehe with the corpse of Bu Zhai

The Jurchens place great importance on oaths. They speak casually in their daily conversations, but they do not make vows lightly. Once they swear an oath to the heavens, it is regarded as a commitment and belief that should not be easily violated. Indeed, the righteous aura I exuded immediately subdued everyone present, including Buyangu and Nalimbulu.

Dong Ge! Buyangu walked over to me with a sentimental expression, clearly moved by my words. "I will no longer force you to marry Nurhaci, but... you still need to personally make a trip to Feiala," he said, gazing at me with a long and profound look. "I don't care what method you use, whether you seek your aunt's help or... in any case, you must bring back my father's corpse for me!"

During my childhood, I spent my years in an orphanage. Although I had no relatives, at least there were many people around, which made it not too lonely. Later, I attended a vocational school and lived on campus. During the winter and summer vacations, I was busy working to earn tuition fees, and I rarely had time to return to the orphanage. After graduating and starting work, I was busy working overtime during the holidays. After being transferred to Sam's department, I often traveled for interviews in other cities, and I was so busy that I couldn't even go home on New Year's Eve. Over time, I became accustomed to the solitude and busyness of the New Year.

When I first arrived in ancient times, I was not yet aware of this different feeling. However, ever since I heard that a man once easily sacrificed his life for "me," I began to truly notice how immense and terrifying the influence of Dong Ge's beauty could be. I started to pay attention to the gazes of pursuit that I had not carefully observed before, and I was astonished to find that any man, regardless of age, would have his expression change the moment he saw me for the first time

Buyangu's gaze suddenly turned cold, and Lin Bulou looked at me with a face full of reproach, as if I had just uttered something utterly outrageous.

After being an ordinary person for twenty-three years, today I finally indulged in the experience of being a beauty. Then I suddenly realized that I hate being a beauty! I truly hate it!

No matter how unwilling I am in my heart, the era in which this body exists does not allow a weak woman like me to refute even a single word. No matter how much Bu Zhai loves me, in his eyes, I am merely a daughter who will eventually marry someone else, no different from any other woman.

Although she is still young and not fully grown, her face alone has already earned her the title of "the most beautiful woman of the Jurchen tribe"

Although I have long known that Nurhaci in history was brave and skilled in battle, undefeated throughout his life and invincible, the defeat of the Nine Banners was already anticipated by me. However, when I heard the tragic news of Bu Zhai's death, I still found it emotionally difficult to accept

From that moment on, I have loathed having this face so much; beauty, to me, is nothing short of a deadly shackle, firmly binding me and forcefully pushing me into an abyss.

By the time I became aware, Mantai had already returned to Ula with his subordinates, filled with joy, while I could only gaze at the hall overflowing with betrothal gifts, as if I had been struck on the head with a heavy blow.

Do not speak, do not speak... I silently cry out within, my body trembling slightly

Then Lin Bulou embraced him and cried out in anguish: "Buyangu, your father died such a tragic death... that despicable Nurhaci actually chopped your father's body in half, only willing to return one half to us! He displayed the other half of your father's corpse on the city wall as a trophy to flaunt..."

When the news reached Yehe, I was completely stunned

In the midst of his weeping, Nalimbulu suddenly spotted me in the crowd. When his gaze fell upon me, I couldn't help but feel a chill, as an ominous sense rose from the depths of my heart.

The coffin had not been closed, and almost simultaneously as he lunged at the coffin, a wail of sorrow erupted from his throat: "Amma—"

Bu Yang's face turned pale, his teeth clenched and his body slightly trembled. I had never seen him with such a terrifying expression, but the mere thought of Nurhaci's arrogance and pride made me shudder all over

Still... cannot escape.

The daughters born in the boudoir are not just me, nor can I expect ancient men to have only one daughter. In fact, during the era of polygamy and many children, the key to my ability to stand out among my sisters lies in my uniquely different face.

In modern times, with my appearance, I can only be considered above average; I cannot be said to be unattractive, yet I certainly do not belong to the category of faces that are star-like. Therefore, walking down the street, I absolutely do not have to worry about experiencing that terrifying feeling of a 300% return rate of glances... However...! ... Dong Ge is different! Significantly different!

Fortunately, I am well aware that Nurhaci ultimately passed away of natural causes, having lived a full life, and he was not killed by anyone. Therefore, despite the malicious nature of the oath I made, I need not worry about the day when I would actually have to fulfill that promise. In this regard, I have indeed played a little trick of foresight.

Finally, after the bustling and lively Spring Festival, the concern that I have long feared and buried deep in my heart quietly surfaced.

September of the same year

From now on, I will take greater care to maintain my free life and will no longer allow myself to be manipulated by others

The Yehe Banners Bu Zhai and Na Lin Bu Lu, along with the Hada Banners Meng Ge Bu Lu, the younger brother of Ula Banners Man Tai, Bu Zhan Tai, and the Huihua Banners Bai Yin Da Li, united with the two divisions of Changbai Mountain, Zhu She Li and Ne Yin, as well as the Mongolian Khorchin, Xibo, and Gua Le Cha divisions, forming a coalition of nine divisions led by the Yehe division, claiming to have thirty thousand troops. They divided their forces into three routes, marching grandly towards Fei A La City.

Although I have only spent half a year with him, and although he once regarded me as a bargaining chip for a political marriage, he is after all my father, the very first person I have ever called "father" in my life. In the face of his death, I cannot help but feel heartbroken and sorrowful

Nurhaci claimed that if one wishes to retrieve the other half of the corpse, it can only be done if...

No! I take a step back, the stubbornness and rebellious spirit deep within me surge forth, I refuse to be treated like a plaything to be sent back and forth: "You will not send me to Nurhaci!"

Next year will be the Year of Gui Si, as referred to by people, and it is also the year 1593 in my calculations.

Buxiyamala is extremely beautiful! So beautiful that every time I look in the mirror while grooming, I become mesmerized and lost in thought. Over time, Ajina has almost come to believe that her master has developed a narcissistic complex.

I empathize deeply, feeling a subtle pain within. After a loud shout, Buyangu could not catch his breath and fainted with his eyes closed, his forehead striking heavily against the sharp top of the coffin.

At that time, I was supported by Ajina to the front hall, feeling as if my legs were weighed down with lead and difficult to move. I saw the disheveled Lin Bulou, tears streaming down his face as he supported the coffin, while the eldest son of Buzhai, my brother Buyangu, quickly darted past me from behind

In comparison, the first New Year in ancient times was the most leisurely and lively I have ever experienced in my life. This was not only because the festive atmosphere was several times stronger than that of modern times, but also thanks to the flourishing population of the Yehenara family

I let out a quiet sigh, knowing that for the time being, I need not worry about being forced by my uncle to marry Nurhaci. Thanks to the Battle of the Nine Banners, my fiancé, Buzhantai, whom I have never met, has been captured, and whether he is alive or dead remains unknown. In a certain sense, this engagement can be considered as having fallen through. I have regained my freedom and will not foolishly jump back into the fire of a political marriage.

In the blink of an eye, it is the Lunar New Year's Eve. According to the reign title of Emperor Zhu Yijun of the Ming Dynasty, next year will be the 21st year of Wanli. However, the common people beyond the pass rarely calculate the years using the reign titles of the Ming emperors. For instance, a little girl like A Jina does not even know who the Ming emperor is or how old he is. Therefore, when it comes to counting years, it is generally done using the Gan-Zhi system.

Buyangu slowly raised his head, his deep-set eyes gazing at me with such an expectant and joyful expression. What does it mean? ... Does he really intend to do as Nurhaci said and take me...

I noticed some relatives in the hall starting to whisper among themselves, frequently nodding in approval of what I was saying. I tightly gripped Azina's arm, my palms sweaty with anxiety. God knows how nervous and scared I was just a moment ago

On the way, the forces of the nine divisions attacked the cities of Zhaka and Heijige, but were unsuccessful. The two armies ultimately faced each other at Gule Mountain. Nurhaci's troops were less than half in strength, taking a defensive position on the advantageous terrain, and ordered his subordinate E'erdudu to lead a hundred men into battle. Yehe Buzhai rode out to confront them, but his horse stumbled and fell, leading to his death at the hands of Wu Tan, a general under E'erdudu. The Khorchin prince Ming'anma got stuck in a muddy pit and, after changing his horse's harness, fled in panic. The forces of the nine divisions suffered a great defeat, with Ula's Bu Zhantai captured, and the number of other soldiers taken prisoner was countless. The Khorchin prince Ming'anma got stuck in a muddy pit and, after changing his horse's harness, fled in panic. The forces of the nine divisions suffered a great defeat, with Ula's Bu Zhantai captured, and the number of other soldiers taken prisoner was countless. Seizing the opportunity, Nurhaci further annihilated Neiyin and Zhushali, leading to the complete submission of the Jianzhou Jurchens to Nurhaci.

In this frequent pursuit of gazes, I have come to realize that I am slowly losing myself, losing the original me— that ordinary yet genuine self who walks with ease

Presenting ... ... Dong Ge ... ...

In the sixth month of the year of Gui Si, the leader of the Ula tribe, Man Tai Beile, personally came to Ye He to seek a marriage proposal for his brother Bu Zhan Tai, drawn by my esteemed reputation. At that time, Nurhaci's power in Jianzhou was growing increasingly strong, posing a significant threat to the four tribes of the Huren Jurchens. Na Lin Bu Lu and Bu Zhai, in order to horizontally consolidate their relationship with Ula, immediately agreed to this marriage proposal

I swallowed a mouthful of dry saliva, and immediately put on an expression of righteous indignation, exclaiming: "He is my father's murderer! How could I possibly lower myself to marry a devil who killed my father? I—Yehenara Buxiya Mara, hereby swear before heaven today, that whoever can kill Nurhaci and avenge my father, I will immediately marry him without any regret! If I go against this oath, may I be punished as such!" I drew the dagger I carried with me and forcefully struck one of the legs of the table in front of me.

I felt a chill, as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over my head, a cold that penetrated to the bone and heart