Hooge did not care about Dodo out of any genuine affection.
Looking at this uncle who was even younger than himself, he felt an indescribable sense of repulsion. After Hong Taiji's death, both Hooge and Dorgon had coveted the throne. Matched in strength, neither could outmaneuver the other. Adapting to the situation, Dorgon proposed elevating Fulin, Hong Taiji's ninth son, to the throne, with Prince Zheng Jirgalang and himself serving as co-regents—a proposal that ultimately passed. As Dorgon's younger brother, Dodo naturally belonged to Dorgon's faction. Hooge's warning to Dorgon was motivated by the fear that underestimating the enemy would lead to a disastrous loss of troops. Their primary objective for this incursion through the pass was to plunder the Xuanfu region, where Lord Yan had stockpiled the bulk of the supplies inside Xuanfu Garrison. Having joined forces to enter the pass, they shared a common destiny of glory and disgrace. Any success would be split evenly between them, and any failure would be borne equally by both.
Stepping out of the house with Dodo, Hooge offered another warning: "With the two of us leading sixty thousand troops into the pass, formidable though our numbers are, we must remain cautious and prudent. If we successfully capture Xuanfu, it will be a monumental achievement; if we suffer heavy losses, neither of us will escape punishment."
Chapter 172