After all, she was a princess of noble birth. In Tatar territory, where even noble women’s status wasn’t particularly low, Princess Tana had lived like a fish in water—where had she ever suffered any grievances?

But since coming to Great Zhou, she had been enduring constantly. Not only did her words and actions have to follow Great Zhou’s etiquette—otherwise she would appear crude—but even her eating and living habits had to change. More than that, every day she had to pay respects to the Empress Dowager and the Empress.

The Empress Dowager was one thing—after all, she was the mother of Great Zhou’s emperor.

But the Empress was both old and ugly—why should she have to humble herself before such an unsightly woman?

There was also Consort Yun who looked like a fox spirit, relying on being the Empress Dowager’s cousin to run rampant in the harem. Lower-ranked concubines were often bullied like dogs before her. Even she, a Tatar princess, was viewed as a lowly person in these people’s eyes—a tool sent by barbarians to curry favor with Great Zhou.

What Princess Tana could least tolerate was being wronged, but she couldn’t forget why she had been sent for this marriage alliance. For the peace between the two nations, she couldn’t do anything improper that would give Great Zhou an excuse to attack Tatar territory.

Though Nasu was Si Qin’s trusted confidant, he was still a fellow Tatar. The emotions she usually controlled threatened to break free before Nasu. If not for maintaining her dignity as a princess, knowing she shouldn’t weep before a subordinate, she would have wanted to cry her heart out long ago.

Princess Tana’s eyes reddened, moisture clinging to her long lashes. Her healthy honey-colored cheeks also flushed from suppressing her anger, revealing a vulnerability rarely seen.

Seeing Princess Tana’s condition, Nasu felt somewhat helpless and looked away.

Regardless of how Princess Tana was faring, this wasn’t something he, a mere subject, could interfere with.

Princess Tana held back again and again, ultimately forcing the tears back without losing her dignity as a princess. Proudly lifting her chin, she said: “Speak. What business do you have seeking this palace? Surely it’s not just to bid farewell?”

Nasu smiled slightly: “It seems Princess Tana has adapted well to the role of Consort Shun?”

“Naturally I must adapt. Since this palace has married, I must live a new life and cannot always be bound by past matters.”

“It’s excellent that the Princess thinks this way—it saves me from wasting breath. Since the Princess is both Great Zhou’s Consort Shun and Tatar’s princess, when living in Great Zhou henceforth, you must remember your identity and understand what should and shouldn’t be done. You must know where you come from, and understand that even after marriage, you need your ‘natal family’ to support you.”

“You need not lecture this palace on such matters. How this palace conducts herself—is that for you to meddle in?”

“Yes, if that’s the case, I won’t say more. Does the Princess have a convenient place to speak?”

Princess Tana said impatiently: “Haven’t you been speaking all along?”

Nasu sneered coldly: “Good. Since the Princess can ensure this place is secure, I’ll speak plainly. Only, I’ll be departing for home shortly afterward. The one staying here will be you, Princess. If there are any mishaps or unpleasant consequences, they’ll all fall on the Princess to bear.”

Princess Tana was startled, pursing her crimson lips as she stood: “Follow me for a walk in the Imperial Garden.”

Only then did Nasu feel somewhat satisfied, snorting lightly as he walked behind Princess Tana.

The group left Chuxiu Palace for the Imperial Garden, seeking opportunities to speak along the way.

In the vast Imperial Garden, all scenery was covered by pristine white snow. As long as they didn’t walk toward the plum garden, they naturally wouldn’t encounter anyone. They found an open area and had people disperse to guard the surroundings.

Princess Tana held her exquisite hand warmer, lifting her chin: “Whatever you have to say, speak.”

Nasu didn’t waste words, lowering his voice: “The slights Her Highness the Princess has suffered since arriving—even I find them unbearable to watch. When I return to Tatar territory, I’ll report to the Khan, at least letting him understand the Princess’s difficulties in Great Zhou.”

This sudden understanding took Princess Tana by surprise. When she met Nasu’s concerned gaze, she was somewhat moved.

She sighed softly: “It’s good that you understand this palace. At least this palace didn’t come here for nothing.”

“How could I not understand?” Nasu said. “From the moment the Princess entered the capital, there were problems with the marriage envoy they arranged.”

Mentioning the marriage envoy, Princess Tana naturally thought of Qin Yining.

“That vixen! She killed A’na Ri Khan yet still had the face to welcome this palace!”

“Not only that. Actually, thinking carefully, she simply wasn’t the most suitable choice for this marriage mission. Princess Anyang is the Empress Dowager’s legitimate daughter and Great Zhou’s emperor’s own sister—only such noble status would be worthy of welcoming the Princess. But I heard that this time, it was Prince Zhongshun’s consort who schemed behind the scenes, stealing away the marriage envoy position. Even Princess Anyang holds a grudge over this matter!”

“Such a thing happened?” Princess Tana was furious. “By what right! This palace will definitely make her pay!”

Nasu continued: “Not only that. Back then in Tatar territory, she also took a fancy to Si Qin Khan when he was still a prince consort. A’na Ri Khan caught her attempting seduction, which is why she acted against her. It was only because she was unprepared in her anger that she was killed by her.”

“What?” Princess Tana’s eyes widened in shock and rage. “This palace… this palace always thought she assassinated A’na Ri Khan for her country. I never imagined it was because of Si Qin Khan? Isn’t she Prince Zhongshun’s consort? For her to do such a thing… you wouldn’t be deceiving this palace, would you?”

“How could I!” Nasu said urgently. “Si Qin Khan told me all this personally before I came. Even if you don’t trust me, you should trust Si Qin Khan. This time Si Qin Khan raised troops to avenge A’na Ri Khan, but unfortunately was defeated. How heartbroken Si Qin Khan must be—how could we outsiders truly understand?”

Saying this, Nasu couldn’t help but sigh and shake his head.

Princess Tana’s heart had originally harbored resentment toward Si Qin for forcing her into this marriage alliance, but now she felt no hatred at all.

Replacing that hatred was determination to avenge A’na Ri Khan and Si Qin Khan.

Nasu observed her expressions and, seeing Princess Tana truly angered, said: “I’m telling you these things today not to make you angry for nothing, but because I feel these matters shouldn’t be hidden from you. You are, after all, of imperial blood—Tatar royal lineage. You have the right to know the truth.”

Princess Tana nodded, her eyes somewhat red.

Nasu pressed his advantage, lowering his voice extremely and moving close to Princess Tana: “To be honest, the Khan has already begun moving against them. This time, we must uproot Prince Zhongshun’s entire line!”

Princess Tana collected her thoughts, narrowing her eyes at Nasu.

“You’re telling this palace all this—is it really just to inform this palace of the truth? Hmph.” Princess Tana slowly walked forward, saying in a low voice: “Si Qin Khan is resourceful and wise. If he didn’t need to use this palace for something, he would never reveal these truths to this palace. To say nothing else, if the Tatar people learned that A’na Ri Khan actually died from a crime of passion, even though Si Qin Khan is innocent, could he still sit firmly in the Khan’s position?”