Shen Tang wasn't surprised by the Princess's change of heart.
It was clear from the way she'd deceived the Ten Crows envoy to survive, foisting the child in her belly onto Zheng Qiao, that she valued her life. And the bargaining chip she used to stay alive was built on lies.
Every lie would eventually be exposed...
Her life was hanging by a thread!
It was only natural that she'd look for another, more reliable lifeline—or even use it to climb back onto shore.
The only thing Shen Tang hadn't expected was for the Princess to make up her mind so quickly. She'd thought the woman would hem and haw for a while.
It wasn't that Shen Tang was looking forward to some so-called alliance. The Princess's several attempts to sound her out had all been hasty, and she hadn't done a thorough enough background check on Shen Tang. She'd dared show her true colors without being sure—should Shen Tang call that desperation making her grasp at anything, or a keen eye for talent? She'd certainly found herself a reliable ally on the first try.
Shen Tang said, without betraying a hint of emotion, "Seeking a way to survive? Your Highness, you give me far too much credit..."
The Princess's face paled, but she remained composed. "I... No, I can see that something's wrong with these tribute women being offered to the Ten Crows. I don't know what Lord Shen is plotting, but I can be sure you won't push them into a pit of fire!"
If she had intended to do that, why would she have killed ten Ten Crows guards last night and antagonized their envoy?
Wasn't Shen Tang afraid she'd never make it back?
The Princess had always felt there was something wrong with this batch of