Verdant Green Maiden's answer was blunt.
Her bluntness took Ashilan Han somewhat by surprise.
"Uh..."
"Well..."
Seeing him at a loss for words, Verdant Green Maiden smiled again.
"What is it?"
"Now that you've heard the truth, you don't know what to do?"
Ashilan Han looked embarrassed at her words, but he made no attempt to hide it. He nodded and said, "Indeed. I truly did not expect you to be so direct, Saintess. Please forgive me, but I have another question for you."
"Ask."
Verdant Green Maiden nodded.
Ashilan Han looked at her and asked, "Why... must you help the Han people?"
After he asked this question, Verdant Green Maiden fell silent.
Only after a long while did she answer, "Because I am the goddess of the Han people."
"But aren't you also the goddess of the Western Regions?"
"I am the goddess of the Han people first, and only then the goddess of the Western Regions."
"..."
This time, Verdant Green Maiden answered without the slightest hesitation.
After hearing her answer, Ashilan Han fell silent. He drew a deep breath and bowed solemnly to her.
"I understand your meaning, Saintess! Rest assured, the Gaochang Kingdom will help Great Song reclaim the Western Regions."
"But..."
"Please also forgive me. I must always keep the Gaochang Kingdom's interests in mind."
Verdant Green Maiden nodded at his words.
"I understand."
"I won't blame you, either."
That was precisely why she had built Saintess City. Adapting to local conditions was the surest truth.
Yet just as Ashilan Han and Verdant Green Maiden were talking, an ox's lowing approached from afar, drawing the attention of everyone in the Grand Hall. They all looked up and saw an ox charge in from outside.
"An ox!"
Someone cried out in surprise.
Ashilan Han looked startled.