Madam Zhen had enjoyed immense prestige in Khwarazm these past years and could, in some sense, be considered its second-most important figure. Yet she had made the decision without consulting Zhalandin mainly because his strength was unfathomable. She knew that even if the prince learned of it, he would have no objections.
Zhalandin and the others stared in astonishment. Following her gaze, they saw a masked man slowly emerge from the woods. They were no fools, and given how well they had come to know Madam Zhen over the years, they immediately realized that this man must have been the reason she had displayed such astonishing power just now.
"I already told you, Khwarazm has been destroyed. What could you possibly have that would interest me?" Song Qingshu snorted irritably.
Madam Zhen bit her lip. "Though our country has fallen, we brought our national treasure with us when we fled. If benefactor is interested, I can offer you Khwarazm's national treasure."
Zhalandin, Hua Zha'ao, and the others exchanged bewildered looks. When had we ever brought out a national treasure?
Song Qingshu was also taken aback, and his curiosity was piqued. "What national treasure?" What did Central Asia and Eastern Europe even produce—jewels, or Ferghana horses? It couldn't possibly be pandas.
Madam Zhen lifted her chin, an indescribable gleam appearing in her sapphire-blue eyes. "Am I beautiful?"
Song Qingshu did not understand why she had suddenly asked that, but he nodded anyway. "Very beautiful." Even with the most critical eye, one had to admit that she was a stunning beauty. Her exotic charm, in particular, lent her a uniquely alluring appeal.
"Back then, I was known as Khwarazm's foremost beauty. Temujin, Hulagu Khan, and even our own prince have all wanted to possess me these past years." As Madam Zhen spoke,