When the Khaqan of China had fulfilled his vengeance for the betrayal of Bahram Chubin and smoothed the unrest across his realm, he reflected deeply upon his royal duty. He acknowledged that neglecting the surviving kin of so mighty a hero as Bahram was unworthy of a righteous ruler and would diminish the sanctity of his royal oaths. Bahram had brought glory and joy to his court, and it was unthinkable to leave his family ignored in Merv.
The Khaqan summoned his trusted brother and dispatched him with a solemn mission to Merv. He instructed him to offer warm condolences to Bahram's household, declaring that the Khaqan's own heart was pierced with grief, yet reminding them that no mortal can evade the cosmic decrees of Yazdan when destiny strikes.
Secretly alongside these public condolences, the Khaqan penned an exquisite personal letter to Gordyeh, Bahram's celebrated sister. He lauded her unmatched intellect, virtue, and nobility, offering her the mantle of Queen of China. He promised to cherish her as his own soul, uphold his vows, and grant her command over his realm.
The royal envoy rode swift as a falcon to Merv. Arriving among Bahram's grieving household, he delivered the King's formal tribute and comforting words. Then, in private, he presented the Khaqan's secret epistle to Gordyeh, relaying the sovereign's passionate praise.
Gordyeh received the letter in dignified silence. Uniting intellect with wisdom, she crafted a profound and diplomatic response. She praised the Khaqan for fulfilling his duties as a magnificent monarch and for exacting blood-vengeance for her brother. However, she noted that her house was presently submerged in deep lamentation; to leap hastily into a wedding while the ashes of grief were still hot would brand her as shameless and indiscreet. She requested four full months of solemn mourning, promising that once the period of sorrow concluded, she would send a messenger to honor the Khaqan's wishes properly. Bestowing rich gifts upon the envoy, she sent him back to China with honor.