131: Arrow Gone Awry

He Lianying seemed intent on pitting himself against Ning Shu, coming to attack the city every day, save for when it rained or snowed. His attacks were almost punctual, like clockwork—if only he were practicing the eighth set of radio broadcast gymnastics. The difference, of course, was that with each attack, blood flowed freely, forming rivers on the ground.

Ning Shu couldn't help but feel frustrated as she stood on the city wall, glaring down at him. Battles cost money, resources, and most of all, food. The amount of rations needed to support the army for a single day was staggering, and she didn't know how much longer they could sustain this.

It was becoming increasingly clear that Grand Marshal Shen Feng was losing his resolve. However, if they gave up now, all the lives that had already been sacrificed would have been for nothing. So, the only option left was to drag things on, despite the mounting pressure.

Ning Shu received another letter from Li Wen. This one was private and for her eyes only, its meaning crystal clear. Li Wen hoped for her victory, but more importantly, he urged her to stay strong and maintain her firm, unyielding stance. The letter ended with a few words of concern that almost made him seem like an older brother, but Ning Shu didn't bother to overanalyze it. As emperor, every word and action was laden with meaning.

The weather was unusually nice today. After a day of heavy wind and snow, the ground was covered with a thick blanket of white. Initially, Ning Shu thought He Lianying wouldn't dare attack the city in such conditions—after all, the weather made even walking difficult. But to her surprise, he still came.

The Tartars looked desperate, their faces drawn with exhaustion and fear. It was the middle of winter, and they had yet to achieve any real success. Even He Lianying, who was usually unflappable, seemed to be struggling. He stood there, his gaze fixed coldly on Ning Shu, who stood proudly by the flag. The sunlight caught her armor, making it glint with a harsh, almost blinding light, so intense that it obscured her face.

Duan Xinghui, standing beside Ning Shu, noticed He Lianying's gaze lingering on her. His displeasure was obvious as he couldn't help but speak up. "Princess, the Tartars of North Mongolia are nothing but treacherous wolves. You should never compromise with them."

Ning Shu was almost tempted to scratch her ear in frustration. Duan Xinghui had been repeating this same thing every day for the past few weeks. He had originally been a quiet and stoic figure, but now he seemed to be constantly nagging her. It was getting a bit tiresome.

Meanwhile, He Lianying, seemingly unable to contain himself, grabbed a bow and fired an arrow. It was aimed at Duan Xinghui, but for some reason—whether it was the wind or just sheer bad luck—the arrow veered off course and headed straight for Ning Shu instead.

Ning Shu's mind went into overdrive. She was about to dodge when her body suddenly froze. Her muscles refused to obey, and it felt like her soul was about to be ripped out of her body. Panic surged within her.

What's happening? Why can't I move? she thought in alarm.

Duan Xinghui, noticing that the arrow was heading for Princess Jiahui and that she wasn't moving, felt his heart seize with fear. In an instant, he drew his sword and tried to intercept the arrow. But it was too late. The arrowhead pierced through Ning Shu's shoulder with a sickening thud.

The pain was unbearable. Ning Shu's mind screamed in agony. She could hear the flesh tearing as the arrow lodged deeper into her, sending waves of pain through her entire body. The pain was so intense, it felt like her very soul was on fire.

Oh my fuck, it hurts! she mentally screamed.

Just then, a cold mechanical voice echoed in her consciousness, completely detached from the chaos around her: "Ding. The counterattack task has been completed. Leave the world? Yes/No."

Ning Shu didn't even need to think about it. Yes! Yes! Yes! She wanted to leave as soon as possible. There was no need to endure this kind of pain for the sake of the mission.

The system was definitely trolling her.

In an instant, her soul was ejected from Princess Jiahui's body, and she was free from the excruciating pain.