The sounds of clashing blades filled the air, accompanied by the anguished cries of the dying. Blood pooled on the battlefield, and Ning Shu clenched her teeth as she witnessed Tartar horses trampling over the bodies of Great Yong soldiers. A surge of sorrow and hatred swelled in her chest. She charged at the advancing Tartars, her whip lashing out and tearing into their faces, the barbs ripping flesh and even gouging out eyes.
"Forward, forward…" At last, the sound of galloping hooves echoed in the distance. The long-awaited reinforcements had arrived.
A Great Yong general led his troops onto the field. He surveyed the carnage before him and shouted, "Prepare for battle!"
He Lianying, who hadn't brought many soldiers, assessed the situation. His sharp gaze swept over Ning Shu, who was so blood-soaked that only her fierce, gleaming eyes were visible. With a faint smile, he ordered his men, "Fall back."
The Tartars retreated to regroup behind He Lianying, facing off against the Great Yong reinforcements.
Ning Shu wiped the blood off her face, though the metallic stench lingered in her nose. She gripped her whip tightly, her hands trembling. Across from her, He Lianying remained composed despite his injuries, his pale face betraying the poison's effect. His demeanor was unnervingly calm, even amused.
Pointing to the captured Tartars, he said coldly, "Release our North Mongolian warriors."
Ning Shu laughed mockingly. "What if this princess refuses? What difference does your army's strength make? Great Yong soldiers would gladly sacrifice ten lives to take down just one of your men. If ten aren't enough, then a hundred!"
He Lianying's eyes flashed briefly with alarm before his laughter boomed across the field. His gaze burned with admiration as he looked at Ning Shu, his voice tinged with appreciation. "A woman like you is rare, Jiahui. In a land where most people are content with decadence, you shine like a gem. You should have been born in North Mongolia, galloping freely across the plains."
Ning Shu sneered. "This princess would rather die than leave with you."
Her defiance only seemed to amuse He Lianying further, though the poison was clearly taking its toll. Blood seeped from his lips, staining his smile.
"You truly used poison," he said, wiping the blackened blood away.
Ning Shu shrugged with mock innocence. "This princess doesn't lie."
He Lianying's gaze fixed on her, studying her face intently. Then he laughed heartily. "Jiahui, prepare yourself. This prince won't rest until I make you mine!"
Feigning fear, Ning Shu patted her chest and replied with a sneer, "Oh no, I'm so scared! I just adore watching you drive yourself crazy trying and failing to claim this princess."
Coughing up another mouthful of blood, He Lianying finally turned to his troops. "Retreat!"
The Tartars withdrew, leaving Ning Shu and the Great Yong soldiers to survey the blood-soaked battlefield.