After the recent battle, Ning Shu's reputation in the military grew rapidly. But, unsurprisingly, it was a reputation that caused fear rather than admiration. However, Ning Shu made it clear that she didn't care about such things.
What surprised her, though, was that Cai Sang had begun learning martial arts. Despite her daily responsibilities—attending to Ning Shu, doing her laundry, and preparing her meals—Cai Sang made time to practice. She declared her intention to join the battlefield to avenge those who had been wronged. Ning Shu, seeing her determination, allowed her to pursue her goal.
Perhaps it was because of Ning Shu's harsh reputation that the people around her were both fearful and impressed. Soon, a significant number of women—those with nowhere to turn or those who had been victimized by the Tartars—came to Ning Shu seeking help. Within a short time, over a hundred women had gathered, effectively forming a female army. It added some color and life to the otherwise grim barracks.
These women, desperate and full of anger, had come to Ning Shu as their last hope. They were determined to take revenge, their faces marked with fierce resolve. Ning Shu recognized the importance of having a loyal, dependable group of subordinates who would follow her orders without hesitation. She accepted them into her fold and ensured they were trained in basic martial arts.
As they trained, something shifted within these women. With a newfound sense of purpose, they became no less spirited than the male soldiers. Though they might not possess the same physical strength, their tenacity outshone that of many men.
However, the army couldn't continue to support these women indefinitely. Shen Feng, ever pragmatic, hinted that the women couldn't remain in the barracks indefinitely. Ning Shu didn't argue; instead, she pointed out that these women were contributing in their own way—handling the meals, repairs, and various duties within the camp. In the end, Shen Feng reluctantly yielded. Given Ning Shu's precedence, he couldn't very well argue that women had no place in the barracks.
Meanwhile, in the capital, a wave of opposition against Ning Shu began to swell. The critics argued that her methods were too bloody, too cruel. But what truly bothered the traditionalist Confucian scholars was her allowance of so many women in the military. The presence of women on the battlefield threatened their tightly held moral injunctions, which were the foundation for restricting women's freedoms. If women could fight, how could they continue to suppress them?
A group of ministers banded together to protest.
Li Wen, seated on the dragon throne, read the memorial from the ministers with an unreadable expression. However, a glimmer of satisfaction passed through his eyes as he finished reading about Ning Shu's actions. He then addressed the ministers with a cold, indifferent tone.
"Her methods were ruthless," Li Wen said, his voice emotionless. "How about this? Choose one of you to be sent to the border. If that person manages to survive and return, we will remove Princess Jiahui from her post."
The ministers froze, horror dawning in their faces. They were well aware of Li Wen's disregard for their lives. To him, they were easily replaceable. His challenge wasn't just a test of survival—it was an invitation for one of them to risk their life, knowing that if they failed, they'd be replaced with someone else just as easily.
The ministers shrank back, their enthusiasm for protest waning as they tried to minimize their presence in the room.
Soon after, Ning Shu received a letter from Li Wen. It contained just two words: "Very good."
Ning Shu understood instantly—Li Wen approved of her actions. His support gave her an even stronger sense of confidence. With his backing, she knew her position was secure.
Meanwhile, Ning Shu's tent had become a women's stronghold. No men were allowed within, as the women now formed the core of her forces. She watched with satisfaction as these women, clad in armor and brandishing their spears, moved with surprising unity and spirit. They were becoming a formidable force, each one more determined than the last.
A slight smile tugged at the corners of Ning Shu's lips. By leaving the original host with these women, she had given her a degree of influence that would ensure her life was a little easier in the future.
As she watched the women train, Ning Shu allowed herself a rare moment of peace. In this harsh world, she had built something strong, something that would endure.