The valley's defenses were gradually improved, and Sang Qian mobilized all available manpower during this period.
Lacking materials for manufacturing weapons, they had to make do with what they had on hand.
They gathered stones, dug traps, and crafted some rudimentary ranged attack tools.
Today, while the valley may not be considered indestructible, it is certainly capable of ensuring their safety.
During this period, Zheng Huiyi also entrusted Polang and Feiyun to go down the mountain once to bring back a large amount of seasonings such as salt and sugar, as well as the latest news from the outside world.
The outside world has fallen into chaos.
The entire capital has been occupied by hordes of refugees, and there are even rumors that the refugees are about to launch a riot.
The imperial court remained inactive, a situation unprecedented in the previous era. Gu Qinlan was puzzled by this, but she did not pay much attention to it.
She was just a woman who rarely went out, and it was already quite an achievement that she was able to protect this large family.
Whether the outside world descends into chaos is of little concern to her.
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, the Zheng family has been taking refuge in the mountains for two months.
Last night, a heavy snow fell in the mountains, covering everything in a silvery white, and the air was bitterly cold.
Fortunately, during this time, no one in the manor was idle. The valley was stocked with a large amount of firewood for heating, and a lot of wild game was hunted. Everyone, from the master to the servants, was equipped with warm animal skins.
Although it may not look very appealing, it provides excellent warmth. With the addition of firewood and charcoal, it should be more than enough to get through the winter.
The only problem is that the vegetables grow slowly due to the low temperature.
However, in the month before the snow, they had already dug up a large amount of yams, kudzu roots, and various wild vegetables in the mountains, enough to sustain them for a while.
Nestled in the secluded valleys of the deep mountains, although the living conditions were far less luxurious and comfortable than those of the bustling Prince Duan's mansion, everyone gradually adapted to the simplicity here, especially the children, who seemed to have found endless joy. Every day, they followed the maids and servants to climb trees to pick bird nests, dive into the clear streams to catch fish and crabs, and fully unleash their childlike innocence, playing to their hearts' content.
The friendship between the Zheng and Jiang children quickly blossomed; they became as close as siblings and were inseparable.
During this time, Princess Consort Duan's demeanor underwent a dramatic change. She no longer forced herself to maintain dignity to preserve the reputation of the Duan Prince's Mansion, which had previously made her appear awkward and comical. Now, having shed those vanities and responsibilities that she was not good at, she was completely transformed, as if she had become more than ten years younger.
Zheng Huiyi and Zheng Huaiyu have grown even more significantly. They are no longer pretentious or pursuing a refined life. Instead, they have become down-to-earth and meticulous in everything they do.
Gu Qinlan was able to relax during this period, which was a rare treat.
In the mountains and fields, without having to worry about anything, she took a long vacation, and in just two months, her face became plumper.
The changes in the masters were so significant that the servants in the house were no exception.
The infighting and friction that once plagued the mansion are gone. Now, in this wilderness, everyone works together in harmony, demonstrating an unprecedented level of unity.
Princess Duan couldn't help but sigh to Gu Qinlan, "We've truly turned misfortune into blessing. Although the Duan Prince's residence suffered damage from the refugees, our home is now more beautiful than ever before."
Gu Qinlan nodded in agreement: "Who can argue with that? Adversity often hides opportunities. After this upheaval, our Zheng family will surely rise to even greater heights."
Just as the two were talking, Sang Qian suddenly reported from outside the cave: "Madam, there is an unusual commotion down the mountain. A conflict has broken out in the city."
Gu Qinlan and Princess Duan exchanged a glance and said in unison, "Has the imperial court sent troops to quell the chaos?"
A hint of excitement flashed in Sang Qian's eyes as he replied, "No, it's the Crown Prince who's back! He's leading his troops to suppress those refugees."
Princess Duan stood up excitedly, hurried to the cave entrance, and asked in a trembling voice, "Really? Is it really Dinglian who has returned?"
Sang Qian nodded firmly: "Yes, the people I sent to investigate saw it with their own eyes and even met the Crown Prince once. The Crown Prince already knows that we are taking refuge in this cave. Once the chaos in the city is quelled, he will come to pick us up and take us down the mountain."
Princess Duan excitedly spun around a few times, clasped her hands together, looked up at the sky, and said gratefully, "Thank God for His protection. This turmoil is finally coming to an end."
She turned around gracefully, her gaze falling gently on Gu Qinlan, a radiant smile blooming on her lips like spring flowers in full bloom: "Now it's all right, Zheng Dinglian has finally returned, and our family is finally reunited."
Gu Qinlan was also filled with joy.
Although one could barely make ends meet in the deep mountains, life there was simply too arduous.
Who wouldn't want a comfortable life instead of being huddled in this dark cave day after day?
However, she was conflicted. She clearly remembered that in her previous life, when Zheng Dinglian returned victorious from the battlefield, he brought back a woman.
Moreover, because of that woman, his relationship with Gu Qinlian became extremely awkward.
In the past, she wouldn't have cared at all; she could have easily given up Madam Zheng's position.
But now, she has developed a deep affection for the Zheng family and can't bear to part with them.
Human hearts are made of flesh and blood. She found the warmth of home in the Zheng family and developed an inseparable attachment to this beautiful feeling.
However, she is not the kind of person who gets entangled in complicated situations.
If Zheng Dinglian truly finds the love of his life, she will readily give up her place.
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