"These guys, if they're so capable, they should go and fight the government troops head-on. What kind of heroes are they, bullying us defenseless old people, women, and children!"
Princess Duan was so angry that she cursed incessantly.
Her anger was not unfounded; the smoke was simply too pungent.
At first, the smoke was tolerable, but as time went on, it became increasingly thick and unbearable.
However, not long ago, a new group of refugees arrived from the foot of the mountain. These new refugees joined the people making fires, making the smoke on the mountain even thicker, as if the entire mountaintop was shrouded in fog.
Inside the cave, the situation was relatively acceptable, but the smoke outside was so thick that it was difficult to open one's eyes.
Fortunately, due to their previous experience of suffering losses, these refugees did not dare to launch a strong attack rashly. Instead, they set fires on the outside to create thick smoke, trying to force them out of the cave.
Zheng Huiyi rubbed her bloodshot eyes and couldn't help but complain, "What on earth is my brother busy with? Why is he taking so long to climb the mountain to meet us? Doesn't he worry about our safety? No wonder my sister-in-law is dissatisfied with him. What woman would want to marry such an irresponsible man?"
Upon hearing this, Princess Duan glared angrily and scolded, "This girl, she really knows how to bring up the most sensitive topics!"
Ever since she learned that Zheng Dinglian had returned with his troops, her heart had been in her throat, fearing that her daughter-in-law would bring up the past again.
However, before the daughter-in-law could utter any complaints, her own daughter was the first to complain.
Just as she was racking her brains for a way to defuse the awkward situation, Gu Qinlan spoke up to help her out.
“Your brother is the commander of the army and bears heavy responsibilities. How can he leave his post so easily? We are not in danger at the moment. Even if refugees break in, they will not dare to cause us any real harm. If you feel unwell, you can put some eye drops in to moisturize your eyes and relieve the discomfort a little.”
Princess Duan hurriedly chimed in, "That's right, your sister-in-law is right, stop talking nonsense."
As she spoke, she pulled Zheng Huiyi aside, saying, "Don't say these things in front of your sister-in-law. Are you afraid she won't have any complaints about your brother?"
Zheng Huiyi grumbled unhappily, "That's his own fault! He has a heavy responsibility, but do you think my sister-in-law has it easy? Others may not know how hard we've been these past few months, but Mother, don't you know? Don't be so biased and only speak up for your son."
Princess Duan was furious: "When did I speak up for your brother? You silly girl, do you really want your sister-in-law to divorce him?"
Zheng Huiyi suddenly realized, "Oh dear! I forgot about that! Mother, has my sister-in-law already harbored resentment?"
"Hmm? The smoke seems to be thinning."
The servants guarding the entrance to the valley rubbed their stinging eyes and looked up with some confusion.
After a while, Sang Qian said, "The smoke has indeed thinned. Everyone should be on high alert. There may be movement down the mountain. Be careful that the refugees may launch an attack."
Upon hearing this, the servants immediately perked up, and several quick-witted ones had already picked up stones, ready to hurl them at anyone who appeared in the smoke.
Sure enough, soon after, a figure gradually approached from the smoke.
A servant, quick-witted and agile, threw the stone in his hand.
Just as the stone was about to hit its target, the opponent easily dodged it with a swift movement.
Another servant quickly raised a stone and called to those around him to throw it together.
Sang Qian felt that the figure in the smoke looked familiar, and hurriedly shouted, "Stop! That might be the Crown Prince!"
The servants were stunned for a moment: "Young Master?"
"It's me."
Zheng Dinglian's voice came through the smoke.
"It really is the Crown Prince! The Crown Prince has come to take us down the mountain!"
"Quickly, go and inform the Madam and the Old Madam that the Young Master has arrived!"
The servants cheered excitedly.
Sang Qian strode forward, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Your subordinate greets the Crown Prince."
Zheng Dinglian reached out and helped him up, his voice gentle and full of gratitude: "You have truly worked hard and made great contributions during this time."
A flicker of excitement crossed Sang Qian's eyes, and he said in a trembling voice, "I am fortunate to have lived up to your expectations."
Zheng Dinglian patted his shoulder gently, his tone firm: "I will remember your great contribution. If you have any wishes in the future, please feel free to speak them."
Sang Qian's lips curled into a bright smile: "I certainly won't stand on ceremony. Young Master, you should go and pay your respects to Madam and the Old Madam. They have been living in fear and suffering these past few days."
Zheng Dinglian nodded slightly and strode confidently into the depths of the valley.
Inside the valley, Gu Qinlan and the others had already received the news.
Princess Duan was so excited she almost slapped her thigh: "He finally remembered us! That unfilial son, I'll teach him a lesson!"
"Huiyi, no, step aside. Qinlan, my son, come and help me up."
Princess Duan instinctively wanted to call Zheng Huiyi over to help her to see Zheng Dinglian, but suddenly realized something and pushed Zheng Huiyi away with displeasure, instead offering her hand to Gu Qinlan.
Zheng Huiyi: ...I never dreamed that I would be disliked by my own mother.
However, a sense of joy welled up inside her.
So she readily agreed.
Gu Qinlan stepped forward and steadily helped Princess Duan walk outside.
As soon as we reached the entrance of the cave, a tall figure came into view.
Princess Duan's tears immediately welled up: "Dinglian, my son, you've finally come."
Zheng Dinglian stepped forward, flicked his sleeves, and knelt before Princess Duan: "Mother, your son is unfilial and has frightened you."
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