The defense measures in the valley were gradually improved, and during these days, Sang Qian mobilized all available manpower.

Due to the lack of materials to manufacture weapons, they could only adapt to local conditions and use local materials.

Picking up stones, digging traps, and making some crude long-range attack equipment.

Today, although this valley cannot be called indestructible, it can definitely ensure their safety.

During this period, Zheng Huiyi also commissioned Polang and Feiyun to go down the mountain once and 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 Jindu has been occupied by groups of refugees, and there are even rumors that the refugees are about to start a riot.

The imperial court remained on the sidelines, which was an unprecedented situation in the previous era. Gu Qinlan was confused by this, but she did not pay much attention to it.

She is just a woman who lives a secluded life, and it is not easy for her to protect such a large family.

As for whether the outside world falls into chaos, it has nothing to do with her.

Time flies, and in a 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, and everything was covered in white, and the cold was oppressive.

Fortunately, during this period, no one in the mansion was idle. A large amount of firewood for heating was stored in the valley, and a lot of game was hunted. From the master to the servants, everyone was equipped with warm animal skins.

Although it may not look beautiful, it has excellent warmth-keeping effect. Combined with firewood and charcoal, it should be no problem to get through this winter.

The only problem is that the vegetables grown are growing slowly due to the low temperatures.

However, in the month before the snow, they had dug up a large amount of yam, kudzu root, and various wild vegetables in the mountains, which were enough to sustain them for a while.

Under the protection of the deep mountains and valleys, although the living conditions were far less luxurious and comfortable than those in the prosperous 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 released their innocence and had a lot of fun.

The friendship between the children of the Zheng family and the Jiang family quickly developed. They were as close as brothers and inseparable.

During this period, Princess Duan's temperament changed greatly. She no longer insisted on maintaining dignity to protect the reputation of Prince Duan's Mansion. At that time, she looked awkward and funny. Now, she has put aside the vanity and responsibilities that she is not good at, and she looks brand new, as if she is ten years younger.

The growth of Zheng Huiyi and Zheng Huaiyu is even more significant. They are no longer pretentious and no longer pursue a refined life. Instead, they have become down-to-earth and are careful and thoughtful in everything they do.

Gu Qinlan also relaxed for a rare time during this period.

In the mountains and fields, she didn't have to worry about anything, so she took a long vacation. In two months, her face became plump.

The changes in the masters were so significant that the servants in the house were naturally no exception.

The intrigues and conflicts in the past are no longer there. Now, in this mountainous area, everyone works together and unites, showing an unprecedented harmony.

Princess Duan couldn't help but sigh to Gu Qinlan: "This is really a blessing in disguise for us. Although Prince Duan's Mansion suffered damage from the refugees, our home is better than before."

Gu Qinlan nodded in agreement: "Who says it's not true? Opportunities are often hidden in adversity. After experiencing this incident, our Zheng family will definitely move to a higher level."

While the two were talking, Sang Qian suddenly came out of the cave and reported, "Madam, there is an unusual movement down the mountain. A conflict has broken out in the city."

Gu Qinlan and Princess Duan looked at each other and said in unison, "Did the court send troops to quell the chaos?"

Sang Qian's eyes flashed with excitement, and he replied, "No, it's the prince who is back! The prince is leading the troops to suppress the refugees."

Princess Duan stood up excitedly, walked quickly to the cave entrance, and asked in a trembling voice: "Really? Is Ding Lian really back?"

Sang Qian nodded affirmatively: "Yes, the people I sent to investigate saw it with their own eyes, and they also met the prince once. The prince already knows that we are taking refuge in this cave, and once the chaos in the city is quelled, he will come to take us down the mountain."

Princess Duan excitedly turned around a few times, clasped her hands together, looked up at the sky, and said gratefully: "Thanks to God's blessing, this turmoil will finally come to an end."

She turned lightly, her eyes fell gently on Gu Qinlan, and a bright smile blossomed on the corners of her mouth, like a blooming spring flower: "Now it's all right, Zheng Dinglian is finally back, and our family is finally reunited."

Gu Qinlan's heart was also filled with joy.

Although one can barely survive in the mountains, life there is too hard after all.

Who doesn’t want to live a comfortable life instead of curling up in this dark cave day after day?

However, she was a little conflicted. She clearly remembered that in her previous life, Zheng Dinglian brought back a woman when he returned victorious from the battlefield.

Moreover, because of that woman, his relationship with Gu Qinlian became extremely awkward.

If it were in the past, she wouldn't have taken it to heart at all, and she could give up the position of Mrs. Zheng at any time.

But now, she has developed a deep affection for the Zheng family and can't bear to be separated from them.

After all, people are all made of flesh and blood. She found the warmth of home in the Zheng family and developed an inseparable attachment to this beauty.

However, she is not the kind of person who gets entangled.

If Zheng Dinglian really found the love of his heart, she would readily give up her position.

Moreover, Yuzhou's territory is small, so it won't be too troublesome for her to meet the Zheng family.

Thinking of this, Gu Qinlan's mood suddenly became clear.

"Guardian Zhang, before the prince leads his troops into the mountains to greet us, we must strengthen our defenses. Immediately notify all personnel that from now on, no one is allowed to leave the valley without permission."

She worried that refugees below the mountain would risk climbing the peak.

It was no secret that the people from Prince Duan's Mansion were hiding in the mountains. They went straight to the top of the mountain after coming out of the secret passage that day, and the trackers could find them by just following their footprints.

The reason why no one disturbed us during these two months was simply because the cost of entering the mountains was too high and people thought it was not worth the risk.

But if Zheng Dinglian led his troops to attack the city, the refugees would certainly find ways to restrain him.

And they became the best chess pieces to restrain Zheng Dinglian.

Sang Qian immediately understood her concerns and hurried to arrange defenses.

When the servants in the mansion heard that Zheng Dinglian had put down the rebellion at the foot of the mountain, they were so excited that they could hardly contain themselves.

Everyone was eager to return to the mansion as soon as possible.

In the middle of the night, Gu Qinlan vaguely heard a noisy sound of gongs and drums in the cave.

She immediately woke up from her dream, put on the animal skin, and hurried out of the cave.

As soon as I reached the cave entrance, I bumped into red leaves.

Gu Qinlan asked anxiously, "But are the refugees fighting back up the mountain?"

Hongye nodded, looking solemn: "That's right, there are a lot of people, Guardian Zhang has summoned all the servants, and we are ready to fight."

Gu Qinlan decisively ordered: "Immediately send Polang down the mountain to inform the prince. I will go out to check the enemy situation myself."

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