After traveling through time, I became a princess in ancient times

Ren Chenxi quickly summoned all the craftsmen in the city. In the artillery research and development area, several experienced old craftsmen sat around the drawings carefully drawn by the princess. Because it was their first time to design artillery shells, the discussion was extremely heated.

Occasionally someone would pick up tools and work on the wooden model, trying to turn the ingenious design on the drawing into a physical object.

After half a day of research, heavy pieces of iron were forged and spliced together, gradually revealing the prototype of the cannon.

Another group of craftsmen were holding hammers and hitting the red-hot iron blocks that had just come out of the furnace. The hot sparks drew a brilliant arc in the sultry air like Mars.

Drawings were spread out on the wooden table, with the specifications and layout of the hard alloy iron sheets marked in detail. Every stroke reflected the princess' deep concern for the safety of Beiling.

The craftsmen looked down at the drawings, then looked up at the iron blocks, striving to make every detail perfect.

Xiaoxue moved through the busy streets with light steps, each breath becoming even as her body condition changed.

The sun shone dappled on her resolute face. She had no time to wipe the dense sweat on her forehead. She shouted as she ran: "The army sent by the emperor is approaching. Beiling needs everyone. We need everyone to unite as one."

Everyone recognized her as the princess's personal maid, and no one doubted the truth of this story.

The vendors on both sides of the street put down their work and quickly closed the wooden doors of their shops or packed up their stalls.

Even the usual dandies, scholars, and young people dropped the things in their hands and ran directly towards the city wall. Their figures gathered into an unstoppable torrent in the sunlight.

The old men also worked together to lift the heavy alloy iron sheets, with unyielding spirit shining on their faces full of years.

The women were not to be outdone and some carried the iron sheets on their shoulders or in their hands, or carefully fixed them to the weak spots of the city wall. Their hard work and sweat could not hide their determination to protect their homes.

Although the children playing and fighting are young, they also want to do their part, by passing tools or smoothing the gaps between the iron sheets with their little hands. Their young faces are filled with serious expressions, as if they are performing a sacred ceremony.

There was a scene of intense activity under the city wall, with everyone working hard to weave an indestructible protective net.

Men, women, young and old, all expressed their deep friendship for Beiling in their own way. Even though they could not change the cruelty of fate, they all wanted to protect the land that gave birth to them.

The sun shines obliquely under the city wall, and an unusual tenderness quietly blends into the busy and determined figures.

Han Ruxue was wearing a plain long dress with her hair tied up high. She no longer had the worldly air of the past, but instead exuded a ethereal and gentle grace.

She held a jar of clear water in her hand and walked among the people, followed by the appropriately dressed girls from Huamanlou, some of whom were carrying pots or bowls, their faces filled with solemnity and enthusiasm.

"Everyone has worked hard, drink some water and take a break."

Han Ruxue's voice was gentle and powerful as she handed the water to the sweaty old craftsman. He drank the water with some surprise, as if even his fatigue disappeared.

At this time, as the off-road vehicle roared closer, Xia Yurou jumped out of the car nimbly in the dust, her black hair fluttering in the wind and a gentle gleam in her eyes.

The trunk slowly opened, revealing a pile full of colorful fruits, which instantly attracted everyone's attention.

"Thank you for your hard work, I have specially prepared some hand-ground cold drinks, I hope they can bring you some coolness."

She personally took out buckets of perfectly chilled drinks from the trunk, with attractive colors and fruity aromas.

Han Ruxue hurried forward, stood side by side with the princess, gracefully took the bucket of cold drink, and scooped it into the porcelain bowl that had been prepared long ago with a small spoon. Her unfamiliar movements were full of warmth.

The girls in Huamanlou followed suit. They wore light gauze skirts and handed bowls of cool drinks or water to everyone like dancing butterflies.

The scorching winter sun shone on the kind faces of the old men. Xia Yurou suddenly remembered that the old man had three highs, so she stopped making the cold drink and started to make another drink.

Soon, Han Ruxue brought the clean water specially prepared by the princess. The water was clear and transparent, and it also exuded a faint minty scent.

"Old man, this is lotus leaf water brewed with morning dew. It is cool and thirst-quenching, and better for your health."

The old man took the bowl of clear lotus leaf water, took a sip, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and praised repeatedly: "This water is really refreshing, and it also has a natural sweetness!"

He squinted his eyes and savored the taste carefully, as if all the hard work of the afternoon had been mostly dissipated by the sweet lotus leaf water.

Another old man nearby asked in confusion: "Where did the lotus leaves come from in the middle of winter? Did the princess use some magic?"

There was a hint of curiosity in his words.

"Haha, you're getting more confused as you get older."

The slightly more energetic old man smiled and patted his shoulder: "The lotus pond in the palace is like spring all year round, and the lotus leaves are naturally green all year round, without any season."

He also took a bowl of lotus leaf water, took a sip, nodded with satisfaction, his eyes full of admiration for the princess.

The children's sparkling eyes were as bright as stars, and their little hands tightly grasped the hem of the princess's skirt, for fear of missing the moment of being close to their busy and gentle big sister.

The sunlight filtered through the half-open rear door and sprinkled onto every corner of the car. Xiaoxue sat on the edge of the car, and the little princess in her arms seemed to be the purest existence in this chaotic world.

She has a round face, delicate skin and a pair of black eyes that look around curiously, which makes her look more lively.

The children around were attracted and gathered around, some squatting, some standing on tiptoes, their eyes wide open, looking surprised as if they had discovered some rare treasure.

One of the little girls with pigtails gently stretched out her hand, wanting to touch her but not daring to. She just murmured to herself, "My sister's eyes are so big, it seems like they can speak!"

Little Hanhan seemed to be able to feel this innocent happiness. She waved her little hands and feet excitedly and babbled in clear childish voice. That childish voice was like the sound of nature and softened everyone's heart.

A brave little boy plucked up the courage to reach out his hand and pinch the little princess's chubby face. Then, as if he had done something extraordinary, he quickly retracted his hand, with a smile of excitement and a little shyness on his face.

The busy adults were frightened when they saw this, but the little princess seemed to feel the friendly touch and smiled sweetly. Two shallow dimples appeared on her little face, instantly sweetening the hearts of everyone present.

The setting sun dyed the sky a brilliant orange-red like blood. Steward Lin led several strong soldiers through the streets and alleys, and their busy figures looked particularly resolute.

He held a detailed list of the city's residents in his hand. Whenever he walked to a house, he would stop and quietly check the house number and resident information to make sure it was correct.

The soldiers followed closely behind, carrying heavy bags on their shoulders filled with all kinds of food.

There were coarse-grain steamed buns, dried vegetables, and several bags of precious white rice. These were all purchased by Steward Lin from various counties in Beiling. He also carefully selected and packaged them.

With a creak, the wooden doors were gently pushed open, and the soldiers carefully placed the food on the threshold, fearing to disturb the people who were at home for some reasons.

Steward Lin would leave a note at the door of each house, with a warm reminder: "Although the war is urgent, please rest assured. Beiling is united and will overcome the difficulties together."

Late at night, the moonlight gently falls on the reinforced city walls, giving this solid line of defense a layer of silver glow.

After a busy day, people return home tiredly.

In a simple but cozy wooden house, the flickering candlelight illuminates the warm scene of a family sitting around the table.

With trembling hands, the old father gently opened the note left by Manager Lin. It seemed as if a warm current flowed into his heart, and the bright moon outside the window seemed to be silently guarding this land.

His wife beside him had tears in her eyes as she stroked the bags of precious white rice and dried vegetables, her heart full of gratitude.

The two children sat on either side of their mother, their little faces filled with happy smiles. Their pure hearts did not understand the cruelty of war yet, they only knew that they could have a peaceful and full meal tonight.

On top of the city wall, the night was as dark as ink, with twinkling stars, echoing the faint light of fire from the tents in the distance.

Ren Chenxi, dressed in a splendid royal robe, stood in the cold wind, with deep worry locked between his brows, as if he could see through the moonlight and look directly at the invading army three thousand miles away.

Xia Yurou approached quietly, holding a soft brocade robe embroidered with gold threads in her hands, and gently draped it over the prince. The warmth in her heart seemed to dispel the coldness around her body.

The ink-thin hair fluttered in the wind, and a few strands of hair brushed across her cheeks, adding a touch of tenderness to Princess Bei.

She stood quietly by his side, gently leaning on the prince's shoulder, looking up at the coming storm under the vast starry sky.