Disaster Apocalypse: Farming, Family, and My Hidden Secret Space

Several hundred miles away from the state capital, New Moon City, although not as vibrant as the capital, has become more severe than before.

At the first hint of news, preparations were made to fend off the enemy, including reinforcing and raising the city walls, recruiting soldiers, and training troops.

Lord County Magistrate also wished to lead the clan to a safe place, but with Ancient Yan Country in flames, invasion from other nations, and traitors within attempting to establish themselves as kings, inciting uprisings under the guise of righteous fury, there wasn't a single pure land left in the whole of Ancient Yan. Where could they escape to?

For survival, unity and joint resistance against the enemy are the only options.

For recruitment, if persuasion did not work, they had to resort to strong measures. Like Shanggu Town, households with more than three men must enlist at least one.

Meanwhile, the brutality of the Northern Tsang army was unreservedly spread among the people.

The aim was to tell the populace that only by rising up could they secure survival opportunities for themselves and their families.

Otherwise, once Northern Tsang invades, where could they escape on foot faster than the elite horses of the Northern Tsang army?

Fortunately, Shanggu Town, like Hua Village, was remote and overlooked, with communication disruptions leaving it seemingly untouched, as though forgotten.

When the household sent the chicks, ducklings, and goslings that Hua Chengtian brought to farmers, after a month the Northern Tsang army, weary from facing endless traps, finally stationed a few miles away from Lingyun State in a village.

Even after learning their lesson and carefully scouting for traps, they lost nearly a thousand warriors en route, causing their two commanders to fervently wish to break into Lingyun for a bloodbath, to slaughter the Ancient Yan people who made them grit their teeth in hatred.

Thanks to the traps all along the way, everyone's nerves were constantly tense, and by the time they reached the outskirts of Lingyun State, the sun was setting, making it not an opportune time to attack, despite their urgency. The army needed rest.

Meanwhile, Lingyun State was ready for battle, and the stage was set.

On the third day, with the signals rising, the Northern Tsang army reached the outskirts of Lingyun, arrogantly proclaiming surrender or face death, only to be met with a torrent of arrows accompanied by deafening cries of "kill."

Days into the battle, the crops ripened, and under the shouting and killing, despite fear, the townspeople harvested urgently.

Shanggu Town was similarly busy, but without the anxiety of the townspeople, everybody harvested their crops with excitement and joy.

Hu Hu: "Sir, the harvest is complete; should the news be released?"

"Let it out," nodded the County Magistrate.

Although they'd received news of the Northern Tsang attack days ago, he'd kept it under wraps, given the harvest was almost due and Shanggu Town, remote, was still under control. There was no need to cause undue fear, so let them enjoy this rare harvest joy.

After all, how long had it been since they had some peace?

"Yes," Hu Hu nodded.

"Go to Hua Village yourself."

"Understood," Hu Hu clenched his fist and left the study, a trace of bewilderment in his eyes.

So... what is really happening?

...is it truly this hard to survive!

The joy of harvest was quickly shattered by news of the Northern Tsang's siege, and the officials also disclosed the current state of Guyan Country, causing panic and uncertainty about what to do.

Fleeing seemed impossible, given Guyan Country's internal and external strife.

Fortunately, Shanggu Town remained unbreached, so people prayed for the state's victory over the Northern Tsang forces, hoping to drive them out; otherwise, they would have to flee.

The recently re-established order in Shanggu Town fell into quiet turmoil again, with people huddling at home, prepared for the worst. Any sign of unusual movement from the authorities or wealthy families, and they were ready to act, packing belongings and gathering food for a swift escape.

Villagers of Wangjia Village gathered at the village chief's house, stunned by the alarming news, waiting for his decision—whether to stay or prepare to leave.

Wangjia Village owed its survival in past disasters to the village chief's wise leadership, so once again, all hopes were pinned on him, trusting him completely.

"Uncle village chief, what should we do, leave to avoid disaster, or retreat to the mountains? If the state falls, it might be too late to move then."

Wang Datian spoke on behalf of the village; families were packed, just awaiting the chief's word.

Staying in the village was no longer an option. Wangjia Village was large, its people numerous, and though they strengthened their resilience, facing the Northern Tsang cavalry was terrifying!

Despite the garrison's efforts in defending and fighting, the large and fierce Northern Tsang army would likely break through; plans must be made early.

So many calamities failing to defeat them, the thought of falling to the Northern Tsang was unbearable, seeing their families and children.

"Don't rush, there's time. Let me think carefully." Wang Cheng, with his dwindling hair, worried intensely.

His headache left him unsure of what steps to take.

"Uncle village chief, think it over; we'll follow your lead," Wang Datian and others recognized the gravity of the situation, concerning an entire village's lives.

The village chief nodded, gesturing for the crowded room to disperse, "Everyone go home first; I'll consider carefully."

"Alright, we trust you, village chief."

"Village chief, please decide soon."

"..."

The village chief waved more urgently, the villagers' trust weighing heavily on his shoulders.

Once everyone left, the chief sighed deeply, picking up an empty pipe, drawing comfort and calm from it.

"Dad, take your time, there's always a way," the eldest son urged, pained by his father's stress.

"Yeah, Dad, the eldest is right, take care of your health and don't overthink. No matter if we stay or leave, we can draw lots last minute."

"It's an idea, but too risky, no," the third son glanced at his second brother and shook his head.

Wang Yixia sheepishly scratched his head.

"Dad, I have an idea, but I'm not sure if I should say it."

The old man eyed his youngest; when did he become so hesitant?

"Fourth, just speak up, no need to hesitate at home," the second son, not one for thinking, nudged his impatient demeanor and even glared at his fourth brother.