The weather in the Shen hour was still hot, but everyone was consoling themselves that it was cooler than the midday sun.
Qi He, having undergone special training from Fu Xin Ci, had a relaxed and natural demeanor, ready to take on his duties at any moment.
Jiang Tou Er also did not expect that the young man, Qi, standing tall and straight, could give such a different impression.
Fu Xin Ci also admired Qi He's spirit. People needed vigor and spirit, and the ancients were no different.
Meng Qing Ping and his son's gazes followed Qi He, exchanging knowing smiles from time to time. This young man seemed to be destined for great things.
When Qi He, with his refreshed appearance, stood before the Meng clan members, they couldn't help but glance at him. Earlier, Jiang Tou Er had instructed them to listen to Qi He when walking, or they would face hardship.
They had also seen Fu Xin Ci teaching Qi He and found it amusing at the time. It was just walking; what was there to learn?
They didn't voice it, but a baby of one year old starts learning to walk. Did adults need to learn it?
However, one had to bow their head under a slanting roof, and now they were not just under a roof, but a sharp sword could be hanging over their heads at any moment.
Being able to bend and stretch had become a virtue of the Meng clan members, especially those who had been idlers before. Their obsequious humility was a skill seemingly ingrained in their bones, ready to be employed at any time.
As it happened, seeing Jiang Tou Er personally trailing behind Qi He, lending him support, the Meng clan members became even more humble in their attitude.
That fifth master of the Meng family even stated directly, "Officer, we understand such minor matters. We will certainly heed Young Master Qi's teachings." The unspoken words were understood by all: even if Jiang Tou Er were not present, they would not dare to act presumptuously.
In the past month, they had learned of Qi He's background. This young man's father was a Bazi in the Liaodong garrison.
Considering that most of them, as exiles, would likely be conscripted into the army, or at the very least, assigned to farm military land.
They would be dealing with military officers for a long time to come. Who would dare to offend this young man at such a juncture? It would be seeking death.
They were already eager to curry favor with Qi He; how could they possibly offend him?
Clearly, Jiang Tou Er had also considered this. After giving Qi He a few instructions, he climbed back onto Wu Lao Da's mule cart and resumed his role as a hands-off supervisor.
Qi He was unfazed and unafraid, standing squarely before the Meng clan members. He relayed the key points of the walking technique that Sister Fu had taught him. Finally, he asked, "Have you all understood what I've said?"
"We understand," Meng Wu Ye replied, taking the lead.
Seeing Meng Wu Ye answer, the others eagerly chimed in.
Qi He looked at Meng Wu Ye again when he responded so promptly. Meng Wu Ye had made a good impression on him.
"Since everyone understands, then listen to my command. Watch how I walk, and everyone imitate me. Whoever slacks off or doesn't learn diligently, I'll make them run at the front of our group for fifteen minutes."
This was taught by Sister Fu; those who didn't learn diligently would be punished. "As for those who walk well, they will receive an extra half spoonful of gruel at the next meal." This was also taught by Sister Fu, the principle of clear rewards and punishments.
"Young Master Qi, if we walk well, will we really get an extra half spoonful of gruel?" Meng Wu Ye couldn't quite believe his ears, thinking he might have misheard.
"That's right. If you walk well, each person will be rewarded with half a spoonful of gruel."
"Really?"
"That's wonderful."
Upon hearing that they would receive an extra half spoonful of gruel for walking well, all the Meng clan members were suddenly so overjoyed as if they saw tables laden with delicacies.
"Alright, stop chattering. Everyone stand at attention."
"Yes." Meng Wu Ye quickly straightened up, continuing to seek attention from Qi He.
"Good." Seeing that all the Meng clan members were standing at attention, Qi He shouted loudly, "Forward march, one-two-one, one-two-one, one-two-one."
...
Fu Xin Ci had been observing the situation and saw that Qi He was training the Meng clan members without any hesitation. However, she noticed that many of the Meng clan members' walking postures seemed odd.
Upon closer inspection, Fu Xin Ci realized that those people were walking with their feet out of sync, like a skier's gait.
Watching those people walk with their arms and legs moving out of sync amused Jiang Tou Er greatly.
"I must say, although their walking is a bit awkward, they are indeed much faster than before."
Seeing this, the dark-faced man had a sudden idea. "Boss, if they keep walking like this, will they be directly taken in by the garrison troops once we reach Liaodong?"
"If they are directly taken in by the garrison troops, it will be their good fortune. I'm afraid these good-for-nothings won't have that luck."
The dark-faced man thought about it and agreed. If mud could be plastered onto a wall, why would the Meng family have fallen to this point?
The few people following behind the mule cart also noticed what was happening and kept asking Fu Xin Ci to call out commands for them as well.
Fu Xin Ci thought, *Is this something they've gotten addicted to? But it's not a big deal. I'll help them.*
Fu Xin Ci jumped off the donkey cart and let Fang Shi ride it. Fang Shi was initially reluctant, but after her daughter explained the reason clearly, she got on the donkey cart, her eyes, however, remained fixed on her daughter.
Among the young men and women following behind the donkey cart, Fu Xin Ci was the youngest, the smallest, and a girl. Fang Shi couldn't help but feel uneasy no matter how she looked at her.
Meng Qing Ping, however, was very supportive of his granddaughter. Being able to guide the Meng family children onto the right path would not only be a great achievement for his granddaughter but also accumulate blessings for himself.
Fu Yu Tong's father felt similarly. Although he didn't share the surname Meng, the reality was that he was a descendant of the Meng family. Therefore, from any perspective, he did not want the younger generation of the Meng family to be subjected to finger-pointing.
Since his daughter had the ability, why not let her try? Moreover, if it could change the lives of these young people, it would be a good thing.
...
In the month of June, even as the sun began to set, the scorching wind did not cease.
A troop of people could be faintly seen approaching on the long official road. From a distance, one could hear someone loudly shouting commands: "One-two-one, one-two-one, one-two-one."
Fu Xin Ci turned back with some worry. She hadn't expected Qi He to be so stubborn. He had been shouting for almost an hour, his voice was about to crack, yet he refused to let her take over.
Fortunately, Jiang Tou Er stepped in at the critical moment. Looking at Qi He's sun-baked red face, he discussed with him, "Young man Qi, where shall we rest tonight?"
"..." Qi He was not good at this. He pondered for a moment and shook his head, his little face turning even redder with embarrassment.
Jiang Tou Er smiled and pretended to leisurely pull Qi He forward.
"Grandpa Jiang?" Qi He was unsure of Grandpa Jiang's intentions.
"Young man Qi, you've done wonderfully today. Grandpa Jiang doesn't know how to thank you enough."
Jiang Tou Er started with praise, leaving Qi He a bit dazed.
"You're really capable, young man. In just one hour, you've led these rascals to cover half a day's journey that they used to take. Hahaha... If we continue walking like this, Liaodong will be within reach."