Jiang Pengji was particularly discreet about the earliest members of her team, and thus accompanied Meng Hun and his companions to the village . They had all disguised themselves as new servants of the Liu’s, and each held a valid identity document .
It turned out that things were much simpler than Jiang Pengji had assumed . The guards at the town gate dared not to inspect the Liu’s carriage closely . The lucky ones might be approved of for their ethics if they demanded to check the houses’ carriages, while the others might be punished for wasting the upper class’s time .
The moment the guards perceived the Liu’s symbol on her carriage, they pulled a flattering smile and ushered her to proceed . They recognized all family symbols in Hejian, even those of less significant families, let alone the famous Liu’s .
Jiang Pengji held no opposition to the convenience .
Throughout the whole journey, she made no intentional touching speeches, nor express did she express any special care to the men . She only said casually, “I’ve prepared sufficient clothing and food for you to take a rest in the village . It must have been tough to track Meng Liang and capture him . ”
Meng Hun was not as exhausted as she had supposed, yet he did not reject her kindness . Her care reminded him of the brothers who died of a lack of care after severe injuries . They had covered him during their escape from the Meng’s forces .
He had led them out of the Meng’s territories, but was incapable even of providing them with a decent burial place . The bodies were rested rashly in the woods .
“Could Langjun do me a favor?” He bowed at her solemnly .
Jiang Pengji replied, “As long as your request makes sense . I’m not one of those masters who won’t listen to his people . ”
Meng Hun felt warmth in his heart and said, “There are three other brothers of mine hiding in the woods at the moment . ”
“Are they injured?”
He answered, “They’re feeling better after we brought back what you had given us, but they are still too weak to move . ”
“If that’s the case, we should bring them to the village as soon as you’re settled . It’s too dangerous for them to stay with the fierce animals in the forest . You shouldn’t have left them there alone . ”
Meng Hun was grateful and was regretting his earlier decision . He had suggested leaving someone behind to take care of them, but his stubborn companions insisted that he should take all the others with him for his safety . They all hoped he could succeed in taking revenge .
“Thank you, Langjun . ”
That was nothing to Jiang Pengji, but it meant a lot for Meng Hun .
“Xiaoyu is currently in charge of the training, but you’ll take over it when we arrive . ”
The arrangement made Meng Hun nervous . He did not know who Xiaoyu was, but he was certain that his interruption would appear offensive .
Jiang Pengji noticed his worries and explained, “He’ll be more than glad . There’s a shortage of men lately so his workload has been doubled . ”
“…” Okay . He began to feel a little sorry for Xiaoyu . Was that labour exploitation?
He could picture an honest man working diligently under the langjun’s lashes .
“It’s better to have you conduct the training . He’s not experienced in the area and has been working unduly hard on it . ” Jiang Pengji supported herself with the edge of the table . There were only she and Meng Hun in the cart, as the others were on another one . “You two have met before . He’s quite friendly . ”
“Have we?” Meng Hun tried to recall it but in vain .
Jiang Pengji smiled . “He was the one fishing with white cloth on his face . ”
Meng Hun had a vague image about him––it was a teenager . He supposed he could relax in front of a boy . Still, he knew too little . He would change his mind when he learned about Xu Ke’s powers over all financial and internal matters . He was the one determining all supplies for their living .
The village was soon within their sight . Meng Hun sighed . He had never imagined himself re-entering with a new identity .
When they saw Xu Ke, the youngster was ordering the servants, or future soldiers, to resume training . They appeared more energetic than before––perhaps because they had adapted to the daily routine .
Someone told Xu Ke that Langjun was here, and he immediately tidied his clothing and went to Jiang Pengji .
His polite smile froze the moment his gaze met the muscular man behind her . What was he doing here again?
“Xiaoyu, let me introduce you,” Jiang Pengji beckoned him . “This is our new coach . His surname is Meng . ”
Xu Ke: “…” Is this a daydream? When did Meng Hun join?
Despite his confused mind, Xu Ke did not lose his manner in greeting Meng Hun . The military chief returned a hand gesture .
So at last she had a military head! Jiang Pengji was satisfied with the progress .
“Coach Meng, it would be great if we could discuss the training later . ” Xu Ke could not wait for Jiang Pengji to suggest a shift . Meng Hun was also surprised, and was somehow embarrassed .
Jiang Pengji joked, “Hey! Don’t say it like I’ve been abusing you!”
Xu Ke simply said, “Military training is, after all, not my strength . Langjun would certainly benefit from the new arrangement . ”