Chapter 181: We’ll Build an Empire (III)

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.”

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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.”