“Left, left! Hey, now stepping on the right bamboo pole—whoa, whoa, you’re going to fall!”
“Hahaha, not to brag, Instructor Hou, but you’d be better off staying home sewing clothes and embroidering flowers. If you really want to do something, why not set up a stall under the Tianqiao selling a bowl of tea? It’s much more relaxing than this.”
Early in the morning, the new instructor at the Wu School, Hou Liang, had come to the backyard to practice balancing on the bamboo poles. The basics of martial arts had been going fairly well these days, but the suspended bamboo poles made Hou Liang a bit unstable.
He was somewhat afraid of heights, and his hand-and-foot techniques were weaker compared to Cao Qiang, who excelled with the whip, and Zhao Yansheng, who came from a martial arts family. His strength lay in wound dressing and treatment.
Back when Fan Jingzong selected him, it was also because Hou Liang could provide medical aid. Injuries were common among those who practiced martial arts, and knowing how to treat wounds was extremely useful and important.
Because of that, even though Hou Liang’s hand-and-foot skills were weaker, Fan Jingzong still chose him.
Hou Liang roughly understood why he had been chosen. He had also seen many others come to apply, so being selected was no easy feat. For that reason, he treasured the opportunity as an instructor and practiced the basics of martial arts at the school more diligently than anyone else.
He had just finished the basic bamboo pole practice earlier. Today, the difficulty was increased, which made things tougher for him, especially since some of the male instructors from the school came over to watch the fun.
He wasn’t doing well, and the idlers teased him repeatedly. Feeling frustrated and embarrassed, he practiced poorly and nearly fell several times.
“I’m full and rested, so let me teach these slackers a couple of lashes to loosen their muscles!”
Seeing a few burly men not training but instead joking around and laughing here, Cao Qiang’s anger flared up. She snapped off the whip from her waist and strode over toward the male instructors with long strides.
Zhao Yansheng tried to stop her, thinking, “The school hasn’t even officially opened, and the instructors are already fighting? That won’t do.”
But Cao Qiang was too angry and dodged Zhao Yansheng’s grasp in one swift move.
“Instructor Cao wants to spar with us? That’s something we’ve been waiting for!”
The male instructors weren’t intimidated; instead, they got even more fired up and spoke without restraint.
“The notice for recruiting students was posted a few days ago. Not a single student has come to register for the specialty class—can’t even see two mosquitoes flying over. If no students show up, we male instructors will have to train our own male students ourselves.”
The lead male instructor was surnamed Pang, called Pang Yulong. He rolled up his sleeves, and the others started loosening their muscles.
“This time, we want to take a look first and see what kind of skills the instructors here have. If they pass our test, then they’re qualified to teach the male students!”
Seeing things were getting out of hand, Hou Liang hurriedly jumped down from the bamboo poles. If a fight broke out, they’d definitely suffer losses. Zhao Yansheng wanted to find Yao Yuan to manage the situation, but didn’t know where he was at that moment.
Just as tensions were peaking and everyone was on edge, Zhao Yansheng had yet to move far when there came a sharp whoosh—a sudden arrow shot through the crowd.
It grazed right past the jaw of the aggressive Pang Yulong and stuck firmly into the back wall.
Everyone was startled. For a moment, the training ground was so quiet that the wind could be heard. Especially Pang Yulong, who shuddered as his body stiffened.
That arrow had narrowly missed his neck, the cold wind felt like a sharp blade sliding across it—who wouldn’t be scared?
Pang Yulong regained composure and clutched his neck, seeing that he was unharmed. He then turned and cursed loudly, “Damn it, who fired that…”
Before he could finish, Fan Jingzong appeared, holding a longbow in one hand, his face cold and stern.
Without looking at anyone, he slowly walked over and pulled the arrow from the wall. Attached to the arrowhead was a cunning little dead mouse.
Fan Jingzong ripped the mouse off and casually tossed it to the ground. Then he looked at Pang Yulong: “Instructor Pang, you and your group came here to seek instruction?”
Pang Yulong looked at the mouse no bigger than half a fist, which had scurried along the corner silently, unnoticed. The very arrow that nearly killed him had been taken hostage by that mouse.
He swallowed nervously and turned back to Fan Jingzong. His eyes were cold but without fury, yet somehow sent a chill down one’s spine. For a moment, he didn’t dare argue.
Earlier, he had not taken Fan Jingzong seriously, but who would have thought this quiet, taciturn man was so formidable.
The other instructors couldn’t help but also put away their previous smug expressions.
Cao Qiang sneered, “So that’s why you came—to give instruction? You almost made Instructor Hou fall off the bamboo poles.”
Pang Yulong, still shaken by the scare, didn’t dare step forward rashly again. But Yuan Ronghua, who was with him, noticed Cao Qiang’s expression and tone and felt aggrieved.
He said sarcastically, “Isn’t it strange that our school recruits female students? We came to ask how many students there are and to inquire about the situation. When we brothers couldn’t get an answer, we came ourselves. These instructors have such good tempers—they won’t answer, and instead, they falsely accuse us of scaring their trainees.”
“Unreasonable and uncalled for.”
“That’s right.”
Cao Qiang snapped angrily, “You’re shameless!”
The male instructors, proud despite their lack of students, scoffed, “Look at us asking about students and all we get is scolding.”
“Your attitude’s even worse than the trainees’. Instructor Fan, what’s your take?”
Seeing Fan Jingzong remained silent, they thought they had struck a nerve. They repeated their complaints, feeling unfairly treated.
“Tell us honestly, how many students does the specialty class have? We want clear answers, so we can inform our relatives and friends.”
“Recently, Instructor Yao has been busy recruiting students. These instructors must have some free time, so they came here to the specialty class to hang out and also help recruit.”
“If that’s the case, it’s only right to inform Instructor Yao about your efforts, so he can understand. Otherwise, wouldn’t he be upset?”
Kang He slowly approached from the back, seeing the instructors with fake smiles and serious looks, and said, “Instructors, it’s as you say. The specialty class has already recruited twenty-eight students. You may tell your relatives and friends who inquire. The county is forward-looking, and there are plenty of polite male and female students.”
With that, Yi Huan and Er Xi happily led the remaining students back inside.
The male instructors stood there stunned. No matter how thick-skinned they were, they felt embarrassed for once.
Kang He stepped forward and asked, “Is there anything else you’d like to inquire about? Feel free to ask. These students are not planted; they all came to train and await assignment.”
“Brother Kang, you’re joking! How could you say we planted students?”
The others watched Fan Jingzong kill their bravado and couldn’t help feeling a bit ashamed. Now they had no grounds to stand on.
They took the opportunity to say they had more training and left with a bitter expression.
Kang He knew that female instructors and younger students were naturally overlooked by these male instructors. If others focused on their training, that was none of their business, but causing trouble was pointless.
He had thought about scolding them but realized that since they worked for Yao Yuan, it wouldn’t be appropriate.
So he only made a few dry remarks, knowing Yao Yuan would hear about it later. The school’s instructor atmosphere wasn’t looking good.
Kang He, along with Yi Huan and Er Xi, guided the students around the school.
Afterward, Kang He asked, “Instructors, are you all right?”
No one shook their head. Their attention was still on the twenty-eight or so students. Joy had already eclipsed earlier displeasure.
Especially seeing those male instructors get slapped down—it felt especially satisfying.
Cao Qiang said indifferently, “I’ve met plenty of arrogant men like them. Places like martial schools are mostly male-dominated. I’m used to it.”
Hou Liang felt a little guilty. “It’s also because my skills aren’t sharp enough. If my hand-and-foot techniques were better, they wouldn’t have anything to say.”
“You’re not bad at all. Just keep doing your best. Them laughing at you is their problem. If you start doubting yourself and lose confidence, you’ll fall right into their trap. They just can’t stand seeing women better than them—they think they’re all that.”
Kang He agreed, “Instructor Cao speaks the truth. Instructor Hou, don’t take it to heart. I’ll definitely report this to Instructor Yao. We’re all from the same school; it can’t be so rude.”
They all reassured Hou Liang, and then Zhao Yansheng’s eyes lit up as he looked at Fan Jingzong: “I’d only heard Instructor Fan was good at archery, but today I see your skill is excellent. Look at that swaggering Pang Yulong—if he weren’t a seasoned escort who’d seen the world, that shot would have sent him flat on the ground.”
Hearing this, Hou Liang and Cao Qiang also looked at Fan Jingzong with admiration. That arrow’s technique and precision weren’t common.
Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been enough to intimidate those burly men.
Fan Jingzong was modest. “It’s just that I’m more practiced.”
Then Zhao Yansheng couldn’t help but ask, “Instructor Fan, when did you and Brother Kang recruit so many students? I haven’t seen anyone come to inquire until now.”
Hou Liang and Cao Qiang shared the curiosity.
In truth, the instructors were mostly happy inside. The male instructors’ rambling earlier suggested no one was interested in their specialty class. While they didn’t show it outwardly, it had unsettled them.
If they couldn’t recruit students, they might be dismissed. Even if not, as Pang Yulong said, they would likely be stuck teaching male students.
Teaching wasn’t a problem, but always being subordinate to male instructors was frustrating.
They did want the specialty class to succeed, teaching both male and female students, to keep their rare jobs.
More importantly, they wanted the county to have a martial arts class for boys and girls, giving the children more choices.
Kang He smiled and explained, “Those students are from the cooperation between Instructor Fan and the Teeth Guild. It wasn’t finalized before, so it wasn’t publicized.”
He briefly described how they recruited students—not just by posting notices.
“I didn’t expect that because no students came for a long time, you would suffer the male instructors’ rudeness.”
“Taking a bit of their grief is nothing. Instructor Fan is truly capable to think of such a method! This is wonderful!”
“I didn’t think of this at all. I even considered recommending my two nephews to learn martial arts if the specialty class couldn’t recruit students. No matter what, the specialty class must continue even without students. Although we’re paid employees, this position is rare and precious to us. We all hope the specialty class can run well—not just for the job, but to give boys and girls more options.”
Zhao Yansheng echoed, “Exactly. For girls wanting to learn martial arts, it’s mostly family tradition. Few want to learn, but those who do suffer from a lack of places.”
Everyone was happy, and Fan Jingzong was praised, though he felt a bit shy, quietly glancing at Kang He.
Zhao Yansheng happily added, “Now that the student issue is solved, I’m more eager to bring my nephews here. Instructor Fan’s archery skills are so good, it would be beneficial for them to learn.”
Cao Qiang said, “I have relatives too.”
Hou Liang said, “I’ll try to recruit some as well. Even one or two is good.”
Seeing the instructors so supportive, Fan Jingzong and Kang He were moved.
Kang He said, “It’s rare to have such help from instructors.”
“If any of you have sons, nephews, or relatives wanting to learn martial arts, feel free to recommend them. Since all of you have strengths, and our Master Da Jing has already been seen today, those who come will definitely learn something. Plus, any favors received are just proper.”
Everyone smiled.
Meanwhile, Pang Yulong and Yuan Ronghua were summoned by Yao Yuan that afternoon and given a thorough scolding.
“Are you all so bored that you have time to mock the female instructors? Your training is already good enough!”
“Don’t you have sons or daughters at home? How can you look down on others like that? Your parents worked hard to get a decent job, and you treat them like this—what are you thinking?”
Yao Yuan was furious and berated them thoroughly, threatening that if they caused trouble again, they’d be fired and forced to return to escort work.
They reluctantly apologized to Hou Liang.
That wasn’t enough—early the next morning, they were told to perform martial arts demonstrations—boxing, lifting stones, and other skills—to attract students.
They performed all day long, watched by everyone entering and leaving the school.
After this, even the disgruntled men calmed down.
As for the specialty class, the students were arranged to live in dorms, dressed in the school’s uniform, coming and going as they pleased, and setting a good example.
Seeing the specialty class had students, some of the originally reluctant good families tentatively came to inquire.
“Is it really half tuition, half stipend? That’s so good. If we choose this, will we learn the same as those who pay full tuition?”
“Exactly the same. All students are in the same classrooms. There’s no separate class just because a student is half stipend.”
“That’s good. Your school is great.”
Everything is always difficult at the start. When the school first said it would open a specialty class for boys and girls, people mostly heard it as idle gossip. Some with foresight would praise it, but most were like the male instructors—skeptical.
There were even some genuinely willing but hesitant because no one signed up.
Once it got started, things gradually improved.
When the first batch of students graduated, Fan Jingzong believed it wouldn’t take much effort to recruit new ones. Those graduates would serve as a strong advertisement.
As the students entered various trades and got good jobs and pay, the common folk would naturally be willing to spend money educating their children.
By mid-August, when the Anping Wu School officially opened classes, the specialty class had recruited twenty-eight students.
Of those, twenty were from the Teeth Guild, and eight were independently recruited students. Among them, five were recommended by instructors from the school.
Regardless of origin, they had a decent group of students.
Yao Yuan’s side had forty students, several sent by the school or relatives.
Comparing the two, the number of female and male students wasn’t much different.
The school’s official courses had a set schedule. The specialty class had seven classes per day, five of which were basic martial arts practice.
One was a specialty course—archery and whip techniques—and one was a comprehensive course, covering driving, wound care, wilderness survival, and so on.
The basic martial arts courses were mainly taught by Zhao Yansheng, whose fundamentals were solid. He taught the most basic courses.
Cao Qiang and Hou Liang also taught, and Yao Yuan came at least once a week to teach basic martial arts.
Specialty archery and whip classes obviously had their respective instructors.
Comprehensive courses rotated among the instructors.
Fan Jingzong’s schedule wasn’t too packed—five or six classes per week—but he had plenty to do during the day.
The half-mute never imagined he would one day become an instructor. He often found it incredible.
Teaching martial arts was completely different from teaching the Four Books and Five Classics. The former relied on physical skills; the latter was purely verbal.
Fan Jingzong had previously taught Yi Huan, Er Xi, Da Fu, and Kang He archery. Although those students’ results varied, he had some experience.
Most preparations were done in advance. Often, he and Kang He would practice lessons at night and teach the next day.
Archery classes were smooth, but when he took comprehensive courses, he talked a lot and sometimes struggled.
Kang He carefully prepared lessons with him and, when lucky, received some pointers from Fan Xiaotong. This made practice easier for the next day.
Compared to before, life was much busier, but Fan Jingzong was full of energy, his eyes bright and clear, neat and well-organized.
He seemed to have returned to his early twenties.
“Daddy, why are you so handsome?”
“Arms so strong, legs so long, shoulders broad but waist narrow. Holding the big bow, you look as mighty as the Nine Heavens Thunder Emperor.”
Fan Jingzong was tidying up inside the room, preparing for an archery specialty class that afternoon. Little Fu trailed around like a little tail.
The kid babbled a long string of nonsense, sounding like a buzzing bee. Fan Jingzong tilted his head and asked, “What’s that about some emperor?”
“The Nine Heavens Thunder Emperor.” Little Fu repeated patiently, though he didn’t know who that god was.
“It means Daddy is mighty and handsome like a god.”
Fan Jingzong stroked his longbow and looked at Little Fu. “You say all these nice things, but what are you really up to?”
Little Fu hugged Fan Jingzong’s leg and buried his head in his waist. “Um… I want to come to the school with Daddy.”
“Brother has exams in two days and needs to study quietly at home. I know he’ll want to visit his courtyard, but that would disturb him. Exams are important! We can’t disrupt Brother’s focus~”
Fan Jingzong listened to the kid’s quick requests followed by a long explanation.
He pinched Little Fu’s cheek, “If Daddy agrees, then it’s settled.”
Little Fu jumped up joyfully, “Daddy said you agreed! I knew you would!”