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Yin Qing had always been frail since childhood, never having exercised her body much. Although her lifespan had been restored, her physical condition remained poor.
At first, Yin Qing couldn't keep up with Li Changqing's movements. Seeing this, Li Changqing slowed down to let her gradually catch up.
After only a few exercises, Yin Qing's breathing became rapid, even beads of sweat appearing on her forehead.
Li Changqing, concerned, asked, "Do you need to rest for a while?"
"No need, Mr. Changqing, let's continue," Yin Qing replied, her eyes shining. She was enjoying this feeling.
She had never dared to exercise before, only watching other children run around in the courtyard. With her weak body, she would faint after just a few steps.
But now it was different. She felt tired, her breathing was rapid, and she was sweating, yet she found the sensation comfortable.
She also sensed the profoundness of the radio calisthenics that Li Changqing taught her, a routine that seemed to exercise every muscle in her body.
It enhanced her in every aspect.
The shadow guards secretly protecting Yin Qing were also surprised by the radio calisthenics. Initially, they didn't take it seriously, but the more they watched, the more they realized the depth of the movements.
Even ordinary people who hadn't embarked on cultivation through enlightenment of paintings could practice it.
The more they watched, the more astonished they became. If an ordinary person persisted in practicing these movements, although they wouldn't match a martial artist, they would certainly be much stronger than the average person.
Most of the ordinary soldiers in the army couldn't comprehend the paintings. If they could persist in this practice, wouldn't it improve the overall quality and strength of the North Cold Country's army?
One of the shadow guards grew more convinced of this idea and hurried off to find Yin Fengqi.
After persisting through the radio calisthenics twice, Yin Qing was panting heavily, but she felt much more spirited than before.
"Let's rest for a while."
Li Changqing sat down and gestured for Yin Qing to do the same. She was very happy, her monotonous life having made her lose faith in living, but today's novel experience made her feel the world was beautiful.
"Do you have anything in particular you want to learn?" Li Changqing asked.
"I'm not sure what I can learn," Yin Qing pondered. "What do you think would suit me, sir?"
Li Changqing frowned. What could a girl learn?
In this era, girls usually learned needlework and such. What else could they learn?
Seeing what Li Changqing was thinking, Yin Qing shook her head: "If it's just ordinary needlework, there's no need for my father to have asked you to stay."
"Although it's our first meeting, I know you're a man of great ability, sir. I want to learn something others don't know."
Yin Qing looked at Li Changqing with anticipation.
This put Li Changqing in a bit of a dilemma. What could he teach this troublesome girl?
But seeing the hopeful look on Yin Qing's face, he stood up and paced a few steps, then sized her up. The only thing he knew that others didn't was wood carving.
But looking at Yin Qing's frail figure, how could she handle it?
Such physical labor was not suitable for her, and with her limited experience, how could she carve anything of quality?
Suddenly, Li Changqing spoke up: "How about I teach you arithmetic?"
"Arithmetic?" Yin Qing was taken aback. "Is it what I think it is? I have three apples, you have three, and together we have six?"
"That's the one," Li Changqing nodded.
"What's there to learn about that?" Yin Qing didn't understand. Doesn't everyone know that?
"What you're talking about is basic arithmetic. I'll teach you advanced arithmetic," Li Changqing said confidently. You want to learn something different, right?
You can't practice martial arts, so I'll teach you something literary. Li Changqing didn't know much else, but in his previous life, he had graduated from a second-tier university and was quite good at mathematics. At the very least, he could teach someone from another world, right?
Seeing Yin Qing still looking puzzled, Li Changqing gave her a simple example.
It was the classic problem of chickens and rabbits in the same cage.
How many heads and how many legs.
Yin Qing was so baffled that her brain almost crashed, and even the shadow guards were counting on their fingers, their brains smoking from the effort of solving Li Changqing's problem.
When Li Changqing explained the solution to Yin Qing, her mouth hung open in astonishment.
She had never thought the problem could be calculated like this.
Li Changqing's question had overturned Yin Qing's understanding of arithmetic and opened the door to a new world for her.
"I want to learn!"
Yin Qing was genuinely interested.
Li Changqing was pleased. Teaching this subject could be done slowly, day by day, in the mansion. It was an easy way to pass the time, so why not?
So, Li Changqing began his teaching.
***
By noon.
Tushan City was bustling today.
Today was the day Mu Zhan of the Mu residence emerged from seclusion.
As the patriarch of the Mu family, with a cultivation realm at the peak of Innate Perfection, Mu Zhan was considered one of the top experts in the White Snake Path.
Although there was no significant progress in his breakthrough, the Mu family threw a grand banquet and sent out invitations—who would dare not attend?
It was clear to all that the Mu family was flexing its muscles with this move, and also sending a warning to the Inspector's mansion.
The patriarch of the Mu family has emerged from seclusion; the good days of the Inspector's mansion are over.
The citizens of Tushan City were very worried because ever since Li Hengsheng's Inspector's mansion was re-established, life in Tushan City had improved significantly. Whether it was the common people or the merchants, their days were much better than before.
The security had improved.
In the past, no one dared to go out after dark in Tushan City, but now, even at night, there were street vendors and people strolling around. The people were no longer disheartened or fearful.
Also, because most of the tax issues had been reduced, the common people had some spare money to occasionally buy some meat or a new piece of clothing.
The entrance to the Mu residence was decorated with lanterns and streamers, bustling with activity.
Those in the know were aware that the patriarch of the Mu family had emerged from seclusion, while those who didn't know might think that Mu San of the Mu family was taking another concubine.
"Congratulations, congratulations."
Many small families and merchants came bearing valuable gifts.
Although the Inspector's mansion now had the final say in Tushan City, most people still had a deep-rooted fear of the Mu family and the Hua family.
They had lived under the rule of the Mu and Hua families and knew how powerful they were.
Even now, with the Inspector's mansion in its heyday, they still dared not underestimate the former overlords.
Especially now that Mu Zhan of the Mu family had emerged from seclusion, they were unclear whether the power dynamics of the White Snake Path would undergo a significant change.
The more valuable the gifts they brought, the more it might determine their status in Tushan City after today.
They dared not take it lightly.
People kept arriving at the Mu residence, and those from the Mu family were feeling quite smug. Recently, their business had been struggling under the suppression of the Inspector's mansion, and their status had fallen. Even the forces that used to flatter them were now keeping their distance.
Today, they wanted everyone to know that the overlord was still the overlord, and the authority of the Mu family was not to be challenged.
What Inspector's mansion? That was just a passing cloud.
The street in front of the Mu residence was filled with carriages, signaling how many people had come today.
At this moment, the people of the Mu family saw a large group of people approaching from afar. As they drew closer, they realized it was the Inspector's mansion's people.
Leading them was Li Hengsheng.
He was followed by dozens of people.
"Are they here to cause trouble?"
Someone from the Mu family hurried to inform the higher-ups.
"There are quite a few of them," Li Hengsheng remarked, looking at the bustling carriages at the entrance, but he didn't mind.
"Gurgle."
Many people behind him had rumbling stomachs.
"When we get inside, don't be shy. Eat whatever looks good," Li Hengsheng said with a smile. "The Mu family is picking up the tab."
"Hehe, yes!"
Everyone responded.
As Li Hengsheng reached the entrance, a lean man immediately came out and said with a smile, "It's the Inspector himself. Your presence truly graces our humble abode. Please, come inside."
"These youngsters kept saying they've never been to the Mu residence and wanted to see its splendor. I couldn't dissuade them, so I brought them along. I hope we won't cause any trouble for your esteemed family."
Li Hengsheng gestured to the people behind him as he spoke.
"Ah, the Inspector bringing so many distinguished guests to our event adds to our glory, how could it be a bother? Please, come inside."
The lean man made a welcoming gesture.
At this time, Mu San also received news of Li Hengsheng's arrival.
Mu San sneered: "I didn't expect Li Hengsheng to actually dare to come."
At the moment, Mu San stood by a pond, next to an old man feeding the fish in the pond. Mu San approached and relayed the situation to Mu Zhan.
"I want to see what kind of extraordinary Inspector this Li Hengsheng is," Mu Zhan said without any concern.
"It's about time to start. The guests have almost all arrived; let's go," Mu San said with a smile.
"Hmm."
The people of the Mu family led Li Hengsheng inside, where banquet tables were set up everywhere, indicating a large turnout.
The others were seated, leaving only Li Hengsheng to follow the lean man to the front.
Many greeted Li Hengsheng along the way.
They all watched his back, unable to believe that Li Hengsheng had actually dared to come.
The Inspector's mansion had just arrested Mu Jing of the Mu family and had spoiled several of the Mu family's plans in the past few days, with many people being arrested.
Now the Mu family hated Li Hengsheng to death, yet he dared to come?
Could it be that he relied on being a disciple of Dao Mountain Ancient Land, so the Mu family didn't dare to touch him?
"Please take a seat here."
The lean man led Li Hengsheng to a table and said with a smile, "This is your seat."
Four or five people were already seated there, and they were astonished to see Li Hengsheng coming to sit with them. They were just among the top merchants, which was why they were seated there.
This was only a secondary table. Li Hengsheng was the Inspector of the Inspector's mansion; shouldn't he be seated at the main table?
They all looked towards the main table, where Li Hengsheng's status surely merited a seat, right?
"Thank you."
Li Hengsheng didn't mind and sat down directly.
Seeing Li Hengsheng say nothing, the lean man was somewhat surprised. He had thought Li Hengsheng would be furious and flip the table. How could he be so calm?
"The head of the Hua family has arrived!"
At that moment, someone shouted loudly.
Li Hengsheng heard the voice and looked towards the entrance. Unlike him, the head of the Hua family didn't even receive a notice and just walked in.
Soon, the people of the Hua family entered.
Leading them was naturally Hua Xianggu.
The servants of the Mu family led the Hua family straight to the main table.
As they passed by Li Hengsheng, Hua Xianggu saw him and stopped, smiling, "Isn't this the Inspector? It's been a while since we've seen each other, but you still look as distinguished as ever."
"Not bad," Li Hengsheng nodded.
"Then I'll excuse myself first." Hua Xianggu smiled and was led to the main table.
A younger member of the Hua family was arranged to sit next to Li Hengsheng. Hua Xianggu shouted loudly, "Hua Qing, take good care of the Inspector. Make sure you have a few good drinks with him later."
"Don't worry," the young man also said with a smile.
At this moment, everyone dared not make a sound. They just watched Li Hengsheng. Hua Xianggu was practically insulting him.
But to their surprise, Li Hengsheng showed no sign of dissatisfaction.
What was going on?
Could it be that Li Hengsheng knew about Mu Zhan's emergence from seclusion and had come to seek peace?
So no matter how outrageous the Mu family was today, Li Hengsheng planned to endure it?
They felt that was the only explanation.
"The Mu family patriarch has arrived!"
Another voice rang out.
Mu San, Mu Hongxue, and Mu Zhan walked out from behind.
Seeing Mu Zhan appear, everyone respectfully stood up and saluted, "We greet Mu Senior!"
Everyone was reverent; this was Mu Zhan.
Mu Zhan also lightly pressed his hand down, signaling everyone to sit.
At this time, more guests arrived.
It was the people from Caohe Manor.
The owner of Caohe Manor, Ma Hengdao, came personally.
"Hahaha, Old Mu Senior, congratulations on your emergence!" Ma Hengdao was a rough man, his voice carrying from afar.
"Hengdao, come and sit." Mu Zhan seemed familiar with Ma Hengdao and smiled, inviting him to come sit.
Ma Hengdao approached, and as he passed by Li Hengsheng, he was also surprised, "Isn't this the Inspector? Why are you sitting here?"
"Shouldn't the Inspector be seated at the main seat?" Ma Hengdao said at the moment.
As soon as he spoke, everyone's gaze turned to Li Hengsheng, wanting to know how he would handle the situation.