The heavy snow had almost completely sealed off the area for a hundred miles. In the deepest parts, the snow was as high as half an adult, a vast expanse of white, and there was also the fear of avalanches.
Therefore.
Cheng Hao had already issued an order forbidding them from venturing far, allowing them only to move around nearby.
Naturally, everyone had no objections.
But it snowed from time to time, making even the nearby areas difficult to traverse.
Just then.
Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao announced their intention to open a school.
They encouraged everyone to participate enthusiastically.
"I'll mainly teach martial arts here. When I went out to study previously, I also learned horsemanship and archery, and I know some techniques. Miaomiao, on the other hand, knows some herbs and medicine. You can discuss among yourselves and learn whichever you prefer."
As Cheng Hao spoke, everyone in the temple began to discuss.
Some were excited, others disdainful.
"I didn't expect Young Master Cheng to be so capable in martial arts at such a young age, not just in his studies!"
"Tsk, I noticed that last time. Young Master Cheng is also good at archery!"
The people of Shan'ao Village were in an uproar, with some eager to try.
But some were lazy.
They muttered amongst themselves.
"Tsk, what time is it now? We don't even know how long these food supplies will last. They're still putting in so much effort here? They're truly bored and looking for trouble! Only young masters and ladies from wealthy families would think of this!"
Other idlers chimed in.
"Exactly, it's better to rest and gain some weight with this time!"
"Isn't it? Why learn martial arts? People start learning martial arts as children. Our old bones are stiff, what else can we learn? Be careful not to pull a muscle!"
The man with a sharp mouth and monkey-like face said this, causing others to cackle with laughter.
Some men sighed, "Indeed, their Cheng and Jin families don't lack grain, and they've always traveled by carriage. Our feet were blistered from walking earlier, and they haven't healed yet. What are they bothering with martial arts for now? They're truly bored!"
Some villagers of Shan'ao Village were very pessimistic about this and expressed their unwillingness.
Of course, a small number were willing and excited, especially those with children, who were happy to send them to the Cheng family. A free school!
"Alright, alright, all of you, say less! Look at your sour faces! It's the Cheng family's ability and luck that they have carriages and wealth, right? If we don't have it, we should ask our ancestors why they didn't leave it to us. What are you sour about? We're all riding in their carriage now!"
"Exactly, they didn't say you had to learn, so what are you all clamoring about?"
"Indeed, Young Master Cheng doesn't dislike our old age and stiff bones, yet you're all arguing so enthusiastically! If you don't want to learn, then don't go!"
Several other men retorted to their fellow villagers with similar words.
They couldn't stand it anymore.
To speak in fairness.
This also silenced those who were clearly resistant.
And they became somewhat excited.
"Oh, it's good that you're not learning, the fewer people, the better we can learn! I saw how Young Master Cheng and his wife shot arrows earlier! My heart is burning with excitement! They're too formidable! I'll definitely go if I can learn!"
"That's right! Young Master Cheng is right! In this day and age, it's good to learn more skills to protect yourself!"
"The Cheng family is truly a good family, so genuine! They're willing to put in the effort to teach us! I have three sons, and we don't have the spare money to send them to school. Now, unexpectedly! They're attending school on the run!"
Completely saving a large sum of money!
Speaking of which, they were the ones benefiting!
These villagers were so excited, how could they dislike learning new things?
Those who said they wouldn't go could only shut up sheepishly upon hearing this.
The women were more calculating than the men and naturally knew the benefits. They immediately lectured their children, telling them to study hard!
After all, the benchmark was right there!
Who was Young Master Cheng?
He was taken in as a disciple by a renowned master when he was not yet very old.
His academic performance was always excellent from a young age.
He went out to study at a young age.
He didn't return home more than a few times a year, but every time he showed his face, it was exceptional.
His aura was different from others.
With such a good teacher, why worry about not learning well? How could that be possible?
The mothers had deeply noted this after they found out.
As for how they knew.
It was naturally the young servants of the Cheng family, each praising their young master excessively.
They naturally learned about it.
And the children naturally felt a little embarrassed and a little expectant upon hearing this.
They also wanted to go to school.
Learning skills was what made one powerful!
Therefore, they also yearned for it.
The husbands and wives of Shan'ao Village, after discussing, all took their children and packed a few decent items to offer themselves as disciples. Cheng Hao had originally said that there would be no tuition fees, but they were also genuine people and said that a small token of appreciation was necessary, otherwise, they would feel embarrassed to send their children to him.
Su Miaomiao was originally fiddling with her slate. She had finally found a decent one after searching. She had brought it back with the two of them.
As soon as she found a suitable position to place it, she heard these couples talking to Cheng Hao like that. She glanced over and saw that they were all children, and a few young men were stammering, wanting to speak but hesitating. Clearly, they also wanted to learn.
Su Miaomiao then reminded them, "Martial arts have no age restrictions, nor gender restrictions. Both men and women can learn. No matter your age, as long as you have the desire to learn, it's never too late. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. If you want to learn, you can all sign up. Even if you can only learn ten percent, it's still ten percent of the harvest!"
No one expected the young girl to say such a thing so crisply.
They were stunned for a moment.
Then, they sheepishly expressed that they were indeed too old.
Their old arms and legs.
Su Miaomiao then clicked her tongue and said, "Aren't you all still fully limbed?"
Everyone pondered for a moment and felt that it made sense. They were somewhat encouraged.
Then they also signed up.
Cheng Hao also told them to relax and that they could withdraw at any time if they didn't like it.
There was no coercion.
But it was best if they could persevere.
His gentle attitude made everyone feel less nervous.
They all showed smiling faces.
The atmosphere here was quite good.
The servants of the Jin family were also eager to learn new skills.
Steward Du thought about it. It was good for his people to get some training, especially when it didn't cost money. Therefore, he also let the servants go.
The Jin family also asked a few questions.
But Steward Du managed to persuade them with his eloquent words, and they agreed.
The Jin family servants then excitedly gathered around. They were all about ten years old, and everyone admired ability.
Cheng Hao had a great harvest here, accepting many people who wanted to learn skills from him.
Su Miaomiao, on the other hand, didn't have many. So she actively tried to recruit people, telling the women and children that if they didn't like martial arts, they could come and learn about herbs and first aid knowledge. In the future, if they encountered accidents, they could handle them quickly.