The jujube wood was peeled and shaped into spearheads by Zhāng Wǔ and others. Then, Qín Mùgē directed them to roast it over a fire.
When the carbonized spearheads finally appeared before everyone, Zhāng Wǔ looked at the finished product with anticipation.
He then asked Qín Mùgē:
"Brother Qín, how powerful are these roasted wooden spears?"
Qín Mùgē looked at the excited Zhāng Wǔ and gestured to him directly:
"I don't know. Go try it on the trees over there. Let everyone see the effect."
"Alright!"
Zhāng Wǔ strode over to a large tree, gripping the wooden spear tightly, and thrust it fiercely at the tree.
As the wooden spear pierced the tree, a dull thud was heard.
The wooden spear remained embedded in the tree, more than five centimeters deep.
Seeing the power of the wooden spear, Zhāng Wǔ's face flushed with excitement.
"It really works! With spears like this, plus the rattan armor. This time, we might really be able to return alive as Brother Qín said!"
Upon hearing Zhāng Wǔ's words, everyone stepped forward to examine the effect of the wooden spears.
When they saw that the wooden spears could indeed embed themselves deeply into the trees.
They were surprised and turned their gazes to Qín Mùgē, who was smiling behind them.
Seeing that the wooden spears guided by Qín Mùgē were once again a great success.
Zhāng Mào's initially wary gaze towards Qín Mùgē began to change.
"Perhaps, my Qinghe Village will undergo earth-shattering changes because of this outsider, Qín Mùgē."
"Alas, if you can truly bring back the men of the village, young and old, the village can be yours."
Zhāng Mào's muttering went unheard.
Qín Mùgē, seeing the admiring glances from everyone, raised his hand in acknowledgment.
He then said to the assembled group:
"Time is tight, and the task is heavy. Everyone, hurry up and finish making your weapons and equipment."
"With these supplies, and everyone united, I believe our chances of returning alive will greatly increase."
"Perhaps we can even achieve official positions within the army. It's not impossible."
Qín Mùgē's words greatly boosted everyone's confidence.
Especially the last sentence, which struck a chord with everyone.
If the village were to have an official, it would be a great blessing for the entire village.
With this thought, everyone perked up.
Some began making rattan armor, others carbonized wooden spears.
Some of those who hadn't been initially chosen even considered joining Qín Mùgē for conscription.
Seeing that everyone had grasped the techniques, Qín Mùgē turned to Zhāng Mào and said:
"Village head, tomorrow's matters will be entrusted to you. This is very important."
Zhāng Mào heard Qín Mùgē's words and knew he was referring to the tiger skins.
At this moment, his previous perfunctory attitude was gone.
Instead, he pondered how he could do the best job.
Time flew by like a fleeting white steed.
By the time all the necessary weapons and equipment for the conscription were prepared,
It was already past three in the afternoon.
After everyone had completed their work, Zhāng Mào said to the eagerly waiting crowd:
"Everyone, thank you for your hard work!"
"I believe all your efforts will be worthwhile."
"I believe that the people of Qinghe Village, wearing these supplies, will surely return alive."
Upon hearing Zhāng Mào's words, the eyes of the villagers were filled with even more hope.
Zhāng Mào, seeing the villagers' change from their previous dejection, nodded to himself.
After all, with spirit and morale, the possibility of survival increases.
Then, Zhāng Mào glanced at Qín Mùgē beside him, pondered for a moment,
And continued speaking to the assembly:
"For this expedition, I wish to recommend Qín Mùgē as your leader."
"I believe that since he said he could bring everyone back safely, it means he has the ability to do so."
After Zhāng Mào finished speaking, the villagers turned their gazes to Zhāng Wǔ.
Seeing everyone looking at him, Zhāng Wǔ did not hesitate and spoke directly:
"I agree with the village head's suggestion. Brother Qín leads, and I obey him."
Hearing that both the village head and the village's martial pillar had spoken.
The others had no objections. They had already been considering whether Qín Mùgē would be a better leader than Zhāng Wǔ.
After all, Qín Mùgē possessed both strength and intelligence.
Having him as their leader was the best outcome in their minds.
So, after Zhāng Mào finished speaking, everyone expressed their agreement.
"I support Brother Qín as the leader of this team. I obey him!"
"Yes, that's right. I'll also follow Brother Qín's command. Maybe Brother Qín can even lead us to official positions, given how skilled he is."
…
Seeing their unanimous support, Zhāng Mào's initial wariness of Qín Mùgē had vanished.
At this moment, he even felt a sense of relief, as he did not want all the men of Qinghe Village to die out in the field.
"Qín Mùgē, you are now the leader, and everyone respects you."
"Say a few words to everyone. Encourage them."
Qín Mùgē heard Zhāng Mào's words and did not hesitate.
He then addressed the excited crowd:
"I don't have much to say, nor do I know how to make guarantees."
"At this moment, I only wish to exhort everyone with two points."
"First, obey orders and follow the command."
"Second, unite as one and face the enemy together."
"If you do these things, I will do my utmost to lead you back."
Qín Mùgē's words were brief yet authoritative, revealing a new side of him to the villagers.
At this moment, the villagers' gazes towards Qín Mùgē became serious.
"Brother Qín, don't worry. Since we all recognize you as our leader, we will definitely follow your commands."
"Yes, that's right. Everyone will follow your command."
With someone taking the lead and others echoing, everyone expressed their willingness to follow Qín Mùgē's command.
Qín Mùgē saw this and nodded with satisfaction.
Then, Qín Mùgē looked at Zhāng Mào.
Zhāng Mào exchanged a glance with Qín Mùgē, then said to the assembly:
"In that case, everyone go home and prepare."
"Tomorrow morning, wake up early, eat, and gather at the village entrance."
After saying this, Zhāng Mào looked at the people before him.
As his gaze swept over each person's face, he paused.
As if wanting to engrave each of their faces in his memory.
"Alright, you're dismissed!"
Finally, Zhāng Mào waved his hand, telling everyone to return home and prepare.
The villagers, in low spirits, walked together.
When Qín Mùgē and Diǎn Wéi finally spoke to Zhāng Mào about leaving.
Zhāng Mào slowly said:
"Brother Qín, try your best to bring back the villagers who left."
"Even if you can't bring people back, bring something back."
"Let everyone have something to remember them by, so they don't end up not knowing if they lived or died."
Qín Mùgē nodded solemnly upon hearing Zhāng Mào's words.
Then, he quickly left with Diǎn Wéi.
At this moment, the sun was blazing.
The figures of Qín Mùgē and Diǎn Wéi leaving seemed to glow under the sunlight, as if coated in a film by the sun.