My older brother said I'm invincible.

Chapter 177 Did Qingzao Village Grow Legs?

Inside the Li Mansion.

Li Yuan sat in the high seat with a stern face, his eyes filled with hostility.

Li Jiancheng sat to the side, at a loss.

"Qingzao Village was originally in Xingyang, and then Qingzao Village came to Xingyang. Now that Loufan has come, and then Qingzao Village left Loufan, did this village grow legs and come running here with me?!"

Light snow began to fall in Loufan, and Li Yuan had more things to do. If the measures to keep warm were not taken properly, many people might die. It was at this time that Li Yuan learned of something.

In the Chenghou Mountains to the north, a band of thieves appeared, called Qingzao Village, and many dead people flocked to them.

It was when the local militia captured bandits who had fled from other counties that they learned of this news.

That reputation has even spread to other counties!
Upon hearing this, Li Yuan was naturally furious, but he soon realized that something was wrong.

Wherever he went, Qingzao Village followed. Recalling the leak during the first campaign against Qingzao Village, Li Yuan immediately had a guess in his mind.

He looked at Li Jiancheng, his eyes filled with worry.

"Jiancheng, tell me about this."

Li Jiancheng looked at his grandfather, and the two exchanged a glance, understanding each other's thoughts.

"Grandpa, could it really be him who did it?"

"But hasn't he been staying at Eagle Banner Manor the whole time? How could he have done it?"

"He only spent half a day at Eagle's Roar Manor; the rest of the time, he went out with his friends, always heading into the mountains and forests, saying it was for hunting."

"That brat!!"

Li Yuan was so angry his teeth ached. He rubbed his chin, his face full of helplessness. "In the past, he associated with those chivalrous heroes in the city, and I was afraid he would go astray. I never expected this, Jiancheng. Go now."

"Grandpa, I don't think this is a bad thing!"

"what??"

Li Yuan stared wide-eyed at Li Jiancheng, "This isn't a bad thing??"

"Father, the Emperor has already ordered the transportation of grain and supplies to various parts of Hebei for stockpiling."

"This is clearly a preparation for military action against Goryeo."

"Given the sage's temperament, if he deals with Tuyuhun this year and prepares for next year, he will probably launch a military campaign the year after. I predict that within three years, the world will be in great chaos! Even powerful clans like the Zheng family are secretly stockpiling grain and sheltering warriors, preparing to protect themselves. It's not entirely wrong for the second son to collude with bandits."

"Father, do not underestimate these thieves. Among them are some exceptionally talented individuals! Erlang is the best at recognizing people. If he can find some true heroes to serve us in the future, he will surely achieve great things!"

Li Yuan sighed, "That's true, but there are quite a few people watching our family now. If we act recklessly like this, we'll easily invite trouble."

"Grandpa, don't worry. Just pretend you don't know anything. I'll go see him later and I'll make sure he doesn't cause any trouble!"

Li Yuan looked at Li Jiancheng with some hesitation, "Do you really think this is a good thing?"

"Although Erlang is young, his intelligence is no less than that of others. I don't think he will do anything reckless."

Li Yuan took a deep breath. "This time, I'll pretend I didn't know anything. Go and handle it. But if I hear anything about it again, I'll punish you too."

"Here!"

Li Yuan waved his hand, and Li Jiancheng quickly left.

Li Yuan sat there, looking slightly melancholy. Many things were progressing much faster than he had expected, which increased the pressure he felt, especially since these kids were causing him so much trouble.

Especially this second brother, he even dared to collude with thieves!

If this isn't addressed, they might even start colluding with the nomadic tribes beyond the Great Wall.
I wonder what the situation is like in Guanzhong. I've already sent my second memorial, so why haven't I received a response yet?
Li Shimin, smiling broadly, strode towards his own courtyard with a few friends.

He was dressed in military uniform, holding a large bow, and looked exceptionally brave and valiant.

His friends were all around him, chatting and laughing. These friends were not destitute and in need of relief; they were all prominent people. Even so, they treated Li Shimin with great respect and did not regard him as a child at all.

When Li Shimin led many friends into the courtyard.

Li Jiancheng had been waiting for him for a long time.

Seeing Li Jiancheng's gloomy face, Li Shimin stood there stunned.

He knew exactly what they looked like; they were there to demand an explanation!
But what crime is it?
Li Shimin quickly began to recall. He hadn't done anything particularly significant these past few days. Was it the theft of the warhorses? Or the brawl at Yingyang Mansion? Or the few wanted criminals he was hiding?
Before his elder brother could make a move, Li Shimin walked quickly to his side and lowered his voice, "Brother, all my friends are here."

Li Jiancheng stared intently at him, but he could see a pleading look in his eyes.

Li Jiancheng took a breath, looked at the people who had come in with him, forced a smile, and greeted them with a bow.

These people became somewhat reserved when they saw Li Jiancheng.

Although they were both children of the Duke of Tang, the young master and the young man were clearly different. The future Duke of Tang, who had the right to inherit the throne, was a position that Li Shimin could not touch. Li Jiancheng invited them to sit down and said with a smile, "I came to discuss matters with Erlang, but I did not expect to have so many distinguished guests."

"Since my second brother has guests, I will take my leave now and will return later."

"How could we dare! If you don't mind, young master, please stay. We have long admired you."

Li Jiancheng offered a few more words of polite refusals, and then they went into the house together, where he sat in the seat of honor.

Even though this was Li Shimin's residence, Li Jiancheng had to sit in the superior position. After all, there was an order of seniority, and unless the younger brother ascended the throne, there was no reason for the older brother to sit below.

However, as the host, Li Shimin could also sit next to his brother and entertain guests together.

Li Shimin introduced his friends to Li Jiancheng one by one.

Most of these people were warriors and scholars from the county.

It mainly consists of people from the lower and middle classes who have some influence in their localities, but are not influential enough at higher levels. People like them are not very willing to associate with Li Jiancheng. At present, if they want to join the son of the Duke of Tang, they must at least have a decent family history and a name that can be mentioned in their father's or grandfather's generation.

Li Jiancheng did not show any disdain for them. He only said a few words and then politely handed the conversation over to his younger brother, letting him continue talking to them.

Li Shimin sat there, even though he knew his elder brother had come to question him, he was still overjoyed.

Previously, in order to be on equal footing with those older than himself, he often used his third brother to bolster his prestige. But now the eldest brother is personally helping him, and the eldest brother's reputation is something that the second and third brothers cannot touch.

The most outstanding young members of the Guanlong Group could be sent into officialdom with a single letter, or their lives and families destroyed with a single word.

“My second brother is right. Although he is young, he is very studious and has studied with many great scholars. His essays are also quite good.”

Li Jiancheng personally stepped in to help prove Li Shimin's boasts, and these friends nodded repeatedly, believing him without a doubt.

Li Shimin looked at his elder brother with gratitude. His elder brother had given him so much face. Even if he was beaten to death later, it would be worth it!

The group stayed a while longer. Knowing that Li Jiancheng had something to discuss with Li Shimin, they dared not linger. They made an excuse and left. Before leaving, they bowed three times to Li Jiancheng, who then asked Li Shimin to see them off at the gate of the mansion.

After seeing his friends off, Li Shimin returned to his room.

Li Jiancheng sat in the superior position, staring coldly at him.

"Close the door."

Li Shimin obediently closed the door, walked a few steps to his elder brother, and knelt down obediently.

"Big brother!"

"What a terrible thing you've done!!"

Li Jiancheng angrily questioned.

Li Shimin lowered his head and said, "I know I was wrong, and I will never dare to do it again. Please punish me, elder brother!"

"Ha, punishment? You think punishment is all it takes?"

"No, I will definitely correct it!"

"How many times have I told you not to associate with those wicked people? How could you associate with those thieves? Qingzao Village, Qingzao Village, aren't you afraid of being discovered and executed for treason?!"

Um? ?

What village?
Li Shimin was nodding when he suddenly felt something was wrong. He abruptly raised his head and looked at his eldest brother in astonishment.

"Brother."

"Do you have anything else to say?!"

Li Shimin let out a heavy sigh and bowed his head again.

"I admit my mistake, I will never do it again."

(End of this chapter)