My older brother said I'm invincible.

Chapter 192 Chaos

Shi Shu hurriedly bowed and greeted him, looking somewhat reserved.

This wasn't the first time Li Xuanba had seen a Hu person, but he had never seen one dressed like this and speaking fluent, elegant Mandarin. He looked the man up and down and asked with a smile, "I've heard about Liu Shanbo's matter before. So you're the one who discovered it."

"Yes, but Old Wu just told me that they were looking for a black horse, while the one I found is a mixed color. They must have lost a lot of them. I'm going to give the horse to Old Wu so he can give it to Liu Shanbo."

After Shi Shu finished speaking, Old Man Wu also sighed, "Old Man Qu, Liu Shanbo has disappeared without a trace."

"Such a thing happened? Did you report it to the authorities?"

"Reported."

"Then there's no need to worry, we'll get news."

After Li Xuanba said a few words, Qu Qiusheng changed the subject and talked about Old Man Wu's good reputation in the area, as well as some properties that Li Xuanba had just acquired.

At first, Old Man Wu was somewhat apprehensive and confused, but after Qu Qiusheng spoke for a while, he instantly came to his senses and understood the purpose of Qu Qiusheng bringing Li Xuanba here! Qu Qiusheng wanted to introduce him to the Marquis of Bocheng so that his family could also climb up to this powerful tree!

Old Wu hadn't been feeling well lately, suffering from backaches and pains, but at this moment, he suddenly perked up, his legs stopped hurting, he felt energetic all over, and even his voice became much louder.

“I have often heard about you, my lord, from Brother Qu. I heard that after you purchased those properties, you hired many laborers and built a farm. Many farmers spontaneously went to rely on you. All of this was to help the local people and get through their difficulties! What benevolence!”

"It is truly an honor for my family to meet you today, my lord. I may not have much talent, but I am willing to do my best to assist you!"

Old Wu spoke with great urgency, fearing that Li Xuanba would refuse.

The Wu family members also understood what was meant, and each of them became more excited than the last.

This is an opportunity to change the fate of the family. If they can climb up to the rank of a nobleman, the county officials will not dare to touch them easily, and their caravan will not have to fear the local militia along the way. Most importantly, they can enter officialdom through this.

Nowadays, whether you want to take the imperial examination or join the military, you need a powerful person to speak on your behalf; it's not something you can do just because you want to.

Marquis of Bocheng was such a nobleman.

The Wu family members immediately perked up. Li Xuanba looked at Qu Qiusheng beside him. Qu Gong was indeed telling the truth; they were really quite willing to sponsor him.

Li Xuanba then shared his thoughts, saying, "Master Qu has spoken highly of you, my lord, and has praised you endlessly."

"Although I now own property, most of my subordinates do not know how to manage it. It is all thanks to Master Qu's help that I have been able to acquire more property before the spring. However, I do not have enough money. If I can get your help, sir, I will definitely repay you in the future."

"My lord, you are too kind. It is our honor to be able to help you. There is no need for us to say anything about repaying you!"

They were having a lively conversation.

Shi Shu watched them calmly from a distance, a hint of envy in his eyes.

"My lord!"

Shi Shu suddenly spoke up at this moment.

Everyone was taken aback. Li Xuanba looked at him in surprise, but Shi Shu spoke up: "Although I am a Hu person, I have lived in Mayi for many years and have great admiration for the Duke of Tang. If Your Excellency does not mind, I can help you! I have been traveling between the Western Regions and the Central Plains for many years, trading horses. I can provide Your Excellency with some livestock."

Before Li Xuanba could answer, Qu Qiusheng interjected, "Your Majesty doesn't lack that much. Old Man Wu is enough. If Your Majesty wishes to do some good deeds, why not provide relief to the people along the way?"

It's a good thing to be able to climb up to a noble rank, but such assistance isn't something that can be given by just anyone.

Qu Qiusheng knew the character of Old Man Wu and his family, which is why he dared to recommend him to Li Xuanba. As for this Hu man, who knows what his background is!
Shi Shu remained unmoved. He continued to look at Li Xuanba and said firmly, "If that's the case, I will take half of the money I've earned this time and use it in the name of you, my lord, to help the poor people along the way!"

Qu Qiusheng pursed his lips. Everyone said that the Western Region merchants were as cunning as foxes, and it was really true. They would do anything to curry favor with the Lord. Li Xuanba smiled and said, "It is a good thing to help the people, but we should do what we can. There is no need to give so much, and there is no need to do it in my name. Lord Shi is a kind-hearted person, and I appreciate his kindness."

Shi Shu bowed again, and then sat down.

Old Wu knew the proper etiquette and didn't directly mention the details of the sponsorship. He hosted a banquet for Li Xuanba, who stayed for about half an hour before deciding to leave. Old Wu personally escorted him to the door, where someone was already waiting.

They picked up Li Xuanba, but Qu Qiusheng was not in a hurry to leave.

Shi Shu watched Li Xuanba walk away, sighed silently, bid farewell to Old Man Wu and Qu Qiusheng, and left the place.

Watching the departing Hu merchants, Old Man Wu couldn't help but speak up.

"Actually, this person is quite nice."

Qu Qiusheng shook his head, "We can't take that risk."

Shi Shu led his many followers out of the city gate and walked along the official road. He rode his horse and moved forward slowly. Soon a servant came to his side and walked side by side with him.

"My lord, that fool Kang Shaoli has indeed vanished without a trace. He probably died in Loufan."

Shi Shu was no longer the timid and kind man he had been moments before; his face was stern, and a fierce glint flashed in his eyes.

"That's a good thing, I said long ago that this fool is good for nothing but boasting and is not capable of getting anything done. Now it has proven my judgment."

"Sir, should we continue searching?"

"No need to look anymore. Although that fellow is despicable, he brought quite a few warriors with him. In this small county, who else could intercept and kill him? It was either the local guards or a noble son who borrowed the local guards to do it."

"It seems that it was that fool Kang Shaoli who told Liu Shanbo about this. That fool Kang Shaoli loves to use his grandfather's title to intimidate and manipulate others. I think he must have used Liu Shanbo to help him scout ahead while he hid and searched for the perpetrator."

"But this fool's plan has probably been seen through, and his entire army has been wiped out. What I'm most worried about now is that he didn't die, but has fallen into someone else's hands."

"Sir, the horse is gone, and the man is dead. What should we do? Should we go back?"

"The Khan's death is only a matter of a few months. If we go back now, wouldn't all our previous plans have been in vain?"

"That"

Shi Shu narrowed his eyes. "We will go to meet the important person in place of Kang Shaoli. This matter must be accomplished no matter what. If we cannot accomplish it, we will not need to go back."

"Yes!"

The servant bowed and agreed. Shi Shu continued to lead them forward. After walking for a long time, he turned back to look at the city behind him.

It seems the situation within the Sui Dynasty is even worse than I imagined. The son of a duke is actually begging for aid everywhere. If he were greedy, he would simply take what he wants; why bother with aid? If he's not greedy, what is he trying to achieve by asking for aid? There are so many other ways, yet he's going to merchants to ask for it.
Shi Shu smiled. After finishing his work, he would still have to go back to Lou Fan.

If this place can become chaotic, that would be a great thing.

This road, which is usually deserted, has become bustling at this moment. In a short period of time, several groups of people have passed through here. The guards along the way also find it strange that there are so many people coming and going in recent days.

Several different groups headed towards Luoyang, and the city, which had just emerged from the cold winter, became lively once again.

The group that Yang Xuangan had previously sent to Loufan has finally returned. Not only that, they also brought an important witness who can testify that the son of the Duke of Tang secretly supported rebels and intended to plot a rebellion.

Li Mi was working in Luoyang at the time. When he learned of this, he hurriedly summoned the two men to verify the situation before reporting it to Yang Xuangan. At the same time, Li Mi also had some different thoughts in his mind. After all, he was very clear about what happened at Qingzao Village!

(End of this chapter)