My older brother said I'm invincible.

Chapter 295 Suspicious
Yuwen Shu sat in the carriage, looking at the young man sitting in front of him with a hesitant expression.

Initially, he showed some consideration for the young man out of respect for Li Yuan and Li Jiancheng. Of course, he himself did value the young man. No commander dislikes a fierce general; such a person is a natural spearhead and is the first choice for charging into battle and breaking through cities.

But now, Yuwen Shu suddenly regrets his decision.

He had previously spoken ill of Wei Qing and Huo Qubing before the emperor, which was merely an attempt to win over the Li family and consolidate his own position. But now, the emperor clearly took it seriously, and his favor towards this young man was growing ever stronger.

However, Yuwen Shu himself couldn't quite see through this young man.

This kid is indeed a Guanzhong warrior, with that ruthless nature. No matter how gentle and kind he is on ordinary days, he will reveal his true colors and become extremely ruthless when it comes to the crucial moment. Yuwen Shu does not dislike him; all Guanzhong youths are like this, and he understands it very well.

However, the kid's behavior was somewhat strange.

Yuwen Shu was unsure whether Yang Jian could become the crown prince. The emperor sometimes showed great favor to him and sometimes showed fear of him. However, apart from Yang Jian, both the Prince of Dai and the third son were too young. It was hard to say whether they could even live to adulthood.

Logically speaking, Yang Jian has a very high chance of becoming the crown prince. Therefore, no matter how powerful Yuwen Shu is, he would not dare to easily provoke Yang Jian. He currently has a lot of power and is not afraid of Yang Jian, but what if Yang Jian ascends the throne in the future?
What about their own sons and grandsons?
Those who bully the crown prince by taking advantage of the emperor's favor rarely come to a good end. Even if they themselves are unharmed, their descendants will suffer the consequences. Yang Jian, in particular, does not seem to be a magnanimous person.

Unless one is directly involved in the selection of a successor, no one dares to gamble on such a major event.

And now they can't participate in the matter of choosing an heir; the other princes are too young and don't even have the qualifications to compete.

In this situation, everyone would avoid getting involved, but this little kid is different. He forced his way into the Prince Qi's mansion and even seemed to have taken him hostage. He's incredibly audacious. Doesn't he care about the future at all?

Although he was young, his words and actions in front of the emperor showed that he was not an ordinary child. At his age, he should know everything he needed to know, so why was he so impatient and reckless?

Do they really not take the powerful heir apparent seriously?

This person is either a die-hard loyalist to the emperor or a born rebel.

Yuwen Shu really hoped it was the former. If it was a rebel, what trouble would he cause in the future? Wouldn't he, as 'Wei Qing', be in deep trouble?
Li Xuanba remained silent as Yuwen Shu stared at him, and the two gazed at each other for a long time.

Yuwen Shu suddenly spoke up, saying, "General, you have really offended the Prince of Qi this time. Although the Prince of Qi has been punished by His Majesty, I'm afraid his official position will be restored soon. And since he is His Majesty's only adult son, aren't you worried about the future, General?"

Li Xuanba roughly understood that his behavior had attracted this person's attention.

Yuwen Shu appeared to be a burly, rough, and reckless man. He was considered a despicable warrior by many scholars and was not worthy of respect. However, his elder brother, father, and mother had all repeatedly warned Li Xuanba to be very careful of him.

The father said Yuwen Shu was a man of great hidden talent, the eldest brother said Yuwen Shu was cunning and treacherous, while the mother said this man had a keen eye for talent.
Li Xuanba then feigned disdain, "Is Duke Xu perhaps worried that Yang Jian's ascension to the throne will be detrimental to my family?"

Yuwen Shu did not answer, but simply squinted his eyes.

Li Xuanba said, "Impossible. His Majesty would never allow someone like Yang Jian to inherit the throne."

He tried his best to appear confident that the Prince of Qi would not ascend the throne, and therefore had no scruples, but Yuwen Shu was not buying it. "How can anything be absolute?"

Yuwen Shu was not easily fooled.

Being targeted by this old man is definitely not a good thing. Yuwen Shu is a man of little integrity and great power. He is no match for Yang Jian. If he makes a move, it will be no small matter.

Li Xuanba pursed his lips, his face solemn, and said, "Although the Prince of Dai is young, he is exceptionally intelligent. Earlier, His Majesty asked the Prince of Dai about my appearance, and the Prince of Dai said: Appearance is not important. The most important thing is to repay the monarch's ambition. He then personally poured wine for me."

"Although the King of Qi is old, he has committed many evil deeds. He is not wise and his martial arts skills are not particularly strong. Although the King of Dai is young, he is intelligent and capable. How come the Duke of Xu does not know about this?"

Yuwen Shu was greatly surprised.

Did the Emperor secretly arrange a meeting between the Prince of Dai and Li Xuanba? Did he inquire about Li Xuanba's appearance in person? And even have him offer a toast?
At this moment, Yuwen Shu recalled the confidential matters he had discussed with the emperor. Not long ago, the emperor had jokingly asked him if he had any capable people to recommend for overseeing the rear. When Yuwen Shu inquired about the criteria, the emperor simply said that anyone who could assist him would suffice.

If the Prince of Qi were to oversee the country, he clearly wouldn't need any advisors; he has too many capable people around him. What he needs is a strong overseer. Only a young prince would require a support role.
Yuwen Shu recalled many things, and as the conversations connected, the emperor's thoughts became increasingly clear.
Yuwen Shu suddenly looked at Li Xuanba in front of him.

Damn it! You guys are already fighting for the throne??
They don't even spare six-year-olds?

Damn it, no wonder he's not afraid of King Qi at all, no wonder he's been entrusted with important responsibilities at such a young age. King Dai is six years old, so they find someone in their teens to pave the way. When King Dai grows up a few more years, they'll let that person follow him.
This time, you caused Yang Jian to lose his position as Governor of Henan, all to reduce risks and make it easier for the Prince of Dai to oversee the country.

How could the Li family be so heartless?!
Yuwen Shu stared at Li Xuanba for a long time with a dark face, and then slowly said, "I am only loyal to His Majesty. I do not know whether the Prince of Dai or the Prince of Qi is more virtuous. This is not something a subject should consider. As His Majesty's attendant, you should be even less distracted by such important matters!"

"His Majesty has entrusted you with the affairs of the new army; you must do your utmost!"

"Here."

After giving his instructions, Yuwen Shu refused to travel with Li Xuanba any longer. He waved his hand and sent the boy away. He wanted to go back alone to report to the Emperor. As for Li Xuanba, he could do whatever he wanted, as long as he didn't get in the way!
Li Xuanba watched Yuwen Shu leave, then led his soldiers back to report.

After receiving the emperor's decree, Li Xuanba no longer needed to stay in the palace all day, as he was ordered to form a new army. After reporting to Sima Dekan, he left the palace and went to his own residence.

When Li Xuanba returned to the mansion, Li Yuan was in his study, furiously beating Li Jiancheng.

News of King Qi's affair has already spread.

When Li Yuan, who was on official business at the Imperial Guard, learned that his son had forcibly entered the Prince of Qi's residence, he was so frightened that he didn't dare to continue his work and hurriedly returned home. He learned the gist of the matter from Li Jiancheng and was furious.

"You knew about this, but didn't stop it?"

"You're trying to kill my whole family!"

"Do you know who that King Qi is?"

Li Yuan paced back and forth angrily, constantly cursing Li Jiancheng beside him. Li Jiancheng remained calm, only trying to reassure his father, "Father, I don't think there's any need to worry about this. His Majesty won't blame my family for this."

"What about Yang Jian? Will he blame me?"

"No matter how much he hates us, it's no use."

As the two were talking, Li Xuanba strode in and bowed to them one after the other.

When Li Yuan saw him arrive, he became even more furious, "Look what you've done!"

"Father, His Majesty did not blame me; in fact, he rewarded me and put me in charge of forming the new army."

Li Yuan snorted coldly, "Of course His Majesty won't blame you. You've become an isolated minister, how could he possibly blame you? But you've offended Yang Jian to this extent, what will you do in the future?"

Before Li Xuanba could speak, Li Jiancheng spoke first, "If Father is worried about him inheriting the throne, then there is even less to fear. He will not have that opportunity. Before he inherits the throne, we will get rid of Yang Guang first."

"you!!"

Li Yuan's eyes widened, and he quickly looked around to make sure there were only the three of them in the room before he muttered, "Don't say such treasonous things again!"

(End of this chapter)