My older brother said I'm invincible.

Chapter 326 Stupid Pig
Husi Zheng was dragged out like that, his wailing never ceasing.

In fact, Husi Zheng was always carrying out the emperor's orders. Whether it was the pontoon bridge, the army obeying orders, or even some logistical arrangements, it was all at Yang Guang's instruction to Husi Zheng to handle.

He simply failed to help Yuwen Shu persuade the emperor, and his crimes were not serious enough to warrant a mass uprising by the generals. All he did was follow orders. However, the generals could not blame the emperor or say it was the emperor's fault. Thus, Husi Zheng, who had been carrying out the emperor's will, became the scapegoat.

Historically, when Husi Zheng participated in the second campaign, he offended too many people, and with Yang Xuangan's rebellion, he defected to the Goryeo people.

This time, he was caught off guard and taken away by the generals, becoming an outlet for their frustrations.

Li Xuanba's problem is no longer just his own. Under Yuwen Shu's manipulation, it has become an invisible confrontation between the emperor's will and the military generals. This is not just a problem for the Guanzhong nobles; even those generals who are not from Guanzhong will try to protect Li Xuanba. They all have to go into battle. If someone is executed today for supporting their comrade, what will happen in the future?

If they were the next ones to be besieged, would anyone dare to come to their rescue?

Yang Guang narrowed his eyes. He was still very vigilant in these matters. Even though he was extremely dissatisfied with Yuwen Shu, who was in charge, and Li Xuanba, who was at the core of the conflict, he still put on a show of affection.

"Sigh, because of this bastard, so many soldiers have died! And he almost ruined your reputation!"

"Duke Xu!"

"Chen is here!"

Yang Guang looked at him gently, "This time you were able to speak frankly and submit a memorial, eliminating a scourge. I am very pleased! I will record your military merit and reward you after the victory!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!!"

"Furthermore, you will temporarily command the army at the front. Within ten days, you must defeat the rebels on the west bank for me!! And march on to Liaodong City!"

Upon hearing this, Yuwen Shu felt relieved. "It should have been done a long time ago!"
If the emperor had made him commander from the beginning, what the hell would the West Bank defense line have been? If I hadn't killed those Goryeo dogs, they would have been crying for their fathers and mothers.

Yuwen Shu bowed three times to the emperor with utmost respect. The emperor frowned and said, "Yuwen Kai failed in building the pontoon bridge, and he cannot escape punishment either. So, he shall be dismissed from his position as Minister and no longer be in charge of the construction!"

The generals were overjoyed.

In the past, it was fine for the Minister of Works to handle civilian projects, but for military projects like these, it's best to let the generals do it themselves. Why should the Minister of Works take over?
Yang Guang then said, "Let He Chou of the Imperial Household Department handle the construction of the pontoon bridge and other fortifications!"

The smiles on the generals' faces froze instantly.

Yuwen Shu bowed his head again in agreement, and the generals could no longer question him.

After making these arrangements, Yang Guang finally looked at Li Xuanba.

"Li Xuanba! No matter what, you should not have disobeyed the imperial edict and resorted to violence against Husi Zheng in private!"

"However, considering your merit in providing support, I will forgive your crime, but this will not be allowed to happen again!"

Yang Guang surveyed the generals around him and said sternly, "Anyone who dares to offend me again will be met with absolute wrath!!"

The generals agreed.

Yang Guang waved his hand, ending the brief court meeting.

The generals left their camps and came outside. Only then did they show their joy. Many of them went to find Li Xuanba, greeted him, and exchanged pleasantries with him. Even those who were not very familiar with him before were now very friendly.

Li Xuanba's actions this time were a huge plus in the eyes of the generals.

Logically speaking, Li Xuanba shouldn't have gone to rescue Mai Tiezhang at all. The generals were in their own camps, and the most powerful were the Guanlong Group led by Yuwen Shu. If Yuwen Shu was besieged and Li Xuanba disobeyed orders and risked his life to rescue him, everyone could understand.

After all, they were from the same group and had a deep relationship. However, Mai Tiezhang was a southerner, and the emperor appointed him as a general to suppress the Guanzhong nobles. He was dead, and the Guanzhong nobles should have been happy. But Li Xuanba actually dared to pay such a price to save him!

"General Li!"

Yu Zhongwen, who served as the Right Wing Guard General, walked up to Li Xuanba with a smile, and everyone made way for him.

This was a highly experienced veteran general, who had fought throughout his life, accumulating numerous military achievements. He had quelled internal rebellions, fought in the south, and campaigned against the Turks. He held a very high position in the army, and many were willing to obey his orders and dared not disobey. The old general had white hair, but he was still strong and vigorous.

"General!"

Li Xuanba bowed his head in greeting.

Yu Zhongwen looked at the generals on his left and right, pointed at Li Xuanba, and said, "We are going to war for the sake of the country, but some generals are here treating others differently based on their background and seniority, and gathering in private to talk badly about someone."

"Even a young boy like Li Xuanba knows to do everything in his power to rescue his comrades and understands the principle that victory requires unity of purpose. Why don't so many generals know this?"

"I think everyone should follow his example and work together. We cannot underestimate the Koreans. Only when we are harmonious and united against the enemy can we achieve unparalleled fame!"

Yu Zhongwen's words seemed to be directed at some generals, but no one felt offended. With a major battle imminent, everyone probably hoped that their comrade-in-arms would be like Li Xuanba.

After Yu Zhongwen finished speaking, several more generals stepped forward, all expressing their approval of Li Xuanba and their desire to befriend him.

Yuwen Shu interrupted them, "Gentlemen, His Majesty has only given me ten days. I still need to conquer the West Bank. Let's talk about this at the victory banquet after I take the West Bank!"

Everyone agreed, and Yuwen Shu led Li Xuanba and Mai Tiezhang back.

The two walked in front, with Mai Tiezhang following behind.

After Yuwen Shu rode his warhorse away from the camp, the joy on his face disappeared. He put on a stern face and said very seriously, "Xuanba, we must take the west bank as soon as possible. Although His Majesty did not say much, he has already begun to blame us in his heart."

"If we want to regain His Majesty's favor, there is only one way: take the West Bank!! Take the West Bank as quickly as possible!"

Yuwen Shu looked at Li Xuanba beside him with a solemn expression. “I could have done nothing, but this time, in order to clean up your mess, I led the generals to force His Majesty to punish his own confidants. His Majesty gave me ten days, but I’m only giving you four. Within four days, either you take the West Bank for me, or you die on the West Bank.”

"Here."

Inside the main camp.

Yang Guang was pacing back and forth, his face flushed, his chest heaving, his anger reaching its peak.

"Yuwen Shu has finally revealed his true nature!!"

"I knew these people couldn't be trusted! They couldn't be trusted!!"

"No matter how obedient they are on ordinary days, they always turn out this way when it matters most!! They were like this when the late emperor was still alive, and they haven't changed now!!"

Pei Yun and Yu Shiji stood to the side, both with their heads down, not daring to speak.

Yang Guang stopped and looked at them.

These ruthless men, who emerged from the Northern and Southern Dynasties, still retain their rough and rugged style. If they win, nothing happens to them; they remain loyal and fierce generals. But if they are defeated, they will quickly reveal their claws and make no attempt to hide their ferocity.

Yang Guang detested this kind of behavior.

Neither Pei Yun nor Yu Shiji dared to offer any advice at this moment.

However, Yang Guang didn't need their advice; he had his own ideas.

"Minister Yu, bring me pen and ink, and write me a letter."

Yu Shiji hurriedly began preparations, and Pei Yun asked in confusion, "Whom is His Majesty writing this letter to?"

Yang Guang sneered, "They think only they can fight. I'll show them that they're not the only ones capable of warfare. I'm going to send a letter to the Duke of Rong, asking him to help me accomplish this great task."

Pei Yun's eyebrows twitched, and she wisely shut her mouth.

(End of this chapter)