My older brother said I'm invincible.

Chapter 373 Destiny
Zhang Du brought Li Yuan and his family to Li Xuanba's residence in Mangshan.

This is the mountain residence that Li Xuanba bought from Yuwen Rutong.

Li Yuan and his group rested here for a while before setting off again, arriving at another secluded village. This village was not large, but its advantage lay in its seclusion. Being next to the imperial city, it was destined that it could not be built into a large mountain stronghold like Qingzao Village, so it could only focus on secrecy.

This mountain stronghold is located in a dense forest on the mountainside. From the outside, it is basically impossible to find the way in. Even horse-drawn carriages cannot enter. You can only walk around in the dense forest. You need someone who knows the way to lead the way to get through the layers of dense forest to the deepest part, and then you can see the many houses hidden in the forest and the warriors guarding it.

There were roughly a hundred warriors, who had already formed ranks and looked solemn.

"Greetings, Duke!!"

Upon seeing Li Yuan, they hurriedly bowed and paid their respects.

Li Yuan stroked his beard and looked at the warriors in front of him. "No need for formalities."

"I really didn't expect that there would be so many brave warriors from my family right here on the outskirts of the imperial city!"

He looked at Zhang Du beside him and said, "Don't underestimate these brave warriors. When the great cause is accomplished, these men will all be generals in various prefectures!"

Li Yuan then went forward to meet them one by one, and asked the names and hometowns of several leaders. After the warriors returned to their original positions, Li Yuan asked Lady Dou to lead the rest of the group into the house, while he and Zhang Du observed the surroundings.

When was this village built?

"The Duke's residence was built a year ago."

"The outside is all dense forest, and the roads are difficult to travel. I don't see that much has been cut down. How did they manage to bring in the building materials?"

"It was all carried by the samurai one by one."

"Great job, you've put a lot of effort into this."

Li Yuan chatted with Zhang Du as they walked, observing their surroundings and inquiring about Li Jiancheng's various arrangements in Mangshan. Faced with Li Yuan's questions, Zhang Du dared not refuse to answer.

"What should we do next? Should we continue to evacuate, or stay here and observe the situation?"

Li Yuan asked again.

Zhang Du felt somewhat embarrassed. Logically speaking, the person who should make important decisions in this family should be Li Yuan, not Li Jiancheng. He could only say tactfully, "Duke, the young master is on his way back and will probably arrive tomorrow. He said that after he returns, he will report many important matters to you in person and then listen to your instructions."

Li Yuan laughed, “Don’t be afraid. Jiancheng said he was going to do something big, and I thought he was just a kid who didn’t know his place. But now, my youngest son holds the emperor’s hand and commands the army of the Twelve Guards. My eldest son has even built a stronghold on the outskirts of Luoyang and is secretly raising so many warriors here.”

"It's clear I misjudged them. Even if they were to make important decisions, I wouldn't see anything wrong with it. Don't worry!"

"The Duke is wise!!"

Zhang Du bowed again, and Li Yuan kindly helped him up, asking, "How is your teacher now?"

Liu Zhuo was seriously ill and unable to get up, so Li Jiancheng had Liu Xuan take Liu Zhuo away from Luoyang, saying that there was a miracle doctor in his hometown. Li Yuan had always thought that Li Jiancheng was joking, but now it seems that Jiancheng was not lying. Li Yuan even believed that he had a royal hospital.

Zhang Du replied, "Master is currently at Wild Buffalo Mountain. He previously assisted the young master in pacifying the people, and many important matters fell on his shoulders, keeping him extremely busy. Now that the young master has left, he will likely have even more to do. My eldest uncle is also doing well, recuperating at Wild Buffalo Mountain. There are many renowned doctors at Wild Buffalo Mountain who are treating him."

"There's even a traditional medicine clinic in the mountain village."

Li Yuan wanted to laugh when he recalled that scene, but then he suddenly remembered something. "Oh right, there used to be a doctor surnamed Sun who was very close to Jiancheng, but then he disappeared. Was he taken to Wild Buffalo Mountain?"

Zhang Du said with a smile, "Young Master has great ambitions and many ingenious ideas. Wild Buffalo Mountain is full of talented people. You have set up a medical clinic with many famous doctors who often discuss and debate with you. You have also set up an 'Invention Department' which is full of skilled craftsmen who have created many strange and wonderful things that are truly eye-opening!"

"I know he's skilled in craftsmanship, but when did he learn medicine? And how can he debate with those famous doctors?"

"Young master said he found some ancient book, but I don't understand it. Anyway, those famous doctors like to consult him."

Li Yuan nodded. "Go on."

"In addition, the Imperial Academy was also established."

Li Yuan could no longer hold back at this moment.

"Damn it, a military academy is set up in a mountain stronghold?!" Zhang Du said with admiration, "Young master is learned and knowledgeable, and his ideas often surprise everyone. Under his leadership, the mountain strongholds in various places have become increasingly powerful, and all kinds of different people have been gathered together. No one does not admire him."

Li Yuan laughed, "I am no longer worried about what will happen in the future."

Li Jiancheng rode his horse along the mountain road, followed by many knights, getting closer and closer to Mangshan.

Xingyang and Luoyang are very close, and it doesn't take too long to travel back and forth.

As Li Jiancheng drew closer to his destination, the mountain road became increasingly rugged, and they slowed down. An uneasy look appeared on Li Jiancheng's face.

Wei Zheng noticed this scene and said, “Young Master, you don’t need to worry about the Duke’s safety. We were able to know the situation in advance because of the post stations we set up in advance. The front line is too far away from Luoyang. For at least a month, Luoyang will not receive any useful information. Without accurate information, they will never dare to make a move.”

"The Duke and the others will be fine."

Li Jiancheng nodded, remained silent for a moment, and then said, "These days, my father has scolded me many times. Every time I see him, he has a stern face and refuses to say a single kind word. Now that the situation has deteriorated to this extent, and my grandfather is the last to know the truth, I am a little worried."

Wei Zheng suddenly realized what he was worried about.

Wei Zheng frowned and pondered for a moment; this matter was indeed difficult to resolve.

No matter how strong the young master is, his father is still his father. If it's just a few words of reprimand, that's fine, but if they disagree, then something big might happen.

Wei Zheng could only comfort him, saying, "The Duke is a wise man known throughout the land. He must understand the perilous situation we are in now. You need not worry too much, my lord."

That was all Li Jiancheng could think.

After they arrived at their destination, they had their horses taken elsewhere, and they walked into the dense forest. After several treks, Li Jiancheng finally led his men to the village.

Zhang Du had been waiting for a long time. When he saw Li Jiancheng arrive, he stepped forward and bowed to greet him.

There were many people here; it seemed that everyone from the Li family had arrived.

Li Jiancheng hurriedly went to pay his respects to his parents.

"Grandma!"

"Mother!!"

Li Jiancheng entered the inner room and bowed to the two people sitting in the superior positions.

Li Yuan looked at his son, laughed heartily, stood up, walked a few steps to his side, and helped him up. "You've come at just the right time. I was just telling your mother about your heroic deeds at Wild Buffalo Mountain! Has your Imperial Academy recruited any scholars yet?"

Li Jiancheng stood there stunned. His grandfather hadn't been this close to him in a long time.

Madam Dou said, "Let's not talk about these things for now, let's discuss the important matters quickly."

Li Yuan then let Li Jiancheng sit down. Li Yuan and Lady Dou looked more like they were out for a leisurely stroll than fleeing from a disaster. Both of them looked completely at ease and seemed not at all worried about what was to come.

"Grandpa, have you read my letter?"

Li Jiancheng couldn't help but ask.

"seen it already."

"Then why are you like this?"

"how?"

Li Yuan exchanged a glance with Lady Dou, then said confidently, "Since it has already happened, what's the point of worrying? Besides, what's there to fear about Yang Guang and his son Yang Jian? If the son can handle Yang Guang, how can I, as the father, not handle Yang Jian?"

All of Li Jiancheng's concerns before his arrival vanished without a trace.

"Grandpa! This great undertaking will surely succeed!"

(End of this chapter)