My older brother said I'm invincible.

Chapter 57 Bad Reputation
"Ah!"

Li Xuanba, holding a long spear, is practicing thrusting under Zhang Xutuo's guidance.

Because of Li Yuan's earlier hasty march, Zhang Xutuo still had some time before the deadline to return to Qi County, so he was not in a hurry. This was the second day he was teaching Li Xuanba.

He instructed Li Xuanba very seriously, "Hold it firmly with both hands, don't drop it!"

Practicing shooting is actually quite physically demanding.

Just holding the spear steadily and maintaining the posture is a very strenuous action, let alone continuously thrusting and swinging the spear.

Li Xuanba was drenched in sweat again, and his little hands were trembling.

What he was holding now was not a wooden stick, but a real spear, taller than Zhang Xutuo when standing upright, and quite heavy.

Zhang Xutuo stood aside, his astonishment growing ever stronger.

He initially only intended to teach him three or four moves to hone his strength, but after formally teaching him, Zhang Xutuo was surprised to find that the boy was very smart. He only needed to explain the technique of exerting force once, and the boy could remember it. Moreover, his physical condition was much better than he had imagined.

Despite his frail appearance, he actually has some strength?
"This set of marksmanship is versatile, with wide and sweeping moves, and is a battle formation technique. Therefore, the most important thing is to be steady. Only by holding it firmly and not letting it fall easily can you exert its maximum effect. As long as you hold it firmly, you can move faster afterward."

Li Xuanba gritted his teeth and persisted in his movements, but the spear kept going lower and lower. Finally, his hands completely lost their strength, and the spear fell to the ground with a thud.

"Let's take a rest."

As Zhang Xutuo spoke, he picked up the spear from the ground again.

Li Xuanba sat to one side, panting heavily. He wiped the sweat from his face, which was already flushed. He looked at Zhang Xutuo and said, "Master Zhang, I am foolish and afraid that I might delay your departure for your post."

"What, you want me to leave sooner?"

Zhang Xutuo glanced at him and asked calmly.

"How dare you!"

Li Xuanba looked nervous and quickly explained, "I've heard that officials who fail to take up their posts on time are punished. It's spring planting season now, and there's a lot going on in the area. I dare not let my personal matters delay my teacher's important affairs."

After two days of investigation, Zhang Xutuo has basically confirmed that Li Yuan's judgments about his children that day were correct, and that Li Yuan's third son is indeed a virtuous and kind gentleman.

Upon hearing his words, Zhang Xutuo suddenly sighed and sat down as well.

"I can get there within two months, but as for spring planting, even if I fly there tomorrow, there's nothing I can do."

"Qi County already suffered a disaster last year, and the imperial court not only failed to provide relief but also imposed another round of forced labor. The people are suffering terribly. Under these circumstances, there's nothing I can do to help. I don't know what we'll be able to do in the next few years."

Zhang Xutuo wanted to say something, but he kept his mouth shut. He couldn't help but smile bitterly, wondering why he was saying so much to a child.

"Master Zhang".

Li Xuanba suddenly spoke, and Zhang Xutuo raised his head. The boy was staring straight at him with exceptionally bright eyes.

"Your compassion for the people of Qi County surpasses that of many officials. You don't know that among the local officials and powerful families, there are very few who can even feel pity, let alone help the people."

"I believe that whatever we can do, and whatever extent we can achieve it, we should do our best."

"Even saving just one family is better than doing nothing."

Zhang Xutuo was somewhat surprised. He looked at the little child in front of him again and asked, "Who taught you this?"

"I learned it from books. I have read many books, and these are all the teachings of sages."

As Li Xuanba spoke, he suddenly lowered his voice, "The saint I'm talking about isn't that kind of saint."

Zhang Xutuo laughed heartily.

He pulled Li Xuanba in front of him and said seriously, "What you said is very good. We must do our best to save the world. However, what you just said was somewhat disrespectful to the Sage."

"We are the subjects, and the sage is the ruler. Since you have studied, you should know the principle of loyalty to the country. Do you understand?"

Li Xuanba hesitated before nodding.

Zhang Xutuo looked at the boy and became more and more satisfied.

Zhang Xutuo didn't have many friends in the court. He was a man of principle. He didn't like to befriend those who preyed on the people, nor did he like to engage in petty theft or other despicable acts. He always regarded benevolence, righteousness, and loyalty as the foundation of his character and was always very demanding of himself.

Zhang Xutuo was in a good mood and became more friendly towards Li Xuanba, no longer as distant and resistant as before. "This spear is quite heavy. You were able to endure it for so long, which exceeded my expectations. If your illness can be cured, you will surely become a general and protect the country and its people!"

Li Xuanba replied, "It's because I have the guidance of a renowned teacher."

"My elder brother found me a teacher, and my teacher is incredibly skilled, proficient in both literature and martial arts, and knows everything. He's been teaching me all along, honing my strength."

When Li Xuanba spoke of his teacher, his eyes sparkled; he truly admired his omnipotent teacher. Liu Xuan stood at the gate of the Duke's mansion, straightening his clothes.

Liu Hun stood helplessly beside him, still trying to persuade him, "Uncle, let's not go in anymore. The steward has already settled the payment for us, isn't that clear enough? They've given us enough. If we go back in to ask for more money, the Duke is not someone to be trifled with."

"I don't want money."

Liu Xuan simply said one sentence and strode towards the door.

When Manager Liu learned that Liu Xuan had come to see him, he was quite surprised.

"Lord Liu?"

"What are you"

"I have come to pay my respects to the Duke."

Liu Xuan lowered his head and said.

Manager Liu asked in surprise, "Could it be that the tuition fee is insufficient?"

"It's not about tuition fees; I want to meet with the Duke."

Manager Liu hesitated for a moment. He had invited Liu Xuan over because of the young master's instructions, and after the head of the family returned, he naturally asked him to settle the money and send someone back.

According to Li Yuan, this person had a bad reputation and he had never heard of him having any martial arts skills.

Even if we let him stay and guide Xuanba in his studies, it might implicate Xuanba in the future.

After all, scholars rely on mutual praise, and reputation is extremely important. Liu Xuan, who has enemies everywhere, will certainly not have his disciples accepted by the literati in the future, which is something Li Yuan does not want to see.

Manager Liu was unaware of Lord Liu's reputation in the court. Upon hearing Li Yuan's words, he settled the bill and sent people to help pack up the belongings. His intention to kick out the guest was quite clear.

He could only say tactfully, "Master Liu, the head of the family has many things to do and is quite busy. If you have anything to say, just tell me."

“I know the Duke is busy, I can wait a while until he is done.”

"Master Liu, what's wrong?"

Manager Liu, being from the same hometown as him, was unwilling to say anything too harsh. He casually made up an excuse, "Young master may be taking his younger brothers back to their hometown and won't be staying here. Therefore, I'm settling the tuition fees so as not to delay your business."

Liu Xuan remained stubborn, saying, "I just want to see the Duke."

Manager Liu was somewhat angry, assuming that the other party wanted more money, and he already looked down on them.

The Duke was right; there was a reason why this man had a bad reputation.

"Then you'll just have to wait and see!"

Manager Liu turned and went inside.

Liu Xuan stood there, his expression as calm as ever. He waited, and people came and went, all looking curiously at the man blocked outside the door. Facing the strange looks from the crowd, Liu Xuan pretended not to see anything. When he was hungry, he took out food from his pocket, and when he was thirsty, he took out a water bag.

They endured this until it was almost dark when Manager Liu finally came out.

"Come with me, the Duke wants to see you."

Liu Xuan followed the steward into the large study where Li Yuan usually worked.

This place could accommodate many people, and Li Yuan sat in the high seat with many documents in front of him waiting for his disposal.

"Greetings, Duke."

Liu Xuanxing greets you.

Li Yuan squinted at him, "You're Liu Xuan, the one who forged books and accepted bribes at the Imperial Academy?"

"I am Liu Xuan, who forged books and accepted bribes at the Imperial Academy."

Upon hearing Liu Xuan's answer, Li Yuan was taken aback, then suddenly laughed, "Sit down and talk."

After Liu Xuan sat down, Li Yuan asked again, "What do you want to see me about?"

"I would like to ask the Duke to let me stay and continue to teach the Third Prince."

"Oh, what are you teaching him? To forge books? Or to wield a hammer?"

(End of this chapter)