My older brother said I'm invincible.

Chapter 91 Pioneer
If Li Yuan's return revitalized the entire Li household, then Lady Dou's return would instantly bring order to the Li household. Everyone in the household would become much more disciplined, and those who used to be cunning and lazy would become diligent. Maids and servants who used to secretly meet and have affairs would no longer dare to see each other.

Liu Xuan had barely arrived at the residence when he noticed the change.

Before he could even ask a question, a servant led him to a small courtyard for receiving guests.

Madam Dou had been waiting for him for a long time.

Although Liu Xuan was not considered Li Yuan's retainer, but rather a friend, he still paid his respects to Lady Dou with utmost respect, which greatly surprised her.

Madam Dou knew Liu Xuan, and of course she knew his terrible character.

Liu Xuan was the kind of person who dared to make sarcastic remarks even to his superiors, and his attitude towards his colleagues was even worse. He would not return greetings when others paid their respects. Otherwise, with his talent and learning, he could easily have become a scholar in the capital.

His mastery of classical studies had reached the level of the ancient masters Zheng Xuan and Ma Rong in their time, but due to his personality, he did not receive the treatment he deserved.

Why are you being so polite today?
After the two met, Madam Dou spoke first, saying, "I had heard of Master Liu's great name long ago. When I returned and learned that Master Liu was actually my son's teacher in the mansion, I was even more delighted. With such a famous teacher as Master Liu, I have no worries about Sanlang's future achievements."

Liu Xuan calmly said, "Sanlang will surely achieve great things."

Madam Dou paused for a moment, then said, "Thanks to Lord Liu, my son's condition has improved. I was always worried that he would die young, and I tried many methods. Today I can finally rest assured."

"Someone is coming."

Manager Liu quickly came in, carrying a plate. He walked a few steps to Liu Xuan and handed it to him.

Liu Xuan suspiciously opened the tarpaulin on the plate, revealing several pieces of beautiful jade neatly arranged inside. They were of excellent quality and clearly worth a lot of money.

Liu Xuan reached out and took it without hesitation.

"Thank you!"

Madam Dou remained silent for a moment, then spoke again: "There is one more thing I would like to ask Lord Liu for a favor."

"Let them in."

Lady Dou said something to Steward Liu, and soon Li Shimin and Li Yuanji appeared before them and bowed in greeting.

Madam Dou pointed at them and said, "I know that Lord Liu is highly talented and has countless disciples. If these two good-for-nothing children could also study the classics with you, then I would have no more worries. Although they are both unruly, they are both eager to learn."

Before Madam Dou could finish speaking, Liu Xuan interrupted, "I do have quite a few disciples, but only Xuanba is a true disciple."

"If they just want to study with me, I can keep them here and let them listen in. They can understand as much as they can."

"But if they really want to study the classics with me, they are probably not qualified."

These words angered both Li Shimin and Li Yuanji. Even Li Yuanji, who disliked studying, glared at him unhappily after being rejected. Li Shimin couldn't hold back any longer and said directly, "Lord Liu, I have read many books and written many essays in the past."

"Well, it's fine."

Liu Xuan replied casually, but his eyes were fixed on Madam Dou. He did not turn around and continued, "I cannot fail to repay the Duke's kindness. However, my knowledge is too profound, spanning the north and south, and encompassing many different fields. This is not something a child can learn. If he were to study hard with me, I'm afraid he would end up knowing nothing."

Madam Dou laughed, "It's alright. As long as I can stay by Lord Liu's side and learn something, that's enough."

Liu Xuan nodded and agreed to the matter. Madam Dou then told him to go back and teach Li Xuanba first, while she herself had to give the two children a few more instructions. Liu Xuan then hurriedly left with the jade pendants.

After he left, Li Shimin spoke up, saying, "Mother, this man was truly rude! Why should we learn from such a person? He himself is ignorant of propriety; what use is it for him to know so many principles?"

Madam Dou gently shook her head and said, "This man's talent and learning are unparalleled in the world. His approach to studying the classics is different from that of other masters. Do not learn from his character, but learn more from his way of thinking about studying the classics. This will be of great benefit to you. You must never be rude to him, understand?"

Li Shimin was quite helpless, but still lowered his head and agreed.

When he arrived at Li Xuanba's courtyard with his younger brother, Liu Xuan was severely training Li Xuanba.

Li Xuanba, clad in armor, wielding a golden mace in one hand and a shield in the other, was engaged in combat with Liu Chounu.

Liu Chounu was not wearing armor; he only carried a shield and a wooden sword. The two fought one-on-one. Liu Chounu used his agile movements to make Li Xuanba miss his attacks, but his wooden sword struck Li Xuanba's body time and time again.

Even with his armor protecting him, Li Xuanba's pained and ferocious expression was still visible, indicating that he had been badly beaten.

Li Shimin and Li Yuanji's eyes lit up. Not daring to interrupt, they sat happily to the side, watching their younger brother get beaten. "Thump!"

"Oh!"

As the two clashed again and again, Li Xuanba grew increasingly powerless, and he could barely swing his golden mace anymore.

Li Shimin had fought with soldiers before, but not like the two in front of him. They used wooden swords to compete, and the competition was about who could touch the other first. It was mainly for entertainment. The two in front of him were not entertaining to watch. They just kept charging, getting hit, and swinging hammers.

However, watching Li Xuanba roar and swing his hammer, for some reason, Li Shimin and Li Yuanji felt a little restless. They also wanted to go up and have a go at it. It looked like a lot of fun!

Li Shimin, in particular, had always wanted to compete with his third brother. The eldest brother had once said that if he could beat the third brother, he would let him lead the local troops. At that time, Li Shimin found it funny, thinking that even with the third brother's physique, he might not be able to handle Yuanji.

But now, Li Shimin dares not underestimate them so much.

Li Xuanba's performance in the Battle of Sandang Valley left a deep impression on Li Shimin.

Now, he was well aware of the weight of the armor Li Xuanba was wearing. To be able to wear such heavy armor and fight for so long... had this kid really mastered it?

Looking at Li Xuanba, who was clad in armor and charging forward time and time again, Li Shimin suddenly imagined something.

A tall, burly man, clad in several layers of armor, charged ahead, striking wherever he was pointed, unstoppable. Li Shimin's eyes suddenly lit up.

If they keep training like this, won't they become an unparalleled vanguard in the future? What if they become my vanguard?
At that moment, Li Shimin found Liu Xuan much more agreeable.

Hmm, is one vanguard enough?
Li Shimin suddenly remembered the military strategy book he had recently read, and some of the unique formations in it.

Li Yuanji was excitedly watching his third brother fight and cheering him on when he suddenly sensed that something was watching him.

Li Yuanji turned his head sharply, only to find his second brother scrutinizing him from head to toe with a rather strange look in his eyes.

"what are you doing?"

"Fourth brother."

Li Shimin grinned, his eyes narrowed, and he smiled exactly like Li Yuan. He asked, "Don't you think your third brother is very impressive?"

"Yes!"

"Would you like to be just as impressive?"

"Of course I do!"

Li Shimin smiled and said, "Then why don't you learn martial arts with your third brother?"

“Look, your third brother wasn’t as strong as you back then, but after training for so long, he’s become so powerful. If you train with him, won’t you be unmatched in the future?”

Li Yuanji's eyes lit up; he felt that this statement made a lot of sense.

If one could be like Third Brother, wouldn't everyone respect and fear them?
"Bang~"

Liu Chounu's wooden knife struck Li Xuanba's shoulder with tremendous force, causing Li Xuanba to drop his hammer and suffer great pain.

Li Yuanji's eye twitched.

"Actually, I think it's fine for Third Brother to train on his own, and I don't want to bother him."

"Don't be afraid!"

Li Shimin reasoned, "You are still young. If you want to train, you can't be as strict as your third brother. Start with lighter training. When you reach Xuanba's age, this wooden sword won't be able to hit you!"

Li Yuanji licked his lips. "Really?"

"When have I ever lied to you?"

(End of this chapter)