Chapter 52: Looked Down Upon
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It was only when Li Yi and Du Ruhui had practiced a set of Tai Chi movements several times, and finally sat down to rest, that Li Lizhi and Du Xiaomei slowly approached, their steps measured.
“Father!” Du Xiaomei called out with a smile, breaking the slightly subdued atmosphere.
Yet, she still lacked the courage to affectionately call Li Yi “husband” in front of her own father, Du Ruhui. After all, she had not yet crossed the threshold into the Li household. If Du Ruhui heard her address him so intimately, wouldn’t he tease her endlessly?
Thus, Du Xiaomei only called him “husband” silently in her heart, her eyes conveying what her lips dared not utter.
At that moment, Li Yi, Du Ruhui, and Yue’er all heard her voice and turned in unison to look in that direction.
But when Du Ruhui saw that Li Lizhi had also arrived, he quickly stood up, clasped his hands in salute, and said, “Your humble servant greets the Princess.”
Seeing his father-in-law act so formally, Li Yi followed suit with a half-hearted salute, as did Yue’er.
After all, basic etiquette must be observed.
“Uncle Du, this isn’t the palace or the imperial court; you needn’t be so formal. I’ve said it already—I’m just Xiaomei’s close friend.” Li Lizhi smiled sweetly, quickly motioning for Du Ruhui to dispense with ceremony. Only then did he stand upright.
“Princess, how could you say such a thing?” Du Ruhui replied with a respectful smile. “Even if you are Xiaomei’s friend, you are still a princess of the Great Tang. Such courtesy must never be neglected!”
Li Yi’s lips twitched, glancing at Du Ruhui with disbelief, and couldn’t help but give him a thumbs-up.
Indeed, the older, the wiser!
To flatter so elegantly and refreshingly—Li Yi had never seen the like.
Today, he had learned something new.
Now, Li Yi finally understood why Li Jing had forbade him from entering officialdom too early.
Even an old fox like Du Ruhui resorted to flattery; if he wished to become an official, he had much to learn.
Yet, Li Lizhi, seeing Du Ruhui’s insistence on such formalities, could only let it pass, as if she hadn’t heard.
She was a princess who treated others with warmth and disliked empty rituals.
Besides, she and Xiaomei had always been close. This outing from the palace was under the pretense of “visiting Du Ruhui,” but really, she had come to play with Du Xiaomei.
Glancing at Du Ruhui’s ruddy cheeks, Li Lizhi suddenly smiled, shifting the topic: “I saw Uncle Du practicing martial arts just now. Has your health improved?”
Her words seemed full of concern, but in truth, her interest lay elsewhere.
Du Ruhui, seasoned in court, immediately caught the nuance.
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Though Li Lizhi’s concern appeared to be for his health, it was clear she was more interested in the martial arts he practiced.
“Thank you, Princess, for your care,” Du Ruhui replied with a smile. “My health was indeed somewhat frail, but after practicing this ‘Tai Chi’ taught by Bo’an, I feel much stronger than before!”
“This Tai Chi is truly remarkable!”
With a subtle answer, Du Ruhui provided exactly what Li Lizhi sought.
Immediately, both Du Xiaomei and Li Lizhi were stunned.
“Tai Chi?”
Both were momentarily confused, exchanging glances—they hadn’t expected the martial art to have a name.
Moreover, it was Li Yi who had taught it!
“Tai Chi…? Could it be a Taoist martial art?”
“Is it meant specifically for healing?”
Li Lizhi suddenly realized that Li Yi, standing before her, was becoming ever more intriguing.
It was as if he possessed a unique charm that drew her in.
“What kind of person are you, Li Yi?” she wondered silently.
She was certain Li Yi harbored many secrets she had yet to uncover.
For a moment, Li Lizhi was lost in thought, her gaze fixed on some unknown point.
Du Xiaomei, on the other hand, was overjoyed.
“My husband truly is amazing! Even father praises him!” she rejoiced inwardly.
Li Yi, meanwhile, looked utterly bewildered.
Seeing this, the perceptive Du Ruhui immediately saluted Li Lizhi again, apologizing, “Princess, your humble servant is too fatigued to continue chatting. I will retire to my room.”
Then he quickly instructed Du Xiaomei, “Xiaomei, accompany the Princess well.”
“Don’t worry, Father,” Du Xiaomei replied with a smile.
“Uncle Du, take care,” Li Lizhi said sweetly, understanding his intent as he turned to leave.
“Princess, I take my leave,” Du Ruhui said.
Li Yi hurried forward to assist him, smiling, “Uncle Du, shall I help you to your room?”
But Du Ruhui was instantly displeased.
Just now, I was comfortably lying indoors, and this rascal dragged me out to practice martial arts!
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Now, you want to help me back inside?
You really do have a pretty face—and think quite prettily too!
I am robust and vigorous, I don’t need anyone’s help!
“No need! After practicing Tai Chi, I’m feeling quite well!” Du Ruhui glanced at Li Yi and said, “Stay here with Xiaomei and entertain the Princess!”
With hands clasped behind his back, Du Ruhui strode off with vigor.
He scarcely looked like an invalid—more like a young man in his prime.
Li Yi was dumbfounded.
Damn!
He had merely wanted to show off a little in front of his father-in-law, only to be scorned…
Father-in-law, you’re too much…
Just then, Li Yi turned and noticed both Li Lizhi and Du Xiaomei staring intently at him.
Their gazes were unwavering.
“…What is it, Princess? Xiaomei?” Li Yi blinked in surprise, asking, “Could it be… I’m more handsome than a flower?”
Both rolled their eyes in unison.
Enough already, you narcissist…
Du Xiaomei spoke first, struggling to suppress her laughter: “Husband, did you… just offend my father?”
“No…” Li Yi spread his hands in confusion.
Du Xiaomei shook her head, unconvinced.
“My father is always easygoing!” she said seriously, eyes twinkling as she watched Li Yi. “But from the look in his eyes just now, it seemed… he was rather disdainful toward you!”
Li Yi’s face twitched.
Xiaomei, it’s fine if you know it in your heart, but to say it aloud…
There are outsiders here—have a little regard for your husband’s dignity…
(End of chapter)