Chapter 54: Disaster Strikes

Although Li Lizhi denied it outright, her changing expression did not escape Yue’er’s sharp eyes—a clear trace of disappointment flickered across her face.

Seeing this, Yue’er knew better than to press the matter further.

Since Li Lizhi refused to admit it, she couldn’t very well keep interrogating her, could she?

Yet deep down, she was certain her intuition was not wrong.

“Perhaps... the princess herself doesn’t even realize that she has already fallen for the young master?” Yue’er mused inwardly.

If someone claimed Li Lizhi didn’t like Li Yi, Yue’er wouldn’t believe it for a moment.

A person’s eyes can never lie.

At that moment, Du Xiaomei had nearly mastered the Taiji Fist. Seeing Li Lizhi and Yue’er had stopped practicing, she turned to Li Yi curiously. “Husband, why have the princess and Miss Yue’er stopped training?”

Li Yi paused, glancing in their direction, equally puzzled. “I’m not sure. Should we go over and see?”

“Alright!” Du Xiaomei nodded, and together they walked over.

Noticing their approach, Yue’er and Li Lizhi quickly composed themselves. As for their previous conversation, neither uttered a word about it.

It was as if nothing had happened at all.

“Princess, this Taiji Fist really is amazing. I’ve nearly learned it all. How are you doing?” Du Xiaomei asked with a bright smile.

Li Lizhi glanced at Li Yi, then shook her head with a wry smile and sighed, “I haven’t managed to learn it yet...”

“Ah...” Du Xiaomei was momentarily stunned, finding it hard to believe.

She knew well Li Lizhi’s talent for martial arts; even the palace instructors lauded her intelligence—she could pick up anything with a single lesson.

Why, then, did Taiji Fist seem to stump her?

It simply didn’t make sense...

“Um... Princess,” Du Xiaomei fumbled for words of comfort, but inspiration struck and she glanced at Li Yi, pouting as she pleaded, “Husband, why don’t you help the princess a little?”

After all, Li Lizhi was her good friend.

Now that she’d learned it herself while Li Lizhi had not, Du Xiaomei felt a little disheartened.

That’s why she came up with this idea.

“Uh... very well.” Seeing Du Xiaomei’s earnestness, Li Yi hesitated only briefly before replying, “If the princess doesn’t mind, I’d be glad, though I fear I’m hardly qualified to instruct in front of her.”

At this, both Du Xiaomei and Li Lizhi burst into laughter.

Li Lizhi had not expected that Du Xiaomei, seeing her struggle, would invite Li Yi to teach her personally. For a moment, she felt flustered and unsettled.

But soon, she regained her composure.

“In that case, thank you very much, Young Master Li.” Li Lizhi nodded, lips curling in a faint smile, her heart secretly delighted.

Li Yi gestured calmly. “After you, Princess.”

“Thank you, Young Master Li.” Li Lizhi didn’t hesitate, following Li Yi to one side to begin practicing in earnest.

With Li Yi’s guidance this time, Li Lizhi progressed swiftly and focused intently.

No longer was her mind scattered as before.

To Du Xiaomei and Yue’er’s astonishment, in less than the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, Li Lizhi had grasped all the essentials of the Taiji Fist and performed it with form and grace.

She learned even faster than Du Xiaomei!

Watching Li Lizhi’s rapid mastery under Li Yi’s tutelage, Du Xiaomei couldn’t help but marvel inwardly.

“The princess learns at an unbelievable pace...”

She’d always known Li Lizhi was gifted, but this improvement bordered on the miraculous!

Was this really the look of someone who hadn’t learned it before?

Du Xiaomei could hardly believe it.

Only Yue’er, standing nearby, understood the reason, though she kept it to herself.

Seeing that Li Lizhi had learned enough and further instruction was unnecessary, Li Yi stopped and smiled, nodding, “Princess, just practice as you’ve done today. With a bit more familiarity, you’ll master it completely.”

“Ah... Is that all? I’ve already learned it?” Li Lizhi blinked, reluctantly lowering her hands.

She felt that, practicing with Li Yi, time passed far too quickly.

She hadn’t enjoyed these happy moments for long, and yet it was already over...

“Princess, you are truly gifted. You’ve mastered it,” Li Yi said directly. With her innate talent, few in the world could compare.

Li Yi couldn’t help but admire Li Lizhi’s extraordinary aptitude.

“Alright then...” Li Lizhi pursed her lips. Since Li Yi said so, despite her reluctance, she couldn’t insist.

After all, she and Li Yi were merely friends.

Besides, Du Xiaomei and Yue’er were present.

Du Xiaomei hurried over, beaming with delight. “Princess, you learned so quickly—much faster than I did!”

“It’s all thanks to Young Master Li’s excellent teaching,” Li Lizhi replied with a smile.

“Oh, Princess, you mustn’t say that,” Li Yi shook his head with a smile, then solemnly added, “It’s all due to your brilliance—you pick things up instantly. I merely did my humble part.”

But just then, a sudden voice broke into their conversation.

“Third Brother! Third Brother! Something terrible has happened!”

From afar, Li Yi and the others heard Du Gou's loud shouts.

In an instant, they all turned to look.

Following the sound, they spotted Du Gou rushing over, flushed and breathless, his face full of panic.

The four of them exchanged curious glances—what could have happened to make Du Gou so anxious?

As Du Gou noticed Li Lizhi among them, he quickly offered her a respectful bow before pulling Li Yi aside, urgency written all over his face.

“What is it, Ergou?” Li Yi asked, puzzled. “What happened? Take your time and tell me.”

Hearing this nickname, and with Li Lizhi nearby, Du Gou nearly lost his temper.

Damn it!

Couldn’t you give me a little respect, Third Brother...

The princess is right there!

Fortunately, Li Yi had kept his voice low, so Du Gou wasn’t too worried that Li Lizhi and the others would hear.

So, Du Gou recounted the situation in detail: “Third Brother, I just heard... Lady Zhangsun personally led people to your house. She’s demanding justice for you beating up Zhangsun Chong.”

At this, Du Gou’s expression grew hesitant.

At the same time, he shot a sidelong glance at Li Lizhi, uncertain whether he should continue.

Seeing Du Gou’s reluctance, Li Yi knew there was more to the story.

He frowned slightly and urged, “Ergou, whatever it is, spit it out. Don’t beat around the bush!”

(End of this chapter)