Chapter 87: I Can't Understand

Empress Changsun could never have imagined that the knot which had been tangled in her heart for so many years would be unraveled by this very set of “Taiji boxing.” A radiant smile blossomed across her face, and she felt an unprecedented sense of ease and relaxation.

With a gentle step, the Empress moved gracefully to Li Shimin’s side, her gaze lingering with a smile on the nearby Li Yi.

“Li Bo’an, since that’s the case, I won’t be shy about it—I’ll have to steal your art,” she said with a gentle smile. Her cheeks were as plump and fresh as peaches, her elegance undiminished by the years.

“Your Majesty, you flatter me,” Li Yi quickly replied, bowing respectfully. “To help share Your Majesty’s burdens is my greatest fortune.”

Seeing Li Yi’s humility and gracious words, with not a trace of arrogance, the Empress stifled a laugh, her affection for him growing. The more she looked, the more pleasing he seemed in her eyes.

With a smile, she nodded and said, “It is also my good fortune.”

Li Lizhi, witnessing this scene, brightened with joy. Her face bloomed with happiness, and her dimples sparkled like stars in the sky. Seeing Li Yi get along so well with her parents filled her with delight.

“Father, Mother,” Li Lizhi called out cheerfully. She stepped forward and bowed slightly, then made a suggestion, “Why don’t I perform a set of Taiji for you? If anything is amiss, Li Bo’an can guide me.”

As she spoke, she cast a proud, playful smile at Li Yi, puckering her lips with a hint of mischief.

Li Shimin and the Empress exchanged knowing smiles. Then, glancing at the silent Li Yi, Li Shimin flicked his sleeves and teased, “Fifth daughter, that will depend on whether Li Bo’an is willing to instruct you.”

At these words, Li Lizhi immediately turned, pouted, and stared at Li Yi. “Li Bo’an, you must teach me!”

Li Yi could only sigh inwardly, forcing a smile as he bowed again. “To instruct the princess is truly my honor.”

Li Lizhi broke into a delighted giggle, shaking her head in victory. In front of her parents, she brandished her fists as if showing off a trophy. “Father, Mother, look—Li Bo’an already agreed to teach me!”

Li Shimin couldn’t help but shake his head with a laugh. “Very well, then. Go ahead—let your mother and I watch you perform a set.”

“Yes, Father,” Li Lizhi replied with a happy bow.

At the same time, the imperial couple returned to their seats on the throne, ready to watch Li Lizhi’s Taiji performance.

Li Yi could only smile helplessly and stepped aside to watch.

After taking a deep breath, Li Lizhi flashed Li Yi another proud smile, then moved to the center of the royal study and assumed the stance for Taiji boxing.

Slowly, Li Lizhi’s fists moved in harmony with her body. Her movements were so slow that she seemed to be moving like an elderly person, likely to allow her parents to observe every detail.

Li Yi noticed that the spirit with which Li Lizhi practiced was nearly identical to the illustrations in the original Taiji manual. In fact, within her movements, Li Yi sensed a flicker of inner strength beginning to manifest.

This sight left Li Yi astounded. “Lizhi’s martial talent is truly extraordinary!”

He had to admire it; she was a true prodigy. He had only recently taught her this set of Taiji, yet here she was, already grasping the essence of “qi.”

Qi—that is, inner strength. For many martial artists, upon reaching a certain level, this inner energy naturally arises.

Li Yi had witnessed this kind of qi before, when sparring with his mother, Lady Hongfu—hers was the qi of a true grandmaster, quite different from the nascent qi he now saw in Li Lizhi and himself. Their qi was born from practicing Taiji, enough to strengthen the body and improve health.

Just as Li Lizhi was about to complete the set, she suddenly stopped, and the qi dissipated. She froze, her hand paused midair, and looked at Li Yi with a plaintive blink. “Li Bo’an, I forgot—please come teach me…”

Li Yi cast her a somewhat exasperated glance. This was the palace—not his own home! With the imperial couple watching, how could he just walk up and instruct the princess, especially since men and women were not supposed to have such close contact?

So, he quickly bowed and asked Li Shimin for permission. “Your Majesty, I…”

“Go ahead!” Li Shimin waved his hand before Li Yi could finish, speaking with casual authority. “Li Bo’an, you understand Taiji better than Fifth Daughter—go guide her. I could use the lesson myself.”

Li Yi was speechless but nodded, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

He stepped toward Li Lizhi, though something felt off about the situation. Her behavior today made him feel as if a trap had been set, waiting for him to fall in.

“Please don’t let this be a setup,” Li Yi thought to himself.

Lost in thought, he stopped a few feet away from Li Lizhi, maintaining a respectful distance, and bowed slightly.

In a calm voice, he began, “Princess, the next move should be like this.” As he explained, he demonstrated the motion, confident that with her talent, she would grasp it immediately.

But, to his surprise, Li Lizhi only shook her head, her face still full of confusion.

“Li Bo’an, I still don’t understand,” she said plaintively.

Li Yi simply could not believe that someone as clever as Li Lizhi wouldn’t grasp such a simple move, especially since there were only a few moves left.

“With the princess’s intelligence, I’m sure you’ll master it immediately,” Li Yi replied patiently, keeping a calm expression, though he felt a bit stifled inside. He wasn’t sure what game Li Lizhi was playing, but it probably boded no good.

Fortunately, at that moment, the imperial couple seemed to have had enough. With a gentle cough, they interrupted just as Li Lizhi was about to speak again.

“Fifth daughter, that’s enough nonsense,” they chided softly.

But Li Lizhi pouted, her face full of grievance. “Father, I’m not fooling around—I really can’t remember…”

She truly stopped practicing, lowering her hands in defeat.

Second update: Fifth Daughter is pouting and rolling around, begging for everyone’s votes and support.

(End of this chapter)