Chapter 105: Flashy Moves and Hollow Strikes (First Update—Vote Please)

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Within the Imperial Garden, aside from Li Lizhi and Li Yi, no one else was present. Empress Zhangsun abandoned all subtlety and spoke directly, “Li Bo’an, let us begin now.”

“Your Majesty, Princess,” Li Yi nodded, extending his hand in a slight bow, and took on the role of the Tai Chi instructor.

With deliberate slowness, Li Yi demonstrated each movement and posture, carefully explaining the essence and key points of every step.

Empress Zhangsun practiced earnestly, following Li Yi’s movements.

Although Li Lizhi was already quite familiar with the form, she did not idle; she practiced alongside, attentively listening to Li Yi’s explanations.

Fortunately, Empress Zhangsun was intelligent. While listening and practicing simultaneously, she needed little correction from Li Yi throughout the routine.

After the fifth repetition, her performance finally looked proper, and she had essentially mastered the form.

After a brief rest, they continued practicing several more rounds. Sweat began to bead on Empress Zhangsun’s brow, and a warmth spread through her body.

Yet, the Tai Chi energy failed to manifest. Empress Zhangsun felt somewhat disheartened, and her focus began to waver.

Noticing this, Li Yi stopped first and encouraged her with a smile: “Your Majesty, do not worry. Cultivating energy is not achieved overnight; it requires persistent daily effort. I am confident that if you continue to practice every day, you will surely succeed.”

The Empress, initially disappointed, smiled bitterly at his words and shook her head slightly.

With a worried expression, she asked, “Li Bo’an, if I practice this Tai Chi form, can I truly cultivate energy and cure this ailment of qi deficiency?”

A subtle uncertainty crept into her heart.

Li Yi paused briefly, understanding her concern clearly.

He then nodded solemnly, meeting her gaze with unwavering confidence: “Your Majesty, this Tai Chi form is a health cultivation art designed to open the meridians and condense qi. It is remarkably effective in treating qi disorders, so rest assured.”

“As the saying goes, ‘Where there is a will, there is a way.’ My master also took three months before successfully cultivating energy. I believe Your Majesty will succeed as well.”

With a sincere smile on his face, Li Yi nodded once more.

Hearing this, Empress Zhangsun felt a deep relief in her heart and nodded.

Li Lizhi stepped forward, her face brightening with a smile, and encouraged, “Mother, please rest assured. This Tai Chi form truly works. I believe you will succeed!”

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Empress Zhangsun was gratified and smiled, then instructed Li Lizhi, “Xiao Wu, perform a set with me. If there is any mistake, Li Bo’an can correct it on the spot.”

“Yes, Mother,” Li Lizhi replied with a joyful smile. They faced each other, assuming Tai Chi stances, and began to spar.

Their bodies moved in harmony, a larger and a smaller silhouette gracefully exchanging forms.

Li Yi stood to the side, carefully observing every move. Whenever a misstep appeared, he would promptly correct it.

Unbeknownst to them, outside the Imperial Garden, Li Shimin, having just returned from court, had lingered for some time.

Seeing Empress Zhangsun and Li Lizhi finish their Tai Chi set and pause, Li Shimin stepped forward.

Several sword-bearing palace guards followed closely behind him.

“Ha ha!” Li Shimin laughed heartily, breaking the garden’s quiet atmosphere, and asked with a smile, “Li Bo’an, how is the Empress’s Tai Chi practice progressing?”

At the sound of his voice, Li Yi was momentarily taken aback but quickly turned around.

In a single glance, he saw Li Shimin.

Li Yi bowed slightly, then clasped his hands and lowered his head respectfully: “Your Majesty, Empress Zhangsun is exceptionally talented. She has basically mastered the form. With continued practice, she will surely achieve remarkable results.”

Hearing this, Empress Zhangsun and Li Lizhi turned to greet Li Shimin with bows.

“No need for formalities, rise,” Li Shimin smiled and nodded approvingly as he approached.

The palace guards accompanying Li Shimin frowned slightly upon seeing Li Yi, their surprise evident.

Among them, Yang Lin, one of the elite guards, furrowed his brow deeply, his eyes flashing with resentment as he glared fiercely at Li Yi.

His expression was so hostile it seemed as if he wished to devour Li Yi alive on the spot.

Li Yi, who had been looking down, suddenly sensed a sharp gaze upon him. He looked up and caught Yang Lin’s furious glare.

Li Yi couldn’t help but smile. With a raised brow, he saluted Yang Lin with a slight bow and smiled faintly.

The more courteous Li Yi was, the more embarrassed and angry Yang Lin appeared, his face contorted worse than if he were about to weep, which made Li Yi stifle a laugh.

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Naturally, Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun also noticed the scene and understood why Yang Lin wore such an expression.

“Guard Yang,” Li Shimin called, first glancing at Li Yi before turning to Yang Lin with a gentle smile, “What do you think of this Tai Chi form?”

Yang Lin was taken aback, not expecting the emperor to inquire his opinion.

After a moment’s reflection, he clasped his hands, lowered his head slightly, and spoke with righteous certainty, “Your Majesty, a warrior trains in martial arts for strength and combat readiness. This Tai Chi form—”

He cast a disdainful glance at Li Yi, his contempt barely concealed.

“In my humble opinion, this Tai Chi is nothing but flashy and ornamental moves. Should one face the battlefield, I fear it would be utterly useless.”

Yang Lin spoke coldly, glaring hard at Li Yi.

Li Shimin inwardly scoffed at his ignorance but remained silent. Instead, he turned his gaze to Li Yi and asked with a smile, “Li Bo’an, how do you respond to Guard Yang’s critique?”

Li Yi bowed slightly and replied, “Your Majesty, Guard Yang’s words are not without merit. Someone as weak as I tend to indulge in flashy, ornamental moves. But Guard Yang’s keen eyes saw through me at once. I am ashamed.”

Li Shimin was momentarily surprised by the unexpected answer.

He had not anticipated Li Yi’s response. After a brief pause to grasp the meaning behind Li Yi’s words, Li Shimin could not help but chuckle quietly.

However, Li Lizhi, hearing Yang Lin’s disparagement of Li Yi, was displeased.

“Guard Yang, your words are somewhat unfair, aren’t they?” she said with a smile, meeting Yang Lin’s gaze calmly. “If you think this Tai Chi is mere showmanship, why not spar with Li Bo’an and prove it?”

She withdrew her gaze from Yang Lin, then looked up at Li Shimin with a playful smile, tugging on his arm and coaxingly suggesting, “Father, what do you think of my proposal?”

Li Shimin was both amused and exasperated.

With a sigh, he looked at both Li Yi and Yang Lin and slowly waved his hand: “Very well, you may spar—but no one is to be harmed.”

(End of chapter)