Chapter 4: Li Jing's Astonishment

Page 1/3

As the sun set in the west, a golden ray of the evening light bathed the courtyard of the Minister of War’s residence.

In the main hall, seated in a place of honor, Lady Red Whisk took in her hands the Tai Chi Sword and Fist Manuals transcribed by Li Yi. Her heart was once again thrown into a tumultuous storm.

Even her ten fingers trembled ever so slightly.

“This…”

She was deeply astounded, unable for a long while to utter a single word.

Li Yi, watching the look of utter amazement on Lady Red Whisk’s face, could not help but smile to himself.

This set of Tai Chi fist and sword techniques, whether in later generations or in the present Tang Dynasty, was a rare treasure for anyone.

Moreover, the practice of Tai Chi not only cultivated the mind but also strengthened the body.

Li Yi had just sparred with her using the Tai Chi Sword, and Lady Red Whisk, being a martial arts master with profound life experience, recognized at a glance that this Tai Chi was no ordinary art.

How could she not be shocked?

Yet at this moment, Li Yi did not speak further, but stood quietly across from her in silence.

After a long time, Lady Red Whisk drew a deep breath, nodded repeatedly, and praised, “Sanlang, this Tai Chi is truly extraordinary!”

She looked at Li Yi, sincerely happy for him, her cheeks blooming with delight.

Not only had she encountered such a remarkable immortal in her dream, but this immortal had imparted to Li Yi such a formidable Tai Chi, and had allowed him to teach it to his family without reservation. To Lady Red Whisk, this was a blessing granted from the heavens!

What’s more, this old immortal from the dream even shared her surname, Zhang!

Lady Red Whisk was nearly beside herself with joy.

“As long as Mother is happy, that’s all that matters,” Li Yi smiled gently.

“Good! Good, Sanlang! You truly are Mother’s good son!” Lady Red Whisk exclaimed in delight, carefully setting the Tai Chi down on the table. She looked at Li Yi again and laughed, “When your father returns, I’ll show him this Tai Chi and let him have a good look!”

“Mother treats me the best,” Li Yi replied, his face beaming.

In his heart, Li Yi knew well that his father, Li Jing, had never thought highly of him. Only because of Lady Red Whisk’s excessive indulgence did Li Jing refrain from disciplining Li Yi too strictly, but in his heart he had already deemed Li Yi a good-for-nothing.

Page 2/3

As a result, Li Jing rarely showed him a kind face, and often felt a headache just seeing him.

Li Yi understood that Lady Red Whisk wished to use Tai Chi to change Li Jing’s opinion of him, and he felt all the more grateful to her.

At this moment, he realized just how deep her maternal indulgence truly ran.

Just then, a robust male voice sounded from outside the hall—

“Chen’er, what is it that you’re so eager to show me?”

Hearing this, Li Yi immediately perked up, following Lady Red Whisk’s gaze toward the doorway.

A distinguished-looking man in his early fifties stepped into view.

Though his frame was not particularly robust, he radiated a strength that brooked no underestimation.

Li Yi’s first impression was that, despite his gentle, neighborly demeanor and utter lack of official airs, there was a terrifying, latent power about him—a force biding its time like an invincible god, ready to awaken.

“So this is my nominal father, the God of War of the Tang Dynasty—Li Jing?” Li Yi marveled inwardly.

“Husband, you’re back…” Lady Red Whisk rose, beaming.

“Father?” Li Yi ventured tentatively.

Li Jing nodded with a small smile in response. But when his gaze fell upon Li Yi, the wayward third son standing at the side, a look of helplessness crossed his face.

Clearly, Li Jing’s poor opinion of Li Yi had not changed in the slightest.

He passed over Li Yi entirely, turning his smile upon Lady Red Whisk.

“Chen’er, what has made you so delighted that you couldn’t wait to share it with me?” Li Jing asked, seating himself and sipping his tea.

“Husband, please take a look at this.” Lady Red Whisk smiled demurely, handing him the papers from the table and casting a gratified glance at Li Yi.

Her eyes seemed to say, “Sanlang, don’t worry. Once your father sees this, he’s bound to change his view of you.”

Li Yi nodded, remaining silent.

“Oh? And what is this?” Li Jing smiled, set aside his teacup, and accepted the papers.

“All will be clear when you’ve read it,” Lady Red Whisk replied, keeping him in suspense.

Page 3/3

“Very well!” Li Jing nodded and began to read in earnest, trusting that Lady Red Whisk would not trouble him with trivial matters.

Perhaps, within this stack of papers, there truly was something of weight.

But as Li Jing glanced through the first few pages, his eyes narrowed into slits as sharp as blades, growing keen and intent. In a heartbeat, he was flipping rapidly through the pages as if he had stumbled upon a priceless treasure.

A look of astonishment spread across his face.

“This… this is…” Li Jing’s hands trembled uncontrollably as he spoke, his tone heavy with awe. For a long time, he was utterly lost for words.

—Tai Chi!

At this moment, the words “Tai Chi” filled his mind, turning ceaselessly in his thoughts.

Well-traveled and experienced as he was, Li Jing was nonetheless utterly stunned.

He could instantly tell the weight and value of the martial and sword techniques recorded here.

Li Jing thought to himself, if this set of “Tai Chi” were to be widely disseminated, it would create an uproar, and even the Emperor himself would be astonished.

This was not only a blessing for martial artists, but could well be a blessing for all the people under heaven!

It was truly unheard of and unseen!

Li Jing remained in shock for a long while before he could collect himself, looking at Lady Red Whisk in amazement and asking in a trembling voice, “Chen’er, from whose hand does this Tai Chi truly come?”

He could not but be astonished; the “Tai Chi” was simply too extraordinary.

All his life, Li Jing had devoted himself wholeheartedly to the Tang Dynasty, seeking only its prosperity. Upon seeing this Tai Chi, he could not contain his joy.

“If I present this Tai Chi to His Majesty, surely it will be a blessing for Tang!” Li Jing thought, amazed.

Lady Red Whisk, seeing his reaction, was thoroughly pleased.

“Well, Husband, this master is both far away… and right before your eyes.” She smiled, glancing meaningfully at Li Yi.

“Oh… right before my eyes?” Li Jing was again struck with surprise, looking quickly around the hall.

But within the hall there were only Lady Red Whisk and himself; as for Li Yi, standing to the side, he was utterly ignored.

In Li Jing’s mind, Li Yi was nothing but a worthless wastrel.

He had never even considered the possibility.