Chapter 10, Thus Qin Huaiyu

Seeing Li Ke speak this way, Qin Huaiyu felt much better in his heart. Is this the Li Ke who used to prefer being a rooster rather than a phoenix's tail? "Since third brother thinks this way, whenever you need me for martial arts practice in the future, just give me a shout, and I will do my utmost."

Upon hearing that the two had finally finished speaking, Chai Zhewai took the opportunity to suggest, "Third Brother, how about we go visit Brother Cheng? He must be going a bit crazy staying at the General's residence for so long."

Li Ke could not help but shout

Li Ke pretended to be angry and said, "Brother Qin, you have truly killed me with your politeness. We have been brothers for several years, yet today you have become so formal. Is it that today’s Li Ke is no longer worthy of being your brother Qin Huaiyu?"

Chai Zhewai noticed the melancholy that appeared on Li Ke's face and recalled the events of the day, letting out a silent sigh. They had grown up together as playmates and were well aware of the time and effort Li Ke had devoted to archery and martial arts.

Then he said to Li Ke, "Third Brother, do not be angry. Brother Qin does not mean to disregard you as a brother. When we are together, there is no need for excessive formality. However, Third Brother, you are still a prince, and when you come to the Qin residence, proper etiquette must be observed. It is understandable that Brother Qin would show such courtesy."

Qin Huaiyu further stated, "However, restoring one's previous martial skills cannot be achieved overnight; Third Brother should not be overly eager for success."

Li Zong said to Qin Huaiyu, "Third Brother is very eager to meet everyone, to let everyone know that he is not seriously ill, so that we need not worry. I came to find you today, and then I will go to find Brother Cheng and Xiao Jun. It has been a long time since we were all together, so it is just right to gather."

Qin Huaiyu did not pay attention to Li Ke's feelings regarding their brotherly bond. He asked Li Ke, "Third brother, do you know the identity of the assassin? Once you have recovered from your injuries, I will certainly seek justice for you. However, during your recovery, you must not neglect your archery and martial skills."

Li Ke nodded to indicate his understanding

Li Ke was taken aback. Martial arts? Indeed, historically, Li Ke was renowned for his martial prowess, being the only member of the royal family capable of commanding troops in battle after Li Shimin and Li Daozong.

The practice of the Qin family's staff techniques places particular emphasis on solid foundational moves. Qin Huaiyu has practiced these basic moves for many years, and he has long since mastered the staff techniques. Now, when he executes them in succession, each strike carries an irresistible power.

Li Ke was deeply moved by Qin Huaiyu's sincerity towards him and said, "Thank you, Brother Qin."

He then said, "It's just that my body is a bit weak after the injury; it's nothing serious. A few days of rest will suffice."

Lady Qin said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness, regarding my health. I have always been in good health."

Li Ke had not thought of being angry about this matter. After hearing what Li Zong and Chai Zhewei said, and seeing that Qin Huaiyu was very concerned about him, he smiled and said, "Thank you, Brother Qin. I am no longer seriously ill. Today, I ran into Zhewei and the others at the market, and I just happened to have time to gather with my brothers."

Li Ke was taken aback by Qin Huaiyu's grand gesture. He believed that since Qin Huaiyu was his childhood friend, he would be casual like others such as Chai Zhewai. He did not expect him to be so courteous towards him

Qinrenfang is adjacent to the imperial city, located in the heart of Chang'an City, just one block away from the Guozijian. It is in close proximity to the Wan Nian County Office of Jingzhao Prefecture (equivalent to the current Dongcheng District Government of Beijing) and, like Yongningfang and Xuanyangfang, is a typical "golden location." Those residing here are often prominent families and high-ranking officials.

Li Ke respectfully replied, "Thank you, Aunt, for your concern. I am fine. The matter of the murderer is still under investigation by Father Emperor."

Could it be that he was truly affected by his injury?

Qin Huaiyu said, "Third brother, please follow me. We shall go to meet my mother now."

For a moment, everyone fell silent, and the atmosphere became somewhat desolate. Li Ke glanced at Qin Huaiyu, then at Chai Zhewei and Li Zong, and already understood their thoughts. He then calmly reassured them, saying, "You need not worry; I will certainly not neglect the matters of archery and martial skills."

Qin Huaiyu raised his eyes and saw Li Ke, Chai Zhewai, and Li Zong watching him not far away. He hurriedly handed the twin maces in his hands to a nearby servant and took two steps to approach Li Ke, bowing respectfully and saying, "Qin Huaiyu pays his respects to Your Highness"

After the two had talked for quite a while, Qin Huaiyu leaned in and whispered a few words to Madam Qin. She then stated that she was feeling unwell and would return to the courtyard to rest. She asked Qin Huailiang to keep Li Ke company for a while. As soon as Madam Qin left, Li Ke and his companions exited the Qin residence.

Li Ke also said to Qin Huaiyu, "Brother Qin, I will first accompany you to see Aunt, and then we will go together to see Huai Liang."

Under the guidance of Qin Huaiyu, Li Ke and others quickly arrived at Madam Qin's residence. Upon learning of Li Ke's arrival, Madam Qin hurriedly came out to pay her respects

Qin Huaiyu said somewhat shyly, "Third brother, I heard that you were attacked on your way back to the capital. All the brothers were very worried about you. However, the palace is not a place we can enter casually, so we were unable to visit you. Now that I see you have recovered, I am relieved."

However, judging from his fight with Liu Menglong and others today, his martial arts skills have not yet reached even half of their previous strength

Suddenly changing the subject, he jokingly said to everyone, "Moreover, each of you possesses exceptional skills. If I do not practice diligently, I would be unworthy of our title of the Five Tigers and One Great Master"

Lady Qin inquired with concern, "How has your mother been lately?"

Qin Qiong, as a meritorious minister in the founding of the Tang Dynasty, was appointed as the Grand General of the Left Martial Guard after the coup led by Li Shimin. His residence, along with those of Cheng Zhijie, Yuchi Gong, and Li Daozong, was located in the Qinjinfang area

Beside them, Li Zong noticed Li Ke's displeasure and Qin Huaiyu's embarrassment, and hurriedly intervened, saying, "Brother Qin, why are you still being so polite to Third Brother? No wonder Third Brother is upset"

He refers to himself as "Your Highness," which effectively separates himself from his brothers

Li Ke replied, "Thank you, Aunt, for your concern. My mother has always been in good health"

He did not lead troops outside like Chai Shao, Cheng Zhijie, and Li Daozong; however, he initially held the position of Grand General of the Left Martial Guard, which kept him quite busy with official duties, returning home very late each day

Brother Qin wields the staff technique skillfully

Qinrenfang, also known as "Qinrenli," is located to the east of the second street of Zhuque Street in Chang'an City. It is bordered to the north by Xuan Yangfang, to the south by Yong Ningfang, and is diagonally opposite the East Market (also known as the Metropolitan Market)

Qin Huaiyu did not expect Li Ke to speak so directly, making it difficult for him to refute in the moment. He also regretted that his earlier words had indeed sounded somewhat distant, given his relationship with Li Ke and the others.

Li Ke arrived a moment earlier to greet her, saying, "Ke wishes to pay his respects to you, Aunt. How has your health been lately?"

However, what about now? The remarkable Li Ke, who excelled in both literature and martial arts, is no longer present; he is merely a Li Ke who understands the course of history. Although I have inherited everything from him, there is still a difference between us. Thus, I silently resolved, "In the future, I must diligently practice my martial skills and must not be as careless as I am today, allowing others to bully me"

He asked again, "I heard that you were attacked on your way back to Beijing. Are you now recovering, and have the assailants been found?"

The primary techniques for practicing with dual cudgels are striking, hooking, stabbing, thrusting, intercepting, parrying, chopping, blocking, cutting, blowing, sweeping, lifting, covering, rolling, and pressing

The layout of Qinrenfang, like other fang aligned along the north-south axis, is divided into four major areas by the large cross street within the fang. Each area contains smaller cross streets, further subdividing the fang into sixteen smaller districts. Within these districts, there are "alleys" and "curves." The fang is surrounded by rammed earth walls, with four gates located on the four sides, situated on six elevated slopes that traverse the city.

When Li Ke and others arrived at the Qin residence, Qin Qiong was naturally not at home, while Qin Huaiyu was in the backyard practicing the Qin family techniques with dual hammers.

Chai Zhewai, seeing the embarrassed expression on Qin Huaiyu's face, echoed with a hint of complaint, "Li Zong is right, Third Brother need not take offense, Brother Qin, he is just that kind of person, very rigid and overly bound by etiquette."