Prepatory stance, Taiji Begins, Vajra Pounding the Pestle, Lazhaji, Six Sealing Four Closing.
He performed with great vigor, while the three Daoist priests by the side were dumbfounded.
"Daoist Sun, have you ever seen such boxing techniques?" Yuan Tiangang asked Sun Simiao with a vacant expression.
Old Sun stroked his beard and shook his head, "Never."
"Hiss! This boxing is extraordinary!" Sun Simiao was so immersed in the profound meaning of Taiji that he plucked his own beard without noticing.
Li Chunfeng, after watching Fang Er execute a few movements, stepped back and began to imitate his every move.
However, Yuan Tiangang discovered him and immediately smacked him on the back of the head.
"Wicked disciple!"
"Stealing techniques is a grave taboo!"
If such a thing happened in the martial world, Fang Er would have used it as a reason to kill him.
About half an hour later, Fang Er finished the last posture, exhaled the turbid air, and felt exceptionally refreshed!
In his previous life, his master taught him this set of Taiji to temper his character, but he only learned the superficial aspects.
However, reborn in this life, with the growth of his state of mind, he now had a deeper understanding of these boxing techniques, performing them as smoothly as flowing water.
"Good!"
Seeing him conclude his practice, Sun Simiao couldn't help but clap his hands in admiration.
"Daoist Sun, you flatter me. What do you, Daoist Yuan, think of these boxing techniques?" Fang Er smiled as he wiped the sweat from his forehead, addressing Yuan Tiangang.
"Excellent boxing! Excellent skill!"
"The movements appear slow, yet they subtly align with the natural way. With each relaxation and exertion, there's the power to deflect a thousand pounds with four ounces. Wonderful, truly wonderful!"
Yuan Tiangang nodded. As experts, they could immediately discern the profundity of Taiji.
After speaking, he suddenly turned his gaze to the mold containing the medicinal pills and walked towards it thoughtfully.
He assumed a horse stance, twisted his waist, and lightly struck the outer shell of the mold with his palm.
The mold remained still, but a string of bubbles rose from within.
One palm strike after another, seemingly without force, vibrated the medicinal paste inside.
This vibration not only prevented the separation of the various components of the gunpowder but also fused them more thoroughly.
After several successive palm strikes, Yuan Tiangang ceased his movements and looked at Fang Er.
"Young friend, is this your intention?"
"Hahaha! Daoist Yuan, you are truly remarkable. You saw through my humble intentions!"
Fang Er performed this set of Taiji partly out of a whim and partly to divert Yuan Tiangang's attention, so he would stop bothering Li Chunfeng.
Although he said it lightly, in his heart, he felt genuine admiration for Yuan Tiangang.
This old Daoist had grasped the essence of Taiji after seeing it only once.
"May I learn it?" Yuan Tiangang could hardly believe his ears.
"Why not?" Fang Er countered with a smile.
"Hahaha, how can Fellow Fang be an ordinary person?" Sun Simiao chuckled.
He then stepped forward and, following the moves he had just memorized, began to practice.
Li Chunfeng felt an urge to join in but cautiously glanced at Yuan Tiangang.
As a result, Yuan Tiangang delivered another slap to the back of his head.
"Wicked disciple! What are you looking at! Why aren't you quickly learning from your martial uncle!"
Fang Er shook his head helplessly. This fellow was too wronged!
Ever since Yuan Tiangang arrived in Shenyang due to the "Pushing the Back Chart" and that sphere, he hadn't shown him any good脸色.
Watching the three practice Taiji, Fang Er stood quietly by, offering corrections where necessary.
Taiji was created by Daoist practitioners and subtly embodied Daoist principles. Therefore, the three learned with remarkable speed. In just five days, Li Chunfeng surpassed Fang Er's understanding of the boxing techniques, not to mention Sun Simiao and Yuan Tiangang.
Five days later, it was the third day of the third month.
Fang Er was strolling in the courtyard, supporting Chai Yue.
Suddenly, Chai Yue furrowed her brow, tightly gripping Fang Er's arm, "My lord, I feel like I am about to give birth."
Fang Er instantly became tense and quickly shouted to the people in the courtyard.
"Xing'er! Call Beggar Niang to invite Changsun Ling'er and the others!"
"Qing'er! Inform Baoju to prepare hot water and ginseng soup, quickly!"
"Bing, Xue, Yu, Lu, bring the stretcher to send Madam to the delivery room!"
With so many pregnant and birthing women from the Tianying Department residing in the mansion, these matters were handled with practiced ease.
As Fang Er's orders were issued, four maidservants hurried into the house and brought the pre-prepared stretcher.
Carefully helping Chai Yue onto it, Fang Er held her hand and comforted her, "Hold on, we are going to the delivery room now!"
As the maidservants carried Chai Yue towards the delivery room, Fang Er followed, holding her hand.
Upon reaching the delivery room, Changsun Ling'er and the others were already waiting.
Seeing Chai Yue, they quickly came forward.
"Yue'er, how are you feeling?" Changsun Ling'er asked worriedly.
"It hurts! It's very strong!"
Chai Yue said with a frown, followed by another cry of pain.
"Ah~~"
Then, her lower garments quickly became wet.
Fluid seeped through the stretcher and dripped onto the floor.
"Quickly carry her inside, her water has broken!"
Changsun Ling'er immediately recognized the cause and urged the four maidservants.
Despite their youth and being around Chai Yue's age, they had spent these days in Shenyang solely engaged in childbirth assistance.
In terms of experience, they were likely no less skilled than the midwives in Chang'an!
Chai Yue was carried inside, and Fang Er followed nervously.
"Bang!"
As he reached the doorway, Changsun Ling'er closed the door, almost catching Fang Er's nose.
Changsun Ling'er said from behind the door, "County Duke Fang, men are forbidden in the delivery room. Please wait outside."
Fang Er was stunned but had no choice but to accept.
If he went inside, his concern would only lead to more anxiety. He retreated to the courtyard, pacing anxiously like an ant on a hot pan.
Soon, Sun Simiao and Chai Shao, having heard the news, also arrived.
"How is it?" Chai Shao asked, grabbing Fang Er as he entered the courtyard.
"She just went in. Changsun Ling'er and more than ten other sisters are there, so it should be fine," Fang Er reassured him.
In truth, these words were also meant to reassure himself.
Cries of pain could be heard from inside the room.
Chai Yue had already been moved from the stretcher to the birthing bed.
Her clothes were removed, leaving her bare, covered only by a disinfected blanket.
Her stomach throbbed with pain, like someone was scraping her flesh with a knife, causing her to sweat profusely.
The four maidservants were sent out.
Changsun Ling'er, Fang Fengzhu, Zhang Yuanshuang, Yuan Mengjia, and twelve others were all present, having changed their clothes and gathered around her.
"Yue'er, stay calm, don't be afraid, your sisters are all here!"
"Adjust your breathing, relax first, and cry out if it hurts."
"Inhale!"
"Push!"