Chapter 41: Teaching Assistant Gu Ying
As expected, Zhao Wanting showcased all twenty-four steps of the Taiji Fist basic routine within an hour. Gu Ying had no idea how much Anji learned from that. Most children only learned a few moves a day and spent more time practising the proper postures instead of understanding how a move could be applied in different scenarios. Even the brightest child could only learn up to five moves a day. Not to mention, the young princess was only three. To her, this might be just another entertaining show watching two grown-ups swat flies for fun in the name of martial arts.
"You’ve worked hard, Mother, Martial Sister," Anji smiled and gestured for a waiting servant to present them with clean handkerchiefs to wipe their sweat.
Wanting accepted the handkerchief even when she did not break any sweat in her demonstration. It was almost time for lunch with her dear daughter, and Gu Ying was a great help as her teaching assistant. If not for the Manchurian beauty, she would not have noticed the problem until after the lesson was over.
"Let’s have lunch now," Wanting smiled. "You must be hungry. Gu Ying, why don’t you join us?"
As Wanting carried Anji in her arms, Gu Ying bowed and followed behind them. Cheekily, Anji grinned at Gu Ying and mouthed the words to praise her for assisting her ditzy mother.
Gu Ying hid a giggle behind her sleeve and nodded in acknowledgement to continue supporting Zhao Wanting silently.
Anji liked Gu Ying, even if they had only met this morning. The Manchurian beauty was smart, hardworking, loyal and professional. She knew how to handle the situation as well as Lizi. She had a bright look in her eyes and spoke sincerely. Her mother could use someone like Gu Ying by her side.
At lunch, the servants brought out dishes different from their usual. Anji had a feeling Doctor He had a hand in it from the sight of herbs mixed into everything. Zhao Wanting did not mind the medicinal meal. However, Gu Ying was surprised. Anji did not look that ill to her. The medicine used in this meal alone must have been a farmer’s wages for at least half a year.
"Doctor He told the cook to add these herbs into your food for the first four days of your recovery to prevent your immune system from collapsing. You must remain in bed for at least two hours this afternoon to let your muscles recover. You can talk to Gu Ying if you want to, but no reading or writing."