Beijing, within a heavily guarded compound.
Ancient trees towered all around, and the surroundings were tranquil, carrying an air of solemn dignity.
Zhang Yang and Chen Zhang entered the compound on foot, passing through several gates along the way. Guards stood watch all around, and security was exceptionally tight.
"My grandfather lives by a strict routine. At this hour, he should have finished lunch and his nap, then either be taking a walk for exercise or playing chess and drinking tea with his old comrades in the courtyard," Chen Zhang said to Zhang Yang. "Let's check behind the courtyard."
The two crossed the courtyard and arrived beside an arched gate.
Outside the gate stood a crew-cut man in his thirties, ramrod straight, with a sharp, swordlike bearing.
"Wang, my grandfather's inside, right?"
"He is. The chief is exercising." As he spoke, the crew-cut man's gaze instinctively swept over Zhang Yang.
In an instant, he had inspected Zhang Yang from head to toe.
Zhang Yang remained composed and did not find it inappropriate. The man before him was clearly a personal guard, and such habits were simply part of his duties.
"Alright, Zhang Yang, let's go in." Chen Zhang looked at Zhang Yang.
Zhang Yang nodded and entered with Chen Zhang.
Though it was already late autumn, the small garden deep within the courtyard was still full of life, with towering ancient trees.
Amid the lush branches and leaves, an elderly man with snow-white hair, though already in his eighties, was practicing Tai Chi in the garden with great vigor and ease.
Tai Chi was excellent for maintaining one's health.
There was naturally no better martial art to practice for that purpose.
"Hmm?" Zhang Yang watched for a moment and nodded slightly.
The old man's stance was remarkably standard. Every movement