Qiao Wanwan said, "I have suffered from asthma since I was born, and my constitution has always been frail. In my childhood, physicians warned that without meticulous care, it might shorten my lifespan. Fortunately, my parents cherished me like a precious pearl and watched over me as I grew up. Later, knowing my yearning for the pugilistic world, they engaged fine teachers to instruct me in martial arts.
"However, my poor health prevented me from engaging in strenuous exercise, lest it trigger coughing fits. Back then, I was stubborn and unwilling to admit defeat, so I would always secretly practice on the side. Once, I overexerted myself with the sword and suffered a relapse, causing my parents endless worry. Seeing them so distressed they could neither eat nor sleep, I suddenly felt I was being terribly unfilial, and so I stopped practicing martial arts and settled down to be a proper young lady of a good family."
At this point, Qiao Wanwan's expression turned somewhat dim. Clearly, being unable to practice martial arts due to her health remained a lingering regret in her heart.
Chapter 73