1. Both Chen family and Li family migrated from Shaanxi province to Henan Province, whree through other influences, these 2 families came up with a training curriculum for the art of Chen family..
Date given is 1374 2. There was a Qianzai Monastery in Henan Province that apparently was additional in inspiration and proiferation of the art. At some point thereafter (unknown) Li and Chen family fell apart. The books says that MIng/Qing villages squabble and government inequalities of the day "spurred the distancing". QIanzai appears more symbolic than actual influence since it was a local 'symbol of presence" and affiliation with what may be seen as status!
3. It says that the father of the Li brothers 'acquired some knowledge form the senior monks but the extent is unknown. Source: Tai Chi magazine, Vol 37. #2, Summer 2013
3. Sal Conzonieri has documented the origin of what we call taijiquan today. Link:
http://www.bgtent.com/naturalcma/CMAarticle30.htm Sal has been an inspiration to me and presents the obvious truth for all to see. Postures were "borrowed" from certain martial systems of the day and reconfigured per the Chen/Li founders
BUt again, isn't that what Yang, Wu2, Wu3 and Sun style are i.e. reconfigurations to match their founders. Just sayin'
NOTES; If it states Chen Wangting ((陳王廷; 陈王庭; 1580–1660) is 9th generation, then my assumption based on data is the reason for the the age of Chen family art is at leat 500 years old!