Chapter 17: The Little Maid

Li Zhengshan was very excited. It was as if he had suddenly discovered a priceless, unparalleled jade right beside him, and only now realized it.

But Luo Jiaorong quickly poured cold water on his enthusiasm.

“Didn't you say that martial arts must be practiced from childhood to yield results, and that it requires enduring great hardship, often leaving one covered in scars without necessarily achieving success?”

The excitement on Li Zhengshan’s face immediately faltered.

Luo Jiaorong continued, “Martial arts training also demands medicinal baths and eating plenty of meat. Moreover, frequent injuries, even broken bones, can happen. One careless move could lead to permanent disability. Do you really think I would let Zijun take this path? He’s currently a scholar.”

“You’re the one who practices martial arts; you should understand the risks better than anyone.”

Hearing her words, Li Zhengshan gradually calmed down from his initial excitement, though still reluctant, “But Zijun truly is a martial arts prodigy. Until now, I’ve never seen anyone cultivate skills as quickly as him.”

This time, his tone was no longer as fervent as before.

He naturally knew his wife was right.

As a martial artist himself, he was well aware of the difficulties and dangers involved.

If they were a wealthy family, it might be feasible, but for their kind of household, supporting a martial artist from scratch was indeed unrealistic.

If Zijun were injured or something else happened, their family might not be able to bear the burden.

Studying, on the other hand, was less risky; even if he failed the exams, he could still live healthily and become a teacher.

“Ah…”

He sighed, his gaze falling again on the wooden stake split by a single punch, silently lamenting that he hadn’t discovered sooner that his younger brother was a martial arts genius, and regretting that they were not a wealthy family.

Seeing this, Luo Zijun quickly reassured him, “Brother-in-law, it’s okay. I still like studying. As for martial arts, I’ll treat it as a hobby and practice occasionally without aiming to become a military officer.”

Li Zhengshan sighed, “But only by attending a martial arts school can you receive formal guidance and learn proper techniques. Your talent… ah, it would be such a waste if you don’t pursue it.”

Luo Zijun said, “Life is full of choices and sacrifices. Since I’ve chosen studying, naturally I must give up some things. You can’t have both fish and bear’s paw, right?”

“What fish and bear’s paw? Are you trying to have both?”

Li Zhengshan was momentarily stunned.

Luo Zijun: “…”

Luo Jiaorong beside them said, “Enough, enough. Let’s not talk about this today; it’s getting late. Zijun, go back to your room and get some sleep. As for martial arts, it’s settled—you’ll just practice occasionally to keep fit. Your main focus must be on your studies. If you pass the imperial examinations and become a scholar, that will truly bring honor to the family and elevate your status!”

Li Zhengshan sighed, “My wife is right. Studying is important. At least it’s safe, without danger.”

Luo Jiaorong pulled Luo Zijun away, “Go wash up. Little Huan is already waiting for you in your room.”

“Waiting for me? What for?”

Luo Zijun looked puzzled.

***

Luo Jiaorong smiled, “Nothing special, just to talk with you. Now go.”

“Ah…”

Watching the two siblings leave, Li Zhengshan turned back to the split wooden stake, feeling deep regret.

“Zijun is clearly a rare talent, gifted in both literature and martial arts. It’s a pity he was born in the wrong place and is held back in our family…”

The full moon rose into the night sky.

Having finished his bath and returned to his room, Luo Zijun found the little maid sitting quietly on the edge of the bed. She wore a thin nightgown, revealing delicate, slender feet beneath the hem. Her cheeks were flushed, eyelashes fluttering, and her small hands clutched her clothes tightly, clearly nervous.

Hearing his footsteps, the little maid bit her lip and trembled even more.

Luo Zijun glanced at her a few times, just about to leave the room, when Luo Jiaorong pushed him inside and immediately shut the door, scolding from outside, “She’s your own maid—what’s there to be afraid of? You’re a man grown; being timid is shameful! Get into bed and sleep!”

Luo Zijun quickly replied, “Sister, isn’t the bed a bit small?”

Outside the door, Luo Jiaorong retorted, “Small? It’s big enough for both of you. Little Huan is tiny; she won’t take up much space! Stop talking nonsense and get into bed!”

Luo Zijun said again, “Sister, I need to go pee first.”

“No, don’t get up!”

Luo Jiaorong’s tone was stern, almost exasperated, “You foolish boy, what is it? Do you want me to come in and teach you?”

“Ah, no, no…”

Luo Zijun’s face changed. He didn’t dare to delay any further. He hurried to blow out the lamp, climbed into bed, and softly said, “Little Huan, go to sleep.”

He got in first.

The little maid gave a soft “Mm” and shyly got into bed as well.

“You sleep at one end; I’ll take the other.”

Luo Zijun whispered.

“Mm.”

They lay down, each at one end, tucked under the covers.

Luo Jiaorong listened outside the door, but heard no sound, feeling puzzled.

At that moment, Li Zhengshan’s voice came from outside: “Wife, what are you doing?”

Luo Jiaorong whispered back, “It’s their first time. I’m afraid neither of them knows what to do. I’m wondering whether to go in and teach them.”

“Ah, don’t meddle. What good does that do? Let them take their time. If things don’t work out, wait until Zijun goes to the apothecary tomorrow, then teach Little Huan privately. Don’t go in now—you’ll scare them to death.”

“Alright, alright, I’m going.”

Footsteps gradually faded away.

***

Only then did Luo Zijun breathe a sigh of relief.

After waiting a while longer and hearing no movement outside, he sat up.

Little Huan, sleeping at the other end, shivered slightly, tightly closing her eyes, her flushed face burning like fire, hands clutching the blanket.

“Little Huan, go back to sleep. Don’t disturb me; I’m going to cultivate.”

Luo Zijun settled into a cross-legged posture and resumed his internal cultivation.

Having a freshly bathed, fragrant little maid in the bed was hardly conducive to clear thoughts—after all, he was a young man full of vigor.

So he focused on cultivation.

Once he entered that state, all desires vanished like smoke.

“It’s all an illusion!”

“All NPCs!”

He reminded himself firmly, quickly closing his eyes and entering cultivation.

“Whoosh…”

His heartbeat steadied, breath flowing into his body.

As the energy coursed through his meridians, the tiny glowing point in his dantian, no larger than a green bean, began to flicker softly.

When he woke, the little maid was already asleep.

Luo Zijun’s emotions had calmed. After savoring the gains from his cultivation, he lay down to sleep.

The little maid’s body was petite and delicate, soft and warm. Even through clothes, she stirred a few ripples in his heart.

He closed his eyes, turned onto his side with his back to her, forcing himself to fall asleep quickly.

Forget it, he thought. Better to think about the White Lady.

She was a huge, thick, disgusting snake. Though she could transform into a beautiful woman, she was still a snake!

Right, he could take Xu Xian to see the snake and let him get bitten a few times, to give him a severe psychological fear of snakes.

Then he could often bring him to brothels to hang out.

If he ever met the White Lady again, he could secretly tell her that Xu Xian loved to visit prostitutes and never used protection.

“Ugh, I’m so despicable…”

With such thoughts, he soon fell asleep.