I Only Stomp on Weaklings

"Miss, visiting late at night, I’m sorry I couldn’t greet you from afar. Please forgive me."

Although Chen Ming was surprised, he still remembered the necessary etiquette.

Zhao Xiyan said, "Why bother with so many formalities? No need to be so distant. I’m just here to check on you—oh, you’re injured?"

She noticed the wound on Chen Ming’s right hand near the thumb.

Chen Ming said, "Just a minor injury, it’s nothing serious."

"Did you get hurt while exchanging blows with Sun Shicai?" Zhao Xiyan initially intended to express her concern but realized something was amiss, questioning, "No, you weren’t injured at that time. How did you get this wound?"

Apparently, she was present at that time as well.

Chen Ming thought, at that moment, he indeed didn’t notice the presence of the young lady, and explained, "After returning home, I encountered three thieves trying a sneak attack. I guess they were sent by Sun Shicai."

Zhao Xiyan’s expression became solemn; she had seen Chen Ming’s prowess, and those three thieves being able to injure him weren’t simple.

She asked, "What happened to those three thieves?"

"They ran away."

"Did you report it to the authorities?"

"I did, the people from Six Gates also came."

Chen Ming spoke, but inwardly he wasn’t hopeful.

Six Gates only sent a Ninth Grade in black clothing, clearly showing no concern for this matter; after a brief inquiry, they departed.

Zhao Xiyan said no more.

"Don’t just stand, sit down so we can talk."

Chen Ming seated her on a rattan chair, then started to boil water for tea.

Zhao Xiyan’s gaze swept over the two average-looking maids behind him, asking, "Are they your personal maids?"

"This is Chunxiang, this is Xiaxiang. Greet the guest."

Chunxiang and Xiaxiang immediately gave a salute, "Chunxiang (Xiaxiang) greets Miss Zhao."

Zhao Xiyan noticed the two maids’ unfamiliar posture and expression became more peculiar, "Brother Chen focuses single-mindedly on martial arts, admirable."

She had encountered plain-looking maids before, her brother’s maids, for example. But those were arranged by their mother, fearing due to his young age, he might lack self-control and be distracted by beauty.

Martial artists like Chen Ming, from humble beginnings, upon gaining prowess, generally indulge less in fleshly pleasures, so having pretty concubines and servants would be quite normal.

No martial artist would be criticized for such matters; expanding one’s lineage is justifiable.

Thus, upon seeing Chen Ming’s plain maids, it proved to her that his resolve was strong and he wouldn’t be swayed by beauty. Her regard for him increased.

Only those with lofty aspirations can restrain their desires.

Zhao Xiyan raised a teacup with slender fingers, lightly sipping from it before placing it down again, saying, "Rumor has it you are a martial arts fanatic, fond of sparring with people. Is that true?"

"Indeed."

Seeing her actions, Chen Ming realized his tea quality was too low for her taste, but he didn’t mention it and nodded, "As they say, true knowledge comes from practice; martial arts are forged through combat, not mere training. Unfortunately, most martial artists cherish their reputation and worry about losing face, rarely willing to engage unless necessary."

Zhao Xiyan pondered, "True knowledge comes from practice? No wonder your saber technique is so outstanding."

Saying this, she picked up the teacup again, sipped lightly but still put it down.

"I know a place where you can find many who are willing to spar with you. Though it’s rather dangerous, are you willing to go?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Ming promptly asked, "Could you please tell me, Miss?"

Zhao Xiyan said, "Not just anyone can enter that place, you need someone like me to lead you in. If I help you, how will you thank me?"

"If Miss Zhao could grant Chen such a favor, I would be sincerely grateful and comply with any future requests without reserve."

"That’s your promise!"

Zhao Xiyan’s eyes twinkled, she pondered, then said, "I haven’t decided what to ask of you yet. Consider you owe me a favor, and we’ll settle it when I think of something."

"Agreed."

Chen Ming consented.

Then, Zhao Xiyan extended her pinky finger, saying, "It’s a deal then."

Isn’t this somewhat ambiguous?

Chen Ming thought to himself but still extended his pinky, hooking it with her white, tender finger.

This scene was witnessed by the three maids present.

The beautiful maid behind Zhao Xiyan’s expression slightly changed, as if she wanted to intervene but held back.

Chunxiang and Xiaxiang looked at the beautiful young girl disguised as a man with different expressions. They couldn’t help but wonder, is this the future mistress?

Just as the atmosphere was growing ambiguous, footsteps sounded outside, and a servant led a person dressed in black into the courtyard.

The servant reported, "Second Master, this lady came in through the back door, saying she’s looking for you."

Chen Ming already saw the person approaching him and felt inexplicably guilty. It felt like being caught having dinner alone with another girl by someone who might misunderstand.

The arrival was none other than Xiao Zhuyun, who came alone today.

Usually, Chunxiang or Xiaxiang brought her over, but today they happened to stay in to serve.

And so they unexpectedly met.

When Zhao Xiyan and Xiao Zhuyun saw each other, both were visibly taken aback.

Neither spoke, and the atmosphere instantly became awkward.

"Wait, why am I feeling guilty? I don’t have any private dealings with either of them."

With that thought, Chen Ming relaxed and broke the silence with a smile, "What a coincidence today. Both of you ladies came unplanned; I am truly honored. You both know each other, no need for me to introduce, right?"

Xiao Zhuyun spoke first, "It’s Miss Zhao. I almost didn’t recognize you. I didn’t expect you to be so familiar with Brother Chen."

In the middle of the night, you, a dignified Admiral’s daughter, disguised yourself and came to a man’s house. No shame?

Zhao Xiyan also smiled and said, "How come Sister Xiao is dressed in night attire? I thought there were thieves attacking Brother Chen again."

Mutual comments indeed!

The two had smiles on their faces, but their gazes sparked a visible clash of hidden animosity.

Chen Ming, having dated several girlfriends before, knew full well what women are like and sensed the unseen tension between the two. Immediately, he changed the topic, "Has Senior Sister Xiao found your sect’s legacy?"

Xiao Zhuyun looked at him with a gentler gaze, "Yes, I found it. Sun Shicai didn’t lie. I came specifically to thank Brother Chen."

Seeing her affection, Chen Ming understood that she might not necessarily have feelings for him but was merely triggered into "female competition" upon seeing his close relationship with Zhao Xiyan.

Before he could speak, Zhao Xiyan already interjected, "Sister indeed ought to thank Brother Chen. If it weren’t for him handling Sun Shicai alone, how could Sister retrieve her sect’s items?"

This was subtly criticizing her for leaving Chen Ming during his battle to fetch the sect’s belongings.

Xiao Zhuyun naturally caught it and replied, "I am well aware of Brother Chen’s high strength and exceptional saber technique. How could Sun Shicai be a match?"

I am very familiar with Chen Ming’s abilities and his character; what do you understand?

Zhao Xiyan smiled sweetly and asked, "How does Sister intend to thank Brother Chen? Will you perhaps offer yourself to him? Alas, when Qin brother and Young Master He find out, they’ll probably be heartbroken!"

Even Chunxiang and Xiaxiang, usually oblivious, could hear how sharp these words were.

Xiao Zhuyun’s eyelid twitched slightly and solemnly replied, "Miss Zhao, please be cautious with your words. My relationship with Brother Chen is one of noble friendship."

Zhao Xiyan quickly stood up and apologized, "Oh, I misunderstood you two... I apologize. Rest assured, when I meet Brother Qin, I will explain on your behalf."

A flash of anger crossed Xiao Zhuyun’s eyes, and she suddenly said, "It’s heard that Lord Admiral once considered marrying into the Qin family, specifically to the seventh young master. It’s a pity the marriage negotiations fell through; perhaps Miss Zhao still harbors feelings for the young master?"

Zhao Xiyan laughed, "Sister may not know, my father did wish for Brother Qin. However, I always considered him as an elder brother, hence I refused the marriage."

Chen Ming listened on, unable to get a word in, thinking, so this is how women in this world argue, maintaining their image while not speaking crudely, using insinuations instead.

It was rather interesting.

On the surface, he could only pretend not to understand, finally finding a chance to speak, "Ladies, it’s getting late, and the city is under curfew. It may be inconvenient if you’re out any longer."

With that, Xiao Zhuyun and Zhao Xiyan took their leave.

...

Chunxiang and Xiaxiang escorted each of them out separately, and on the way back, they whispered, "Do you think they both like Second Master?"

"Most likely. Did you see how they were indirectly criticizing each other, almost quarreling—they’re definitely jealous."

"I wonder which one the Second Master likes."

"Judging by Second Master’s demeanor, it seems he hasn’t realized it yet."

"I hope Second Master doesn’t marry Miss Zhao; the madam might not be able to handle her."

"I’m more worried about Second Master marrying them both—then this household will be lively."

"..."

PS: First update, asking for monthly votes.