Episode 66: Speaking at Cross Purposes

When Miss Nine saw Little Yun stand tall, boldly and righteously declaring before so many people his willingness to marry her, she couldn’t help but feel a faint warmth in her heart. After speaking, a hint of shyness appeared on Little Yun’s face, so Miss Nine moved even closer to him.

Others, witnessing Miss Nine’s intent to marry a boy younger than herself—and the boy’s willingness in return—were left unsure whether to be shocked or amused.

For a moment, the room fell still. Everyone gazed at Little Yun with astonished eyes, trying to discern what it was about this young boy that could make a talented woman like Miss Nine fall for him. Little Yun leaned close to Miss Nine’s ear and whispered gently, “Dear sister, it was you who chose to marry me. In the future, I may be good for nothing, unable even to support myself. You mustn’t call me useless—I’m telling you now, lest you scold me for it when the time comes.”

Though Little Yun’s words were soft, Long Hanchun, standing not far away, heard every word clearly. She saw that Little Yun lacked the confidence, pride, and charisma of a successful man, but he was young and innocent, with delicate features and a pair of eyes filled with purity. Yet, she thought to herself, even if you wish to marry, I won’t oppose it. But you are so much older than he is—he’s still a child. How can he take responsibility for you?

Moreover, you are a well-known lady of the Long family, whose name is renowned throughout the martial world, not to mention your own reputation. A union between you two is preposterous and would invite ridicule. It would damage not only your reputation but also the family’s. I hope you will consider the Long family’s honor and think twice before deciding.”

Miss Nine, Long Lengyue, of course understood the consequences of marrying Little Yun, but having made up her mind, she had no intention of going back. With a bitter smile, she replied, “This is not your concern. Whatever I, Long Lengyue, decide to do, I will bear all consequences myself.”

At that moment, Lady Xu, the eldest sister-in-law, interjected, “Miss Nine, you mustn’t act so willfully and irresponsibly. If you no longer recognize me as the housekeeper, I won’t blame you, but if you have no regard for the Long family, then I must intervene. If everyone here acted as you do, how could I manage the household? How would the Long family hold its place in the world?”

Long Lengyue, recalling how Long Feihu had struck Little Yun, replied coldly, “If you can’t manage others, you should at least keep your own son in line and stop him from causing further trouble. My mind is made up. Whatever you decide to do, inform me tomorrow. I won’t be staying here today.” With that, she took Little Yun by the hand and left the council hall.

Everyone in the hall stared blankly at Long Lengyue’s departing figure, each with their own thoughts—some filled with anger, like Lady Xu and her daughter; some with regret, like Long Hanchun and the second sister-in-law, Mrs. Song.

There was even secret delight—namely, from the third sister-in-law, Mrs. Li, who had always resented Lady Xu’s habit of issuing orders to others. Now that Long Lengyue had openly defied her, Mrs. Li was inwardly pleased, hoping to claim Lady Xu’s position for herself. If Lady Xu could not control Miss Nine, and the Matriarch saw her mismanaging family affairs, it was quite possible she would bestow the role of housekeeper upon Mrs. Li instead.

After Long Lengyue had left, Lady Xu could no longer restrain herself. She complained to Long Hanchun and Mrs. Song, “Sisters, you see how I toil for this family, but Miss Nine acts without considering the consequences. When I try to advise her, she treats me as her enemy. Ah! From now on, I dare not manage her anymore. What authority do I have left to run this household? Tomorrow, I shall resign my duties to the Matriarch—let whoever wishes shoulder this burden.”

Long Hanchun quickly replied with a conciliatory smile, “Sister-in-law, Miss Nine has indeed gone too far, but she is only temporarily blinded by her emotions. Give it some time, and I will speak to her. I believe she will reconsider.

Don’t take her actions to heart. Miss Nine has always been willful—she was spoiled by our father while he was alive, which made her the person she is today. But I think it’s only a phase; she will change in time.”

Lady Xu retorted indignantly, “It’s not that I’m taking it to heart, but she’s not a child anymore and never thinks of the Long family. If everyone behaved as she does, we wouldn’t need any enemies from outside—the family would collapse from within.”

At this, Long Hanxing said, “Sister-in-law, though Miss Nine’s actions may be excessive, her management of Xianyang has brought the family both immense wealth and a powerful foothold in the city. Her contributions are great. I think we should let this matter rest for now.”

Then Long Feifeng interjected, “Elders, as a junior, I should not comment on your affairs, but for the sake of the family’s strength, I must speak. Now, Miss Nine acts so boldly and capriciously because she thinks her achievements make her untouchable. If everyone, having accomplished something, followed her example and behaved recklessly, how could my mother manage the household?”

But Mrs. Li, the third sister-in-law, disagreed, saying, “From my point of view, Miss Nine’s actions, though they may seem outrageous, are actually quite reasonable. The boy she loves seems decent enough.

If Miss Nine loved a martial arts master, he might learn our family’s skills from her, posing a danger should he ever become an enemy. But this boy has no martial arts background at all; he cannot possibly uncover the secrets of our family’s techniques, and Miss Nine can easily control him. As for the age difference, it’s understandable. When a renowned man falls for a much younger girl, people find it normal—so why can’t a woman marry a younger man? We shouldn’t make a mountain out of a molehill and let it harm our family’s harmony.”

Long Hanxing nodded in agreement, smiling, “I think third sister-in-law makes some sense. Let’s report this matter to the Matriarch and let her decide.”

Mrs. Li echoed, “Yes, yes, I agree with Hanxing. Let’s leave it to the Matriarch’s judgment.”

Long Hanchun and Mrs. Song both nodded as well, knowing that Lady Xu was incapable of controlling Miss Nine. Only the Matriarch of the Long family commanded the respect of all—even Miss Nine, Long Lengyue, would not dare openly defy her will.