The Showdown of the Sixty-Five Families

In the center of the grand hall, on a massive chair, sat a noblewoman in her forties. She was dressed in splendid finery, her expression stern and commanding, exuding an impressive presence. When she saw the Ninth Lady and her companion enter, her face turned cold, marked by a trace of anger.

This woman was none other than Madam Xu, the principal wife of the Long family, someone whom little Yun’er recognized and whom the Ninth Lady despised most. Standing behind her were Long Feihu and his sister Long Feifeng, both of whom had previously bullied Yun’er.

To the left of Madam Xu, another chair was occupied by a middle-aged woman, about the same age as Madam Xu, whose face appeared gentle and kind, though tinged with a faint sorrow. Opposite her sat Long Hanchun, the most outstanding sister of the Long family, whom Yun’er had also met before.

Seated further down was a much younger woman, beautiful and radiant, her bearing lively and cheerful, as if nothing troubled her heart.

As soon as they saw the Ninth Lady and Yun’er enter, their discussion ceased; all eyes were fixed on the newcomers. It was clear the Ninth Lady was at the heart of their deliberations.

Upon entering, the Ninth Lady held Yun’er’s hand and gestured toward the sorrowful-faced woman, introducing her: “Yun’er, this is my second sister-in-law, Madam Song.” Madam Song greeted her with a gentle smile. “Hello, Ninth Sister.”

The Ninth Lady then indicated the vibrant, lovely woman. “And this is my third sister-in-law, Madam Li.”

Madam Li smiled warmly at her. “Ninth Sister, it must have been a tiring journey.” She offered Yun’er a brief, friendly smile as well.

Yun’er noticed the gravity and solemnity in their expressions, and their indifference toward herself. Timid and uncertain, Yun’er dared not greet them, but stood silently at the Ninth Lady’s side, waiting to see what would unfold.

The atmosphere in the hall was heavy with tension, as if the Ninth Lady was about to lay everything bare before the family. No one spoke for a while. At last, Long Hanchun glanced at Madam Song and said, “Ninth Sister, you’ve just returned. We should be rejoicing in our reunion, not discussing unpleasant matters. But according to our eldest sister-in-law, you not only refuse to marry Young Master Zhao, you wish to marry someone else altogether. May I ask why?” She gestured slightly toward Yun’er.

The Ninth Lady, holding Yun’er’s hand, replied calmly, “It’s simple. He likes me, and I like him. I wish to marry the man I love. What is so strange about that? Some have long wished to see me married off, and now that I’ve decided to wed, what harm is there in it?”

Long Hanchun responded, “I have no objection to your marrying, but you should at least choose someone of equal status and background.”

The Ninth Lady smiled. “Sister, you’re not the one getting married. I like him, and I wish to marry him—that is my affair.”

Hearing these words, Long Hanchun felt a pang in her heart. Why had she never even had the chance to marry? How bitter her own fate was. The Ninth Lady’s words touched upon her most sensitive pain, rendering her momentarily speechless.

Madam Song, widow of the late Long Jian, had always tried to avoid offending anyone in the family. She kept her tone pleasant as she said, “Ninth Sister, none of us oppose your marriage. But as the Ninth Lady of the Long family, you must find someone suitable. If you wed a boy so much younger than yourself, it will not only damage your own reputation, but bring shame to the Long family as well. People may even mock you in the martial world. Even if you care nothing for yourself, you must think of the family’s honor.”

At this, Madam Xu, whose face had been like frost, interjected coldly, “If she cared at all for the Long family’s honor, she wouldn’t behave so recklessly. In her eyes, there is neither the mistress of the Long household nor the family’s good name.”

The Ninth Lady retorted, equally cold, “If you think I care nothing for the Long family, then cast me out. After all, some have long wished to be rid of me.”

Long Xing’er, seeing things grow more heated, tried to ease the conflict. The Ninth Lady and Madam Xu had always been at odds, and their quarrels were invariably sharp.

With a quick, conciliatory smile she said, “Don’t make this out to be more complicated than it is. Even if Ninth Sister wants to marry him, it’s not such a serious matter. Remember, years ago, the Leader of the Martial World, Hero Zhao, wished to marry a mere songstress! In the end he married the heroine Tang Xiaodie, and only then became the leader he was. Now, Ninth Sister merely says she’ll marry him—she hasn’t actually done so yet. Things haven’t reached an irreparable stage.”

Madam Xu replied coldly, “If nothing is done, it will be too late once things truly get out of hand.”

Madam Li interjected with a laugh, “Xing’er is right. There’s no need to take things so seriously. Even the emperor’s throne changes hands over time—what’s a mere engagement? My own old man once thought of taking a beautiful courtesan as a concubine, but I talked him out of it. Let’s leave it at that; there’s no need for such discord over a small matter.” Her words eased the tension in the hall.

Madam Xu saw through Madam Li’s intentions; her support for the Ninth Lady was a thinly veiled challenge to Xu’s own authority, using the Ninth Lady’s rebellion as a counterweight.

At that moment, Long Feihu suddenly spoke up, “Ninth Aunt, you want to marry this child—are you so sure he’ll have you? Why not ask him yourself?”

His words struck at Long Lengyue’s pride. She was determined to marry Yun’er, but if he were to refuse her in front of so many, what greater humiliation could there be?

She turned to Yun’er and asked, “Yun’er, tell everyone now, do you wish to marry me?”

Though Yun’er liked the Ninth Lady and was no coward, he was still a child. Faced with so many people and such a direct question, he flushed scarlet, lowered his head, and fidgeted with his sleeve, unable to utter a word.

Seeing his embarrassment, Madam Xu, Feihu, and Feifeng all wore mocking smiles.

The Ninth Lady, seeing Yun’er falter at this critical moment, and observing Madam Xu and her children’s ridicule, felt a bitter anger rise within her.

Yun’er saw the sorrow and helplessness hidden in the Ninth Lady’s loving gaze, and the scorn in Madam Xu’s party. He remembered all the kindness the Ninth Lady had shown him. Now she was willing to defy convention and family for his sake—how could he remain silent?

At last he could bear it no longer. He drew himself up, smiled brightly at the Ninth Lady, and declared in a clear voice, “As long as Sister Yue wishes to marry me, I, little Yun’er, would be truly honored to take her as my wife.”