Old Madam Long
Madame Xu was inwardly seething. She understood that Long Hanxing sympathized with and wanted to help Long Lengyue because the two had always been close since childhood; Madame Li, on the other hand, was deliberately supporting Long Lengyue to oppose her, seeking to undermine her authority; Long Hanchun and Madame Song were thinking of the greater good, trying to minimize the issue and prevent the conflict from escalating.
Madame Xu couldn’t help but resent the ninth girl for not listening to her, causing her own prestige to plummet. So she said, “Fine, I’ll report this to the Grand Matron and see how she handles it. If she thinks I haven’t done well, I’ll resign, who cares.”
The ninth young lady replied mischievously, “You’ve already agreed just now, you can’t go back on your word now.” Xiaoyun could only utter a surprised “Ah” and was left speechless.
On the third day, the eve of the New Year, Xiaoyun had just gotten up and finished breakfast when Long Xing’er came in to speak with the ninth young lady.
It turned out that yesterday, after hearing Madame Xu report that the ninth young lady wanted to marry Xiaoyun, the Grand Matron sent Xing’er to summon the ninth young lady to her chambers.
Upon hearing she was to see the Grand Matron, the ninth young lady felt a wave of nervousness. In the Long household, she feared nothing—except one person: the Grand Matron. Yet since she had made her decision, she resolved to press forward no matter the resistance. Steeling herself, she took Xiaoyun along to the Grand Matron’s quarters.
On the way, Xiaoyun noticed her grave expression and asked quietly, “Are you afraid the Grand Matron won’t approve?” The ninth young lady nodded, “I can’t think of a reason she’d agree.”
The Grand Matron, mother of Long Wei and the highest authority in the Long family, was respected and feared by all. She was renowned for her shrewdness and strictness in managing the household.
It was said in the martial world that back then, the patriarch’s triumph over the Bai family and the founding of Dragon Manor owed half its success to her. After the patriarch passed away, Long Wei carried forth the family’s legacy. The Long family maintained its former glory—and even surpassed it—largely thanks to her.
Legend had it that without the Grand Matron, the Long family would never have reached its present heights, underscoring just how pivotal her role was.
The ninth young lady brought Xiaoyun at last to the Grand Matron’s chambers. Xiaoyun saw the room was already filled with people paying their respects. The Grand Matron sat high on a massive tiger-skin covered chair, with four beautiful maids standing behind her.
She was the late patriarch’s wife and birth mother to Long Wei and Long Hanchun. Elegant and dignified, though well past sixty, her eyes were still sharp and lively. Even the fearless ninth young lady felt an invisible pressure in her presence, unable to relax.
Hand in hand, the ninth young lady and Xiaoyun knelt before the Grand Matron, greeted her, and rose.
The Grand Matron seemed to notice an unfamiliar boy among those paying respects. She looked at Xiaoyun and asked, “Who is this young lad? I don’t believe I’ve seen him before.”
The Grand Matron’s question flustered the ninth young lady; she understood that Madame Xu had surely briefed her about the situation and was deliberately asking. While she could boldly declare her intent to marry Xiaoyun before others, she found herself tongue-tied before the Grand Matron.
She glanced up and saw Madame Xu’s expression brimming with satisfaction. Madame Li, seated just below the Grand Matron, appeared oblivious, her gaze fixed on her slender fingers. Only Long Hanxing watched the pair with a hint of concern.
Seeing this, Long Lengyue hardened her resolve and spoke, “Grand Matron, this is Xiaoyun. He was once my friend; later, I grew fond of him and wish to marry him, so I brought him here.”
Such candor from the ninth young lady astonished everyone, even the Grand Matron, who soon smiled kindly and said, “Oh, so that’s how it is.”
She beckoned to Xiaoyun, “Young man, could you walk a few steps so this old woman may get a proper look at you?”
Xiaoyun was a little apprehensive. He glanced at the ninth young lady, who nodded slightly. Bracing himself, Xiaoyun stepped forward.
The Grand Matron rose slowly from her chair, two maids promptly supporting her. Guided by their hands, she came before Xiaoyun and examined him closely. Then she burst out laughing, “Young man, you are quite handsome. Your future promises much. No wonder the proud and spirited ninth girl has taken a liking to you. Her judgment is indeed excellent.”
The Grand Matron’s words left the ninth young lady both surprised and delighted. Her cheeks flushed as she replied bashfully, “Grand Matron, please don’t tease me. He doesn’t know much of anything.”