There is something suspicious about this matter.

Old Madam Long laughed and said, “He may not know now, but you, Ninth Girl, can say anything you wish. As long as you teach him well, with his intelligence, there’s nothing he can’t learn. Don’t you agree?”

Little Yun’er had never dreamed that this seemingly muddled old lady would not only not oppose Miss Nine marrying him, but would even praise his future prospects. He thought to himself that it seemed Madam Long was the only one in the family who truly understood reason and had real insight.

When Miss Nine heard the Old Madam praising Yun, she quickly shot him a glance. Catching her cue, Yun’er promptly said, “Thank you for your kind words, Madam. I am unworthy of such praise. But may I ask if you approve of Miss Nine marrying me?”

The Old Madam smiled and replied, “Who could oppose a decision my Ninth Girl has made herself? Seeing how much she likes you, could I possibly refuse?”

Miss Nine was overjoyed at these words. She hurriedly took Yun’er’s hand, knelt before the Old Madam, and said, “Thank you, Madam, for granting our wish.”

The Old Madam laughed heartily as she returned to her seat. Seeing her approval, the others quickly came forward to offer their congratulations to Miss Nine and Yun’er.

Madam Li offered her congratulations to Miss Nine while also watching Madam Xu’s expression closely, thinking to herself, “You said you wouldn’t agree—let’s see if you keep your word.”

Now, Madam Xu could barely maintain her composure. She inwardly scoffed and cursed the Old Madam as a meddlesome old woman, but outwardly she still maintained a pleasant smile.

As the Old Madam watched the others congratulate Miss Nine, after a while she said, “Today is the thirtieth of the twelfth lunar month. According to custom, every year we hold a martial arts tournament on this day. This year, Xu’er and Chun’er will be in charge. Go and make the necessary arrangements!” Madam Xu and Long Hanchun quickly agreed and withdrew, soon followed by the rest.

On the way out, Yun’er said to Miss Nine with a smile, “I really thought the Old Madam would never agree. Who’d have guessed not only would she approve, but she’d even praise me? It seems the Old Madam is not just wise but also kind-hearted, and treats you well. I don’t understand why you were so afraid of her before, always saying she’d never consent. Isn’t everything going smoothly now?”

Miss Nine replied, “I find it strange too—why did the Old Madam agree so readily today? In the past, she even refused to let her own daughter marry. I really don’t understand.” As she spoke, a look of bafflement clouded her face.

Yun’er laughed and said, “Sister, if you don’t understand, then let it be. I know the reason—it’s simply because I’m too outstanding. That’s why she’s agreed to let you marry me. What’s so hard to understand about that?”

Miss Nine scolded, “Nonsense! Don’t flatter yourself.” Then, with a heavy heart, she added, “Even though the Old Madam has agreed, I still feel uneasy—something seems off.”

Yun’er chuckled and said, “My dear sister, there’s no need to worry. If the Old Madam hadn’t agreed, I’d understand your concerns. But now that she has, what’s left for us to worry about?”

Miss Nine said, “It’s precisely because things went so smoothly that I’m uneasy. It doesn’t feel normal. If the Old Madam had objected, I might not be so anxious.” Her face revealed her worry.

Yun’er laughed, “I really don’t understand your way of thinking. When others refuse, you worry. Now that they’ve agreed, you’re even more anxious. If you’re so concerned, why not just not marry me? I’d rather be a carefree beggar than a rich young master plagued by worries and fears.”

Miss Nine smiled, “I’m the one who’s worried—why should you be? Just enjoy your life as a noble young master. I’ll shoulder everything for you.”

Yun’er grinned, “Then I must thank Sister Long, my good wife.” Unable to restrain himself, he jumped up and hugged her neck, planting a kiss on her cheek.

Miss Nine immediately blushed scarlet and scolded, “You’re in the Long household! Can’t you behave?”

Yun’er laughed, “Yes, ma’am. I won’t do it again.” Then he added, “Wait, if I never do it again, how will I ever marry you?” Miss Nine laughed and scolded, “Imp! Such a sharp tongue for someone so young—aren’t you ashamed?”

The two of them walked on, chatting and laughing, when they ran into Long Hanxing. Seeing Miss Nine with Yun’er, Hanxing smiled and said, “Congratulations, Ninth Sister—you’ve finally gotten your wish and can marry the one you love. It seems the Old Madam favors you most. Let’s go take a look together.”

On the way, Yun’er asked, “What exactly is this martial arts tournament? Is it just a contest to pick the best fighter?”

Miss Nine smiled, “Ask Xing’er—she knows best.”

Long Hanxing, seeing Yun’er’s curiosity, explained, “The annual martial arts tournament selects the three most skilled disciples of the Long family each year. These three are then known as the Golden-Clad Warriors.”

As it turned out, the warriors guarding the Long family fell into two categories: the Silver-Clad Guards and the Iron-Clad Guards. The captains of these two groups were chosen from among the Golden-Clad Warriors.

The Long family had two teams of Silver-Clad Guards, one on the left and one on the right, and four teams of Iron-Clad Guards stationed at the cardinal directions—east, south, west, and north—each with a hundred members. Each martial arts tournament chose three of the most skilled disciples: one would lead the Silver-Clad Guards, and two would command the Iron-Clad Guards.

The previous captains would then leave the guard units to establish their own independent branches. Because these captains were highly capable and skilled, they could manage well on their own.

Yun’er and Hanxing made their way to the martial arts grounds in the rear garden. Yun’er saw that the arena was vast, ringed by flowers and trees.

By the time they arrived, the grounds were already crowded with people. Those of higher rank not only had the best spots but also enjoyed seats. Yun’er noticed that four chairs were arranged at the head of the arena, each already occupied.

In the center sat the Long family’s chief matron, Madam Xu. To her left, in the first seat, was Long Hanchun; next to Hanchun sat the second matron, Madam Song. The first seat to Madam Xu’s right was empty; in the second seat to the right sat the third matron, Madam Li—clearly indicating Li’s lower status among them.