"Greetings, Auntie!" Tie Xiong exclaimed in delight. He hurried forward and cupped his fists respectfully in salute. Seeing this, Zhang Hao also quickly stepped forward, bowed with cupped fists, and said respectfully, "Greetings, Auntie!"
Li Jing frowned slightly, clearly displeased. "Xiong'er, why were you fighting with others?"
Before Tie Xiong could explain himself, a voice rang out:
"Madam Gao, I am Zhang Cheng, chief of the 'Dockside Clan.' Today, I have brought my son here to formally propose marriage!"
Li Jing was instantly stunned. "A marriage proposal?"
At that moment, another voice followed:
"Madam Gao, I am Tie Xin, chief of the 'Huaiyang Clan.' Today, I too have brought my son to propose marriage. The matter arose rather suddenly, and thus we were unable to notify your esteemed clan in advance. If there has been any breach of etiquette, I ask your forgiveness."
At this time, Gao Tai, chief of the Huai'an Clan, stepped forward with a hearty laugh.
"My dear, today Chief Zhang Cheng of the Dockside Clan and Chief Tie Xin of the Huaiyang Clan both came seeking our Qing'er's hand in marriage. However, since you were not in the clan headquarters, I dared not make such an important decision on my own. Therefore, I arranged for the two young masters to compete in martial arts so I could observe their abilities. After all, whoever becomes the son-in-law of the Huai'an Clan must possess exceptional martial skill if he is to be worthy of becoming our honored son-in-law."
In truth, Gao Tai was quite pleased. Both clans were major powers within the canal transport world and were well-matched in status to the Huai'an Clan. Seeing the sincerity of the two chiefs, he was delighted inwardly. Yet with his wife and daughter absent from the clan at the time, and unwilling to offend either side, he devised this martial contest to test the young men's abilities first.
After all, those who traveled the rivers and canals frequently encountered ruthless bandits and violent troublemakers. Thus, the standards for choosing a husband for his daughter were exceptionally strict. In many ways, it reflected the practical realities of selecting a son-in-law within the great transport clans of the martial world.
Gao Tai had long resolved to find a worthy husband for his daughter.
After hearing everything, Li Jing immediately said, "That may all be well and good, but we should also ask Qing'er what she thinks!"
At that moment, Gao Manqing entered the great courtyard, leading Li Jian and his two companions inside. Glancing toward Tie Xiong and Zhang Hao, she asked softly,
"Young Masters… may I ask what business brings you to our Gao residence today?"
The moment the two young men heard her speak, their hearts bloomed with joy.
Chief Zhang Cheng of the Dockside Clan and Chief Tie Xin of the Huaiyang Clan both gazed upon Gao Manqing with admiration. Her fair skin, sweet smile, delicate features, and graceful, refined bearing made her instantly lovable in the eyes of all who beheld her.
Zhang Hao hurried to answer first.
"Qingqing, today I begged my father, Chief Zhang of the Dockside Clan, to come here and formally propose marriage. If my actions have been presumptuous, I ask your forgiveness."
Tie Xiong shot Zhang Hao a sidelong glare before immediately adding,
"Qingqing, when I heard that this fellow Zhang Hao intended to propose marriage today, I hurriedly begged my father to prepare betrothal gifts and come at once. Otherwise, I feared he would gain the advantage before me."
The two youths were utterly infatuated, truly meeting an equal rival in love. Their passion and determination were evenly matched.
Yet to everyone's surprise, Gao Manqing gently shook her head.
"I am deeply grateful for the affection both young masters have shown me. However, today my mother and I encountered the Jiangnan Twin Fiends and suffered greatly at their hands. We are both utterly exhausted in body and spirit. At present, I only wish to return to my room and rest. I truly have no heart to discuss marriage at this time. I ask the two young masters to please return."
The moment those present heard mention of the Jiangnan Twin Fiends attacking Madam Gao and her daughter, everyone was greatly alarmed.
Gao Tai immediately noticed Li Jian and his companions standing nearby and urgently asked,
"My dear… were these three heroes the ones who rescued you?"
Li Jing nodded.
"Indeed. Had these heroes not intervened, Qing'er and I would surely have fallen into the bandits' hands."
Gao Tai was shocked.
"Our clan has no grudge against the Jiangnan Twin Fiends. Were they attempting to kidnap you for ransom?"
Gao Manqing spoke up through tears.
"Father, Mother originally intended to pay them off to avoid disaster, but the Jiangnan Twin Fiends demanded ten thousand taels in ransom. Mother was furious, yet we were no match for their gang…"
As she spoke, tears streamed down her cheeks.
Gao Tai cried out in alarm, "My dear, were you injured?"
At this point, Li Jing could no longer hold back her emotions. Tears welled in her eyes as she said,
"Had those heroes not saved us, Qing'er and I would certainly have fallen into the hands of the villains!"
Originally, Gao Tai had intended to discuss the marriage proposals with his wife. But now, all such thoughts vanished from his mind. Gently patting Li Jing on the shoulder, he said softly,
"My dear, you have suffered greatly."
With that, he walked toward the center of the courtyard and respectfully cupped his fists toward Chief Zhang of the Dockside Clan and Chief Tie of the Huaiyang Clan.
"Thank you, esteemed chiefs, for traveling so far to visit us with such sincerity. Yet unfortunate circumstances have arisen within our clan today, and I fear we will be unable to properly receive you. I must ask both chiefs and the two young masters to forgive us and return for now."
An awkward atmosphere settled over the courtyard. The two clans had come in good faith to propose marriage, only to encounter such a calamity involving the Jiangnan Twin Fiends.
At this moment, Gao Manqing also stepped forward and bowed gracefully.
"Honored Uncles, honored elder brothers, thank you all for making this long journey. Manqing offers her sincerest apologies for today's inconvenience and hopes you will forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality."
Not only was Gao Manqing renowned for her beauty, but she also possessed elegance, intelligence, and refined grace. Her cultured and gentle demeanor inspired admiration in all who met her. Seeing her personally step forward to apologize with such humility and courtesy melted away much of the disappointment in everyone's hearts.
Chief Zhang Cheng glanced at Zhang Hao before cupping his fists and saying,
"Madam and your daughter are both exhausted in body and spirit and should properly rest and recover. We shall not disturb you further. We take our leave."
Gao Manqing gracefully returned the salute with utmost courtesy as Zhang Cheng and his party turned and departed.
Chief Tie Xin likewise pulled his son Tie Xiong forward and bowed.
"In that case, Tie shall not disturb Madam and Miss Gao any longer. We too shall take our leave."
Again, Gao Manqing bowed politely in return.
Soon, both clans departed with their followers. Gao Tai personally escorted the guests to the gates of the estate, bowing repeatedly and apologizing continuously to the two chiefs until their parties had finally disappeared from sight.