Oh no! My grandmother made me shoulder the responsibility for eight households!

Chapter 90 Strengthening Kidneys and Improving Body

The morning sunlight streamed through the carved wooden windows and fell on the bed in the main house.

Lin Chen opened his eyes and stretched.

He slept alone last night, which finally allowed his body, which had been working tirelessly, to recover.

"System, check in," he muttered to himself habitually.

"Ding! Daily check-in successful!"

"Received: 3000 taels of silver"

"Received: [Item - Tranquil Tea] ×1 can (Mid-grade Profound level, regular consumption can calm the mind and soothe the spirit)"

Lin Chen got up, dressed, and looked at himself in the bronze mirror.

He has a rosy complexion, clear eyes, and a relaxed back, but men always strive for perfection.

"We need to get some good stuff from Hua Tuo," he muttered. "We have eight wives; we need to plan for the long term."

Hua Tuo, the divine physician at the peak of the Celestial Realm, has been living in seclusion at the Jishetang in the western market of the capital since he was summoned. He practices medicine with the cultivation level of an early Grandmaster and his reputation remains unknown.

After a quick wash and breakfast, Lin Chen strolled out of the mansion.

……

West Market, Jishetang.

The storefront is small, and the signboard is peeling.

The hall was filled with the aroma of medicine, and Hua Tuo, with his white hair and beard and ruddy complexion, was grinding medicine.

"Mr. Hua," Lin Chen said with a smile, bowing slightly.

Hua Tuo looked up, his eyes understanding, and rose to bow: "Your Majesty."

"Don't be shy, I'm here for a medical checkup." Lin Chen sat down opposite him.

Hua Tuo glanced at Lin Chen a few times and smiled:

"Your Majesty's complexion is rosy and your vital energy is abundant; what illness could you possibly have?"

"Well..." Lin Chen lowered his voice.

"The old gentleman is a miracle doctor, he should know... Men always want to be more vigorous, and with multiple wives at home, one must always plan ahead."

Hua Tuo understood and gestured for Lin Chen to extend his hand: "My lord, please relax and let me examine you."

Three fingers were placed on the pulse point, and a warm, gentle flow of vital energy, like spring water, entered the meridian.

After a moment, Hua Tuo withdrew his hand and smiled:

"Your Majesty has a solid foundation and abundant vital energy, like a dragon and tiger. However, your kidneys are slightly deficient, which is due to the recent increase in sexual activity. There is nothing to worry about."

"Is there any way to fix it?" Lin Chen's eyes lit up.

"Of course," Hua Tuo said, taking a jade bottle from his robes.

"This is the Dragon-Tiger Golden Elixir. Take one pill and you will have abundant energy and an unyielding erection for three days."

He then took out another jade bottle:

"This is a tonic powder for strengthening the body and nourishing the vital energy. Take one spoonful daily with warm water."

"Take this for seven consecutive days to strengthen the body's foundation and replenish vital energy, enhancing kidney essence, so that the emperor can enjoy ten women a night without tiring."

Lin Chen accepted the two jade bottles, overjoyed, exclaiming, "These are wonderful things! Thank you so much, sir!"

"You're too kind, my lord," Hua Tuo said again.

"I also have a set of Dragon Tiger Guiding Techniques. When combined with elixirs, the effect will be even better. My lord, you only need to practice it for a quarter of an hour every morning."

"Come on, everyone!" Lin Chen said hurriedly.

Hua Tuo took out a thin book and handed it to him:

"This technique uses true qi to circulate throughout the body, regulating yin and yang, so that the master's essence and qi can be continuously generated."

Lin Chen packed his things and was about to leave when he remembered something:

"By the way, sir, my fiancée, Su Xiaoxiao... could you please take a look at her when you have time? She's frail and doesn't know any martial arts."

"Your Majesty can simply bring her here," Hua Tuo nodded.

"Okay, I'll bring her then."

After saying that, Lin Chen left satisfied.

……

Back at the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, Lin Chen strolled leisurely toward his study.

Just as I reached the door, I saw Qin Shuyan walking towards me from the opposite side, carrying several booklets.

"Eighth Brother," she greeted him, her expression unchanged.

"Third Sister-in-law," Lin Chen said with a smile, "Where are we going?"

"I was looking for you." Qin Shuyan waved the booklet in her hand.

"You need to review the monthly accounts of the servants in the mansion, as well as the expenses of each courtyard."

"You don't need to ask me about this, right?" Lin Chen said helplessly, but pushed open the door.

"Come in."

The two entered the study, and Qin Shuyan placed the booklets on the desk and spread them out one by one:

"This is the expenditure of the various departments in the mansion last month, totaling 129,000 taels."

The expenses included 60,000 taels for guards, 8,200 taels for the kitchen, 32,000 taels for the daily expenses of each courtyard, 6,000 taels for the monthly stipend of servants, and repairs and maintenance...

She reported in an orderly manner, her voice clear and melodious, her points well-organized.

Lin Chen leaned back in his chair, listening casually, inwardly admiring the scene.

Third Sister-in-law is indeed skilled at managing household affairs; she handles these complex tasks with remarkable efficiency.

"Furthermore," Qin Shuyan turned to another page,

"After Miss Su from Xiyuan was admitted to the hospital, she purchased furniture, bedding, clothing, etc., which cost a total of 10,000 taels of silver."

Two maids, each receiving a monthly stipend of twenty taels, have already been recorded in the accounts.

"Mm." Lin Chen nodded. "Thank you for your hard work, Third Sister-in-law."

"It's my duty." Qin Shuyan closed the booklet, looked up at Lin Chen, and said.

"Eighth brother, are you... truly sincere towards Miss Su?"

Lin Chen raised an eyebrow: "Why is Third Sister-in-law asking this?"

"Just out of curiosity." Qin Shuyan lowered her head to organize the booklet.

"Miss Su is beautiful and talented, and comes from a good family. If Eighth Brother is only after something new..."

"Third Sister-in-law," Lin Chen interrupted her, stood up and walked to Qin Shuyan.

Do you think I'm that kind of person?

Her face flushed slightly, and she turned her head away.

"I don't know, Eighth Brother's thoughts... have always been hard to fathom."

"My thoughts are very simple." Lin Chen reached out and gently lifted her chin.

"I like Su Xiaoxiao, and I like all the sisters-in-law. Since I like them, I should marry them and treat them well. It's that simple."

Qin Shuyan's heart was racing, and her voice trembled slightly:

"Eighth brother... what you're saying... is so greedy."

"It's greed," Lin Chen laughed. "But I have the ability to be greedy, Third Sister-in-law, don't you think?"

Looking into his earnest eyes, Qin Shuyan felt a touch deep within her.

"Eighth brother..." she whispered.

"I initially agreed with my grandmother's suggestion; from the perspective of the family's survival, it was the best option, but..."

"But what?"

"But I don't want to be treated like merchandise, assigned to anyone."

Qin Shuyan mustered her courage and looked directly into Lin Chen's eyes.

"I want to know, what does Eighth Brother really think of me?"

Lin Chen smiled when he saw the rare emotion she showed.

"Third sister-in-law, listen carefully. I like you, not because of Grandmother's suggestion, nor because of the family's needs."

I love how you manage the household, how meticulously you organize the accounts, and how much you care about this family.

He paused, then said, "Qin Shuyan, you are not merchandise; you are the woman I, Lin Chen, desire. Are you satisfied with this answer?"

Qin Shuyan leaned against Lin Chen's chest, her nose tingling, and she forced back her tears: "Satisfied."

"And what about Third Sister-in-law?" Lin Chen looked down at her. "And what are your thoughts about me?"

Qin Shuyan remained silent for a long time before slowly saying:

"Eighth Brother, do you know how I initially viewed you?"

"What's your opinion?"

"I think you're a good-for-nothing wastrel," Qin Shuyan said honestly.

"I felt that my grandmother's suggestion was just a last resort, but... you've changed. You've started to take responsibility and start to show your talent."

She looked up, her eyes shining:

"I've seen how you handle things, and I've seen how gentle you are with your family."

Eighth brother, you are more outstanding than anyone imagined. It's hard for me not to be moved by someone like you.

Lin Chen smiled and lowered his head to kiss her lips.

The kiss was gentle and lingering, carrying the scent of books.

Qin Shuyan was initially a little stiff, but she quickly softened in his arms.

For a long time, the lips are divided.

Qin Shuyan, panting and blushing, said, "Eighth Brother... this is the study..."

"What's wrong with the study?" Lin Chen laughed. "Nobody dares to come in."

He picked her up and carried her to the soft couch inside the study.

Qin Shuyan exclaimed in surprise and quickly said, "Eighth Brother! It's daytime now..."

"What happened during the day?" Lin Chen placed her on the couch. "Third Sister-in-law, I've been waiting for this day for a long time."

Qin Shuyan looked into his eyes, then finally closed them and whispered, "Be gentle..."

The curtains fell.

……