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

Chapter 62 A Comfortable Life

As time went by, Lin Chen's life became increasingly comfortable due to his second sister-in-law's fall from grace.

On this day, the morning light was just right, and the breakfast hall of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion was filled with a warm atmosphere.

When Lin Chen slowly walked in, his grandmother Lin Qinshi and mother Su Wanqing were already sitting in the main seats, with his seven sisters-in-law sitting on either side.

The table was laden with all sorts of breakfast items—steamed buns from Jiangnan, meat pies from the North, rice cakes from Nanzhao, and medicinal porridge specially prepared by Chu Yueyao.

"Chen'er is here." Su Wanqing smiled and waved. "Sit down quickly, we've been waiting for you."

Lin Chen sat down to the left of his grandmother, grinning as he said:

"Greetings, Grandmother and Mother. Good morning, sisters-in-law."

The old lady glared at him: "You get up before the sun is high in the sky, and you still have the nerve to say it's early."

"I was just handling official business last night," Lin Chen lied without batting an eye, casually picking up a small steamed bun.

Chu Yueyao sat opposite him, her face flushed slightly upon hearing this, and she lowered her head to drink her porridge.

Lin Chen saw this and chuckled inwardly.

"Official business?" the old lady scoffed. "I bet you went to the brothel to listen to music."

"How could that be?" Lin Chen protested. "Your grandson is a respectable man now, commanding the Tiger Legion and managing the Imperial City Guard. He's very busy."

These words made even the usually serious Liu Ruyan, the eldest sister-in-law, smile.

"You're such a chatterbox." The old lady laughed, then her expression turned serious.

"Chen'er, it's okay to have fun, but be careful not to overdo it. There are many people in the court watching you, so be cautious in your actions."

"Grandson understands."

After breakfast, the old lady and Su Wanqing went to the Buddhist hall to chant scriptures.

Lin Chen stretched and was about to go to the study to relax when his fourth sister-in-law, Xiao Yulou, called him back.

"Eighth Brother, you promised last night that you'd spar with me today!" Xiao Yulou's eyes gleamed.

Lin Chen smiled wryly: "Fourth Sister-in-law, I just finished eating..."

"We just finished eating, it's a good time to stretch our legs!" Xiao Yulou said, pulling him towards the training ground without further ado.

The sisters-in-law all laughed and went about their own business.

Chu Yueyao glanced at Lin Chen with a smile in her eyes, then turned and went to the pharmacy.

On the training ground, Xiao Yulou tossed Lin Chen a wooden sword:

"Come on, let me see how much energy you have left after 'handling official business' last night."

Lin Chenqian laughed and accepted the sword to fight.

After exchanging more than fifty blows, Lin Chen still suppressed his cultivation to the first rank, making it difficult for him to gain the upper hand against Xiao Yulou.

In the end, he narrowly won with a move called "Swallow Piercing the Clouds," his wooden sword striking Xiao Yulou's shoulder.

"Fourth Sister-in-law, you flatter me." Lin Chen sheathed his sword and smiled.

Xiao Yulou protested, "That move you just made...did you steal my lightness skill?"

"Fourth Sister-in-law's lightness skill is exquisite. I watched it for a few moments and gained some insight." Lin Chen said without changing his expression, "This is called innate talent."

"Pah!" Xiao Yulou laughed and scolded, "You're just being glib. But Eighth Brother, your swordsmanship has indeed improved a lot recently."

"Of course," Lin Chen said proudly. "I'm a genius."

The two left the training ground chatting and laughing.

Xiao Yulou was going to check on a newly purchased estate outside the city, so Lin Chen returned to his study.

Yuan Tiangang was already waiting in the study.

"My lord, there's been progress on the matter of the canal transport in Jiangnan," Yuan Tiangang handed over a secret report.

Lin Chen took it and lazily leaned back in his chair to read it.

The secret report was sent back from Jiangnan by Zhang Qing, one of the Eight Great Vajras known as "Cloud Piercing Arrow." It detailed the recent activities of the Canal Gang and evidence of their dealings with certain officials.

"The leader of the Canal Gang is Hong Tianba, a late-stage Grandmaster. He has four Grandmaster elders, twelve hall masters, and six thousand followers," Lin Chen read aloud.

"Behind him is Zhou Ming, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue... Tsk, it's the Ministry of Revenue again."

"Zhou Ming was once a subordinate of the Second Prince, but after the Second Prince fell from power, he switched allegiance to the Prime Minister," Yuan Tiangang said.

"This man was greedy and colluded with the canal gang, taking 30% of the profits."

Is the evidence conclusive?

"Zhang Qing has obtained copies of the account books and correspondence," Yuan Tiangang said. "We can act at any time."

Lin Chen pondered for a moment:

"Don't rush to act. The canal gang has been entrenched in Jiangnan for many years and has a wide reach."

"Once I've dealt with all the other matters in Jiangnan, I'll uproot it completely."

"Our lord is wise."

"Oh, right," Lin Chen remembered something, "how is Hua Tuo doing?"

"I have been practicing medicine at Jishetang in the West Market for three days now, and my reputation is gradually growing," Yuan Tiangang said.

"Yesterday he also cured an old wound of an old general in the Ministry of War. Now many high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital want him to treat their illnesses."

Lin Chen smiled: "That's good. Let him manage it slowly; it will be useful in the future."

After Yuan Tiangang left, Lin Chen dealt with some trivial matters in the study.

The main tasks were to review the training reports of the Tiger Legion and approve a few routine documents from the Imperial City Guard.

These tasks were effortless for him; he leisurely ate grapes while reviewing them.

At noon, Fifth Sister-in-law Wen Ruoxi returned from Zuiyue Pavilion, bringing him some newly released pastries.

"Eighth Brother, try this jade cake. It's a new creation by a chef from Jiangnan." Wen Ruoxi placed the food box on the table, her eyes filled with anticipation.

Lin Chen picked up a piece and tasted it; it was refreshingly sweet without being cloying, and melted in his mouth.

"It's delicious. Thank you so much, Fifth Sister-in-law."

Wen Ruoxi sat down beside him and said softly:

"Zuiyuexuan is currently very profitable. I'm thinking of opening another branch in the east of the city, specifically for female customers. What do you think?"

"Fifth Sister-in-law, you can make the decisions," Lin Chen said with a smile. "You know more about business than I do."

"You're just lazy," Wen Ruoxi said playfully, her eyes filled with sweetness.

"By the way, Her Highness the Princess came again today. She listened to three pieces before leaving. She seemed to really like Mr. Bai's musical skills."

Lin Chen nodded: "It's normal for Her Highness the Princess to enjoy listening to the zither, given her refined nature. Please keep an eye on Mr. Bai and make sure no one disturbs her peace."

"I see."

The two chatted for a while longer, exchanging sweet nothings, before Wen Ruoxi left, blushing.

In the afternoon, Lin Chen took a short nap and then went to the military camp after waking up.

The Tiger Legion's training is progressing smoothly.

Lin Chen toured the area and was quite satisfied.

At this rate, we can easily deliver an elite force in three months.

"My lord," Zhao Zilong reported.

"I plan to conduct our first joint training exercise next month, with all eight battalions working together to practice charging into battle."

"Granted." Lin Chen nodded. "Just let me know what you need."

"Thank you, my lord!"

It was still early when we left the military camp.

Lin Chen thought for a moment and then had the carriage head towards the West Market.