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

Chapter 54 Seventh Sister-in-law finally figured it out

Second sister-in-law Chu Yueyao not only studies medicine but also takes care of the health of her family members.

She prepared different medicinal diets for each person based on their constitution and personally supervised the kitchen's preparation every day.

When Lin Chen went to see her, she was recording prescriptions in the pharmacy.

"Second sister-in-law, take a rest." Lin Chen handed her a cup of tea.

Chu Yueyao took it and smiled, "Not tired. Eighth Brother, you look great these days. It seems Fifth Sister is taking good care of you."

Lin Chenqian laughed: "Second sister-in-law is joking."

"I'm serious," Chu Yueyao said earnestly.

"Fifth Sister is shrewd and capable. With her helping you manage the business, you'll have a much easier time. Eighth Brother, you must treat her well."

"I will," Lin Chen said solemnly. "I will also treat my second sister-in-law and all my sisters-in-law well."

Chu Yueyao blushed slightly and lowered her head to arrange the medicinal herbs: "Eighth Brother is getting better and better at talking these days."

Third Sister-in-law Qin Shuyan has recently begun organizing the books in the mansion.

The Lin family library contains many rare and precious books, which she re-cataloged by category to make it easier for her family to access them.

When Lin Chen went to the library, Qin Shuyan was climbing a ladder to retrieve a book.

He quickly stepped forward to hold the ladder steady: "Third Sister-in-law, be careful."

Qin Shuyan looked down at him and smiled sweetly: "Eighth Brother, you've come at the right time. Help me get the top-of-the-line copy of 'The Geography of Tianyuan'."

Lin Chen took it down and handed it to her.

Qin Shuyan turned the book and pointed to one of the pages:

"Look, this records the distribution of the Baiyue tribes in southern Xinjiang. Sixth Sister said that Dongli might be up to something behind the scenes, and I want to know more about it."

Lin Chen asked in surprise, "Third Sister-in-law is also interested in military and political affairs?"

"It's not so much about interest, but learning more might be helpful to you in the future." Qin Shuyan closed the book.

"Eighth brother, the Lin family is not what it used to be. We need to know more in order to support this family."

Lin Chen was moved: "With Third Sister-in-law here, I feel at ease."

Fourth Sister-in-law Xiao Yulou has been rarely going out lately, and has started helping Seventh Sister-in-law train her bodyguards.

When Lin Chen went to the martial arts arena, Xiao Yulou was practicing his lightness skill.

She moved like a swallow, darting between the wooden stakes so fast that only a blur remained.

"Great!" Lin Chen clapped.

Xiao Yulou landed in front of him, her breathing steady: "Eighth Brother, you have great talent, don't waste your martial arts skills. Why don't you practice with your sister-in-law every day?"

Lin Chen shook his head: "Forget it, I'm lazy and can't get up. Besides, with Fourth Sister-in-law around, I don't need to learn these things."

Xiao Yulou rolled her eyes at him: "Can't you be a little more ambitious?"

"Having seven ambitious sisters-in-law is enough," Lin Chen said with a grin. "I'll just lie back."

Xiao Yulou laughed in anger and pretended to hit him.

Lin Chen quickly dodged, and the two laughed and joked for a while.

Fifth Sister-in-law Wen Ruoxi was still busy at Zuiyue Pavilion, but she no longer did everything herself.

She promoted several capable managers, and all she had to do was check the accounts and make decisions every day.

The rest of the time, apart from coordinating other industries, was spent with Lin Chen.

Sixth Sister-in-law Ye Qingying was still elusive, but she would send Lin Chen an intelligence briefing every day.

The content covers court affairs, news from the martial arts world, and developments in various countries; it is concise yet essential.

With this intelligence, Lin Chen had a thorough understanding of the world's affairs.

Seventh Sister-in-law Murong Xue often came to see Lin Chen, sometimes to discuss diplomatic etiquette, and sometimes to share interesting stories about Nanzhao.

The two grew closer and closer, only a thin veil separating them from a romantic relationship.

Lin Chen lived a very comfortable life.

Until seven days later.

……

In the evening, Lin Chen returned from the Tiger Legion camp. As soon as he entered the mansion, he saw Murong Xue waiting in front of the screen wall, looking anxious.

"Seventh Sister-in-law, what's wrong?"

Murong Xue handed over a letter:

"Uncle Wang just sent this message, saying... Dongli is supporting Baiyue from behind, and has even sent a Grandmaster to infiltrate Nanzhao with treacherous intentions!"

Lin Chen unfolded the letter and quickly scanned it.

The letter was written by Meng Chi, the national teacher of Nanzhao, saying that the Grand Master of Dongli, "Ghost Blade" Sato Ichiro, had infiltrated the capital of Nanzhao and was suspected of assassinating the King of Nanzhao.

The three grand masters of Nanzhao were already on guard, but fearing something might happen, they asked the Lin family for help.

"Demon Blade Sato Ichiro..." Lin Chen frowned.

"A Grandmaster in the early stage, skilled in assassination. Dongli is trying to disrupt the Southern Frontier and tie down the Dayan army."

"Eighth brother, what should we do?" Murong Xue's eyes were filled with tears. "Father... he..."

Lin Chen grasped her hand: "Seventh Sister-in-law, don't worry, leave this to me."

He summoned Yuan Tiangang and Li Chunfeng and handed them the letter.

After reading it, Yuan Tiangang said in a deep voice:

"My lord, this matter is troublesome. Although Sato Ichiro is at the early stage of Grandmaster, his assassination techniques are difficult to guard against."

Although the three grandmasters of Nanzhao could contend with them, it's easier to dodge a direct attack than a covert one.

Lin Chen pondered for a moment: "Mr. Li, if I send you to Nanzhao, can you guarantee the safety of the King of Nanzhao?"

Li Chunfeng nodded: "Sato Ichiro is nothing to fear, but... this matter involves two countries, so we must proceed discreetly."

"Then let's do it discreetly," Lin Chen decided.

"Mr. Li, you should go to Nanzhao in person. Remember, do not reveal your identity and deal with Sato Ichiro secretly."

"yes!"

Li Chunfeng accepted the order and left.

Murong Xue was moved to tears: "Eighth Brother, thank you..."

"Seventh Sister-in-law is talking nonsense again." Lin Chen wiped away her tears. "Your father is my elder; how can I sit idly by?"

He paused, then said:

"Seventh Sister-in-law, don't make this public for now. Just tell the outside world that the Nanzhao delegation will stay in the capital for a few more days to discuss trade details."

"I see."

That evening, Murong Xue went to the main house alone.

"Eighth brother, I..." she hesitated, unable to finish her sentence.

Lin Chen pulled her down to sit: "Seventh Sister-in-law, please speak frankly."

Murong Xue lowered her head, her voice barely audible:

"These days, my eighth brother has treated me very well... I know he's in a difficult position, but if... if he doesn't mind, I... I'm willing."

This was said subtly, but the meaning was clear.

Looking at her blushing face, Lin Chen felt a surge of tenderness in his heart and whispered:

"Seventh Sister-in-law, I'm not trying to make things difficult for you, but out of respect. All seven of you are good women, and I don't want to force any of you."

"I know." Murong Xue looked up, her eyes brimming with tears. "So... it was my own choice."

Their eyes met, and feelings began to stir within them.

Lin Chen slowly leaned down and kissed her lips.

Murong Xue's body trembled, then softened, and she gently wrapped her jade-like hands around his neck.

The kiss was tender and lingering until both of them were breathless before they parted.

"Seventh Sister-in-law..." Lin Chen's voice was hoarse.

"Call me Xue'er." Murong Xue leaned against him. "In private, call me Xue'er."

"Xue'er".

Murong Xue sighed contentedly, "Eighth brother, do you know? In the three years since I married into the Lin family, I have never felt so...happy."

"You'll be even happier in the future," Lin Chen promised. "I promise."

He picked up Murong Xue and carried her into the inner room.

Red candles flickered, and gauze curtains hung gently.

That night, the "Snow Plum Courtyard" next to Ningxiang Courtyard was full of spring.