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

Chapter 109 On the Eve of the Crown

On the third night, at Shuxiangyuan.

Qin Shuyan had already prepared tea and snacks, and the account books were neatly arranged on the table—although it was just for show.

When Lin Chen entered the room, she was making tea, her movements elegant and composed.

"Third Sister-in-law." Lin Chen sat down opposite her.

"Eighth Brother is here?" Qin Shuyan looked up and smiled. "Have some tea first. This is this year's pre-rain Longjing tea."

The aroma of tea wafted through the air, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

After drinking tea, Qin Shuyan opened the account book: "Eighth brother, this is the budget details for the coming-of-age ceremony. Please take a look."

Lin Chen glanced at it: "I trust Third Sister-in-law to handle things, no need to look."

I thought to myself, "Can't they just get straight to the point? Why all this fuss?"

"That won't do, we still need to see what we're supposed to see." Qin Shuyan pointed to one of the items.

"For example, this banquet has 300 tables, with a standard of 300 gold coins per table. I think it could be raised to 500 gold coins, after all, it's a Duke's coming-of-age ceremony, it can't be too stingy."

"It's fine as long as Third Sister-in-law makes the decision."

Qin Shuyan mentioned a few more items, and Lin Chen nodded in agreement with them all.

Finally, she closed the ledger and said softly, "Eighth Brother, now that we've finished discussing the accounts, let's talk about personal matters."

Lin Chen knew the main topic was about to be discussed.

"Please speak, Third Sister-in-law."

"Eighth Brother, I'm not as straightforward as Fourth Sister, nor as gentle as Second Sister," Qin Shuyan said, looking at him with unwavering determination.

"But I am also a daughter-in-law of the Lin family, and I also want to have my own children. I am happy for my sister-in-law who is pregnant, but I am also envious."

She paused for a moment, then said, "I know you're busy, so I won't rush you, but... could you give me a definite answer on when it will be my turn?"

"Well, here I am!" Lin Chen grasped her hand.

"Third sister-in-law, I promised you, and I will definitely keep my promise."

I have a dual cultivation technique that's good for regulating the body. Would you like to learn it?

Qin Shuyan blushed: "Dual cultivation? Like Fourth Sister?"

"Yes, but everyone's constitution is different, and the way the cultivation techniques work also varies," Lin Chen said.

"Third sister-in-law is meticulous and should learn it quickly. Moreover, this technique can improve your cultivation level, which will also benefit you."

Qin Shuyan nodded, blushing.

"Okay, I'll learn. I'm willing to learn as long as it helps the Lin family and my eighth brother."

That night, in the Book Fragrance Garden, Lin Chen taught the "Dragon and Phoenix Harmony Technique" for the second time.

Qin Shuyan studied very diligently. Although she was not as fast as Xiao Yulou, she was meticulous in her studies.

Afterwards, she leaned against Lin Chen's chest and whispered:

"Eighth Brother, this technique... is truly amazing. I feel warm all over, and even my mind is much clearer. I should be able to check accounts much faster in the future."

Lin Chen chuckled in surprise: "Third Sister-in-law, are you using dual cultivation as a stimulant?"

"Why not?" Qin Shuyan asked playfully, a rare occurrence for her.

"Anyway, it's good for both body and mind, Eighth Brother, let's practice it often from now on, okay?"

"...Okay...I'll listen to Third Sister-in-law."

……

On the fourth night, at Anxiang Pavilion.

Ye Qingying prepared some tea and didn't waste any time.

Lin Chen arrived, and the two sat facing each other drinking tea. The atmosphere was quiet but not awkward.

"Sixth Sister-in-law, tonight..." Lin Chen spoke first.

"Eighth Brother, I know the sisters are all learning that martial arts technique." Ye Qingying was very direct.

"I want to learn too, but I'm not in a hurry. You can teach me at your own pace."

Lin Chen nodded: "Okay, let's begin."

Ye Qingying studied the most diligently and with the most focus.

She was already a mid-stage Grandmaster martial artist, and under the guidance of the cultivation technique, her true energy flowed smoothly like clouds and water.

After a night of cultivation, her cultivation level improved even further.

Afterwards, she rarely showed a smile:

"Eighth Brother, this technique is indeed excellent. I feel my true energy is more condensed, and even my senses are sharper."

"That's good." Lin Chen nodded in agreement.

"Then I will try my best to spend time practicing with my sixth sister-in-law in the future, which will greatly benefit her cultivation."

"Hmm." Ye Qingying nodded, then suddenly remembered something.

"By the way, Eighth Brother, you should visit Little Sister more often. She may not say it, but she must be feeling terrible inside."

Lin Chen felt a warmth in his heart: "Thank you for reminding me, Sixth Sister-in-law. I'll go tomorrow."

Lin Chen calculated the time and realized that he should go to Ningxiang Courtyard and Xuemei Courtyard next.

Although he hadn't arranged a specific time with his fifth and seventh sisters-in-law, he couldn't show favoritism to either of them.

……

On the afternoon of the fifth day, Lin Chen took the initiative to go to Ningxiang Courtyard.

Wen Ruoxi was looking at the account books when she saw him arrive. She exclaimed with delight, "Eighth Brother, what brings you here?"

"I missed Fifth Sister-in-law, so I came." Lin Chen sat down beside her. "What are you looking at?"

"The accounts for Zuiyue Pavilion." Wen Ruoxi put down the account book.

"Eighth Brother, the Zuiyuexuan restaurant in the South City is almost finished with renovations. I'm wondering if we should open one in the East Market and one in the West Market as well?"

"Fifth Sister-in-law, that's fine with me."

Wen Ruoxi analyzed:

"In the southern part of the city, I plan to position it as a mid-range market."

The one in the East Market is more upscale; it caters specifically to dignitaries and important figures.

The one in the West Market is more approachable, catering to ordinary martial artists; this way, we can both expand our influence and make more money.

Lin Chen nodded: "Fifth Sister-in-law is very thoughtful, let's do it this way."

"Eighth brother is so good." Wen Ruoxi smiled and leaned on his shoulder.

"By the way, have you been very tired lately? You've seemed listless these past few days."

"A little," Lin Chen said honestly.

"My sisters-in-law have all made appointments, and I have to deal with them one by one."

The main problem was that I was mentally exhausted. My sisters-in-law were too enthusiastic and also too greedy for food.

Wen Ruoxi said with heartache:

"Eighth brother, don't push yourself too hard. Your health is the most important thing. Your sisters will understand."

"Therefore, you can rest at Ningxiang Courtyard tonight. I'll give you a massage so you can relax."

Lin Chen felt a warmth in his heart: "Thank you, Fifth Sister-in-law."

That night, Lin Chen unusually refrained from "cultivation" and simply enjoyed Wen Ruoxi's tender care.

Massage, medicinal baths... Fifth Sister-in-law took good care of him, making him feel very comfortable.

Before going to sleep, Wen Ruoxi whispered:

"Eighth Brother, I'd like to learn that martial arts technique too, but there's no rush. Let's talk about it after you've rested."

"Alright, I'll teach you after the coming-of-age ceremony."

"Okay, go to sleep."

……

The following evening, at Xuemei Courtyard.

Murong Xue prepared Nanzhao snacks and flower tea. Lin Chen arrived, and the two sat facing each other, enjoying tea and chatting casually.

"Seventh Sister-in-law, what news has there been from Nanzhao recently?" Lin Chen asked.

"My father sent a letter, saying he is very grateful for the Lin family's protection and that he sent a batch of local specialties over," Murong Xue said softly.

"Father-in-law, you're too kind," Lin Chen said with a smile.

"However, Nanzhao is rich in medicinal herbs and spices, which will also benefit us. We'll have Fifth Sister-in-law negotiate the cooperation; she's an expert in business."

"Okay." Murong Xue nodded.

"Eighth brother, how are the preparations for the coming-of-age ceremony going? Is there anything I can help with?"

"Everything is ready, Seventh Sister-in-law, don't worry." Lin Chen looked at her gentle appearance, and his heart stirred.

"Seventh Sister-in-law, would you like to learn the dual cultivation technique?"

Murong Xue blushed: "I...can I learn it too? I don't know any martial arts..."

"Of course," Lin Chen said. "This technique doesn't discriminate based on physique; on the contrary, it can help you condense your true energy and step into the path of martial arts."

"Then... I'll learn," Murong Xue said softly. "As long as it can help Eighth Brother and the Lin family, I'm willing to do anything."

That night, the harmonious sounds of dragons and phoenixes echoed through Xuemei Courtyard for half the night.

Although Murong Xue was not skilled in martial arts, her pure heart made it easier for her to learn.

Guided by the cultivation technique, she actually condensed a trace of true qi within her body, officially stepping into the threshold of martial arts.

Afterwards, she exclaimed in surprise, "Eighth Brother, I felt it... true energy!"

"Congratulations, Seventh Sister-in-law," Lin Chen said with a smile.

"I'll find you a martial arts manual another day; if you practice it well, it can prolong your life."

"Okay, thank you, Eighth Brother. But I think this is good enough. Shall we do it again?"

"Well……"

……

On the eve of his coming-of-age ceremony, Lin Chen, who had been working day and night, finally "visited" all his sisters-in-law and taught them the "Dragon and Phoenix Harmony Technique".

Although he was tired, he felt it was all worthwhile seeing that his sisters-in-law were in much better spirits.

In the study, Yuan Tiangang reported on the final preparations for tomorrow's ceremony.

"My lord, everything is ready. The ceremony will begin at 7:00 AM tomorrow and conclude at 9:00 AM."

His Majesty has confirmed his attendance, and Her Highness the Eldest Princess will also be present. Furthermore, he paused,

"There's been some unusual activity at the Purple Robe Tower. Yin Jiuyou might emerge from seclusion in the next few days."

Lin Chen nodded: "Understood. Increase security during the coming-of-age ceremony and make sure nothing goes wrong."

"Yes."

After Yuan Tiangang left, Lin Chen sat alone in the study, looking at the moonlight outside the window.

He will be an adult tomorrow.

With seven or eight wives, and possibly several children soon, the Lin family is finally going to prosper.

Although it was a bit tough, he was very satisfied.