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

Chapter 110 Crowning

June 8th.

At the beginning of the Yin hour, before dawn, the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion was already brightly lit.

When Yuan Tiangang "invited" Lin Chen out of bed, he was completely stunned.

"My lord, today is the eighth day, the coming-of-age ceremony." Yuan Tiangang, dressed in a black ceremonial robe, stood before the bed, his voice calm.

"At the exact hour of Mao (5-7 AM), we begin bathing and changing clothes; at the hour of Chen (7-9 AM), we welcome guests; and at the hour of Si (9-11 AM), we begin the formal ceremony."

The Minister of Rites, Lord Su, sent someone last night to remind me to be on time.

Lin Chen rubbed his eyes and sat up, looking at the pitch-black sky outside the window:

"Uncle is in such a hurry, it's not even dawn yet..."

"That's the proper etiquette." Yuan Tiangang handed over a hot water towel.

"My lord, please wash up first. Breakfast has been prepared in the kitchen; it is all light and easy to digest."

Lin Chen reluctantly got up.

He slept late at Ningxiang Courtyard last night, and his eyelids are still drooping.

But there was no other way; the coming-of-age ceremony was a major life event, and no matter how tired I was, I had to persevere.

After washing up, he changed into a specially made plain-colored undergarment and went to the dining hall for breakfast.

The matriarch and Su Wanqing were already there. Upon seeing him arrive, the matriarch immediately gave him instructions:

"Chen'er, there are many formalities to attend to today, so you must be on your toes."

"When you bathe and change clothes later, officials from the Ministry of Rites will be present to give you guidance; you must study diligently."

"Grandson knows." Lin Chen took a sip of porridge. "Grandmother, Mother, you don't need to get up so early."

"Today is your big day, how can we sleep?" Su Wanqing said gently with a smile.

"By the way, Ruyan and the others have already gotten up and are preparing in their respective courtyards."

Don't worry, Shuyan has arranged everything perfectly; nothing will go wrong.

Lin Chen nodded. With his third sister-in-law around, he really didn't need to worry about things in the manor.

After breakfast, at exactly 5:00 AM, the master of ceremonies from the Ministry of Rites arrived on time.

……

The bathing area was set up in a special clean room in the mansion. According to ancient etiquette, one had to bathe with fragrant water to cleanse the body and mind.

Lin Chen was surrounded by a group of officials from the Ministry of Rites, and the process proceeded according to procedure.

The fragrant soup is made by simmering dozens of spices and herbs, and its aroma is refreshing amidst the rising steam.

Lin Chen soaked in the bathtub, listening to the master of ceremonies reciting blessings in the outer room, and felt drowsy.

"Lin Chen, son of the Lin family, is coming of age today, inheriting the virtues of his ancestors and continuing the family business..." The master of ceremonies' voice rose and fell in cadence.

Lin Chen thought to himself: This wording is really official.

After bathing, changing clothes becomes even more tedious.

From the inner lining to the middle garment, and then to the outer robe, each layer of clothing has its own specific requirements.

Finally, she put on a specially made Xuanduan robe—mainly black, with gold emblems embroidered on the cuffs and lapels, making it solemn and luxurious.

After changing his clothes, the master of ceremonies led him to the main hall and began to explain the process of the capping ceremony.

"The capping ceremony consists of three parts: first, the addition of a black cloth cap; second, the addition of a leather cap; and third, the addition of a noble cap. Each addition is accompanied by a congratulatory remark, which must be received while kneeling," the master of ceremonies explained in detail.

"After the three additions, you will receive your courtesy name. Minister Su of the Ministry of Rites will bestow it upon you, after which you will pay respects to your elders and receive congratulations from your guests..."

Lin Chen was overwhelmed by the rules; there were more than he had imagined.

"Duke, have you noted everything down?" the master of ceremonies asked.

"I think... I've got it down," Lin Chen mumbled.

The master of ceremonies, sensing his perfunctory attitude, said nothing more, only stating:

"I will be there to give you a reminder; you just need to follow my instructions."

At the beginning of Chen Shi (7-9 AM), everything was ready.

Lin Chen stood in the main hall, looking at himself in the mirror—wearing a black robe, a jade belt around his waist, his hair neatly styled even though he wasn't wearing a crown, and his handsome face carrying a hint of languor.

If it weren't for that formal attire, he would have looked more like a young nobleman going to a poetry gathering.

"My lord," Yuan Tiangang entered through the side door.

"The guests have begun to arrive. Minister Su and his family have arrived at the front hall and are being received by the Old Madam and the Third Madam."

"Uncle's here?" Lin Chen's spirits lifted. "I'll go see him."

"No!" Yuan Tiangang stopped him.

According to etiquette, one should not receive outside guests before the coming-of-age ceremony.

Minister Su is the chief officiant today, and therefore cannot be seen. His Majesty must wait here; the formal welcoming of guests will take place at 3:45 AM.

Lin Chen sighed helplessly, "There are so many rules..."

"Ritual must not be disregarded." Yuan Tiangang paused.

"However, the ladies of the household are welcome to come and see you. Would Your Majesty like to meet them?"

"Let them come," Lin Chen said, also wanting to meet his sisters-in-law.

……

The first to arrive was Liu Ruyan.

She was dressed in a bright red gown today, looking dignified and elegant, though the waist was slightly loose.

Although she was only half a month pregnant, Chu Yueyao instructed her to start being careful.

Upon seeing Lin Chen, her eyes lit up: "Eighth Brother...you look so energetic today."

Lin Chen smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, you look beautiful today. How are you feeling? Are you tired?"

"I'm not tired," Liu Ruyan said softly.

"My second sister gave me a calming sachet, and I feel much better. Eighth brother, today is a big day, so you must behave well and not be as unreliable as usual."

"Understood, sister-in-law."

Liu Ruyan gave a few more instructions before leaving.

Next came Chu Yueyao, Qin Shuyan, Xiao Yulou, Wen Ruoxi, Ye Qingying, and Murong Xue, who came to see him one by one.

Chu Yueyao gently reminded him to take care of his health and even gave him a refreshing sachet.

Qin Shuyan gave a brief report on the guest arrangements.

Xiao Yulou said directly, "Perform well, don't embarrass yourself."

Wen Ruoxi said with a smile that Zuiyuexuan was closed today, and everyone had come to attend the ceremony.

Ye Qingying rarely said "Congratulations," and Murong Xue handed her a cup of calming tea.

Everyone's expression was somewhat subtle—they were happy for Lin Chen, but also felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

After all, the day after the coming-of-age ceremony is the day he will officially marry them.

Su Xiaoxiao arrived last.

Her dress today was light blue, elegant and beautiful, and she wore a jade hairpin in her hair, which was a gift from Lin Chen.

Upon seeing Lin Chen, she blushed and gave a graceful bow: "Young Master."

"Xiaoxiao looks beautiful today." Lin Chen took her hand. "Are you nervous?"

"A little..." Su Xiaoxiao said softly.

"Young master, what should I do during the ceremony later?"

"Just follow Third Sister and the others," Lin Chen reassured them. "Don't be nervous, it's just a formality."

Su Xiaoxiao nodded, looked at him for a while, and then left reluctantly.

After all the women had been greeted, it was already past 7:45 AM.

Yuan Tiangang came in again:

"My lord, the guests have mostly arrived."

Sixty percent of the officials of the fifth rank and above in the imperial court were present, all the heads of the major aristocratic families were present, and all the martial arts sects except for the Yama Palace sent representatives.

His Majesty and Her Highness the Princess's imperial carriage has departed from the palace and will arrive in a quarter of an hour.

"Didn't Yama come?" Lin Chen raised an eyebrow.

"We sent a congratulatory gift, but no one showed up," Yuan Tiangang said. "They said the Palace Master is in seclusion and it's inconvenient for him to come."

"It's better if you don't come," Lin Chen said indifferently. "It saves me the trouble."

At 3:45 AM, the welcoming bell rang.

The coming-of-age ceremony has officially begun.