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

Chapter 89 Pain and Pleasure

Lin Chen took a deep breath and walked into Fifth Sister's courtyard.

Wen Ruoxi was checking the accounts when she saw Lin Chen push the door open and enter. Her eyes lit up, and she threw down the account book and rushed over.

"Eighth Brother!"

She clung to Lin Chen, completely oblivious to the fact that the maid was still present.

"You've finally arrived! I've missed you so much!"

Lin Chen put his arm around her and laughed, "Fifth Sister-in-law, you missed me that much?"

"I think about it every day." Wen Ruoxi leaned on his shoulder.

"It's so dangerous in Jiangnan, I was so worried I couldn't sleep. I'm so glad you came back safely."

The maid smirked and quietly slipped out, closing the door behind her.

With only the two of them left in the room, Wen Ruoxi became even more relaxed.

She cupped Lin Chen's face in her hands and examined him closely: "You've lost weight and gotten darker. Have you been eating poorly?"

"I ate well, but I missed Fifth Sister-in-law." Lin Chen was a little speechless. He had clearly gained weight, so why did everyone say he had lost weight?

"I missed you too." Wen Ruoxi pulled Lin Chen down to sit, then sat on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Eighth Brother, I've missed you so much these past month. The days are alright with all the work at Zuiyue Pavilion, but the nights are so empty..."

Her voice trailed off, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Lin Chen's heart softened, and he lowered his head to kiss her: "I missed you too."

The kiss deepened, and Wen Ruoxi was more proactive than Chu Yueyao and Murong Xue. She was straightforward by nature, and when she was aroused, she was even more passionate.

Their clothes had slipped off at some point, and the two tumbled from the chairs onto the tatami mat.

The red candles flickered, casting overlapping shadows.

The clouds dispersed and the rain stopped. Wen Ruoxi leaned against Lin Chen's chest, drawing circles on his chest with her fingertips.

"Eighth Brother, when do you plan to officially marry Sister Su Xiaoxiao?"

"Let's wait until after the coming-of-age ceremony," Lin Chen said.

"It will save trouble if all eight wives hold the wedding together."

"Eight people..." Wen Ruoxi smiled, pursing her lips.

"Eighth brother, you'd better work harder. You haven't even opened up to your eldest sister-in-law, third sister-in-law, and sixth sister yet."

However, the little girl is really lovely; she's beautiful and talented, and has a great personality. I met her once and liked her quite a bit.

"Fifth Sister-in-law doesn't mind?"

"What do you mind?" Wen Ruoxi rolled her eyes at him.

"We seven are widowed sisters-in-law, and we are already blessed to have your sincere treatment of us."

"You, a dignified Duke of Zhenguo, what's wrong with taking a few more wives? As long as you treat us well, nothing else matters."

Lin Chen thought to himself, "This is such a good atmosphere!" and hugged her tightly.

"Fifth Sister-in-law, don't worry, I will always be good to you."

"Mmm." Wen Ruoxi leaned against his chest. "Don't leave tonight..."

"Okay, I'm not leaving."

I couldn't walk anymore; I felt completely weak.

As for my second sister-in-law, I can only apologize.

However, Lin Chen still sent a telepathic message to Jian Er, asking her to let him know so that his sister-in-law wouldn't keep waiting.

……

The next day at noon, Lin Chen returned to the main house, supporting his back, and collapsed onto the soft couch in the study, not wanting to move at all.

"My lord," Lin Wu's voice rang out from outside the door.

"Come in."

Lin Wu pushed open the door and entered. Seeing Lin Chen's appearance, a hint of a smile flashed in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it.

"Eighth Prince, news has come from the court that His Majesty mentioned the Eight Vajras during this morning's court session."

Lin Chen raised an eyebrow: "How so?"

"His Majesty announced in court that eight former subordinates of the old Duke have returned, all of them Grandmaster level cultivators. This is truly a blessing for the nation," Lin Wu said.

"His Majesty said that the eight predecessors had lived in seclusion for many years, and now they have come out of seclusion to protect the Lin family bloodline. Their loyalty is evident and they should be role models for the court and the people."

Lin Chen sat up: "His Majesty didn't mention any rewards?"

"No," Zhou Tong shook his head.

"His Majesty merely mentioned this matter and then said... Since the eight elders are determined to protect the Lin family, the court cannot interfere, but if necessary, they can come to the palace to pay their respects at any time."

Lin Chen smiled.

The Empress played this move brilliantly.

This openly acknowledged the existence and strength of the Eight Great Vajras, giving the Lin family immense face.

Without formal appointments, the Eight Vajra Warriors' command of the Tiger Army wasn't entirely legitimate (though it was practically useless anyway).

The phrase "the old Duke's former subordinates have returned" silenced all doubts.

After all, the old Duke Lin Tianxiong had a very high prestige in the Dayan Army.

His former subordinates returned to protect his only son, and no one could argue against that.

"What is the reaction from the central government?" Lin Chen asked.

"The officials were shocked." Lin Wudao said.

"Eight Grandmasters... This lineup is too terrifying, but His Majesty has set the tone, saying that they are the old Duke's former subordinates, so no one dares to question it openly. However, in private, there are probably many speculations."

"Go ahead and guess," Lin Chen said nonchalantly.

"Anyway, they've given their reasons; whether they believe them or not is up to them."

……

In the afternoon, Lin Chen was taking a nap in his study when Liu Ruyan pushed open the door and walked in.

"Eighth Brother."

Lin Chen opened his eyes: "Sister-in-law, is something the matter?"

Liu Ruyan said with a serious expression: "The matter of the Eight Vajras has spread throughout the court."

Eight grandmasters... Eighth brother, you're putting yourself in a very dangerous situation.

Lin Chen sat up and poured her a cup of tea: "Are you worried, sister-in-law?"

"How can I not worry?" Liu Ruyan frowned.

"Eight Grandmasters, even the royal family might not have such a lineup."

Although His Majesty gave an explanation today, no one knows what he was really thinking.

And then there are those powerful figures in the court; countless eyes are watching you, both openly and secretly.

"Let them keep an eye on them," Lin Chen said nonchalantly.

"Anyway, I'm lazy. Besides eating, drinking, and having fun, I don't have any ambitions. Let them think what they want."

"You..." Liu Ruyan sighed, "You're just too carefree. But Eighth Brother, there's something I need to remind you of."

"Please speak, sister-in-law."

"I have no objection to Su Xiaoxiao's matter, but you must remember that the younger sisters followed you sincerely."

If you find someone new, you forget the old...

"Don't worry, sister-in-law." Lin Chen said with a serious expression.

"Although I, Lin Chen, am not a gentleman, I am not a heartless person either."

I remember all the kindness my sister-in-law has shown me. Su Xiaoxiao's arrival in the household isn't to replace anyone, but simply to add another person and bring more liveliness.

Seeing his serious expression, Liu Ruyan's expression softened slightly:

"It's good that you know what's going on. I'll be going now. You... take care of yourself."

The last four words were quite meaningful.

Lin Chen blushed slightly: "Sister-in-law..."

Liu Ruyan had already turned and left, a hint of struggle flashing in her eyes... anticipation.

……

In the evening, Lin Chen went to pay his respects to the old lady.

The matriarch, Madam Lin Qin, was chanting scriptures in the Buddhist hall when she saw Lin Chen arrive. She put down her prayer beads.

"Chen'er is here."

"Grandmother," Lin Chen bowed.

"Please sit down," the old lady said, sizing him up.

"The trip to Jiangnan went well; it did not tarnish the Lin family's reputation."

"Your grandson wouldn't dare."

"The matter of the Eight Great Vajras has already been decided in the imperial court," the old matriarch said slowly.

"Your father did have some old subordinates back then, but there were definitely no eight Grandmasters."

However, since His Majesty has given an explanation, it must be true. If anyone asks in the future, just say this.

"Grandson understands."

The old lady added, "I've met that girl from the Su family; she's a good child."

Since you've taken a liking to her, then treat her well. After her coming-of-age ceremony, with all eight wives entering the family together, our Lin family should have a lively celebration.

"Yes."

Lin Chen breathed a long sigh of relief as he left the Buddhist hall.

The origins of the Eight Vajras have been officially verified, and Su Xiaoxiao has successfully entered the manor... Everything is developing in a positive direction.

However, the enemy lurking in the shadows will probably not let him off so easily.

The Cui and Zhou families have suffered a great loss and will never let it go.

At the Purple Robe Tower, Yin Jiuyou is about to emerge from seclusion...

However, that's all for the future.

Let's get a good night's sleep first today.