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

Chapter 187 Inviting Princess Zhao Mingyue to Listen to Music

Early the next morning.

Lin Chen emerged from Murong Xue's courtyard feeling refreshed.

After speaking with Guan Yu last night, he went to Murong Xue's courtyard.

Murong Xue became a little anxious and used all her skills last night.

The Nanzhao dance combined with the practical exercise of the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra almost overwhelmed Lin Chen.

"I still need to practice..." Lin Chen muttered, just as he was about to return to the main courtyard to practice the Dragon Tiger Guiding Technique, when he suddenly remembered someone.

Princess Zhao Mingyue.

It's been several days since we last met.

"Perfect, I'll invite her to listen to a piece of music."

Lin Chen sent Lin Wu to deliver the invitation to Mingyue Garden, and then went to obediently practice the Dragon Tiger Guiding Technique.

After washing up and having breakfast.

Lin Chen changed into a flamboyant moon-white robe, with a jade pendant hanging at his waist and a folding fan in his hand, looking every bit the dashing young master.

Lin Wu returned just as he finished changing his clothes.

"Your Highness, the Princess has agreed and said she will wait for you at Zuiyue Pavilion."

"Hey, you're pretty good at this." Lin Chen chuckled. "Let's go, let's get started."

Zuiyuexuan is now the most famous elegant residence in the capital, and high-ranking officials and nobles consider themselves superior if they can enter it.

When Lin Chen arrived, Zhao Mingyue was already there.

Today she wore a light purple dress with a light gauze over it, and her hair was simply tied up with a jade hairpin, simple yet elegant.

"The Prince has arrived." Zhao Mingyue stood up and smiled slightly.

"I'm so sorry to have kept the Princess waiting." Lin Chen sat down with a grin, his eyes darting over Zhao Mingyue.

"You look good in this outfit today, it suits you."

Zhao Mingyue, poised and graceful, chuckled and said, "Your Highness is too kind."

"I'm not joking." Lin Chen leaned closer and lowered his voice.

"To be honest, the eldest princess is the most elegant woman I have ever met."

Zhao Mingyue turned her face away: "Smooth talker."

At that moment, the sound of a zither began to play from behind the curtain.

It was Dongfang Bai playing the zither; the music was melodious, like a clear spring flowing.

In the past, when Zhao Mingyue came, we would listen to her playing the zither, not to mention now that she has set a wedding date with Lin Chen.

Lin Chen leaned back on the cushion, squinting as he listened, his fingers tapping lightly on the table in rhythm.

Zhao Mingyue listened quietly, her expression focused.

The song ended, but the lingering melody still resonated.

"Excellent!" Lin Chen clapped his hands in praise, "Mr. Bai's musical skills are unparalleled in this world."

From behind the curtain came Dongfang Bai's cool voice: "You flatter me, my lord."

Lin Chen's eyes darted around, and he suddenly asked, "Princess, what do you think of this music?"

"Very good," Zhao Mingyue said softly. "Clear and ethereal, it is so beautiful that one forgets worldly concerns."

"I think..." Lin Chen leaned close to Zhao Mingyue's ear, his warm breath brushing against her neck.

"Not as pleasant to the ear as your voice."

Zhao Mingyue trembled, her ears turning red: "Your Highness!"

"What's wrong?" Lin Chen asked innocently. "I'm serious, your voice is so gentle and soothing to listen to."

Zhao Mingyue glared at Lin Chen, but her eyes held more reproach than anger.

Lin Chen chuckled and sat up straight again:

"By the way, the wedding date is approaching. Does the Princess have any requests?"

Feel free to suggest things like wedding dress styles and wedding procedures.

Zhao Mingyue shook her head slightly: "Your Highness can make the arrangements. I have no requests."

"That won't do," Lin Chen said seriously.

"This is our wedding, so you have to like it. How about this, I'll have the embroiderer bring the designs to you later, and you can choose the one you like."

Zhao Mingyue felt a warmth in her heart: "Thank you, Your Highness."

"Aren't you being too polite?" Lin Chen raised an eyebrow.

"We'll be family soon, so why keep calling him 'Your Highness' like that? It sounds so formal."

"Then... what should we call it?" Zhao Mingyue's eyes flickered slightly.

"Call me husband," Lin Chen said matter-of-factly. "Or you can call me Brother Chen, I'm not picky."

Zhao Mingyue retorted angrily, "We're not married yet! Besides, I'm older than you!"

Sooner or later, in my heart you will always be eighteen.

Lin Chen suddenly reached out and grasped Zhao Mingyue's hand, "Get used to it beforehand."

Zhao Mingyue tried to pull her hand away, but Lin Chen held it tightly.

"Your Highness, someone is watching us..." she whispered.

"Let them look," Lin Chen said nonchalantly. "Who does it bother if I'm being close to my future wife?"

Zhao Mingyue had no choice but to let Lin Chen hold her hand.

The piano music started again, this time a light and cheerful tune.

Lin Chen gently stroked the back of Zhao Mingyue's hand with his fingers, then whispered in her ear:

"Mingyue, on our wedding night, I will play the zither for you."

Zhao Mingyue was somewhat surprised, "Your Highness can play the zither?"

"I know a little," Lin Chen smiled. "But I'm better at... playing the xiao (vertical flute). We can discuss it with each other later."

He emphasized the word "xiao" (flute) and his eyes were ambiguous.

Zhao Mingyue didn't understand at first, but when she realized what was happening, her face flushed bright red, and she spat lightly:

"You...you're being indecent!"

"How am I being indecent?" Lin Chen asked innocently.

"Playing the xiao (vertical flute) is a proper musical instrument. What are you thinking, Princess?"

Zhao Mingyue was speechless because Lin Chen had blocked her way. She was both ashamed and angry, but her hand was still being held by him, and she couldn't pull it away.

"Let me go," she whispered.

"I won't let go," Lin Chen said shamelessly, "unless you call me 'husband'."

"you……"

"Should we call her or not?" Lin Chen traced his thumb across Zhao Mingyue's palm.

Zhao Mingyue trembled, bit her lip, and whispered:

"Husband... my husband."

"Hey!" Lin Chen grinned, his eyes practically disappearing behind his teeth. "That sounded really good. Want to say it again?"

"You!" Zhao Mingyue was so embarrassed that she pulled her hand back forcefully and got up to leave.

Lin Chen quickly grabbed her: "Don't go, don't go, I was wrong, I won't tease you anymore."

Zhao Mingyue snorted lightly: "If Your Highness continues like this, Mingyue will ignore you."

"Okay, okay, I'm serious, I'm serious." Lin Chen raised his hands in surrender, but a smile still lingered on his lips.

Zhao Mingyue sat down again, but moved a little further away from Lin Chen.

Lin Chen didn't mind and poured her a cup of tea: "Have some tea, calm down."

The two listened to music for a while longer and chatted.

"Your Highness," Zhao Mingyue suddenly said.

"Mingyue wants to know, does Your Highness... harbor even the slightest affection for Mingyue?"

Lin Chen was silent for a moment, then said seriously:

"Although I, Lin Chen, am a womanizer, I do not deceive with my own lust."

"My decision to marry you is partly political, but also because...you are a worthy person."

He reached out and gently stroked Zhao Mingyue's cheek.

"You are dignified and poised, intelligent yet not scheming, gentle yet not weak. If I don't like a woman like you, then I must be blind."

Zhao Mingyue's eyes were slightly red, and she nodded gently: "Mingyue understands."

"So don't overthink it," Lin Chen chuckled.

"Once we're married, let's live a good life together. I'll cherish you, and you'll cherish me. It'll be simple."

"Yes." Zhao Mingyue nodded emphatically.

The two sat for a while longer, then Zhao Mingyue made an excuse that she had made an appointment with the Empress to go to the palace, and went back first.

She was afraid that if she stayed any longer, she would be completely taken advantage of.

In just a short while, Lin Chen had almost pulled her into his arms.