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

Chapter 46 The Sister-in-Law's Attitude

The hall fell silent instantly.

Wen Ruoxi's face flushed red, and she lowered her head without saying a word.

The other sisters-in-law had different expressions.

Liu Ruyan frowned, Chu Yueyao was surprised, Qin Shuyan seemed thoughtful, Xiao Yulou raised an eyebrow, Ye Qingying's eyes flickered slightly, and Murong Xue gently pursed her lips.

The old lady waved her hand: "There's no need to hide it. I don't concern myself with the affairs of you young people."

But Chen'er, you must remember—once you've taken this step, you must take responsibility.

After the coming-of-age ceremony, all the proper rituals must be performed.

"I will remember this," Lin Chen said solemnly.

"Alright, everyone disperse." The old lady stood up. "Chen'er, stay here. I have something to say to you."

The crowd dispersed.

As Wen Ruoxi passed by Lin Chen, she secretly squeezed his hand before leaving.

……

Only the grandfather and grandson remained in the hall.

The old lady took out a yellowed booklet from her bosom:

"This is the Lin family's essential medicine, which your father often read before his death, and now it is being passed on to you."

Lin Chen took it, opened it, and saw that it contained the insights, family rules, and interpersonal relationships of the Lin family's past patriarchs.

"Chen'er," the old lady said earnestly, "you are now growing stronger, but remember this: the tallest tree in the forest will be felled by the wind."

Many in the court and the martial arts world are envious of the Lin family; you must learn to conceal your strength.

"Grandson understands."

"There's one more thing," the old lady said in a low voice.

"Behind the war in the North, there may be an even more hidden force. The Cui family and the Second Prince may just be pawns. You must investigate this matter secretly."

An even more secretive force?

Lin Chen's heart skipped a beat: "Does Grandmother know any clues?"

"I don't know." The old lady shook her head. "But three months before your father died in battle, he received a secret letter. After reading it, his expression turned solemn. That letter... disappeared later."

The missing secret letter.

This is yet another mystery.

Lin Chen kept this in mind: "Grandson will investigate."

"Go," the old lady waved her hand. "Remember, the Lin family is counting on you now."

……

In the evening, at the main residence, Zhenwu Hall.

"System, summon eight sword servants."

"Ding! Summoning successful!"

Eight figures appeared in the courtyard at the same time, all dressed in white, carrying long swords, with cold and stern faces and an aura as deep as abyss—they were eight sword servants at the mid-stage of the Grandmaster level!

"Greetings, Lord!" the eight men bowed in unison.

Lin Chen nodded: "From today onwards, you will each protect the seven ladies and my mother."

Remember, never reveal your strength unless your life is in danger.

"yes!"

Lin Chen assigned them to his sister-in-law Liu Ruyan (Sword One), Chu Yueyao (Sword Two), Qin Shuyan (Sword Three), Xiao Yulou (Sword Four), Wen Ruoxi (Sword Five), Ye Qingying (Sword Six), Murong Xue (Sword Seven), and Su Wanqing (Sword Eight).

The eight sword attendants received their orders and quietly disappeared.

Next, Lin Chen summoned Lin Wu and had him pack the Body Tempering Pills and Spirit Nourishing Pills separately:

"Send these pills to the various departments, explaining their usage. Also, send these nine Youth Preservation Pills to the seven ladies, as well as my mother and grandmother."

"yes!"

Before long, all the hospitals received the pills.

In Ningxiang Courtyard, Wen Ruoxi looked at the youth-preserving pills that had been delivered, smiled, and carefully put them away.

In Chu Yueyao's pharmacy, she opened the Body Tempering Pill and examined it carefully, a look of surprise flashing in her eyes: "This pill... its quality is even better than that of the Medicine Immortal Valley!"

Ye Qingying took the pill, nodded, and continued processing intelligence.

Murong Xue held the pills, her eyes filled with tenderness.

When Liu Ruyan received the pill, her expression was complicated.

Xiao Yulou was the most direct; he immediately took the Beauty-Eating Pill, felt the change in his face, and a sly glint flashed in his eyes:

"How can I thank my eighth brother...?"

After taking the elixir, Qin Shuyan continued to check the accounts.

When Su Wanqing received the pills, her eyes reddened slightly: "Chen'er, this child... is so thoughtful."

The old matriarch stroked the youth-preserving pill and murmured, "The Lin family... really has hope."

……

It was late at night in the Zhenwu Hall study.

Lin Chen sat alone at his desk, flipping through "Essentials of Family Governance".

Suddenly, the sound of light footsteps came from outside the window.

It was Liu Ruyan.

"Sister-in-law?" Lin Chen opened the door.

Liu Ruyan stood outside the door, dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, her expression serious:

"Eighth brother, I have something to ask you."

"Please come in, sister-in-law."

Liu Ruyan entered the study, but did not sit down, instead looking directly at Lin Chen:

"About you and Fifth Sister—are you truly sincere towards her, or... just a passing fancy?"

Lin Chen said seriously, "Sister-in-law, my feelings for Fifth Sister-in-law are sincere."

These days, she has been working tirelessly for the Lin family, and I have seen it all and deeply respect her.

Yesterday's events, though driven by emotion, demonstrate that I, Lin Chen, am by no means a heartless person.

Liu Ruyan stared at him for a long time, then suddenly sighed:

"I shouldn't have interfered, but Eighth Brother, you must remember—since you've done it, you must take responsibility."

"I understand." Lin Chen nodded. "Don't worry, sister-in-law, I will protect you all with my life."

Liu Ruyan blushed slightly and took out a small wooden box from her bosom:

"This is your eldest brother's favorite jade pendant, given to him by our father. Now... I'll give it to you."

Lin Chen took the wooden box, opened it, and saw a piece of warm, smooth white jade with the character "Lin" engraved inside.

"Sister-in-law..."

"No need to say more." Liu Ruyan turned around.

"I just feel that... if your elder brother were here, he would also agree with what happened today. The Lin family line cannot end."

She paused, her voice lowering, "I... also need time."

After saying that, he quickly left.

Lin Chen held the jade pendant, his heart filled with complex emotions.

This woman, though seemingly strong-willed, is actually very loyal and affectionate.

Outside the window, the moon shines brightly over the western tower.

Lin Chen stood by the window, gazing at the lights in each courtyard, feeling a sense of peace in his heart.

He had chosen this path.

He was determined to protect these seven sisters-in-law.

He was determined to protect this home.