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

Chapter 107 Springtime Fills the Lin Manor

Early in the morning at Plum Garden, Lin Chen was awakened by the chirping of birds outside his window.

He groggily opened his eyes and found that Liu Ruyan was already awake, lying on her side looking at him.

My hand rests gently on my lower abdomen, which is still flat.

"Sister-in-law, up so early?" Lin Chen yawned and reached out to put his arm around her.

"I can't sleep," Liu Ruyan said softly, her face glowing with gentle light.

"Eighth brother, who do you think the child will look like?"

Lin Chen laughed: "It doesn't matter who you look like, whether you're pretty like you, or like me... well, like me, or smart."

Liu Ruyan was amused by him and lightly punched him: "You're so unserious."

After a brief moment of tenderness, Lin Chen got up and dressed.

With five days until his coming-of-age ceremony, he should have gone to his study to handle some business, but he really didn't want to move.

"Eighth brother," Liu Ruyan said, leaning against the headboard.

"Go ahead and do your work, you don't need to stay with me. My second sister said the pregnancy is very stable, so I can relax."

Lin Chen nodded: "That's good. But sister-in-law, don't tell anyone about the pregnancy yet. Wait until the pregnancy is stable after three months before announcing it."

"I know." Liu Ruyan paused, her tone somewhat subtle.

"But... I'm afraid the sisters have all developed their own ideas. Judging from the expressions of the younger sisters, their words are full of envy."

Lin Chen's heart skipped a beat; what was bound to happen was bound to happen.

Although it's quite enjoyable, it's not so pleasant if you add a ulterior motive.

He leaned down and kissed her forehead:

"Sister-in-law, get some rest. I'll come see you again tonight."

Stepping out of the plum garden, Lin Chen took a deep breath.

Outside the courtyard, Lin Nian'er was being taught to read by Li Chunfeng. When she saw him come out, the little girl immediately ran over.

"Uncle Ba! Is Mother pregnant?"

Lin Chen picked her up:

"Nian'er is so clever, but this is our little secret, you can't tell anyone else."

"Nian'er understands!" The little girl nodded earnestly.

"The wet nurse said we must protect the baby well and not let anyone know, otherwise bad people might come!"

Lin Chen chuckled; the servants in the manor certainly knew how to teach.

He handed Nian'er over to Li Chunfeng and then slowly walked towards the study.

On the way, I encountered Xiao Yulou practicing his martial arts. I greeted him and tried to slip away, but he stopped me.

"Eighth brother, wait a minute."

Xiao Yulou sheathed his sword and walked over, his dashing appearance radiating heroic spirit.

She glanced at Lin Chen a few times, then suddenly smiled.

"Eighth Brother, are you free these next few days?"

Lin Chen's heart skipped a beat: "He probably won't have time; there's still so much to do for the coming-of-age ceremony..."

"Isn't my uncle handling everything?" Xiao Yulou raised an eyebrow, then waved his hand.

"Forget about that. Your sister-in-law is pregnant, so you should spend more time with her."

But... you can't neglect the other sisters. It's my turn now, right?

Lin Chen scratched his head: "Fourth Sister-in-law, about this matter..."

"This needs to be done quickly," Xiao Yulou said decisively.

"Eighth Brother, the Lin family's offspring are a major issue. Eldest Sister-in-law has set a good example, and we must strike while the iron is hot."

"So, come to the martial arts academy tonight, and we'll have a little 'sparring'."

When she said the word "exchange and learn," her eyes held a meaningful look.

Lin Chen chuckled: "Maybe not tonight..."

"Then tomorrow night," Xiao Yulou said firmly.

"Eighth Brother, we martial artists value efficiency, so this matter is settled."

If you don't come, I'll wait for you here every morning.

After saying that, she patted Lin Chen on the shoulder and turned to continue practicing her swordsmanship.

Lin Chen watched her dashing figure as she walked away and sighed.

Fourth Sister-in-law is really straightforward.

He continued walking towards the study, only to run into Qin Shuyan again at the corner of the corridor.

Qin Shuyan was carrying a stack of account books, as if she had just happened to be passing by.

She stopped in her tracks when she saw Lin Chen.

"Good morning, Eighth Brother."

"Good morning, Third Sister-in-law," Lin Chen said with a light laugh. "Do you need any help with these account books?"

"No need, it's all budget for the coming-of-age ceremony." Qin Shuyan took a few steps closer and lowered her voice.

"Eighth brother, these past two days, each hospital has been secretly purchasing nourishing medicinal herbs."

Xinglin Garden bought three times the amount of angelica, Ningxiang Courtyard ordered the finest donkey-hide gelatin, and even Anxiang Pavilion requested ginseng…”

She paused, looking at Lin Chen:

"You should understand what my sisters are thinking, right?"

Lin Chen feigned ignorance: "What are you thinking?"

Qin Shuyan rolled her eyes:

"Keep pretending. Everyone is happy for your sister-in-law that she is pregnant, but who doesn't want to have their own child? Eighth brother, you have to treat everyone equally."

"I'll try my best..."

"Not just as much as possible, it's a must," Qin Shuyan said solemnly.

"I know this is a bit difficult for you, but this matter cannot be delayed."

"Therefore, come to Shuxiangyuan tomorrow evening; there are some accounts that require your personal review."

She also used the excuse of "accounts," with a smile in her eyes.

Lin Chen said somewhat helplessly, "My fourth sister-in-law has made plans for tomorrow night..."

"Then the night after tomorrow," Qin Shuyan said readily.

"Eighth brother, there has to be a first-come, first-served order."

Although I won't compete, I can't fall too far behind either. It's settled then. The day after tomorrow at the Book Garden, I'll be waiting for you.

After saying this, she gracefully departed with the account book in her arms, leaving behind a lingering fragrance.

Lin Chen stood there, feeling a headache starting to ache.

Both sisters-in-law have arranged a time, so I'm afraid what will happen next...

Sure enough, just as they reached the door of the study, Chu Yueyao's maid arrived.

"Eighth Master, Madam requests that you visit Xinglin Garden when you have time. She says she has prepared a new calming soup and would like you to try it."

Lin Chen sighed and said, "I know. Tell my second sister-in-law I'll be there this afternoon."

After the maid left, he pushed open the study door and slumped into a chair.

It had only been one morning, and the three sisters-in-law had already made an appointment.

At this rate, the remaining few will probably come knocking on our door today as well.

"What a tragedy..." he muttered to himself.

Fortunately, the next half day was relatively peaceful.

Lin Chen dealt with some documents related to the coming-of-age ceremony in his study, and then listened to Yuan Tiangang's report on the latest developments of the Purple Robe Tower and the Northern Border.

At noon, he went to Xinglin Garden and drank the calming soup that Chu Yueyao had made—he really just drank the soup.

His second sister-in-law was the most gentle and considerate. She didn't put any pressure on him, but just told him to take care of his health.

After leaving Xinglin Garden, Lin Chen decided to hide in Zuiyue Pavilion.

In a private room on the third floor of Zuiyue Pavilion, Wen Ruoxi was looking at the account book.

Seeing Lin Chen arrive, his eyes lit up: "Eighth Brother, what brings you here?"

"I've come here to find some peace and quiet." Lin Chen slumped onto the soft couch. "Fifth Sister-in-law, how's business at Zuiyue Pavilion today?"

"Very good." Wen Ruoxi put down the account book and sat down next to him.

"The meditation hall is fully booked until next month, and the beauty cream is sold out again. Eighth Brother, shouldn't we expand our operations?"

"You can handle it yourself." Lin Chen closed his eyes to rest. "Anyway, you're good at making money."

Wen Ruoxi smiled and massaged his temples:

"Eighth Brother, have you been working too hard lately? You don't look well."

"I'm so tired," Lin Chen sighed.

"When the eldest sister-in-law got pregnant, the other sisters-in-law couldn't sit still anymore."

My fourth and third sisters-in-law both made appointments this morning, and I'm worried about the next few days...

He didn't finish speaking, but Wen Ruoxi understood.

"I understand what my sisters are thinking," she said softly.

"Eighth Brother, I won't rush you. Just come and visit Ningxiang Courtyard whenever you have time."

I'll make you soup, talk to you, and not put any pressure on you.

Lin Chen opened his eyes and took her hand: "Fifth Sister-in-law, you are so kind."

"It's enough that you know I'm doing well," Wen Ruoxi said with a smile.

Lin Chen closed his eyes again. "Fifth Sister-in-law, let me sleep for a while. I have to go back and deal with things later..."