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

Chapter 51 Maternal Grandfather

The Su Mansion is located in the east of the city. It is a five-courtyard complex that is simple and elegant, in line with the style of a Confucian noble family.

The servants recognized Lin Chen and were quickly invited into the main hall.

Su Wenbo was already waiting. When Lin Chen came in, he pointed to a seat and said, "Sit down."

Lin Chen sat down, and a maid served him tea.

"Your maternal grandfather is in the inner room; his condition isn't good." Su Wenbo's expression somber.

"The imperial physician came to see me and said... the foundation is damaged, and medicine cannot cure it. He has at most six months left."

Lin Chen remained silent for a moment, then took out a jade bottle from his robes:

"Uncle, this is a pill I obtained by chance. It might be helpful for my grandfather's injury."

Su Wenbo was taken aback, then took the jade bottle and opened it.

Instantly, a rich medicinal fragrance filled the air, refreshing the mind and body.

Inside the bottle was a pill the size of a longan, with flowing patterns and a faint shimmering light.

"This...this is a Heaven-Rank Pill?!" Su Wenbo's hand trembled, and he almost dropped the jade bottle.

Although his cultivation was not profound, he was learned and insightful.

"This elixir is called the Supreme Clarity Jade Liquid Elixir. It can repair one's foundation and prolong life," Lin Chen said.

"Uncle, why don't you let Grandfather take it and see?"

Su Wenbo's voice trembled with excitement:

"Chen'er, this is far too precious. Heaven-grade pills are priceless and unavailable. You..."

"My grandfather's life is more important than any elixir," Lin Chen said earnestly. "Go quickly."

Su Wenbo nodded emphatically, holding the jade bottle, and strode quickly into the inner room.

Lin Chen waited in the hall.

About an incense stick later, a powerful surge of energy suddenly emanated from the inner room.

That aura was vast and pure, like a spring breeze and gentle rain, or like the rising sun; it was the unique righteous spirit of a Confucian master.

Immediately afterwards, an aged yet powerful voice rang out:

"Hahaha! Heaven hasn't forsaken Su Zhengqian!"

The door opened, and an elderly man with white hair strode out.

His face was rosy and his eyes were bright; there was no trace of illness in him.

It was none other than Lin Chen's maternal grandfather, the Grandmaster Su, who was at the peak of the Grandmaster realm!

"Father! You..." Su Wenbo followed behind, his face full of surprise.

Grandpa Su waved his hand, his gaze falling on Lin Chen, his eyes full of satisfaction:

"Chen'er, where did you get these pills from?"

Lin Chen rose and bowed: "How does Grandfather feel about this acquisition by chance?"

"Excellent! Excellent like never before!" Old Master Su stroked his beard and laughed heartily.

"Not only have my old injuries healed, but even the bottleneck in my cultivation that had stagnated for thirty years has loosened. The efficacy of this elixir is nothing short of miraculous!"

He walked up to Lin Chen and carefully examined his "spoiled" grandson:

"I've heard about the Cui family's actions. They were right; their decisiveness and ruthlessness are characteristic of the Lin family!"

"Grandfather, you flatter me."

"However," Old Master Su changed the subject, "I don't agree with your grandmother's idea of ​​taking on the responsibility of eight households."

coming.

Lin Chen smiled wryly: "Grandfather, about this matter..."

"I understand your grandmother's considerations," Old Master Su waved his hand.

"The Lin family needs to be united. Your seven sisters-in-law are indeed kind and righteous, but this matter is ultimately against etiquette and will damage the family's reputation if it gets out."

He paused, then said:

"But since the decision has been made, I won't say anything more."

Just remember—if you marry someone, you must take responsibility and not betray the affections of those women.

"Your grandson will remember this."

Grandpa Su nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Su Wenbo:

"Wenbo, the Su family and the Lin family should visit each other more often in the future. Wanqing has suffered these years, so please visit her more often."

"Yes, Father," Su Wenbo quickly replied.

After talking for a while, Old Master Su, having just recovered, was exhausted and went back to his room to rest.

Su Wenbo saw Lin Chen off at the door, and as they reached the courtyard, he suddenly bowed deeply:

"Chen'er, your uncle... on behalf of the Su family, thanks you for saving my father!"

Lin Chen quickly helped him up, saying, "Uncle, you're too kind. We're all family."

Su Wenbo straightened up, tears welling in his eyes:

"Back then, the Su family failed to help the Lin family, and I've always felt guilty. Now, you... I... I feel ashamed."

"Uncle has done a very good job, there's no need to worry," Lin Chen said with a smile. "We can keep in touch often from now on."

"Okay, okay!" Su Wenbo nodded emphatically.

……

Lin Chen declined his uncle's invitation to the banquet and left the Su residence.

The carriage drove towards Zuiyue Pavilion. Lin Chen leaned against the carriage and closed his eyes to rest.

Today's court assembly, audience with the emperor, and healing of his wounds... a series of events left this habitually lazy man feeling quite exhausted.

"My lord, we have arrived."

Lin Chen opened his eyes and lifted the carriage curtain.

The area in front of Zuiyuexuan was bustling with activity, even more so than it had been half a month ago.

The five-story wooden building has upturned eaves and corners, and guards stand solemnly at the entrance, making it an extraordinary sight.

As soon as he got out of the car, Wen Ruoxi quickly came out to greet him:

"Eighth Brother, you've finally arrived! Young Master Su has been waiting for a quarter of an hour."

"What's the rush?" Lin Chen walked inside slowly. "Let him wait a little longer, it's fine."

Wen Ruoxi was both amused and exasperated, so she could only stay by his side and report in a low voice:

"Miss Dongfang Bai played three pieces today, and the guests were all stunned. Several people wanted to see her, but I turned them away."

"Well done." Lin Chen nodded. "Dongfang Bai is aloof and doesn't like receiving guests. From now on, no one is allowed to disturb her unless I give permission."

"clear."

The two went up to the third-floor annex room.

Su Mo was sipping tea when Lin Chen entered. He stood up and smiled.

"Duke Lin, how did the court assembly go?"

"Don't even mention it, I'm exhausted." Lin Chen sat down opposite him, slumping back in the chair without any regard for appearances.

"Young Master Su, you've come here today for more than just tea, haven't you?"

Su Mo didn't beat around the bush: "Two things."

First, the Su family's caravan in the northern border has been assembled, consisting of three hundred people and fifty carts. Here is the list and cargo manifest; please review it, Duke.

He handed over a booklet.

Lin Chen casually flipped through it: "I trust the Su family to handle things."

As for escort, I will send one hundred Snow Dragon Riders to escort them along the way.

Furthermore, I have already spoken to the Northern Frontier, and the Zhenbei Army will make things convenient for them.

"Thank you, Duke!" Su Mo was overjoyed.

With the Lin family's protection, this business deal is secure.

"And the second thing?"

Su Mo's expression turned serious: "The Su family's spies in the southern border have reported back that the rebellion of the Baiyue tribes... seems to be linked to the Dongli Kingdom."

Eastward departure?

Lin Chen sat up straight: "Tell me in detail."

"The Baiyue tribes were originally scattered and governed by themselves, but three months ago, a leader named Chilong suddenly appeared and unified the tribes."

This person is highly skilled in martial arts, ruthless in his methods, and... the weapons and fighting techniques he uses are very similar to the style of the "Demon Warriors" of Dongli.

Oni Warrior, an elite assassin secretly trained by the Eastern Kingdom, specializing in stealth and assassination.

"Does Dongli want to stir up trouble in the Southern Frontier and tie down the Dayan forces?" Lin Chen pondered.

"Very likely," Su Mo said. "With the northern border unstable and the southern frontier in chaos, Dayan will inevitably be stretched thin. If Dongli takes the opportunity to launch an attack at that time..."

Attacked from both east and west, the Great Yan is in grave danger.

Lin Chen tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

This matter must be told to the Empress, but there's no rush. Let the court have a headache first.

Is the news reliable?

"I'm about 80% sure," Su Mo said.

"Moreover... someone in the family accidentally intercepted a batch of weapons being transported to Baiyue, which bore the marks of Dongli craftsmen."

"Leave the evidence here; I will present it to His Majesty when the opportunity arises," Lin Chen said.

"Young Master Su, you have done a great service in this matter."

Su Mo shook his head: "The Su family has shared weal and woe with the Lin family; this is our duty."

The two discussed some more details of the collaboration before Su Mo took his leave.

Wen Ruoxi then came in: "Eighth Brother, are you tired? I've had lunch prepared."

"Fifth Sister-in-law is so thoughtful," Lin Chen said with a smile. "By the way, is Dongfang Bai settling in well?"

"She seems quite satisfied with the quietness of Qin Yun Pavilion." Wen Ruoxi paused.

"But... she asked when you would be free, as she wanted to play a tune on the zither for you."

"Oh?" Lin Chen raised an eyebrow. "Then tonight it is. Perfect timing, I'd like to hear her play the piano."

After lunch, Lin Chen strolled around Zuiyue Pavilion.

With more and more members and booming business, Wen Ruoxi was extremely busy.

"Fifth Sister-in-law, don't overwork yourself," Lin Chen said with concern. "Hire more people, you can just take charge."

"I know." Wen Ruoxi wiped the sweat from her forehead.

"It's just the beginning, so I have to do everything myself. Once things are on track, I'll be able to relax."

Seeing her serious expression, Lin Chen felt a softening in his heart.

This fifth sister-in-law is truly a virtuous and capable wife.