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

Chapter 60 Grandfather's Birthday Banquet

Ten days later, the Su family will hold a birthday banquet.

The Su residence was brightly decorated and filled with guests.

No fewer than three hundred people attended, including court officials, literati, and scions of prominent families.

When Lin Chen arrived with his mother, Su Wanqing, and his seven sisters-in-law, it caused a stir.

Su Wanqing dressed up specially today, wearing the official robes of a noblewoman, exuding an air of elegance and grace.

Upon seeing her father, her eyes reddened, and she stepped forward to bow, saying, "Daughter greets Father."

Grandpa Su quickly helped her up, tears streaming down his face: "Wanqing...it's good that you're back, it's good that you're back."

The father and son held hands and looked at each other, and the estrangement of more than three years disappeared.

Lin Chen led his sisters-in-law forward to pay their respects:

"Grandson greets maternal grandfather, wishing him boundless happiness and longevity!"

"Good, good, good!" Old Master Su smiled broadly, then looked at his seven granddaughters-in-law.

"You're all good kids, get up quickly."

The seven sisters-in-law were all dressed up carefully today, each with their own unique charm.

The eldest sister-in-law, Liu Ruyan, possessed both a heroic spirit and a gentle demeanor.

Second sister-in-law Chu Yueyao is gentle and beautiful.

Third Sister-in-law Qin Shuyan is intelligent and dignified.

Fourth Sister-in-law Xiao Yulou is quick-witted and capable.

Fifth Sister-in-law Wen Ruoxi is shrewd and capable.

Sixth Sister-in-law's shadow was as cold and clear as the moon at night.

Seventh Sister-in-law Murong Xue has an exotic charm.

The seven people stood together, like seven delicate flowers, so beautiful that one could not take their eyes off them.

"Those are the seven widowed daughters-in-law of the Lin family? They are all stunning beauties!"

"I heard that Old Madam Qin wanted Lin Chen to take on the responsibilities of all eight households. Now it seems... it might actually work out."

"Old Master Su actually approved? That's unbelievable..."

Amid the discussions, everyone took their seats.

The birthday banquet began, and the guests and hosts enjoyed themselves immensely.

Grandpa Su was in a great mood, chatting about poetry and philosophy with his old friends, and laughing heartily from time to time.

Su Wanqing stood beside her father, her face full of happiness.

After several rounds of drinks, Old Master Su stood up and addressed the crowd:

"Today is my birthday, and I am honored by your presence. I have a matter I would like to ask you all to bear witness to."

The hall fell silent.

Grandpa Su walked up to Lin Chen and patted him on the shoulder:

"This is my youngest grandson, Lin Chen, the Duke of Zhenguo. This child used to be ignorant, but he has changed in the last few months."

He looked around at the crowd and said loudly:

"He investigated and found out the truth when the Cui family framed loyal officials, and he stood up for the Second Prince when he formed a clique for personal gain."

Now, thanks to the Emperor's favor, he has inherited the title and commands the Tiger Warriors, training troops for the nation. Under his leadership, the Lin family has regained its former glory.

"What I want to say today is—regardless of what others say, on the matter of the Lin family, I support Chen'er. As for taking on the responsibility of eight branches of the family..."

He paused, then looked at his seven granddaughters-in-law:

"Ruyan, Yueyao, Shuyan, Yulou, Ruoxi, Qingying, and Xue'er are all good children."

They remained widows for the Lin family for three years, never abandoning them.

Now that Chen'er has to shoulder the responsibility of this family and take care of them, I... understand.

This was said with great tact—it wasn't agreement, but understanding.

It both expressed its stance and left room for maneuver.

Lin Chen was deeply moved and stood up to bow deeply: "Thank you, maternal grandfather!"

The seven sisters-in-law also stood up and bowed.

Grandpa Su waved his hand: "Please sit down. Today is a joyous occasion, let's not talk about these things. Come, let's drink!"

The birthday banquet continued, and the atmosphere became even more lively.

At Lin Chen's table, all seven of his sisters-in-law toasted him.

The eldest sister-in-law looked pleased, the second sister-in-law smiled, the third sister-in-law nodded gently, the fourth sister-in-law drank it all in one gulp, the fifth sister-in-law gently advised him to drink less, the sixth sister-in-law silently poured him more wine, and the seventh sister-in-law blushed as she wiped the corners of his mouth.

Mother Su Wanqing also came over, serving food to her son and daughter-in-law, her eyes full of love.

Looking at the harmonious and warm atmosphere around the table, Lin Chen felt content.

This is the life he wants.

The birthday banquet lasted until late at night.

On the carriage back to the manor, Lin Chen, slightly tipsy, leaned against the soft cushions.

His seven sisters-in-law rode in two carriages, following behind him.

"My lord, Old Master Su's words today will silence many people," Yuan Tiangang said in a low voice as he drove the carriage.

"Yes," Lin Chen said with a smile, "My maternal grandfather is backing me up."

"However..." Yuan Tiangang paused, "there's some progress on the matter of the canal transport in Jiangnan."

Lin Chen's eyes narrowed: "So fast?"

"Of the Eight Vajras, the fifth one, Zhang Qing, the Cloud Piercing Arrow, is skilled in reconnaissance and has already gone to Jiangnan ahead of us," Yuan Tiangang said.

"News has just come back that the ones robbing the grain transport are the Jianghu (江湖, a term referring to the martial arts world) gangs, and they do have the support of officials in the imperial court. We are still investigating who exactly they are."

"The Canal Gang..." Lin Chen pondered, "I remember the Canal Gang leader was a mid-stage Grandmaster?"

"Yes," Yuan Tiangang replied.

"The gang is not a concern; Zhang Qing alone can suppress them. It's just that the officials behind them... require solid evidence."

"Continue the investigation," Lin Chen said. "Whoever you find, take action against them."

"Yes."

The carriage entered the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.

When Lin Chen got out of the car, all seven of his sisters-in-law also got out.

Under the moonlight, seven beautiful faces each possessed their own unique charm.

"Eighth brother," said Liu Ruyan, the eldest sister-in-law, softly.

"We heard what Grandfather said today, thank you... for standing up for us."

"You're too kind, sister-in-law," Lin Chen said with a smile.

"You are my family, of course I will protect you."

Second Sister-in-law Chu Yueyao said softly:

"Eighth brother drank quite a bit today. I'll make some hangover soup and have someone bring it to your room in a bit."

Fourth Sister-in-law Xiao Yulou said generously, "Eighth Brother, let's spar again another day!"

Fifth Sister-in-law Wen Ruoxi and Seventh Sister-in-law Murong Xue blushed and whispered:

"Eighth brother... tonight..."

Looking at their shy expressions, Lin Chen was deeply moved and smiled:

"Fifth Sister-in-law, which hospital does Seventh Sister-in-law want me to go to?"

Their faces turned even redder: "Whatever...whatever you want..."

All the women laughed, creating a warm atmosphere.

Looking at them, Lin Chen felt a warm current welling up in his heart.

"Alright, go back and rest. You've all had a long day. I'll come see you again tomorrow."

The women dispersed and returned to their respective courtyards.

Lin Chen stretched and walked towards the main house.

……

The study of Zhenwu Hall.

Lin Chen sat at his desk, toying with a jade thumb ring in his hand.

Training reports of the Tiger Legion, daily documents of the Imperial City Guard, investigation reports on the Jiangnan Grand Canal transport...

These were things that he didn't normally need to handle personally, but tonight, unusually, he didn't go to bed immediately.

It wasn't that he suddenly became more diligent, but rather that the wine he drank at the birthday banquet was keeping him awake, and he didn't want to disturb his sisters-in-law's rest.

"Knock knock".

A soft knock sounded on the door.

"Come in," Lin Chen said lazily.

The door was gently pushed open, and Second Sister-in-law Chu Yueyao walked in carrying a tray.

She changed into an elegant moon-white ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), her black hair was simply tied up, and she had a gentle smile on her face.

"Eighth Brother, the hangover soup is ready."

Lin Chen's eyes lit up: "Why did Second Sister-in-law deliver it personally?"

Chu Yueyao placed the tray on the table, picked up the celadon bowl, and handed it to him:

"Since I had nothing else to do, I brought it over myself."

The soup was lukewarm, neither too hot nor too cold, just right for drinking.

Lin Chen took the bowl and smelled it—the faint medicinal fragrance had a hint of sweetness, clearly indicating that it had been carefully prepared.

"Second sister-in-law's cooking is really good." He took a sip and exclaimed in admiration.

Chu Yueyao sat down opposite him, watching him drink his soup, her eyes filled with tenderness:

"Drink slowly, be careful it's hot."

"Not too hot, just right." Lin Chen finished drinking in a few gulps and put the bowl down.

"Second sister-in-law, I feel so bad for making you worry so late at night."

"We're family, why are you saying these things?" Chu Yueyao said softly.

"As for you, you drank so much at the birthday banquet today, and you didn't even know to refuse some of it."

Lin Chen smiled and said:

"My grandfather is happy, so I naturally have to drink a few more cups. Besides, there's my second sister-in-law's hangover soup."

Chu Yueyao was amused by him and got up to clear the dishes, but Lin Chen grabbed her hand.

"Second sister-in-law, don't rush off, talk to me for a bit."