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

Chapter 63 Equal Distribution of Rain and Dew

There was a long queue in front of the Jishetang Pharmacy in Xishi.

Without disturbing anyone, Lin Chen entered through a side door and saw Hua Tuo, who was seeing patients.

Hua Tuo looked to be around fifty years old, with a thin face, three long wisps of beard, and a long blue robe, exuding an air of otherworldly elegance.

Upon seeing Lin Chen, he rose and bowed, saying, "My lord."

"Sir, there's no need for such formality." Lin Chen helped him up. "Are you settling in well here?"

"Very good." Hua Tuo smiled. "Treating the sick and saving lives is the duty of a doctor. I have treated some difficult and complicated cases these past few days and have made considerable progress."

"That's good." Lin Chen nodded. "Sir, please practice your medical skills here first and build your reputation. I will be of great use to you in the future."

"I will obey the Lord's command."

After leaving Jishetang, Lin Chen strolled around the West Market and bought some novelties.

A sword tassel for the eldest sister-in-law, a silver needle for the second sister-in-law, an ancient book for the third sister-in-law, a sword for the fourth sister-in-law, a jade hairpin for the fifth sister-in-law, a veil for the sixth sister-in-law, and spices for the seventh sister-in-law.

There are also my little niece's toys and mouthpieces.

The main idea is that everyone should have a share, and everyone should benefit equally.

It was already evening when they returned to the mansion.

Lin Chen first went to pay his respects to his grandmother, chatted with the old lady for a while, and then sat with his mother for a short while.

Su Wanqing was embroidering when she saw him come. She insisted on taking his measurements, saying she wanted to make him a new dress by hand.

"Mother, no need to trouble yourself..."

"No trouble at all," Su Wanqing said gently.

"Chen'er is now a Duke, so he should dress more respectably. Although my skills are not as good as those of a skilled embroiderer, the clothes I make are comfortable to wear."

Lin Chen felt a warmth in his heart and let her take the measurements.

It was already dark when I came out of my mother's yard.

Lin Chen thought for a moment and then went to Zuiyue Pavilion first.

Wen Ruoxi was still checking the accounts when she saw him arrive, and she was somewhat surprised:

"Why is Eighth Brother here? Didn't you say it would be tonight...?"

"I've come to see Fifth Sister-in-law," Lin Chen said with a smile. "What, aren't you welcome?"

"No, not at all." Wen Ruoxi blushed. "It's just... about my second sister-in-law..."

"We'll go later." Lin Chen sat down next to her. "Let's talk to Fifth Sister-in-law first."

Wen Ruoxi felt a sweet warmth in her heart and leaned on his shoulder:

"Eighth brother, you've been so good to us... sometimes it feels like a dream."

"Then let's keep dreaming." Lin Chen hugged her. "I will always be good to you."

After a brief moment of tenderness, Lin Chen left Zuiyue Pavilion and returned to his residence.

He did not go directly to Xinglin Garden, but returned to Zhenwu Hall first.

After bathing and changing into clean robes, he slowly walked towards Chu Yueyao's courtyard.

In Xinglin Garden, candlelight shone brightly.

The room was filled with the faint scent of calming incense, and several delicate side dishes and a pot of sake were laid out on the table.

She changed into a light green ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), loosely tied her hair up, and adorned it with a jade hairpin, making her look even more graceful than usual.

Seeing Lin Chen enter, she blushed and stood up to greet him: "Chen... Chen'er is here."

"Second sister-in-law, have you been waiting for me for a long time?" Lin Chen walked over with a smile.

"It hasn't been very long," Chu Yueyao said, bowing her head. "I've prepared some wine and dishes; would you like to have some first?"

Lin Chen sat down at the table, looking at the dishes laid out before him: "Did Second Sister-in-law cook these herself?"

"Hmm." Chu Yueyao sat down opposite him. "I don't know if it suits your taste."

Lin Chen tasted each dish and praised, "Delicious! Second Sister-in-law is not only a skilled doctor, but also a great cook."

Chu Yueyao's eyes flashed with joy: "I'm glad you like it."

The two drank together. Chu Yueyao had a low alcohol tolerance, and after three cups, her face was already flushed red.

The candlelight illuminated her gentle features, making her exceptionally beautiful.

"Chen'er," she whispered.

"Today... today while I was preparing the medicine, I suddenly thought of your second brother. He used to often praise my medicinal cuisine..."

Lin Chen held her hand: "Second sister-in-law, it's only natural to miss your second brother, I don't mind."

Tears welled up in Chu Yueyao's eyes: "You...you're so kind."

"I'm good to my second sister-in-law because she deserves it," Lin Chen said softly. "Let bygones be bygones; we should look to the future."

Chu Yueyao nodded, wiped away her tears, and smiled through her tears: "Mm."

After a hearty meal and drinks, the candlelight flickered red.

That night, the gentleness of Xinglin Garden was even greater than the night before.

……

The next morning, when Lin Chen woke up, Chu Yueyao was no longer by his side.

He sat up and found not only clean robes and medicinal porridge on the bedside table, but also a small sachet.

She picked up the sachet and smelled it; it had a calming medicinal fragrance. The embroidery was exquisite, clearly made by Chu Yueyao herself.

Lin Chen smiled bitterly to himself; he couldn't even hang this thing on his waist anymore. He dressed neatly and walked out of the bedroom.

Chu Yueyao was tending to the herbs in the courtyard when she saw him come out. Her face flushed. "You're awake? The porridge is still warm."

"Second sister-in-law, you're up really early." Lin Chen walked over and hugged her from behind. "Why didn't you sleep a little longer?"

"I'm used to it," Chu Yueyao said softly, leaning against him.

"These herbs need to be cared for daily; we cannot neglect them."

Lin Chen looked at her serious profile and suddenly said:

"Second sister-in-law, I'd like to build a medicinal herb garden in the mansion, specifically for you to grow medicinal herbs, and hire a few apprentices to help, so you won't have to work so hard."

Chu Yueyao was taken aback: "This... is too expensive."

"It's no trouble at all," Lin Chen said with a smile.

"Second sister-in-law's medical skills are a treasure to the Lin family, so naturally we should take good care of her. That's settled then. I'll have Lin Fu handle it."

Chu Yueyao was so moved that she didn't know what to say, and could only nod gently:

"Thank you, Chen'er."

After the two had breakfast, Lin Chen left Xinglin Garden.

Just as he reached the front yard, Jian Yi strode over: "Your Majesty, someone from the palace has come with an imperial decree. His Majesty summons you to the palace immediately."

Lin Chen raised an eyebrow: "Do you know what it is?"

"The eunuch who delivered the decree didn't say anything, but judging from his expression, it seemed to be something urgent."

Lin Chen nodded: "Prepare the car."

He pondered that the Empress's sudden summons was most likely related to the grain transport in Jiangnan.

It seems this trip to Jiangnan will have to be brought forward.

But it's good, it's a good opportunity to see the scenery of Jiangnan and, by the way... bring gifts for my sisters-in-law.

The carriage headed towards the imperial city, and Lin Chen leaned back inside, closing his eyes to rest.

Jiangnan... I've heard that it's a place teeming with beautiful women and picturesque scenery.

But no matter how beautiful she is, she can't compare to the seven women in my family.

A slight smile played on his lips; he already had a plan in mind.

……

When the carriage stopped in front of the imperial city gate, Qingluan was already waiting in front of the palace gate, dressed in palace attire, with a respectful expression.

"My lord, please!"

Lin Chen lazily got out of the car and followed Qingluan toward the Imperial Study.

On the way, he casually asked:

"Miss Qingluan, what urgent matter has His Majesty summoned you in such a hurry?"

Qingluan continued walking, responding softly:

"This servant does not know, but His Majesty reviewed memorials until the third watch last night, and got up very early this morning. He seems to be in a bad mood."

Got it, if the boss doesn't sleep well, the subordinates won't have an easy time either.

Lin Chen inwardly grumbled, but outwardly smiled and said, "Your Majesty's diligence in governing is truly a blessing to the Great Yan Dynasty."

In front of the Imperial Study, Qingluan stopped in her tracks: "Your Excellency, please wait a moment, this servant will go and inform you."

A moment later, Qingluan came out: "His Majesty invites the Duke in."

Lin Chen straightened his robes and pushed open the door to enter.