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

Chapter 65 Departure for Jiangnan

"Yes." Lin Chen took the medicine bowl.

Chu Yueyao sat down beside him, her eyes filled with worry.

"Jiangnan is far away and not a safe place... You must be careful."

"Don't worry, Second Sister-in-law, I will." Lin Chen took a sip of his medicine.

"By the way, while I was away, I asked Second Sister-in-law to take good care of the household. Please also take good care of Grandmother and Mother."

"I will." Chu Yueyao nodded, taking out several sachets from her sleeve.

"These are the 'poison-avoiding incense' and 'calming incense' I prepared. You should carry them with you at all times."

The Jiangnan region is humid and hot, with many mosquitoes; these sachets are believed to repel insects and ward off evil spirits.

Lin Chen took it, smelled it, and found the medicinal fragrance to be delicate and elegant: "Thank you, Second Sister-in-law."

Chu Yueyao took out another bottle of pills:

"This is the 'Hundred Herbs Pill,' which can cure common poisons. Although you have profound cultivation, the world is dangerous, so it's better to be prepared."

Lin Chen was touched and took her hand, saying, "Second sister-in-law, you've gone to so much trouble."

Chu Yueyao blushed and said softly, "You...you should go and come back soon. I...we'll wait for you."

"Mmm." Lin Chen gently kissed her forehead. "I will definitely come back safely."

After Chu Yueyao left.

Before long, Liu Ruyan, the eldest sister-in-law, also arrived and presented a short sword.

"This is a 'hidden sword' crafted by my Liu family. It's exquisite and sharp, suitable for self-defense," Liu Ruyan said calmly.

"Jiangnan is not like the capital; be careful."

"Thank you, Sister-in-law."

Third Sister-in-law Qin Shuyan gave them several books on the geography and customs of Jiangnan:

"These books might be useful to you. There are many prominent families in Jiangnan with complex relationships, so it's always good to know more about them."

Sixth Sister-in-law Ye Qingying delivered a map showing the distribution of power in Jiangnan, left without saying a word, and went on her way.

Seventh Sister-in-law Murong Xue looked concerned

"I've prepared some snacks for you. You can eat them if you get hungry on the way. Jiangnan cuisine tends to be sweet, so if you don't like it, you can have a little something to tide you over."

Lin Chen accepted them one by one, feeling a warm glow in his heart.

This is what family is.

Wherever you go or whatever you do, they will worry about you and prepare for you.

In the evening, Lin Chen went to his grandmother's courtyard.

The old lady was chanting Buddhist prayers when she saw him arrive, and she stopped holding her prayer beads.

"Is everything arranged?"

"It's all arranged." Lin Chen sat down next to his grandmother.

"I will be gone in a month or two at most. I will leave the affairs of the manor to my grandmother."

"You don't need to worry about things at home," the old lady said, looking at him. "But you, I've heard that there are many beauties in Jiangnan?"

Lin Chen was both amused and exasperated: "Why does Grandmother say that? I'm going there on official business."

"Official business can't stop me from admiring beautiful women," the old lady said with a half-smile.

"But Chen'er, let me remind you—no matter how fragrant the wildflowers outside are, they can't compare to the comfort of home."

Your seven sisters-in-law are all good women; you should cherish them.

"Grandson understands," Lin Chen said solemnly. "Grandson knows what he's doing."

The old lady nodded in satisfaction: "That's good. Go ahead, and come back soon."

It was already dark when I came out of my grandmother's courtyard.

Lin Chen returned to Zhenwu Hall, where Xiao Yulou was already waiting for him.

"Eighth Brother, I'm all packed!" she exclaimed excitedly. "When are we leaving?"

"Three days from now," Lin Chen said with a smile. "Is Fourth Sister-in-law in such a hurry?"

"Of course I'm anxious!" Xiao Yulou's eyes lit up.

"I'm so bored staying in the capital every day. This time I'm going to Jiangnan, I'm going to really experience the life of a江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the martial arts world)!"

Seeing her excited expression, Lin Chen smiled as well.

Perhaps this trip to Jiangnan won't be so boring.

……

Three days later, at dawn.

Carriages and horses lined the gates of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.

Three hundred Snow Dragon Riders stood solemnly on both sides, their black armor and black horses exuding a restrained yet chilling aura of killing intent.

The seven Vajra Warriors stood in front and behind.

Yuan Tiangang drove the main vehicle, his expression calm.

Lin Chen walked out of the mansion gate yawning, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, with several jade pendants given to him by his sisters-in-law hanging at his waist...

Speaking of this, Lin Chen was a little speechless. The jade pendant at his waist could be used as a shield, let alone the sachet.

But you can't leave it behind.

"Chen'er." The old lady stood on the steps, leaning on her cane, her expression solemn.

"Be careful in everything you do on your journey to Jiangnan."

"Don't worry, Grandmother," Lin Chen said with a grin.

"My grandson is just going for a stroll and taking care of some small errands."

"You're such a smooth talker." The old lady glared at him, then turned to look at Xiao Yulou, who was fully prepared to depart.

"Yu Lou, keep an eye on him, don't let him do anything reckless."

Xiao Yulou, dressed in a tight-fitting outfit with a long sword hanging on his back, exuded heroic spirit:

"Grandmother, don't worry, I'll look after Eighth Brother."

With tears welling in her eyes, Lin Chen's mother, Su Wanqing, stepped forward and straightened his clothes.

"Go early and come back early, and be careful on the road."

"Don't worry, Mother, I'll be back soon."

Other sisters-in-law also came to see him off.

The eldest sister-in-law, Liu Ruyan, handed over a bag of dry rations, the second sister-in-law, Chu Yueyao, stuffed in several bottles of pills, and the third sister-in-law, Qin Shuyan, gave her a genealogy of a prominent family in Jiangnan.

Fifth Sister-in-law Wen Ruoxi prepared silver notes, Sixth Sister-in-law Ye Qingying silently handed over the latest intelligence, and Seventh Sister-in-law Murong Xue tearfully handed over a bag of pastries.

Lin Chen accepted them one by one, feeling a warmth in his heart.

"Alright, let's go." He waved his hand and climbed into the carriage.

Yuan Tiangang cracked his whip, and the caravan slowly set off.

The carriage was spacious and comfortable. Xiao Yulou sat opposite Lin Chen and excitedly lifted the curtain to look outside:

"It's been over three years, and I can finally go on a long trip!"

Lin Chen leaned back on the cushion and said lazily:

"Fourth Sister-in-law, the journey to Jiangnan is long, it will take us seven or eight days. You're excited now, but you'll be tired in a couple of days."

"No way!" Xiao Yulou turned around and glared at him. "I'm a grandmaster, what's a little distance to me?"

"Yes, yes, yes, Fourth Sister-in-law is amazing." Lin Chen smiled and closed his eyes to rest.

The convoy left the capital and headed south along the official road.

Three hundred cyclists marched in an orderly fashion, their hooves beating in unison, drawing the attention of passersby.

At noon, the convoy stopped for a rest at a roadside rest stop.

The postmaster was a capable middle-aged man. Upon seeing the group, he quickly stepped forward and bowed.

"This humble official pays his respects to the Duke of Zhenguo!"

Lin Chen waved his hand: "Prepare some wine and dishes, keep it simple."

"Yes, yes, yes!"

The group went to the post station to rest.

Zhou Tong, the leader of the Seven Vajras, known as "Iron Arm," arranged for guard duty, while the others performed their respective duties.

Yuan Tiangang stayed by Lin Chen's side and whispered:

"My lord, Zhang Qing has sent word that there are new developments on the Canal Gang's side."

"explain."

"Hong Tianba, the leader of the Cao Gang, will be holding a birthday banquet at Juyi Manor in seven days, and he has invited many martial arts practitioners from Jiangnan to join him." Yuan Tiangang said, "This is an opportunity."

Lin Chen's eyes lit up: "A birthday banquet? Interesting. Let's speed up our journey and make it in time."

"Yes."

After lunch, the convoy continued south.

Inside the carriage, Xiao Yulou leaned closer:

"Eighth Brother, Mr. Yuan mentioned a birthday banquet... Shall we go?"

"Of course," Lin Chen said with a smile. "Isn't Fourth Sister-in-law eager to experience the world of martial arts? This birthday banquet is the perfect opportunity."

"But we're there to investigate a case..."

"Investigating the case and attending the banquet don't conflict." Lin Chen put his arm around her shoulder.

"Fourth Sister-in-law, when handling cases, we need to be strategic."

"Why bother going directly to their door? It's more interesting to sneak into the birthday banquet and see their true colors."

Xiao Yulou leaned against him, her eyes shining: "Then can I do it?"

"We'll see." Lin Chen pinched her nose. "Listen to my instructions and don't act on your own."

"Okay." Xiao Yulou was unusually obedient.

In the evening, the convoy arrived at the county town where they were scheduled to rest.

The county magistrate had already received the news and led county officials to greet them at the city gate.

Upon seeing the three hundred iron cavalry, my legs went weak.

"This humble official pays respects to the Duke of Zhenguo!"

Lin Chen lifted the carriage curtain and said lazily:

"Arrange a quiet place for me to stay, and also prepare some hot water and food."

"Yes, yes, yes! Your humble servant has prepared the best villa for the county government!"

The villa was indeed quiet and elegant.

Lin Chen and Xiao Yulou lived in the main courtyard, while Yuan Tiangang and the Seven Vajras lived in other courtyards.

Three hundred Snow Dragon Riders camped outside the city, maintaining strict discipline.

After dinner, Lin Chen took a hot bath and felt completely refreshed.

When Xiao Yulou knocked on the door and came in, he was wearing his undergarments and leaning against the couch reading a book.

"Fourth Sister-in-law is here?" Lin Chen looked up.

Xiao Yulou changed into a light purple ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), losing the heroic spirit of the daytime and gaining a touch of gentleness.

She walked over and sat down on the tatami mat: "I saw that the light was still on in your room, so I came to check on you."

"Missed me?" Lin Chen put down his book, smiled, and pulled her into his arms.

Xiao Yulou blushed, but did not resist: "Who missed you... I just came to see if you were resting."

"Now that you see it," Lin Chen said, lowering his head to lightly kiss her lips. "Fourth Sister-in-law, would you... like to rest with me?"

"You..." Xiao Yulou pushed him away in embarrassment, "You're so indecent!"

Lin Chen smiled and pressed her down on the couch, then kissed her.

The kiss was tender and lingering. Xiao Yulou initially struggled symbolically for a moment, but soon softened in his arms.

For a long time, the lips are divided.

Xiao Yulou, panting and with tears welling in her eyes, said, "Eighth Brother... we're still on our way..."

"What happened on the way?" Lin Chen gently stroked her cheek with his fingers. "No one bothered you."

"But..." Xiao Yulou was kissed again before he could finish speaking.

That night, the candlelight in the main house of the villa flickered late into the night.