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

Chapter 56 Reunion with the Eldest Princess

Just as they stepped out of the mansion gate, a carriage approached. The curtain was lifted, revealing the face of Princess Zhao Mingyue.

"Duke Lin," she greeted with a smile.

Lin Chen cupped his hands in greeting: "Greetings, Your Highness the Eldest Princess."

"No need for formalities." Zhao Mingyue alighted from the carriage. "I have nothing to do today and would like to go to Zuiyue Pavilion to listen to the zither. Does the Duke have time to accompany me?"

Lin Chen's heart stirred.

This princess seems to be getting a little too close to him?

"I am deeply honored."

The two rode together in a car towards Zuiyue Pavilion.

Inside the carriage, Zhao Mingyue suddenly asked, "Does the Duke know why His Majesty appointed you to command the Tiger Legion?"

"Your Majesty, I am foolish and ignorant, please enlighten me."

"Because you are the Duke of Zhenguo, and the eldest son of the Lin family," Zhao Mingyue said softly.

"The Lin family has been loyal and virtuous for generations, and enjoys extremely high prestige in the army. His Majesty employs you not only because of your abilities, but also because of the Lin family's reputation."

She paused, then said:

"But some people in the court... don't think so. They think you're a wastrel, incapable of shouldering great responsibilities. Duke, you must prove yourself."

Lin Chen smiled: "Your Highness, rest assured, though I am lazy, I am not stupid. I have already made arrangements for the Tiger Legion."

"Oh?" Zhao Mingyue raised an eyebrow. "Tell me about it."

"Mr. Yuan will be in charge of overall training, Zhao Zilong will be the deputy commander, and Mr. Li will be the strategist," Lin Chen said.

"Three months from now, I will hand over an elite force."

Zhao Mingyue's eyes flashed with surprise: "Zhao Zilong? The Duke's forces... truly have a wealth of talent."

"They are all descendants of my father's former subordinates, who have come to serve him," Lin Chen said vaguely.

Zhao Mingyue gave him a deep look and asked no more questions.

Upon arriving at Zuiyue Pavilion, Wen Ruoxi personally greeted them.

Upon seeing the eldest princess, she quickly bowed.

"Fifth Madam, there's no need for such formalities," Zhao Mingyue said with a smile. "I've come today to hear 'Mr. Bai' play the zither."

"Your Highness, this way please."

The three of them went up to the Qin Yun Pavilion on the fourth floor.

Dongfang Bai was already waiting. Upon seeing Lin Chen, he nodded slightly: "My lord."

"Mr. Bai, Her Highness the Princess wishes to hear you play the zither," Lin Chen introduced.

Dongfang Bai looked at Zhao Mingyue, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure: "What kind of music would Your Highness like to hear?"

"Please make yourself at home, sir."

Dongfang Bai sat back down on the zither platform and gently plucked the strings with her slender fingers.

This time, the piece played was "High Mountains and Flowing Water." The music was clear, elegant, and melodious, as if it transported the listener to a landscape of mountains and rivers.

Zhao Mingyue listened intently with her eyes closed, her expression one of deep absorption.

When the music ended, she opened her eyes and exclaimed in admiration:

"Sir, your zither playing is unparalleled in this world. I have never heard such moving music before."

Dongfang Bai said calmly, "Your Highness flatters me."

Zhao Mingyue listened to a few more songs before reluctantly getting up:

"I've had my fill today, Your Majesty. I'll head back now."

"Your Highness, I see you off."

After seeing the eldest princess off, Lin Chen returned to Qin Yun Pavilion.

Dongfang Bai looked at him and suddenly said, "My lord, that princess... there's something wrong with her."

Lin Chen was taken aback: "What do you mean?"

"She is of royal blood and possesses the aura of a true dragon," Dongfang Bai said. "But there is a hint of melancholy in her aura, as if she has an unresolved inner conflict."

Lin Chen understood.

Zhao Mingyue married a prince who she didn't love, and they didn't consummate their marriage for seven years. Naturally, she couldn't resolve her inner conflict, which is commonly known as endocrine imbalance.

"I am already aware of this matter," he said. "Mr. Bai, there is no need to worry."

Dongfang Bai nodded and said no more.

Lin Chen went downstairs and found Wen Ruoxi: "Fifth Sister-in-law, I'm going out for a bit to check on the military camp."

"Okay, be careful on the road."

……

The Tiger Warriors' camp was located in the west of the city. It was originally an abandoned training ground, but Yuan Tiangang has now renovated it and given it a brand new look.

When Lin Chen arrived, training was underway on the training ground.

Eight thousand selected soldiers, divided into eight teams, were lined up neatly and practicing shooting.

Yuan Tiangang stood on the command platform. When he saw Lin Chen arrive, he leaped down and said, "My lord."

"How's it going?"

"Successfully," Yuan Tiangang said.

"The initial formation of 8,000 men is complete. After another month of training, they will be ready for battle. General Zhao is training his marksmanship over there."

Lin Chen looked in the direction he was pointing.

A young general in white robes and silver armor, holding a gleaming silver spear, was instructing his soldiers.

He was handsome, imposing, and his marksmanship was like a dragon; he was none other than Zhao Zilong.

"Let's go take a look."

The two walked over, and Zhao Zilong, upon seeing Lin Chen, sheathed his spear and saluted.

"This humble general, Zhao Zilong, greets Your Majesty!"

His voice was loud and clear, and his presence was extraordinary.

The surrounding soldiers all looked over, their eyes filled with awe.

This General Zhao, despite his young age, had already reached the peak of the Grandmaster level, and his exquisite marksmanship, which he shared without reservation, quickly won over the hearts of his soldiers.

"General Zhao, you've worked hard," Lin Chen said with a smile. "Do you have a plan in mind for commanding the troops?"

"Reporting to my lord," Zhao Zilong said solemnly:

"Eight thousand cavalrymen can be assembled in three months. When the Tiger Legion goes into battle, they will be invincible!"

"Good!" Lin Chen nodded in satisfaction.

As they were talking, Li Chunfeng arrived at the military camp and began setting up training formations.

He planted array flags around the training ground and chanted incantations. Before long, the entire training ground was enveloped in a faint spiritual aura.

"The Spirit Gathering Array can accelerate cultivation, the Gravity Array can enhance physical strength, and the Illusion Killing Array can simulate real combat," Li Chunfeng explained. "What does Your Majesty think?"

"Excellent," Lin Chen praised. "With these three here, the Tiger Legion will surely become an elite force."

After inspecting the military camp, it was already late, so Lin Chen prepared to return home. Before leaving, he said to Yuan Tiangang:

"Mr. Yuan, is there any new development from the Purple Robe Tower?"

Yuan Tiangang shook his head: "Not for now. The Purple Robe Tower seems to have given up, but I think they won't let it go so easily."

"Just keep a close eye on them," Lin Chen said. "If they dare to come, make sure they don't leave alive."

"Yes."

On the way back to the manor, Lin Chen leaned against the carriage and closed his eyes to rest.

Today's gains are considerable—Zhao Zilong's arrival has greatly increased the strength of the Tiger Army.

With the breakthrough in his relationship with Seventh Sister-in-law, Second Sister-in-law also loosened her grip, and it seems the Eldest Princess has feelings for him...

Life is getting more and more interesting.

"Ding! Daily check-in successful!"

"Received: 5000 taels of silver"

"Obtained: [Item - Body Tempering Pill] x50 (High-grade Yellow Rank, can enhance physique)"

"Obtained: [Item - Nourishing Incense] x10 (Low-grade Profound, can nourish the soul)"

Lin Chen smiled slightly. The Body Tempering Pill was perfect for the Tiger Legion, and the Spirit Nourishing Incense could be given to his sisters-in-law.

The carriage entered the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.

When Lin Chen got out of the car, the sun was setting.

Lights were already lit in all the courtyards of the mansion, and the aroma of food wafted through the air.

He first went to his grandmother's house to pay his respects and offer her incense to calm her mind.

The old lady was very pleased and pulled him aside to ask him all sorts of questions.

She went to sit with her mother for a while, where Su Wanqing was chanting Buddhist scriptures.

Now that Lin Chen has risen to power, she has retreated to the inner quarters, praying for his safety day and night.

Finally, he arrived at Xuemei Courtyard.

Murong Xue was doing her hair when she saw Lin Chen enter. Her face flushed, and she lowered her head, saying:

"Eighth brother is back."

"Mmm." Lin Chen walked over and hugged her from behind. "Seventh Sister-in-law, were you a good girl today? Did you get enough rest?"

Murong Xue leaned against him and whispered, "I need to rest. My second sister even brought some medicine..."

"Second sister-in-law, you're so thoughtful." Lin Chen kissed her cheek. "By the way, the assassin matter has been resolved."

"Really?" Murong Xue's eyes lit up.

Lin Chen briefly recounted what had happened the previous night.

After hearing this, Murong Xue's eyes welled up with tears:

"Eighth brother... thank you. You not only saved my father, but also... you helped my family and the Lin family to reconcile."

"We're family, no need for formalities." Lin Chen wiped away her tears.

"From now on, Nanzhao will be an ally of the Lin family, and Seventh Sister-in-law can often go back to her parents' home to visit."

"Thank you, Eighth Brother..." Murong Xue turned around and kissed his lips.

The kiss was tender and lingering until both of them were breathless.

After they parted, Murong Xue blushed deeply and whispered, "Eighth Brother, will you... still be here tonight?"

Lin Chen smiled: "Of course, but... is Seventh Sister-in-law's health up to par?"

Murong Xia buried her face in his chest, blushing, and said, "You...you can be gentle..."

"Okay, I promise I'll be gentle."

Outside the window, the moon hangs high in the sky.

All the courtyards of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion were quiet, except for the red candles in Xuemei Courtyard, which burned late into the night.