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

Chapter 33 Everything is Ready

Inside the accounting office.

Qin Shuyan was indeed still checking the accounts. When she saw Lin Chen come in, she handed him a booklet.

"Eighth Brother, this is a summary of the accounts for all of the Cui family's publicly known businesses over the past three years," Qin Shuyan said.

"I used my sixth sister's connections to buy it from the Heavenly Mystery Institute. Look here..."

She pointed to one of the pages:

Three years ago, the Cui family suddenly purchased thirty estates in Jiangnan, with the source of funds unknown.

At the same time, the whereabouts of a 5 million tael "border defense repair fund" from the Ministry of Revenue remained a mystery.

Lin Chen's eyes turned cold: "Misappropriation of military funds?"

"Not only that." Qin Shuyan turned to another page.

"These estates were later all sold to an organization called the 'Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce'."

The real owner behind the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce, upon investigation, is the Zheng family, the maternal family of the Second Prince.

"So, the Cui family helped the Second Prince launder money." Lin Chen suddenly realized, "No wonder they were so closely tied to him."

"And this too." Qin Shuyan took out another letter. "Sixth Sister just delivered this. She said she intercepted it from a steward of the Cui family."

Lin Chen unfolded the letter, his expression growing increasingly grim as he read.

The letter was a secret letter written by Cui Yongnian to the Second Prince.

The content was actually a plan to "accidentally" assassinate several court officials who were at odds with the Second Prince at the birthday banquet, and then frame Lin Chen for it!

"What a clever scheme." Lin Chen sneered. "Trying to kill two birds with one stone, eliminating political enemies while also putting me in a deadly situation."

"Eighth brother, they will surely have an ambush planned for tomorrow's birthday banquet," Qin Shuyan said worriedly.

"How about... we don't go?"

"It would be worse if I didn't go." Lin Chen shook his head. "They would say I'm guilty and confirm my guilt. I have to go, and I have to go openly and honestly."

He put the letter away: "Don't worry, Third Sister-in-law, I'm prepared."

Qin Shuyan gazed at Lin Chen quietly, a complex emotion flickering in her beautiful and deep eyes.

Finally, she spoke softly:

"Eighth brother, you have really changed a lot."

Previously, I always thought you were incapable of shouldering the heavy responsibilities and duties of the manor.

But now... perhaps Grandmother was right, we all... can't live without you.

Although these words were worded in a tactful and subtle way, the profound meaning they contained was all too clear.

Lin Chen's heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't help but reach out and tightly grasp Qin Shuyan's soft, boneless hands.

"Sister-in-law..."

A faint blush instantly spread across Qin Shuyan's cheeks, making her look as tempting and adorable as a ripe apple.

She struggled slightly, trying to pull her hand away from Lin Chen's grasp.

But it was just a subconscious reaction; I didn't use much force.

"Okay, make sure you come back safe and sound tomorrow... I... we're waiting for you at home."

After saying that, she broke free from Lin Chen's hand and quickly left the tent, her steps appearing somewhat flustered.

Lin Chen watched her departing figure, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly.

Stepping out of the tent, the night breeze was slightly cool.

Lin Chen looked up at the moon, and the faces of his seven sisters-in-law flashed through his mind.

He must protect this home.

……

The following day, the Cui residence was brightly decorated and filled with guests.

On the occasion of Old Master Cui Xiong's 80th birthday, almost half of the powerful and influential people in the capital came to celebrate.

Carriages and horses lined up in front of the gate in a long queue, and congratulatory gifts piled up like mountains.

Lin Chen only brought two people with him—Qingluan, who was disguised as a maid, and Yuan Tiangang, who was dressed as a butler.

Today was a special day, and Seventh Sister-in-law Murong Xue didn't want to hold Lin Chen back, so she didn't insist on coming.

Li Chunfeng remained hidden in the shadows, ready to provide support at any time.

"The Eighth Young Master Lin of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion has arrived—"

Amidst the chanting of names, Lin Chen entered the Cui residence.

Dressed in a dark brocade robe with a love knot tied around his waist, he was handsome and elegant, instantly attracting a lot of attention.

"Is this the spoiled brat? He doesn't look like it..."

"I heard that he made a big splash at the Tianji Academy a few days ago, and even Elder Xuanjizi praised him."

"Shh, keep your voice down, the Cui family is watching..."

Cui Yongnian personally came out to greet them, his face beaming with smiles:

"It is an honor to have my humble abode graced by your presence, Nephew Lin!"

He was in his fifties, with a round, slightly chubby face, and had a friendly, prosperous appearance.

But the occasional glint of shrewdness in his eyes revealed that this person was no ordinary individual.

"You're too kind, Third Master Cui." Lin Chen cupped his hands in greeting.

"My father often mentioned Third Master Cui, saying that you were the most 'generous and righteous.' Today, we have prepared a small gift to congratulate Old Master Cui on his birthday."

With a wave of his hand, Yuan Tiangang presented a brocade box.

Cui Yongnian took it and opened it. Inside was a jade Buddha, the carving of which was very rough and obviously a sham.

A cold glint flashed in his eyes, but his smile remained unchanged:

"My dear nephew, you're too kind. Please take your seat!"

Lin Chen was led to a spot in the middle of the banquet, a place that was neither conspicuous nor secluded.

Clearly, the Cui family didn't take him seriously.

Qingluan whispered, "The old man in purple behind the Second Prince... is Mr. Yin, whose strength is unfathomable."

Lin Chen looked over in that direction, his gaze slightly narrowed.

At the main table, the Second Prince Zhao Cheng was chatting and laughing with several important court officials.

Behind him stood an old man in purple robes, with an ordinary face, eyes closed in meditation, seemingly out of place with the surrounding hustle and bustle.

But Lin Chen could sense that this person's aura was as deep and unfathomable as an abyss!

"He possesses the aura of a celestial being, yet it is incomplete; he should be a half-step celestial being," Yuan Tiangang transmitted his voice.

"My lord, this man is not worthy of consideration."

"Proceed according to plan." Lin Chen withdrew his gaze.

The banquet began, filled with singing and dancing.

Old Master Cui came out, supported by his children and grandchildren, to receive birthday wishes from everyone.

The old man looked energetic, but Lin Chen keenly sensed that his breathing was weak, indicating that he had a hidden ailment.

After several rounds of drinks, Cui Yongnian stood up and raised his glass:

"Today is my father's birthday, and I am deeply grateful for your presence. I, Cui, would like to offer you all a toast!"

Everyone raised their glasses and drank together.

Setting down his wine glass, Cui Yongnian changed the subject:

"However, besides celebrating your birthday, I have another matter to ask you all to witness."

coming.

Lin Chen sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm.

Cui Yongnian clapped his hands, and two guards brought up a middle-aged man who was bound hand and foot.

The man was disheveled, but Lin Chen recognized him at a glance—he was one of the two guards from the secret room last night!

"This man is the captain of the Cui family's guards! Last night, he actually broke into the treasury with the intention of stealing valuables!" Cui Yongnian exclaimed indignantly.

"What's even more hateful is that he was hired by someone else and wanted to frame my Cui family!"

He looked at Lin Chen, a ruthless glint in his eyes: "Nephew Lin, do you recognize this person?"

All eyes in the room instantly focused on Lin Chen.

Lin Chen put down his wine cup and smiled, "Third Master Cui, you jest. How would I know your esteemed residence's guards?"

"Is that so?" Cui Yongnian sneered.

"But he confessed that he was instructed by you to steal 'important items' from the Cui family so that he could publicly defame them at today's birthday banquet!"

A commotion arose.

"Was it Lin Chen who instigated this?"

"What does he want to do?"

"No wonder you came to offer birthday wishes today; you harbored malicious intentions!"

The second prince spoke up at the opportune moment: "Lin Chen, is this true?"

Lin Chen stood up, unhurriedly:

"Your Highness, this person did indeed go to a place last night."

But it wasn't the Cui family's treasury; rather, it was a secret chamber beneath the artificial hill in the Cui family's back garden.

His voice was clear and resonant, carrying throughout the entire venue:

"Moreover, he wasn't there to steal valuables, but rather to destroy a batch of... Corrosive Spirit Stones and account books that had been smuggled into military supplies during the Northern War three years ago!"

"What?!" The entire audience was shocked.

Cui Yongnian's expression changed drastically: "What nonsense are you spouting!"