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

Chapter 116 Wedding Preparations

Three days after the coming-of-age ceremony, the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion was already ablaze with festive red.

Red silk ribbons were hung from the eaves, and the characters for "happiness" were pasted on the doors and windows. Even the century-old locust tree in the mansion was tied with red silk ribbons.

The servants bustled about, all with smiles on their faces.

The Duke was getting married, and everyone in the manor received a reward, so they were naturally happy.

Lin Chen, however, hid in the study to slack off.

"Eighth brother, the wedding dress has been tried on three times, and the Ministry of Rites says the size is perfect."

Qin Shuyan stood before the desk, holding the account book, looking at Lin Chen yawning in the armchair, and said helplessly:

"The guest list was finally settled on 1,200 people, almost double the number at the coronation ceremony."

Besides the imperial court and the martial arts world, invitations were sent by military generals from various regions who had old ties with the Lin family, city lords from the northern border cities, and the families of the seven sisters.

Lin Chen didn't even open his eyes:

"Third sister-in-law, you can handle it as you see fit. Anyway, I'm just a decoration. When the time comes, I'll just have to go through the wedding ceremony and the wedding night, and that'll be it."

"Eighth Brother!" Qin Shuyan scolded.

"This is your wedding! Eight wives are entering together—there's never been such a grand affair in history! How can you not care at all?"

"Of course I care, how could I not care?" Lin Chen sat up straight and said with a grin:

"I take turns visiting each of my sisters-in-law's courtyards every night to 'keep an eye on things,' doesn't Third Sister-in-law know this best?"

Qin Shuyan blushed and glared at him:

"You're so unserious! Let's get down to business."

The Liu, Chu, Qin, Xiao, Wen, Ye, and Murong families have all arrived in the capital in the past two days and have been settled in a villa in the south of the city.

According to etiquette, you shouldn't see them before the wedding, but there has to be some explanation.

Lin Chen then became more serious: "What is the attitude of your sisters-in-law's families?"

Qin Shuyan sighed:

"What else could we do? When Grandmother proposed the idea of ​​'one person taking on the responsibility of eight households,' everyone opposed it."

Although it is not uncommon for widows to remarry, it is not good to talk about it when it comes out that she is marrying her own brother-in-law.

Later, seeing how you supported the Lin family and made significant contributions, they gradually relented and said that your presence this time was already a great honor.

She paused, then said softly:

"Eighth brother, I know you don't care about these formalities, but your sisters do."

On your wedding day, you must give face to all the families, especially... make sure your bride's family sees it.

"We married you willingly, not because we were forced by our families, nor because it was a helpless act by the Lin family to continue its bloodline."

Lin Chen held her hand:

"Don't worry, Third Sister-in-law, I know what's important."

On my wedding day, I will make sure everyone in the capital knows that I, Lin Chen, am marrying eight wives because I love them, because they are worthy of it.

Qin Shuyan's eyes were slightly red, and she nodded: "Mm."

"Oh, right," Lin Chen remembered something.

"On the day of the coming-of-age ceremony, only it was announced that my eldest sister-in-law was pregnant; what about the other sisters-in-law..."

"My second sister is taking pulses every day, but there's no good news yet," Qin Shuyan said.

"But the sisters aren't in a hurry, after all, it's still early days."

But you, after the wedding, can't act like you did the other day. You need to take care of your health.

Lin Chen blushed slightly: "I understand..."

After his coming-of-age ceremony, he suddenly had a wild idea and didn't want to run around anymore, which was quite absurd...

The two discussed some more details about the preparations before Qin Shuyan left.

She had barely left when Yuan Tiangang walked in.

"My lord, three things." Yuan Tiangang said succinctly as always.

"Speak," Lin Chen said, slumping back into his chair.

"First, the Purple-Clad Pavilion Master, Yin Jiuyou, broke through his seclusion yesterday." Yuan Tiangang's voice was calm.

"He has successfully broken through to the peak of the Celestial Realm. The first thing he did after emerging from seclusion was to gather all the elites of the Purple Robe Tower and head towards the capital."

Lin Chen raised an eyebrow: "So eager?"

"Yes, Yin Jiuyou is a vengeful man. His son was killed by the Cui family, and he's been itching for revenge for a long time." Yuan Tiangang paused.

"The companions included the Grand Elder of the Purple Robe Pavilion—a mid-stage Celestial Realm cultivator—and twelve Grandmaster Purple Robe Envoys."

"Quite a lineup," Lin Chen chuckled. "And the second item?"

"The Yama Palace is also making moves," Yuan Tiangang said.

"The Palace Master Xue Wuyai is still in seclusion, but the Supreme Elder Xue Sha has personally come out of seclusion—he is at the mid-stage of the Celestial Realm."

They left the headquarters three days ago, accompanied by eight Grandmaster-level assassins, their destination also being the capital.

"The two companies have joined forces?"

"There's no evidence yet, but the timing is too coincidental," Yuan Tiangang said in a deep voice.

"The day of the Lord's wedding will likely be the best time for them to make their move."

The event will be packed with guests of all kinds, which could easily lead to chaos.

Lin Chen asked thoughtfully, "What was the royal family's reaction?"

"The Empress has increased the tributes, and the royal patriarch Zhao Wuji has also ended his short-term seclusion and is ready to act at any time," Yuan Tiangang said.

"In addition, Xuanjizi of the Tianji Academy visited the War God Temple yesterday, seemingly to discuss something."

The four gates, including the Azure Dragon Gate and the White Tiger Gate, have also increased their security.

"Looks like everyone thinks my wedding won't be peaceful," Lin Chen chuckled. "The third thing?"

Yuan Tiangang's tone became slightly serious:

"A secret report from the northern border states that Wanyan Honglie has completed the mobilization of his forces, with 200,000 troops stationed on the border."

Northern Northern Sword Emperor Tuoba Lie has also left the imperial city and headed towards the border; a great battle... is imminent.

Lin Chen was silent for a moment, then waved his hand:

"Understood. After the wedding, I will go to the Northern Border to meet this sixth-ranked Earthly General and the tenth-ranked Heavenly General."

"My lord, the defenses on the wedding day..."

"Proceed as planned." Lin Chen said calmly.

"Guan Yu and Senior Dugu are stationed in the backyard, and only terrestrial immortals can make a move to prevent them from showing themselves."

Mr. Li Bai appears to be in charge, but tries his best not to make a move—his cultivation level at the early stage of the Land Immortal realm is too frightening, and it wouldn't be good to expose it.

Mr. Yuan, you will oversee the overall situation; Mr. Li, you will protect the guests; General Zhao and the Eight Vajras will be responsible for the outer perimeter; and the Thirteen Protectors and the Eight Swordsmen will guard the inner courtyard.

As for the Purple Robe Tower and the Hall of Yama…”

A cold glint flashed in Lin Chen's eyes:

"Now that you're here, don't leave. Let the world see that the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion is not a place where just anyone can run wild."

"Yes."

After Yuan Tiangang left, Lin Chen sat alone for a while before getting up and walking towards the Plum Garden.

……

In the plum garden, Liu Ruyan was embroidering a small bib. When she saw Lin Chen arrive, she quickly put down her needlework.

"Why is Eighth Brother here? Weren't we supposed to avoid suspicion and not see each other often before the wedding?"

"Rules are rules, but can't I miss my sister-in-law?" Lin Chen smiled and sat down beside her, glancing at the little red undergarment.

"The embroidery is beautiful, but sister-in-law, you're pregnant now, so please do less needlework; it strains your eyes."

"It's no trouble at all," Liu Ruyan said softly.

"I want to make something for the child, Eighth Brother. Do you think it's a boy or a girl?"

"I like both boys and girls." Lin Chen held her hand.

"But sister-in-law, there's something I need to tell you."

"What is it?"

"On my wedding day, the Purple Robe Pavilion and the Underworld might try to cause trouble," Lin Chen said frankly.

"I have already made arrangements for defense, but after all, this is our joyous day, and I am afraid you will be frightened."

Liu Ruyan smiled nonchalantly:

"Eighth Brother, have you forgotten that I am the daughter of a military family? My father is a second-rank general, and I grew up in the military camp. What kind of battles haven't I seen? Besides..."

She gently stroked her lower abdomen, her eyes shining with maternal love:

"For the sake of the children, I will protect myself. Eighth brother, you can go and do what you need to do without worrying about me."

Lin Chen felt a warmth in his heart and pulled her into his arms: "Thank you, sister-in-law."

"Oh, right," Liu Ruyan leaned on his shoulder and whispered:

"My father and elder brother arrived in the capital the day before yesterday and are staying at a villa in the south of the city. They sent word... that they want to see you."

Lin Chen was taken aback: "Now? Aren't we not allowed to see each other before the wedding?"

"Rules are rules, but some things need to be made clear beforehand." Liu Ruyan sighed.

"Eighth brother, the Liu family is actually not very willing for me to marry you."

It's not that I think you're bad, but... I feel like I'm being wronged.

After all, I am the eldest daughter of the legitimate wife and from a military family. It wouldn't sound good for me to remarry my brother-in-law.

"I understand." Lin Chen nodded. "Then I'll go see my father-in-law now."

"Now?" Liu Ruyan asked in surprise. "No need to be in such a hurry..."

"We'll meet sooner or later, so let's get this straight," Lin Chen said with a smile.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."