Chapter 108 Everything in excess is as bad as too little.
Chapter 108 Everything in excess is as bad as too little.
Lin Chen stayed at Zuiyue Pavilion until Shenshi (3-5 PM) before returning to his residence.
He first went to Plum Garden to see Liu Ruyan and talked with her for a while, then went to West Garden to see Su Xiaoxiao.
Su Xiaoxiao was practicing the piano when she saw him arrive, and happily played a piece for him.
Lin Chen listened with great enjoyment, feeling that this was the life he wanted—a beautiful woman by his side, melodious music, and carefree days.
Unfortunately, this tranquility was soon shattered.
When Ye Qingying came out of the West Garden, her maid was waiting at the crossroads:
"Eighth Master, Madam requests your presence at Anxiang Pavilion; she has important matters to discuss."
Lin Chen knew he couldn't avoid it, so he had no choice but to go.
Inside the Dark Fragrance Pavilion, Ye Qingying was reading a secret report.
When she saw him arrive, she put down the secret report and looked up at him.
"What does Sixth Sister-in-law want with me?" Lin Chen sat down opposite her.
"Two things," Ye Qingying said, handing over the confidential report.
"First, strange phenomena are frequently occurring at the seclusion site of the Purple-Clad Pavilion Master Yin Jiuyou. He may emerge from seclusion earlier than expected, at most ten days later."
Lin Chen glanced at it: "Got it. What's the second one?"
Ye Qingying remained silent for a moment, then got up and walked to him.
"The second matter... concerns the household." She hesitated, a rare occurrence for her.
"Eighth brother, I'm happy for my sister-in-law's pregnancy, but you should also understand what the other sisters are thinking."
Lin Chen nodded: "I understand, Sixth Sister-in-law also wants to..."
"Yes." Ye Qingying replied directly.
"Although I am cold-hearted, I am still a daughter-in-law of the Lin family."
Eighth Brother, I won't rush you, but don't keep me waiting too long. Whenever you have time, just come and visit Anxiang Pavilion.
After she finished speaking, her face flushed slightly, and she turned her head away.
Lin Chen's heart stirred.
Sixth Sister-in-law is usually aloof and taciturn, so for her to say these words was already her limit.
"Don't worry, Sixth Sister-in-law, I definitely won't neglect you," Lin Chen said earnestly.
"I've been really busy lately, but after the coronation ceremony..."
"No need to wait for the coming-of-age ceremony," Ye Qingying interrupted him. "It'll be in the next few days. Just arrange a time."
Lin Chen thought for a moment: "Then... how about the night after tomorrow?"
"Okay." Ye Qingying nodded, then added:
"Eighth brother, you should also take good care of your little sister."
Although she is not yet married, she is thoughtful and prone to overthinking.
"Thank you for the reminder, Sixth Sister-in-law." Lin Chen stood up. "I'll be going now. I'll definitely come the night after tomorrow."
After leaving Anxiang Pavilion, Lin Chen calculated the time: Fourth Sister-in-law tomorrow night, Third Sister-in-law the night after, Sixth Sister-in-law the day after tomorrow... Fifth and Seventh Sister-in-law are not yet on appointment, but he can't delay.
He suddenly realized that he was busier than the emperor.
After dinner, Lin Chen went to Xue Mei Courtyard.
Murong Xue was arranging flowers when she saw him arrive, and smiled gently.
"Eighth Brother is here? Have a seat. I just got some new flower tea, let me brew you a cup."
Lin Chen sat down and looked at her serene profile, feeling a little more relaxed.
The tea is brewed and its fragrance fills the air.
Murong Xue presented it with both hands, her demeanor elegant.
"Seventh Sister-in-law, is there something you need?" Lin Chen asked, taking a sip of tea.
"Can't you invite Eighth Brother over for tea if there's nothing else to do?" Murong Xue smiled slightly.
"Actually... I wanted to congratulate Eighth Brother. Your wife's pregnancy is a great joy for the Lin family."
"Thank you, Seventh Sister-in-law."
"However," Murong Xue paused,
"Eighth brother, I know the sisters all have their own thoughts, so don't make things too difficult for them."
This can't be rushed; it depends on fate, but..."
Her face flushed slightly, and her voice lowered:
"If Eighth Brother has some free time recently, he can come and sit at Xuemei Courtyard."
I recently learned a new tea ceremony, and I also brought some snacks from Nanzhao. I'd like you to try them.
Looking at her gentle appearance, Lin Chen's heart softened.
"Seventh Sister-in-law, I promise you I'll come often, but I've been really busy these past few days. Once things calm down, let's have some tea and a good chat."
"Mm." Murong Xue nodded. "Eighth Brother, take care of yourself and don't overwork yourself."
After talking for a while, Lin Chen left.
He breathed a sigh of relief as he walked out of Xuemei Courtyard.
Seventh Sister-in-law is very gentle and doesn't put any pressure on him, for which he is very grateful.
On his way back to the main house, he encountered Yuan Tiangang.
"My lord, the guest list for the coming-of-age ceremony has been finalized; this is the final version." Yuan Tiangang handed over a list.
Lin Chen took the document and glanced at it. The names were densely packed: officials from the court, heads of powerful families, renowned figures from the martial arts world... everyone who was supposed to be there had come.
"What about His Majesty?"
"His Majesty is confirmed to attend in person, and Her Highness the Eldest Princess will also be present. In addition," Yuan Tiangang lowered his voice.
"His Majesty has secretly assigned two more royal guards, both of whom are at the Celestial Realm."
Lin Chen raised an eyebrow: "So grand?"
"His Majesty's coming-of-age ceremony is a major event in the court," Yuan Tiangang said.
"Furthermore... I suspect that His Majesty also wants to take this opportunity to see the reactions of the various factions."
"Then let her see it," Lin Chen said indifferently.
"Anyway, I'm just going through the motions. After the show is over, I'll go back to my life."
Back at the main house, Lin Chen finished washing up but couldn't fall asleep in bed.
He needs to conserve his energy before going to the martial arts academy for a "sparring match" tomorrow night.
Although he had the cultivation of the Great Perfection of the Celestial Realm, his fourth sister-in-law was already a Grandmaster Martial Artist, so he had to "take it seriously" when they sparred.
More importantly... he had to think about how to balance the expectations of his sisters-in-law.
Lost in thought, he drifted off to sleep.
……
The next evening, at the hour of Xu (7-9 PM).
Lin Chen arrived at the Martial Arts Academy as promised.
The courtyard was brightly lit, and Xiao Yulou, dressed in a smart outfit and holding a long sword, looked dashing and heroic.
Seeing Lin Chen arrive, her eyes lit up: "Eighth Brother, are you ready?"
Lin Chen raised an eyebrow and smiled: "Fourth Sister-in-law, you don't really want to spar, do you?"
"Of course," Xiao Yulou said solemnly.
"For us martial arts practitioners, sparring is the best form of communication. Come on, let me see if you've improved in the last few months."
After she finished speaking, she thrust her sword forward.
The sword flashed like lightning, aiming straight for Lin Chen's face.
Lin Chen dodged to the side and took a wooden sword from the weapon rack:
"Fourth Sister-in-law, use the wooden sword, so you don't get hurt."
"Look down on me?" Xiao Yulou raised an eyebrow, his attack becoming even more intense.
Lin Chen had no choice but to deal with it seriously.
Although he was at the Great Perfection of the Celestial Realm, he suppressed his cultivation to the First Grade, and fought Xiao Yulou to a standstill.
After fifty moves, Xiao Yulou, drenched in sweat, sheathed his sword and laughed:
"Eighth brother, you've improved so quickly. You weren't this skilled last time we sparred."
"Fourth Sister-in-law taught her well." Lin Chen put down the wooden sword and walked to her side.
"Feeling tired? Come inside and have a cup of tea."
The two entered the room, where a maid had already prepared tea and snacks.
Xiao Yulou took a sip of tea and suddenly said, "Eighth Brother, actually, the reason I came to see you tonight wasn't just for a sparring match."
Lin Chen rolled his eyes inwardly: "I know."
"It's good that you know." Xiao Yulou's face flushed slightly, but her eyes remained firm.
"Eighth Brother, I want a child, preferably a son, who will inherit my swordsmanship in the future."
Don't worry, I will teach him well and help him grow into a strong and upright man.
What could Lin Chen do but hold Xiao Yulou's hand tenderly?
"Fourth Sister-in-law, I promise you I will try my best, but this can't be rushed, it depends on fate."
"I know," Xiao Yulou nodded.
"So I think... we can 'spar' a few more times."
I've heard that dual cultivation is beneficial for martial artists; it can not only improve their cultivation level but also strengthen their bodies.
Eighth Brother, if you have any techniques for this, you can teach me.
Lin Chen was taken aback: "How does Fourth Sister-in-law know about dual cultivation techniques?"
"That's what my second sister said," Xiao Yulou said frankly.
She said you have a dual cultivation technique that is beneficial to both parties.
Eighth brother, I'm not greedy. As long as it's good for my health and can increase my chances of conceiving, I'll learn it.
Lin Chen suddenly realized that he couldn't refuse when he saw Xiao Yulou's serious eyes.
"Alright, I'll teach you. But Fourth Sister-in-law, this technique requires complete concentration of mind and body, so you must trust me completely."
"I believe you," Xiao Yulou said without hesitation.
That night, inside the martial arts academy, Lin Chen taught the "Dragon and Phoenix Harmony Technique" for the first time.
Xiao Yulou truly lived up to his reputation as a martial arts prodigy, learning very quickly.
Guided by the cultivation technique, her internal energy flowed more smoothly, and her cultivation showed faint signs of a breakthrough.
More importantly, this set of exercises can indeed regulate the body, and there are many ways to increase the chances of conception.
While not guaranteed, the probability is much higher than with natural conception.
Afterwards, Xiao Yulou felt the abundant true energy within his body and... exclaimed in surprise:
"Eighth Brother, this technique is amazing! I feel like my bottleneck has been broken!"
"Then practice a few more times," Lin Chen said with a smile, "but you have to proceed gradually and not be greedy."
"Okay, I'll listen to you." Xiao Yulou leaned against Lin Chen's chest, revealing a rare girlish expression.
"Eighth brother, thank you for your hard work."
"It's not hard work, we're family."
BSI