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

Chapter 57 The True Colors of a Prodigal Son

Time flies like water, and seven days have passed in the blink of an eye.

Lin Chen lay lazily on a rattan chair in the courtyard of Zhenwu Hall.

He was playing with a jade thumb ring in his hand, and the sunlight shone through the grape trellis onto him, making him feel warm and cozy.

I had a very pleasant seven days.

The affairs of the Tiger Legion were entrusted to Yuan Tiangang, Zhao Zilong, and Li Chunfeng.

He would go to the office every few days to make an appearance, and the rest of the time he would spend eating, drinking and having fun.

The relationship with the seven sisters-in-law is also progressing smoothly.

Fifth Sister-in-law Wen Ruoxi and Seventh Sister-in-law Murong Xue are already his women, and they take turns serving him every night.

After being teased by him that day, his second sister-in-law, Chu Yueyao, was still shy, but her attitude softened significantly. She even took the initiative to bring him medicinal meals and showed concern for his kidneys...

Although his sister-in-law Liu Ruyan remained serious, she would always blush when she saw him.

Fourth Sister-in-law Xiao Yulou was still as forthright as ever, often challenging him to spar in martial arts—though he always managed to "escape" her.

Third sister-in-law Qin Shuyan and sixth sister-in-law Ye Qingying were each busy with their own things, one organizing books and the other gathering intelligence, but they were both becoming increasingly close to him.

Lin Chen was very satisfied with this kind of life.

"Eighth Master," the steward Lin Fu hurried over, "Granny Li from the Imperial Music Bureau sent someone to ask if you're going to listen to music today?"

Lin Chen's eyes lit up: "Yes, of course I'll go. Get the car ready."

"Yes."

Lin Chen stood up, changed into a moon-white brocade robe, wore a jade belt at his waist, and held a folding fan, looking every bit the elegant young gentleman.

Although the languid look in his eyes somewhat detracted from his overall demeanor.

The carriage headed towards the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment district).

On the way, Lin Chen pondered: Qin Xin, Qi Yun, Shu Yu, and Hua Yi, these four women, whether in terms of their musical skills, chess skills, or talent, can all be considered top-notch in the Jiaofangsi.

He used to be a regular customer, but now... he wants to book them all.

They weren't the kind you bought to take home—the women in the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment district) were all official prostitutes and couldn't be redeemed.

But he can make them his exclusive possessions, so that they can play the zither, play chess, recite poetry, and paint only for him.

With his current power, this is not difficult.

The difficulty lies in... following the proper procedures.

The Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites. To hire four women, one needed the Ministry of Rites' approval and the Emperor's consent, as it involved the face of the court.

"I'll go to the Jiaofangsi first, then to the Ministry of Rites," Lin Chen decided.

……

Jiaofangsi, Tianyin Pavilion.

Qin Xin was playing the zither when she saw Lin Chen enter. She quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "Lord Duke."

"No need for formalities." Lin Chen sat down on the soft couch. "Continue playing."

Qin Xin sat down again, her slender fingers plucking the strings. The music was clear and elegant, like the tinkling of a spring.

Lin Chen closed his eyes to enjoy the music, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest. When the piece ended, he opened his eyes:

"A fine piece of music. I'll enjoy it."

The attendant handed over a silver note, one hundred taels.

Qin Xin bowed and thanked them, her eyes filled with joy.

Although this Duke of Zhenguo was a playboy, he was generous and treated them with respect, which was much better than those hypocritical officials.

Qi Yun brought over the chessboard: "Lord Duke, would you like to play a game today?"

"Okay." Lin Chen sat up straight. "But don't cry if you lose."

Qi Yun smiled, pursing her lips: "The Duke underestimates me."

The two players are playing chess.

Lin Chen's chess skills are average, but his strength lies in his imaginative thinking, which often leads to unexpected victories.

After one game, he actually won by three points against Qi Yun.

"The Duke has improved," Qi Yun exclaimed in surprise.

"That's right," Lin Chen said smugly. "I am a genius."

Shuyu and Huayi, one grinding ink and the other laying out paper, were waiting for Lin Chen to compose poems and paint.

Although Lin Chen's poetry was mediocre, his modern knowledge made him stand out. He casually recited a few "adapted" Tang and Song poems, which amazed the two women.

"Your Excellency is truly talented!" Shuyu's eyes lit up.

"So-so," Lin Chen said, accepting the compliment without batting an eye.

After the coins were loaded, what followed was the much-anticipated erotic scene.

It's not what everyone thinks; it's just playing a game.

After all, with so many beauties at home, Lin Chen's appetite had become quite discerning.

After playing for an hour, Lin Chen finally got down to business: "Where's Granny Li? Call her here."

Granny Li arrived quickly, her face beaming with smiles: "What are your orders, Your Highness?"

"I want the four ladies who are skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting," Lin Chen said directly.

"It's not about redeeming them, it's about taking them under your wing. From now on, they will only serve me, and no one else is allowed to disturb them."

Granny Li's expression changed: "My lord, this... the brothel has rules, official courtesans cannot..."

"Rules are rules, but people are flexible," Lin Chen interrupted her.

"I will handle things with the Ministry of Rites. I will also consult with His Majesty. You only need to nod in agreement; you don't need to worry about anything else."

As he spoke, he gestured for his attendant to hand over a brocade box.

When Li Mama opened it, she found ten hundred-tael silver notes and a pair of bracelets inside, which, judging by their craftsmanship, were worth at least five hundred gold coins.

"This..." Granny Li hesitated.

"Our guild will give the Jiaofangsi an additional two thousand taels of silver each month as a 'private show fee' for the four of them," Lin Chen said calmly.

"Granny Li, this deal isn't a loss, is it?"

Two thousand taels per month, that's twenty-four thousand taels per year, not even counting regular rewards.

Granny Li gritted her teeth: "Fine! This old servant agrees, but the approval documents from the Ministry of Rites and His Majesty..."

"I'll give it to you within three days." Lin Chen stood up. "They can rest for these three days; they don't need to entertain guests."

"Yes, yes, yes!"

After leaving the Jiaofangsi, Lin Chen went directly to the Ministry of Rites.

Minister of Rites Su Wenbo was working when he heard that his nephew had arrived, and he quickly invited him in.

"Chen'er, what brings you to the Ministry of Rites today?" Su Wenbo asked with a smile.

"I need your help, Uncle." Lin Chen didn't beat around the bush.

"I want to hire four women from the Imperial Music Academy who specialize in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, exclusively for me. I need approval from the Ministry of Rites."

Su Wenbo's face stiffened: "Nonsense! How could you do such a reckless thing!"

"Uncle, don't rush," Lin Chen said slowly.

"I'm not trying to redeem them and take them home; I'm just booking the entire venue. How about two thousand taels a month for the Music Bureau and two thousand taels for the Ministry of Rites?"

"This isn't about money!" Su Wenbo slammed his hand on the table.

"What kind of decorum will this be if word gets out! The Duke of Zhenguo is keeping a courtesan! What will the court officials think of you? What will His Majesty think of you?"

"Let the courtiers think what they want," Lin Chen said indifferently.

"I will request His Majesty's permission. Uncle only needs to issue the decree; the rest is up to you."

Su Wenbo was so angry his mustache stood on end: "You...you're really going to cement your reputation as a playboy!"

"I've always been a spoiled brat," Lin Chen said matter-of-factly.

"It was true before, it is true now, and it will be true in the future. Uncle, please help me out, okay?"

He took a step closer and lowered his voice:

"Besides, how many of those officials in the Imperial Music Bureau are without some shady dealings? I give the Ministry of Rites two thousand taels a month; wouldn't it be better for you, Uncle, to use that to subsidize your lower-ranking officials?"

Su Wenbo remained silent.

The Ministry of Rites, a relatively insignificant department, was indeed short of money.

Two thousand taels isn't much, but it's enough to get by every month and can accomplish quite a bit.

"What about His Majesty..." he hesitated.

"I'll go and talk to him," Lin Chen assured him, "I guarantee His Majesty will agree."

Su Wenbo sighed, "Fine, fine, do whatever you want. I'll write the approval, but don't blame me if His Majesty doesn't agree."

"Thank you, Uncle!"

After receiving the approval from the Ministry of Rites, Lin Chen went to the palace to meet the emperor.