Chapter 207: Mother-in-Law Like a Mother, Visiting the Jiang Household

The next day!

Lin Chen woke up and saw his mother pacing in the courtyard with dark circles under her eyes—he was surprised.

Did she not sleep well last night?

"Mother, what's troubling you?"

"Troubling? Your mother's too excited to sleep."

Lin He, Lin Chen's father, stepped out of the house, also with dark circles: "Last night, when you told her the Wuzheng Office would grant her a ninth-rank noble title, she got so excited she didn't sleep a wink."

Lin Mu shot her husband a glare: "You slept? Who kept tossing and turning all night? If you hadn't been rolling around, I'd have been asleep already."

"I didn't toss and turn—I just drank too much wine last night, and my stomach's bloated."

…

Lin Chen listened to his parents bickering but didn't join in.

Of course—given his mother's nature, hearing about the noble title would make sleep impossible.

She probably spent the whole night imagining how to brag to the other village women.

He'd only mentioned that the Wuzheng Office hadn't yet issued the official decree, so she shouldn't spread the news—though the chance of mishap was negligible, and secrecy wouldn't make success or failure, he warned her simply to avoid Old Village Chief using it as an excuse to throw another free ancestral feast.

Lin Chen had figured out the old chief's true motive: selling ancestral tablets.

Linhu Village had already earned over a thousand silver taels selling tablets in the ancestral hall; last night, the old chief even suggested rebuilding and expanding the hall to add a hundred more tablets.

"Mother, if you can't hold it in, just say it—it's fine."

Lin Mu shook her head: "No, the matter isn't settled yet—I can't go spreading rumors. At most, I'll tell your second aunt privately; she's tight-lipped and won't tell anyone."

Lin Chen and his father exchanged a simultaneous eye-roll—once it reached the second aunt's ears, it was as good as reaching the whole village's.

"As long as you're happy."

Hearing her son's words, Lin Mu beamed and went inside: "I've boiled you some congee—eat it before you leave."

"Alright."

Lin Chen agreed. His panel hadn't finished updating yet, and his cultivation base had hit its limit—he didn't need to squeeze in extra practice for a few more moments.

The Lin family's breakfast was far richer than usual: a large bowl of thick millet congee, golden with oil, steaming and fragrant with grain; Lin Mu had served it in a newly bought blue porcelain bowl.

On the corner of the table, a bamboo steamer held ten plump white buns, made from fine flour bought at the town's grain shop, so fluffy they could be pinched to reveal cloud-like air pockets.

A dish of crisp pickled yellow cucumbers, a pot of braised beef shank, exuding the rich aroma of beef.

Not refined, but filling and satisfying.

"Chen'er, there's something I need to discuss with you."

At the table, after finishing two bowls of congee, Lin He spoke. Lin Chen swallowed his bun and stopped chewing, turning to look at his father.

"Your eldest uncle… ever since he went to find Lin Ming, he's vanished. Your second uncle and I discussed it—we want Hui and your brother to go look for him."

As he spoke, Lin He avoided his son's gaze—his wife and Lin Ming had done such a thing; Chen'er likely harbored resentment toward his eldest brother.

"We should look for him."

Lin Chen paused, then nodded with a smile: "Father, you and Second Uncle decide—no need to ask me."

"Your second uncle asked me to check with you—he feared you'd hold a grudge."

"What grudge? That woman and Lin Ming brought it on themselves. Eldest Uncle did nothing wrong. If your brothers find him and he doesn't want to return, just give him some money to live on."

Lin Chen wasn't particularly close to his eldest uncle, Lin Hai; the man had left to capture Lin Ming, and his father and second uncle still cared for their elder brother—Lin Chen had to consider his father's feelings.

But with his uncle gone so long, either something happened to him, or he learned of what occurred in Linhu Village and felt too ashamed to return—Lin Chen suspected the latter was more likely.

Even if his brothers found him, the uncle probably wouldn't come back.

"Fine—if he refuses to return, give him money so he can settle elsewhere."

Hearing his son's agreement, Lin He was delighted—though his eldest son was old, the family now had some savings; they could afford to find him another wife, let him remarry and start a new family elsewhere—this branch wouldn't die out.

Lin Chen smiled but said nothing—his father was happy, and that was enough.

…

…

After breakfast, Lin Chen headed to the lakeside to meet his master—unbeknownst to him, Yu Jiaxi was already there.

"Master, Jiaxi!"

Yu Yongnian looked at Lin Chen and smiled: "I've benefited from you again—did nothing, yet promoted two ranks. Your Lin Shiniang even says this was the best decision I ever made: becoming a Jiaxi at the Kehetown Martial Hall."

From eighth to seventh rank was nearly two levels apart—normally, there'd be a ninth-rank intermediate step.

"You earned this, Jiaxi."

Lin Chen grinned—he now called Jiaxi "Lin Shiniang." The wedding must be near.

"I'm not refusing—it's just… hard to describe."

Yu Yongnian wasn't a hypocrite; after his sister's advice, he'd come to terms with it.

"Yu's younger brother, I think your official rank might rise further," Jia Jia Nanzhu chuckled, stroking his beard: "Who can say what astonishing achievements Lin Chen might achieve later?"

Jia Jia Nanzhu's teaching philosophy was pure praise—he never discouraged or dampened Lin Chen's spirits; he believed Lin Chen was clear-headed and wouldn't get carried away.

Yu Yongnian: …

"Lin Chen, Yu's younger brother came today to take you to Huizhou Prefecture."

"Huizhou Prefecture? To Huang Family at the foot of Huangshan?"

Lin Chen immediately thought of the Zhenyue Scripture—he'd obtained it from the Wuzheng Office, originally taken from Huang Family in Huizhou.

"Yes. When I returned to Poyang County, my master told me to pass on a message: once you've refined your organs, go visit their estate. My master is the head of Huang Family."

Hearing "master," Lin Chen's face showed surprise: "Jiaxi, your master is the Huang Family head? And I practice the Zhenyue Scripture? What a coincidence."

Lin Chen never imagined Yu Jiaxi's master was the Huang Family head—this martial world was so small; after all the twists, they were practically family.

Yu Yongnian's face flushed slightly—he knew Lin Chen misunderstood.

He hadn't become his master's disciple first; it was because Lin Chen practiced the Zhenyue Scripture that his master had taken him in.

The real connection was Lin Chen's doing.

Jia Jia Nanzhu, aware of the truth, saw Yu Yongnian's awkward expression and changed the subject: "The Zhenyue Scripture is Huang Family's private art. Since their head told you to visit after refining your organs, it must relate to the scripture—go with Yu's younger brother."

"I understand."

Lin Chen nodded. The Zhenyue Scripture had six levels—he'd only reached the second. He hadn't practiced the third because, according to Elder Li, it required entering the Pinlian realm.

Could the Huang Family head's request mean they had a way to let him practice the third level of the Zhenyue Scripture even while refining his organs?

"Jiaxi, should I leave for Huangshan in a day or two?"

Yu Yongnian, surprised by Lin Chen's eagerness, asked: "The Wuzheng Office hasn't issued the official decree to Poyang County yet—won't you wait?"

From the moment I entered the Refining Organs realm, the glory of the Opening Qi Gates realm was already behind me.

Lin Chen shook his head. He enjoyed the admiration, but he knew his martial path was only a promising start—if he indulged in these honors, he'd lose himself.

"I have no problem with that."

Hearing Lin Chen's words, Yu Yongnian understood—he turned to Jia Jia Nanzhu: "Jia my lord…"

"I won't go to Huangshan—I'll stay here in Linhu Village. If anything happens and the old chief can't handle it, I can lend a hand."

Jia Jia Nanzhu chuckled. He had no need to accompany Lin Chen to Huangshan; living by the lakeside village these days had grown on him.

As for the peculiarities of Lin Chen's Refining Organs method, he needed to consult many texts to summarize findings—he couldn't give answers quickly.

"According to the major martial academies' schedule, you must reach Canglan Wu Yuan within two months. If you're delayed too long on Huangshan, don't return to Poyang County—go straight to Donghai Donghai Xingdao."

…

…

Half an hour later, Lin Chen packed his bag and bade farewell to his parents. After three months at the special training ground, Lin Mu understood her son's martial path meant he couldn't stay home long—though saddened, she no longer cried.

"Big brother, take care of home."

"I'll look after Father and Mother," Lin Liang nodded. "They'll stay in the village—nothing will happen."

"You don't have to stay in the village forever—go into town sometimes, just for a walk."

Lin Chen knew his parents rarely left the village, fearing trouble for him—but now that he was the Daliang Wu Yuan's exemplary student, no one in Poyang County would dare harm his parents.

After giving his brother a few final instructions, Lin Chen didn't bid farewell to his master—he rode to the village gate to meet Jiaxi, and the two headed toward Raozhou Prefecture.

Yu Yongnian had no urgent business, but before going to Huangshan, he needed to return to the Shu residence.

…

Raozhou Prefecture, Shu Residence!

Lin Chen watched Jiaxi dismount with practiced ease, servants taking the horses—he smiled inwardly. Jiaxi had clearly grown accustomed to living off his wife's wealth; no more resistance.

His Lin Shiniang had done wonders—turned this straight-laced man into a devoted husband.

Love erases boundaries…

The Shu residence was large; Su Shu Suwan had her own three-section courtyard. Yu Yongnian led Lin Chen straight to his sister's quarters.

"Sister, look who I brought!"

Yu Yongnian's spirits were high—he spoke the moment he stepped through the gate. Lin Chen followed closely, didn't see his Lin Shiniang, but recognized another familiar face.

"Lin Young Master!"

Hua'er, the maid, saw Lin Chen and rushed over, thrilled.

"Hua'er-jie."

Lin Chen smiled and greeted her. Hua'er blurted: "Lin Young Master, you're incredible! I've heard everything from Miss and Master—Mount Dengwudao… it's not even humanly possible to climb!"

Lin Chen: …

Yu Yongnian burst out laughing at Hua'er's incoherence. Lin Chen rubbed his nose, embarrassed: "Hua'er-jie, you're calling me not human."

"I—I didn't mean it that way! You're just amazing!" Hua'er stammered, her face flushed red.

"Are you two really so shameless as to deceive Hua'er?"

Shu Shu Suwan stepped out of the house, saw Hua'er frantically explaining, and gave Yu Yongnian a reproachful glare—this time, it was Yu Yongnian who awkwardly rubbed his nose.

"Madam!" Lin Chen quickly bowed.

"I, Shu Shu Suwan, have actually earned a 'Madam' from Lin Chen, the model student of Daliang's Martial Path academy—my life is already worth it."

"Madam, your words humiliate this disciple."

Lin Chen's face flushed; he knew Madam was retaliating for his joke about Hua'er.

He glanced sideways at the instructor—no use relying on him; the instructor was clearly completely under Madam's thumb.

"Ahem, today I'm taking Lin Chen to Huangshan. Lin Chen specifically came to pay his respects to you, Sister."

Sensing his disciple's silent plea, Yu Yongnian finally spoke up to rescue him. Shu Shu Suwan's face softened again: "What's there to visit me for? Lin Chen, you should go visit next door."

"What do you mean?"

Lin Chen and Yu Yongnian exchanged glances—neither understood her meaning.

Seeing the pair's blank expressions, Shu Shu Suwan sighed. The instructor was a straight man, and now the disciple was too.

Since returning to Raozhou Prefecture, Jiang's Lady had invited her several times to admire flowers, and every time she mentioned Lin Chen—how could she not hear the hidden meaning?

Jiang's daughter once trained in Poyang County's martial academy, same as Lin Chen. She'd privately asked Ceng Zeng Qingyao and knew Jiang's daughter's feelings for Lin Chen were far from ordinary.

"Next door is the Jiang household."

Shu Shu Suwan dropped the hint, her eyes fixed on Lin Chen. When she saw the faint interest in his expression, she knew—this had potential.

This could work!

Lin Chen had feelings for Jiang's daughter too.

"The Jiang household?" Yu Yongnian nodded. "Jiang the Official came from Linhu Village too. Since you're in Raozhou Prefecture, paying him a visit is only proper."

"I'd like to call on him, but Jiang the Official probably wouldn't welcome me."

Lin Chen spoke with a sour tone—last time, Jiang the Official hadn't gotten the chance to slap him dead; if he showed up now on his own…

"What did you do to make Jiang the Official dislike you?"

Yu Yongnian frowned. If he were Jiang the Official, and a promising youth from his hometown emerged like Lin Chen, he'd feel pride. If such a youth came to visit, unless truly occupied by urgent matters, he'd surely receive him.

"I haven't done anything to upset Jiang the Official."

He couldn't say Jiang the Official was a daughter-worshipper who saw him as a worthless brat.

"If you haven't upset him, why wouldn't he welcome you to the Jiang household?"

Shu Shu Suwan watched her younger brother deep in thought and guessed the reason: any father, especially one as famously doting as Jiang the Official, wouldn't want his daughter to fall for someone too soon.

"Never mind. Jiang's Lady loves gardening—just days ago, she invited me to admire chrysanthemums in the back garden. Come with me to the Jiang household later."

"Thank you, Madam."

Lin Chen immediately agreed. Getting Jiang the Official to change his mind was impossible, but Jiang's Lady might not oppose him and Jiang Qing.

They say a mother-in-law grows fonder of her son-in-law the more she sees him.

"Hua'er, go ask the steward to prepare gifts."

Visiting couldn't be done empty-handed. Lin Chen said, "Thank you for your trouble, Madam."

Shu Shu Suwan was pleased with his answer—"trouble," not refusal.

One day as master, forever as father; Madam was like a mother.

If Lin Chen had refused, insisting on buying gifts himself or offering silver, he'd be treating her as nothing more than a distant relative.

Yu Yongnian's gaze shifted between Lin Chen and his sister—he sensed something was off. Jiang the Official's dislike of Lin Chen had deeper roots.

"Go freshen up. You can't visit like this, covered in dust. Hua'er, take Lin Chen to the back courtyard for a bath."

Daliang's roads weren't paved with flagstones; Lin Chen and Yu Yongnian had ridden here from Linhu Village, and both were dusty.

Lin Chen followed Hua'er away. Yu Yongnian asked, "Sister, why does Jiang the Official dislike Lin Chen? Is there more to it?"

"Jiang the Official has only one daughter—his true pearl. Everyone in Raozhou Prefecture knows how fiercely he dotes on her. Do you think he'd be happy if someone stole his heart's treasure?"

Yu Yongnian suddenly understood: "I see. Jiang the Official hasn't slapped Lin Chen into the next county—he's already being restrained."

"From Jiang's Lady's tone when inviting me to admire flowers, Jiang Qing clearly has feelings for Lin Chen. She seems quite pleased with him—otherwise she wouldn't have asked me about him. Let Lin Chen meet Jiang's Lady. If she approves, Jiang the Official will listen to her. That's how Lin Chen clears the family hurdle."

"You're right, Sister. Should I come with you?"

"Do you want to face Jiang the Official directly?"

Shu Shu Suwan's retort left Yu Yongnian speechless. If Jiang the Official truly disliked Lin Chen, he wasn't afraid as an instructor—but this was a family matter. Better to stay out of it.

If his sister took Lin Chen, it was women's business; Lin Chen was just a junior accompanying her, and Jiang the Official could be avoided. But if he went, he gave Jiang the Official an excuse to appear.

Then Jiang the Official would say, "To avoid rudeness, I must join as head of household."

He imagined Jiang the Official's grim face, radiating gloom, occasionally sneering…

No. For the sake of not ruining things, he wouldn't go.

"Tell Father about Lin Chen's visit. Even if we're going to Huangshan, we don't need to leave today—depart tomorrow."

"Alright."

Yu Yongnian answered readily—he'd accepted he was Shu's son-in-law.

All he needed now was to enter the Wuzheng Office's Jiaohua Pavilion and break into the Pin rank. Once he did, he'd propose to the Shu family.

(End of Chapter)