The Martial Doctor

"Yuyao, why are you here?"

"Mother said that since I’m now considered your person, I should come back with you for the New Year." Baili Yuyao shyly replied.

"Then won’t your mother be lonely at home alone?"

"She said Mrs. Mei would keep her company, and that Mrs. Wushuang would also come over." Baili Yuyao replied.

Lin Miao understood; with the help of the Celestial Essence Fruit, Baili Bingyun had brought Jing Shuang over to her side, making her an ally and suppressing Zhuang Rong’s faction within the embroidery house.

"Then let’s take our seats." Lin Miao greeted.

On Lin Miao’s left was Yun, as she was an elder and no one had objections; on his right was Sun Youwei, and this too was without objection.

But arranging the seating beyond those two was a bit tricky. Although everyone seemed modest, it was clear that there was some tension.

"Miaoxue, sit next to Mrs. Yun. Yuyao, Mei’Er, Fei’Er, then on this side, Sister Liuli, Lianxin, Liansuo, and Shi Yin."

Mrs. Yun looked to her sides; there were nine blooming flowers, each graceful, passionate, and full of charm, ready to blossom.

She was almost overwhelmed by this display.

Thinking back, she wondered how she had never noticed Lin Miao’s ability to attract women. Any of these girls would bring honor to a husband’s family. It’s truly nine folds in one.

The only one who might struggle was Youwei; her husband was now shared in nine parts. Fortunately, Lin Miao always placed her in a special position, maintaining her status as Mrs. Lin without wavering.

Lin Miao also felt a bit bashful. He had never kept count of how many beauties he had around, and even felt a bit proud for a moment.

"Yuzhu, pour wine for everyone."

Lin Miao raised his glass and stood up: "This past year, so much has happened and we’ve experienced so much, but the gains have been plentiful. I thank you all for your support and companionship. Here’s a toast to everyone!"

Saying that, he tilted his head back and drank it in one go.

"Sister, say a few words too."

"Me?" Sun Youwei was startled; no one mentioned this to her, and she felt like a duck driven onto a perch.

"It’s okay, Sister, just say a few words." Lin Miao encouraged, planning to cultivate her demeanor as the main wife of the household.

Sun Youwei knew she couldn’t escape it, and with a slightly flushed face, she stood up: "I’m not good with words, but since Junior Brother asked me to speak, I’ll manage a few words. Without Junior Brother, I wouldn’t be here today. Junior Brother is my world, so I hope we can all be united to manage this home well and live good lives."

"Youwei, Mrs. Lin is right. In the future, we should respect the head lady and contribute to the prosperity of the Lin Family." As soon as the words fell, everyone was silent, then Si Miaoxue raised her glass and stood up, "Miaoxue toasts to the Mrs. Lin, and will follow her henceforth."

Sun Youwei’s face flushed with emotion upon hearing this.

She knew that having a big family inevitably meant differing opinions. While no one could challenge her position as the head wife, her authority was uncertain.

Lianxin, Liansuo, Liuli, and Shi Yin were easy enough to manage since they harbored no inappropriate ambitions. But the others?

Yue Mei’Er, Baili Yuyao, and that Ji Fei’Er - would they have different ideas?

Only Si Miaoxue could control them.

Now that Si Miaoxue had expressed her position, it was clear those three would have no chance.

Actually, having these four attend the family banquet was already something. Their identities couldn’t be exposed, or Lin Miao would face huge trouble.

Especially Si Miaoxue and the other two, as moon attendants of the Moon Worship Sect, were considered enchantresses by the righteous. Baili Yuyao’s identity couldn’t be exposed either.

So Sun Youwei’s worries were unfounded as their identities were recognized internally only.

The meal.

The New Year’s Eve dinner tonight was meticulously prepared and cooked, showcasing Huaye Tower’s finest level, with Luu Wan as the head chef personally taking charge.

Naturally, it was a feast for the senses in flavor, aroma, and color.

For Baili Yuyao and Ji Fei’Er, this was their first time tasting such dishes, and although not ordinary, they were conquered by the banquet.

The wine too was either brewed by the Lin House or from the Su Family, all top-tier quality.

The meal began at the second quarter of the hour of You and continued until around its end.

Lin Miao could hold his liquor well, yet every lady wanted to toast him at least once, and he had to be impartial.

With each drink, some intoxication was inevitable since he hadn’t stimulated his inner breath deliberately.

It’s said that the wine isn’t intoxicating, but people intoxicate themselves.

Tonight, getting drunk was fortunate; after all, whom should he choose among the many ladies for such an important night?

A life with lovely wives around isn’t always easy.

Even if he couldn’t perfectly balance them, he should ensure relative fairness.

"Gentleman has too much to drink, Mrs. Lin. Liansuo and I will assist him to rest." Lianxin genuinely didn’t intend to contend for tonight’s spot.

But someone had to help Lin Miao to rest.

Lianxin and Liansuo, being concubines, were in charge of his daily life’s routines, thus the saying, "Proximity to the pavilion gets the moon first".

It was unavoidable; things were decided, and others had no way to intervene if they wanted to.

"There’s no need. I’ll take Junior Brother back. You can continue to enjoy the meal." Sun Youwei intervened.

As Mrs. Lin, she had to assert herself when necessary, especially on such important occasions, making it her undeniable duty.

With Sun Youwei saying so, no one was opposed. Mrs. Lin still had privileges, especially since Sun Youwei and Lin Miao hadn’t wed yet; being in a room wouldn’t be inappropriate.

Lin Miao respected this and wouldn’t take her innocence before marriage; only the head wife deserved such a privilege.

No one could compare to this.

Regarding nightly schedules, it would depend on the competition among the women.

Those at home always around would likely be planned later, while those unable to stay long would be scheduled earlier.

...

"Yuzhu made the hangover soup, come, open your mouth."

In Lin Miao’s room, Sun Youwei blew on the hot hangover soup gently, waiting for it to cool a bit before bringing it to Lin Miao’s mouth.

"Sister, I’m not drunk; I don’t need a hangover soup." Lin Miao reached out, grasping one of Sun Youwei’s soft hands, looking tenderly at her.

"Did you anticipate tonight’s situation?" Sun Youwei sighed as she set the soup aside.

"Sister, I’m sorry. My indulgences have made things difficult for you."

"Should I send them away instead?"

"Huh?"

"I’m kidding, look at you, so frightened. Actually, a lively home is nice. I really like Lianxin and Liansuo, as well as Sister Liuli and Little Sister Shi Yin; they are great. As for Sister Miaoxue, she’s a bit opportunistic, but you can see she genuinely cares for you. As for Yue Mei’Er, I can’t tell, but Miss Yuyao is straightforward and nice—I think we’ll get along. As for Ji Fei’Er, I have no intentions; besides, she comes from the same place as Miaoxue and Yue Mei’Er."

"They come from a particularly mysterious sect whose reputation isn’t great, so their identities can’t be disclosed." Lin Miao answered.

"The Moon Worship Sect, yes, I’ve heard it’s called a demonic sect." Sun Youwei nodded.

"That’s right. But even among demon sects, not everyone is evil..."

"I understand, Junior Brother, no need to explain." Sun Youwei responded, "Sister isn’t someone who can’t differentiate right from wrong and be unreasonable."

"Actually, there’s already enough women at home, and there are two more waiting for your approval."

"Two more?"

"Qixi and Yurou, you haven’t forgotten them, have you?"

"Concerning Qixi, it depends on the Xu Family’s stance, and as for Yurou, with her personality, would she be willing to humble herself?" Lin Miao said.

"If you’re unwilling, I’ll play the bad guy; there are already enough women home." Sun Youwei remarked.

"Okay, Sister, I’ll listen to you."