I just reached the maximum level, and you want me to be a puppet emperor?

Chapter 738 Do you not want to live anymore? (Please subscribe, please vote)
Its docile demeanor, like a kitten seeing its owner, was completely different from its usual self, making the eyes of the officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs almost pop out of their sockets.

Several newly hired young officials couldn't help but whisper among themselves: "Who is that person? Judging from his clothes, he doesn't look like royalty. Could he be Minister Lin?"

Before he could finish speaking, his experienced colleague, pale with fright, quickly covered his mouth and hissed in a low voice, "Shut up! Don't you want to live?! Observe more and ask less!"

This person had clearly met Li Chen before and knew Li Chen's identity.

After Li Chen gestured for Lin Yue'e to leave with him, and the two figures disappeared around the street corner, the old man finally released his grip with lingering fear. He lowered his voice and scolded the new recruits, "Idiots! Use your brains! Who is our Minister Lin's staunch confidante whom she personally promoted? Who does she only show such demeanor to, and in front of whom? Can't you even see that?!"

The newlyweds were stunned at first, then suddenly realized what was happening. They were so frightened that they trembled all over, broke out in a cold sweat, and dared not say another word.

I was thinking to myself, I hope that the person didn't hear me, otherwise I'd be in trouble.

The veteran who was lecturing others was actually reminded by an even older veteran before he realized what was going on.

In a quiet alley, Lin Yue'e followed half a step behind Li Chen. The imposing manner she displayed at the yamen gate had vanished completely, replaced by a soft-spoken report, like a little girl eager to show off her achievements to her elders:

"In the past six months, twenty-seven new small and medium-sized sects have registered within the Empire. All of them have strictly followed the 'Sect Management Regulations' for reporting and supervision, and there have been no violations so far. Among the younger generation, the Qinglan Sect has produced a disciple with a wood-type Heavenly Spiritual Root who has already reached the Foundation Establishment stage at the young age of sixteen; the Xuan Tie Sect has a young man who is suspected of showing the initial signs of a 'Hegemonic Body' and has been included in the observation list."
On the imperial court's side, among the rogue cultivators recruited this year through assessments, three promising talents with excellent special physiques have been discovered: one possesses the 'Blazing Sun Physique,' another the 'Spiritual Sword Physique,' and the third a rare 'Array Core.' All departments are increasing resource allocation, encouraging procreation and the popularization of basic cultivation. Following your instructions, the number and overall quality of lower-level cultivators are steadily improving.”

She recounted everything in great detail, and Li Chen listened quietly, nodding slightly from time to time.

It was clear that under Lin Yue'e's management, the Department of Cultivation Affairs was well-organized, not only maintaining order in the cultivation world but also continuously discovering and supplying talent to the empire, which made him feel very gratified.

The prosperity and potential of the capital city were even better than he had anticipated.

Among the young privileged sons of the powerful in the capital, the one who has been most prominent recently is Xu Zifeng, the heir of the Prince of Zhennan.

He was already quite skilled in cultivation, and this time, when he went north to participate in the war against the Great Luo Dynasty, he was appointed as a commander of the vanguard army through connections. He made many meritorious contributions, killing generals and capturing flags, and his performance was outstanding.

With the war between the two countries over, he naturally returned to the capital in triumph and was promoted based on his military achievements, becoming an unparalleled figure among the young people in the capital.

At this moment, Xu Zifeng was enjoying drinks and conversation with several trusted advisors and a few powerful young men who had come from the south to curry favor with him in a private room at the most famous "Zui Xian Lou" restaurant in the capital.

After a few drinks, Xu Zifeng became even more talkative, boasting with a flushed face about his "brave" deeds on the northern battlefield.

"You didn't see it. When the Great Luo's 'Black Wind Riders' charged over, there were over a thousand of them, their momentum terrifying! But what did this general have to fear? Alone, with a long spear like a dragon emerging from the sea, I charged directly into the enemy formation and took the enemy general's head as easily as taking something out of a bag!" He waved his arms, spittle flying everywhere.

The surrounding advisors and sons of powerful figures naturally showered him with compliments:

"Your Highness is incredibly brave! You are truly a role model for the younger generation of our Tian Ce!"

"Of course! General Xu is currently a favorite of His Majesty and will surely be ennobled and appointed prime minister in the future!"

"With General Xu around, it is truly a blessing for our Tian Ce!"

Hearing these flattering remarks, Xu Zifeng became even more smug. As the alcohol took effect, he began to speak recklessly. With a wave of his hand, he said with a touch of arrogance, "I'm not bragging, but in this capital, apart from those few in the palace, and a handful of people like the prime minister and the general, who wouldn't politely give way to me and respectfully call me 'General Xu'?"

"That's right! That's right!" the crowd echoed again.

Having drunk enough, Xu Zifeng would definitely go to some important government locations to use his influence to help these people solve their problems and gain their loyalty. This is just one of his methods of dealing with people.

Just then, on the street where the Ministry of War was located.

One of Xu Zifeng's aides, with sharp eyes, noticed two people walking side by side in front of them, seemingly blocking their path.

To impress, the aide immediately pointed downstairs and said, "General, look, there are two unfamiliar faces down there. Should we send someone to 'clear the way'?"

Xu Zifeng didn't pay much attention at first. He was used to being arrogant in the capital. He used to do whatever he wanted, not just now.

But when his gaze inadvertently swept across the profile of the man in the blue robe, he suddenly felt a jolt!
That face he had gazed upon countless times! Wasn't that His Majesty?!

All the effects of the alcohol instantly turned into a cold sweat that spread throughout his body, and Xu Zifeng was so frightened that his soul almost left his body!

He was just bragging that everyone in the capital would give way to him, but in the blink of an eye, he ran into a real "iron plate," and the hardest one at that!
In the blink of an eye, just as the sons of the powerful and wealthy were about to arrogantly prepare to clear the area...

Startled, Xu Zifeng quickly kicked several people around him away with such force and speed that they fainted.

"This humble general, Xu Zifeng, was unaware that you were here! I have already cleared away those blocking the way."

He didn't even dare to raise his head, much less utter that prestigious title.

Knowing that Li Chen was traveling incognito, he was still very sensible.

Previously, Xu Zifeng could be said to have looked down on Li Chen, and even spoke rudely to him in private.

However, Li Chen did nothing. After experiencing the 'era changes' of Tian Ce and witnessing Li Chen's great achievements and unparalleled strength, Xu Zifeng had already submitted in his heart.

At least in front of Li Chen, his loyalty was more genuine than gold.

This is actually quite normal. Who would dare to be disloyal to Li Chen? Do they want to die or not?

Li Chen glanced at him indifferently, said nothing, and continued walking slowly with Lin Yue'e as if nothing had happened, soon disappearing around the street corner.

Only after Li Chen's figure completely disappeared did Xu Zifeng slowly stand up, as if he had collapsed. His back was already completely soaked with cold sweat.

He breathed a sigh of relief, still shaken, before rushing to check on the guys he had kicked unconscious. He was relieved to find they were just knocked out and not seriously injured.

After Li Chen left, he woke up the others. None of them knew what had happened, so Xu Zifeng said they had drunk too much.

Even if these people were attacked, they didn't dare to ask any questions, after all, they couldn't afford to offend Xu Zifeng's identity.

Xu Zifeng stared in the direction Li Chen had disappeared, lost in thought: What is His Majesty going to do?
For reasons unknown, he simply stood them up, telling them to wait while he had important business to attend to, and then left.

(End of this chapter)