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

Chapter 422 I seriously suspect this kid knows my identity! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)

Zhao Jing is the core figure of the Zhao family conglomerate.

At a young age, he had control over resources in several countries and was doing very well.

Today, Zhao Jing brought a group of his retainers here for a meal.

The Zhao clan does not belong to any country and is above the southern kingdoms, so he is used to everyone making way for him and everyone should be afraid of him.

But as soon as he stepped into the inn, his gaze was fixed on the couple on the second floor who did not get up to make way for him.

Upon seeing this, he understood. Although the two men were simply dressed, the jade tokens unique to the Tian Ce Dynasty hanging from their waists gleamed under the lamplight.

Zhao Jing wasn't stupid; he was a worldly man and naturally wouldn't dare to act rashly.

Their family could wield considerable influence in the southern kingdoms, but compared to a behemoth like the Tian Ce Dynasty, they were nothing.

However, businessmen are driven by profit. Zhao Jing's eyes darted around, and he straightened his clothes before walking up the stairs.

When he bowed, the priceless Lantian jade pendant at his waist didn't make a sound: "Young masters and ladies, my name is Zhao Jing of the Zhao family. I apologize for disturbing you."

Li Chen looked up and sized up the uninvited young man.

His moon-white robe had cloud patterns embroidered on the cuffs, and the South China Sea pearl on his hair ornament shimmered softly in the candlelight, exuding an air of wealth and power.

"This meal is on my tab," Zhao Jing said with a smile, and asked the innkeeper to add a few more signature dishes. "Judging from your distinguished bearing, are you two from the Tian Ce Dynasty on business? There have been quite a few merchant caravans heading south lately, and I have some connections in the southern kingdoms."

Just as Zhu Zhuying was about to speak, Li Chen casually picked up a piece of beef head and said, "Looking for franchisees for hot pot restaurants."

When it comes to business, Li Chen only thinks of this; many of the concubines in the harem are doing it too.

I heard that the hot pot restaurant is developing so fast that even the Empress Dowager approached Jiang Rong and mentioned it.

"Hot pot?" Zhao Jing's eyes lit up.

Last year, he tasted the flavor of hot pot in a city south of Tian Ce. Thin slices of meat, as thin as cicada wings, tumbled in the boiling red broth, accompanied by a special dipping sauce. It was truly unforgettable.

"Could it be that 'Nine Heavens Boiling Pavilion' in the East Market?"

Li Chen paused slightly with his chopsticks, surprised that this person actually knew.

Zhao Jing was a very outgoing person and quickly started chatting with Li Chen.

"Speaking of the Tian Ce Dynasty, their railcars are truly amazing. I took one last month; the 300-mile journey took only two hours—fast and stable."

He launched into a long, enthusiastic praise, from the railcars to the capital's planning, and finally began to sing the praises of the current emperor: "Your Majesty is truly a wise ruler for all time! His decisiveness in implementing new policies and his strategic brilliance in pacifying the northern frontier..."

The more Li Chen listened, the more uneasy he felt. He held the teacup to his lips for a long time, wondering if this person had recognized him.

Otherwise, why would this guy keep praising me in front of me?

But looking at Zhao Jing's exaggeratedly sincere expression, it didn't seem fake.

Zhu Zhuying lowered her head, sipped her tea to hide her smile. Watching Zhao Jing's earnest performance, she thought to herself that this man probably never dreamed that the "wise and powerful, infallible" sage ruler he spoke of was sitting right across from her, listening to his flattery.

In Zhu Zhuying's view, Zhao Gou's path has widened. Countless people in the Tian Ce Dynasty wanted to flatter Li Chen but had no chance. Today, he has finally encountered him.

If he goes to the Tian Ce Dynasty in the future and happens to meet Li Chen again, his life will definitely be better.

Li Chen did not interrupt Zhao Jing because he felt that Zhao Jing was telling the truth.

Zhao Jing didn't actually recognize that the person in front of him was Li Chen, but he knew the preferences of the people of the Tian Ce Dynasty.

In the hearts of the people of the Tian Ce Dynasty, this emperor was unparalleled throughout history.

Whenever he chatted with merchants from the Tian Ce Dynasty, the merchants would show proud smiles whenever the topic of this emperor came up.

That means that as long as I say these things to the people of the Tian Ce Dynasty, they will like it.

As Zhao Jing was getting into the conversation, a series of rapid hoofbeats suddenly came from outside the inn.

A troop of black-armored knights galloped past, their banners fluttering in the wind, clearly the standard uniform of the Tasha Kingdom's Imperial Guard.

Seeing this scene would normally frighten anyone, since the deployment of the Imperial Guards meant something major was about to happen. But the surrounding people were not only unafraid, they also showed expressions of anticipation, and some even began to surge towards the main street.

Li Chen didn't understand, and even Zhu Zhuying was completely baffled.

Seeing this, Zhao Jing smiled and explained, "Tonight, Her Highness the Princess will be holding a ball-throwing contest to choose a husband. Whoever catches the ball will become the prince consort. This is a centuries-old tradition in Tasha Kingdom, but it is rare for the princess to throw the ball herself."

He pointed to the brightly lit platform in the distance outside the window and continued, "I heard that even the Imperial Preceptor, who has been in seclusion for many years, has come out this time. The scene is sure to be lively."

Zhu Zhuying's eyes lit up, and she turned to Li Chen, saying, "Young Master, why don't we go and take a look too?"

Since Li Chen had nothing else to do, he nodded in agreement.

The Royal Capital Festival Square was already packed with people.

The imperial guards, armed with halberds, maintained order and enclosed a circular area in the central open space.

Cultivators from all walks of life were eager to show off their skills at the front row, some even secretly competing with each other.

Li Chen and Zhao Jing were standing in the open space in the distance, indeed just joining in the fun.

As the cannons fired, members of the royal family slowly ascended the stage.

The king wore a golden dragon robe, and the queen wore a crimson phoenix dress. Although they were over forty, they still had a graceful charm. Their jade pendants jingled as they walked, showing their elegance and nobility.

The most eye-catching figure was the veiled princess. When she gracefully stepped onto the stage, the entire square fell silent.

The veil fluttered in the wind, revealing glimpses of her delicate jawline.

The princess had almond-shaped eyes that were as clear as water, and her every glance exuded a noble air.

She casually glanced at the audience, seemingly uninterested in the eager young talents.

"The prosperity of Tasha Kingdom today is entirely due to the concerted efforts of everyone!"

The king was making polite remarks, and finally handed a beautifully embroidered ball covered with pearls to the princess.

"Today the princess is choosing a husband; may Heaven bless this auspicious union!"

The princess accepted the embroidered ball, her gaze sweeping across the crowd.

Suddenly her eyes lit up. In the distance, on an open space, a handsome young man in a blue robe was chatting and laughing with his friends. His peerless face and unique temperament made him stand out in the crowd.

Since you're going to get married, you should definitely look for someone handsome and capable.

The princess's red lips curved slightly, and with a flick of her jade arm, the embroidered ball flew in a graceful arc towards the pavilion.

That's right, she threw it at Li Chen.

Even in a crowd, Li Chen was still too outstanding.

"Whoosh——"

Suddenly, a dark figure darted out from mid-air. It was a cultivator dressed in a tight-fitting outfit who intercepted the embroidered ball in mid-air. This person seemed to really want to become a prince consort.

This caused an uproar. Dozens of cultivators jumped up at the same time, snatching the embroidered ball back and forth among them, creating a chaotic scene.

Li Chen leaned against the railing and watched from the side. Suddenly, he smiled at Zhao Jing and said, "Your cultivation is quite good. Why don't you give it a try?"

Zhao Jing looked around and lowered his voice, saying, "Ahem. To be honest, I heard that this princess is pregnant, and the king is in a hurry to throw the embroidered ball to cover up the scandal."

He made a subtle gesture: "Look at those who are scrambling the most; they're probably people arranged by the royal family, just waiting to send the embroidered ball to their designated recipient."

These words reveal that the Zhao family had excellent information channels, even knowing about scandals within the royal family.

Li Chen suddenly realized that it was about finding someone to take over the business.

Sure enough, those cultivators who were vying for the ball most fiercely were actually secretly pushing it towards their own direction.

But he wasn't interested in the princess's potential suitor. It would be more like it would be the stunning queen next to the princess. After watching for a while, he turned to leave.

Now the princess is in a panic: If you leave, who will I find to take over?
(End of this chapter)