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

Chapter 467 Prince Anxi, there should be a flower festival in a few days, right? (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)

Xu Zifeng was raising his glass in a toast when he suddenly noticed that Li Ji, the Prince of Anxi, across from him, abruptly stood up with an expression of disbelief on his face.

He turned around in confusion, nearly dropping the wine glass in his hand.

A handsome young man carrying a jade-shaped folding fan was seen strolling towards them.

The man wore a moon-white brocade robe with an ancient jade pendant hanging at his waist. As he walked, his robes fluttered, making him appear like a celestial being descended to earth.

His eyebrows were like distant mountains, his eyes like stars, and a faint smile played on his lips. He exuded an aura of nobility that made people dare not look directly at him.

"Your Majesty," Li Ji was about to speak when he was stopped by the man's gaze.

"Li Chen of Wanbao Chamber of Commerce greets everyone." The newcomer gently waved his folding fan, his voice clear and melodious.

The entire courtyard fell silent instantly. The officials present looked at each other in bewilderment, and then suddenly realized what had happened.

Your Majesty is going on an incognito visit!

Although they couldn't perform a full bow, everyone still unconsciously straightened their backs, their attitude almost restrained with respect.

Li Meng's eyes lit up instantly, as if stars had fallen into them.

She rushed to Li Chen's side, completely losing her previous restraint, and playfully tugged at his sleeve: "Little buddy, what brings you here?"

Li Meng's attendance at this banquet was also to have Ma Hei inform the Wanbao Chamber of Commerce, which naturally reached Li Chen's ears.

Li Chen affectionately ruffled her hair: "I'll come as soon as I'm done with things at home."

He lowered his voice and continued, "How was it? You weren't bullied by these officials, were you?"

Li Meng quickly shook her head, then nervously leaned close to his ear: "They're all high-ranking officials, little brother, you have to be careful what you say."

Perhaps in Li Meng's eyes, Liu Hao and Wu Qi were high-ranking officials in the capital whom she could not usually contact, so she was very careful with her words.

What he didn't know was that Liu Hao and Wu Qi were considered high-ranking officials in the eyes of ordinary people, but their positions were really not respectable when they were around Li Chen.

Li Chen nodded and said, "I understand. Officials can be reasonable too."

That's well said. Anyone who dares to be unreasonable in front of Li Chen will be in trouble.

Seeing their intimate behavior, everyone present roughly understood that Li Meng was the emperor's woman. Luckily, they hadn't done anything unnecessary to avoid losing face.

Everyone glanced at Ma Hei, the only 'insider,' who nodded, confirming the relationship between Li Chen and Li Meng. They then roughly knew what to do.

Seeing that Li Chen and Li Meng had finished their conversation, Xu Zifeng stepped forward and said, "Young Master Li, it is an honor to have you here. Please take a seat!"

He then offered to give up his position.

With Li Chen here, how could he dare to take a seat?

Li Chen waved his hand: "No need for formalities, I'll sit next to Miss Li."

After Li Chen took his seat, everyone at the banquet noticed that the usually high-ranking Prince Anxi was now standing respectfully to the side; Wu Qi and Liu Hao didn't even dare to breathe loudly; and the Gu cultivators from the Southern Frontier, though unaware of what was going on, all followed suit when they saw Ma Hei standing straight.

After Li Chen nodded, these people took their seats one by one.

"Greetings, Young Master Li." Li Ji spoke first, his tone unusually respectful. "I didn't expect you to know Miss Li as well."

Li Ji was still a member of the royal family, so he spoke to Li Chen more naturally than to others.

Li Chen gave Li Meng a meaningful look: "Yes, we are very destined to be together."

This made Li Meng blush a little; she knew what Li Chen meant.

At this moment, Li Chen raised his cup to Li Ji and said, "I toast the Prince of Anxi."

Upon hearing Li Chen's words, Li Ji, who had just sat down, immediately stood up, shouting, "How dare I! I'm just an ordinary citizen of Tian Ce!"

That sounds outrageous. The Prince of Anxi was a legitimate prince, yet he claimed to be an ordinary citizen.
However, once they knew Li Chen's true identity, they understood that the Prince of Anxi truly wouldn't dare to put on airs in front of him. Li Meng found it strange; why was this Prince of Anxi so kind and polite, completely different from his demeanor just now?

Is it only people from the capital who are so easy to talk to?
The atmosphere at the banquet became subtle.

Although everyone appeared to be drinking and chatting amiably, their attention was unconsciously drawn to Li Chen.

Whenever His Majesty raises his glass, seven or eight people will stand up at the same time; whenever His Majesty wants to talk about something, someone will always take over, ensuring that the topic never becomes awkward.

In professional terms, their heads can fall to the ground, but Li Chen's words cannot.

This was Li Meng's first time in the capital, and she didn't quite understand this trend. She naively shared her experiences in the capital with her sweetheart.

Li Meng excitedly tugged at Li Chen's sleeve, her eyes sparkling: "Little brother, I was so scared the first time I rode the rail train! That thing runs faster than the fastest Gu worm!"

She gestured as she continued, "And the shops on the streets of the capital sell far more variety of jewelry than we do in southern Xinjiang."

She suddenly frowned with worry, saying, "However, our handicrafts from Southern Xinjiang are quite unique and should have a market in the capital. It's just... I've heard that Chairman Jiang of your Wanbao Chamber of Commerce is very strict. I'm not good with words; what if I say something wrong?"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone present became subtle.

Isn't President Jiang His Majesty's imperial concubine? Why does this conversation sound so strange?
Li Chen couldn't help but chuckle and gently pinched Li Meng's cheek: "Don't worry, our President Jiang is the most understanding and gentle person."

Jiang Rong is very strict in her work, which is why she has built such a large business association.

As long as Li Meng speaks properly, Jiang Rong is actually quite reasonable.

Li Meng smiled, then suddenly remembered something: "Oh right, little brother, didn't you say there's a flower festival in the capital recently? I specifically asked when I came, and people said there isn't one recently?"

Upon hearing this, Li Chen turned his gaze to Li Ji: "Prince Anxi, there should be a flower festival in a few days, right?"

Li Ji was taken aback at first, then understood: "Yes, yes, yes!"

He cautiously probed, "Young Master Li, which day would be suitable?"

How could Li Ji dare to say no? That would be disobeying the Emperor.

If Li Chen says it exists, then it must exist!

Li Chen lightly waved his folding fan: "You're forgetful too. Isn't the flower festival the day after tomorrow?"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Li Ji slapped his forehead and immediately began to describe it to Li Meng in a vivid and detailed manner.

"Miss Li, you may not know this, but the day after tomorrow is the annual Ten Thousand Flowers Festival of the Tian Ce Dynasty! This grand event has a history of hundreds of years and is said to have been established by the founding emperor to celebrate the empress's birthday."

Li Meng was so engrossed in listening that she didn't notice the twitching lips of the officials around her.

What "All Flowers Festival"? It was clearly something His Majesty decided to hold on a whim!

However, these people understood Li Chen's meaning and naturally echoed his sentiments.

"At that time, the whole city will be in full bloom, and there will also be exotic flowers and rare herbs presented from all over the country."

Li Ji became more and more enthusiastic as he spoke, as if there really was such a traditional festival.

"Especially the 'Nine-Colored Peony' in the Imperial Garden, that's..."

Li Chen coughed lightly at the right moment, and Li Ji immediately understood and stopped talking.

Li Meng excitedly turned to Li Chen: "So it really exists! Little brother, you have to take me to see it the day after tomorrow!"

Li Chen nodded indulgently: "Of course, I'll not only take you to see it, but I'll also make you a VIP at the flower festival."

Upon hearing this, everyone present sighed inwardly:
Your Majesty is going to hold a royal flower party on the spur of the moment just to please the beauty!

(End of this chapter)