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

Chapter 473 He can not only make decisions, but it's all up to him! (Please subscribe and vote!)

The next morning, Master Yangci, dressed in his official robes, arrived at the Imperial Stables in high spirits to report for duty.

He not only studied horse breeding classics carefully, but also personally groomed the manes of each imperial horse and observed their habits.

Gradually, he began to glean many insights into spiritual cultivation from these magnificent horses.

Yang Ci said to Luo Hui, who had come to inspect the area, "Look at this black horse. When it runs, its hooves fly, yet its breathing is steady. This is the state of 'seeking stillness in movement.' I have cultivated for many years, and only today have I truly understood this principle!"

Luo Hui had only come to see if this Taoist Yangci was capable of fulfilling this responsibility.

If necessary, he could personally tell Yang Ci Daoist some rules.

Since it was all arranged by Li Chen, and he recommended the position, there couldn't be any mishaps.

It should be noted that Luo Hui had just become the Minister of Personnel. He had just taken office and had already investigated all the officials, which offended many people. There were many people who wanted to impeach him, so he dared not mess things up at this time.

Even the smallest detail is unacceptable; this is the way of being an official.

After listening to what Daoist Yangci said, Luo Hui was dumbfounded. He wasn't a cultivator, so how would he know about these cultivation matters?

Upon returning, he reported to Zhao Wenyuan: "That old Taoist priest must be crazy, he keeps talking to the horse about mysterious things all day long."

Zhao Wenyuan seemed to be deep in thought: "Perhaps this is the brilliance of His Majesty in employing people."

Luo Hui: "Then what should I do? Should I arrange someone to assist him?"

Zhao Wenyuan: "No need. According to you, this person has a good character and shouldn't cause any trouble."

After resolving some matters, Li Chen changed into casual clothes and left the palace.

He deliberately chose an elegant blue long robe, with only a warm jade pendant tied around his waist, making him look like an ordinary rich young master.

Zhao Jing had indeed arrived at Zuixianlou, near Wanbao Chamber of Commerce, ahead of time.

What kind of restaurant is Zuixianlou? It's a landmark building in the capital.

The fact that Wanbao Chamber of Commerce can open a business association near Zuixianlou indicates that it is of a very high level.

Those are not things that money can solve; you also need status and power.

Zhao Jing had booked a private room on the second floor by the window, and he and two trusted subordinates were looking out at the bustling street.

"My lord, look! The streets of this capital city are more than three times wider than those of our southern capital," a steward remarked, pointing out the window.

Zhao Jing stroked his beard and nodded: "This Zhuque Avenue alone is equivalent to the main streets of our three cities. Look at those tracked carriages, I heard they can travel a thousand miles a day, it's truly amazing."

Just then, footsteps came from the stairs.

Zhao Jing looked up and saw Li Chen strolling over. He quickly stood up to greet him: "Young Master Li!"

Li Chen smiled and cupped his hands in greeting: "Boss Zhao, you've arrived so early."

His gaze swept over the nearly empty teapot and the half-eaten melon seed dish on the table.

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Zhao Jing's face, and he quickly waved his hand, "No, no, I just arrived. Waiter, quickly bring me a fresh pot of tea!"

After they sat down again, Zhao Jing attentively poured tea for Li Chen.

He secretly observed the mysterious young man. Although he was dressed simply, the calm and composed demeanor he exuded was something that ordinary rich kids could not possess.

"Young Master Li, I don't know..." Zhao Jing rubbed his hands, hesitating to speak.

The meaning is quite clear. Last time she said she wanted to meet Chairman Jiang of Wanbao Chamber of Commerce, and asked Li Chen to pass on the message. It's not appropriate to say it outright now, but if you say it like this, the other party will definitely know.

Li Chen understood, took a sip of tea and said, "President Jiang has some personal matters to attend to these days and is probably too busy to see guests."

Because Jiang Rong is taking Li Meng to visit the palace and choose a palace, she definitely won't have time.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Jing could not hide his disappointment. He had come to the capital carrying the hopes of his entire clan.

Although the Zhao family of the South was extremely wealthy, they were ultimately just small merchants in the face of a behemoth like Tian Ce.

"Thank you for informing me, Young Master Li." Zhao Jingqiang said, trying to sound cheerful. "When will Chairman Jiang have some free time? Our Zhao Family Trading Company is willing to wait."

Li Chen waved his hand: "Instead of waiting for Chairman Jiang, why don't you tell me why you're here? I can still make decisions regarding the Wanbao Chamber of Commerce."

That was just Li Chen being modest. He was more than capable of making decisions; it was all a matter of a single word from him.

However, he felt that Zhao Jing was a really good person. Even though Jiang Rong didn't have time to see him, he was only a little frustrated and didn't complain or anything like that. It was clear that he was someone who could accomplish great things and was able to keep his composure.

Li Chen decided to give him a chance, after all, he was a talented person.

Emperors, after all, tend to cherish talented people.

Zhao Jing's eyes lit up, but he quickly suppressed his excitement.

He carefully organized his words: "Young Master Li, it is like this, our Zhao family owns twenty-seven mines in the southern kingdoms, including three large iron mines and five copper mines."

He took out a roll of exquisite silk from his brocade pouch and carefully spread it out on the table.

It was a detailed map of mineral distribution, with the yield and quality of each location marked.

Zhao Jing sighed, "However, most of these minerals are idle. The southern countries don't need so much, and transporting them to Tian Ce is a long journey. I heard that Tian Ce is currently undertaking a large-scale railway construction project and needs a large amount of refined iron."

Li Chen's gaze swept across the map, then suddenly paused at a certain point.

He pointed casually and asked, "Is this location within the territory of the Starfall Kingdom?"

Zhao Jing nodded quickly: "That's right. This is a rich iron ore mine with excellent quality, but it's located in a remote area, making mining too costly."

A glint of light flashed in Li Chen's eyes; this was truly a coincidence.

He is currently planning to build a strategic railway within the territory of Starfall Kingdom, which requires a large amount of high-quality iron ore.

Not only in Xingluo Kingdom, but also in other southern kingdoms, Li Chen plans to build railways for all those who agree.

This is not only convenient, but it is also very fast for transporting troops and supplies.

If the Eternal Day Empire dares to fight, then they really can't afford to fight.

Li Chen had considered this when he was plotting against Charles.

The invitation to the emperors of the southern kingdoms to enjoy the grand flower festival was merely a pretext.

Li Chen suddenly lowered his voice: "Boss Zhao, if you trust me, give me an address, and someone will come to you in a few days. You just need to do as he says."

Zhao Jing's heart skipped a beat. He carefully examined Li Chen's expression, trying to glean something from it.

But the young man simply sipped his tea leisurely, as if his previous remark was just idle chatter.

Zhao Jing solemnly cupped his hands in greeting: "Brother Li, although I, Zhao Jing, am a businessman, I also understand the meaning of 'trust and righteousness'. Since Brother Li has spoken, I naturally trust you."

He took out a gold-embossed name card from his pocket and presented it with both hands: "This is our accommodation in the capital. To be honest, Brother Li, we have booked the entire Qingfeng Villa in the south of the city. We are at your service at any time."

Li Chen took the name card, casually stuffed it into his sleeve, and said with a smile, "Boss Zhao is indeed straightforward. By the way, the capital is lively these days. You might as well take a look around, especially the Wan Hua Festival. I heard there are quite a few novelties there."

Zhao Jing readily agreed, but his mind was in turmoil. He vaguely sensed that this time he might be about to come into contact with the true power core of Tian Ce.

After chatting for a while, Li Chen got up to take his leave.

Zhao Jing escorted him all the way to the entrance of the restaurant, watching the figure in the blue robe disappear into the crowd before letting out a long sigh of relief.

(End of this chapter)