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

Chapter 527 A Familiar Feeling! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)

Liu Yuran paused in her hand holding the jade comb, a hint of sadness flashing in her eyes.

How could she not want Li Chen to come every day? The memory of that intoxicating pleasure made her legs go weak.

But she knew in her heart that Li Chen was surrounded by beauties, and she was nothing more than a fleeting dream.

Ultimately, only Tang Hongxiu, still unmarried, was able to enter the palace and remain by the emperor's side.
Lost in thought, Tang Yue suddenly slapped his thigh: "I've got it! Did you see the wives and concubines that the merchants brought to the banquet today?"

Liu Yuran was taken aback: "You mean..."

Tang Yue's eyes gleamed: "The Liu family's mistress, Boss Liu's Cui Yuniang, and Manager Qian's newly acquired concubine—each one is a beauty handpicked. If..."

Liu Yuran's lips parted slightly: "Ah? They...are they willing?"

Tang Yue smiled mysteriously: "Don't worry, Madam, these people are eager to climb the social ladder!"

He leaned close to his wife's ear and said, "Let's throw a banquet and invite them and their families over. We'll drink until we drop."

Liu Yuran stared at her husband in surprise, as if she were seeing him for the first time.

How could my husband, who used to be so rigid and conservative, come up with such an idea?
She suddenly remembered Li Chen's joking remark that "once a man gets the hang of it," and it seemed to be true.
Liu Yuran hesitated and said, "If it really succeeds, wouldn't the credit belong to them?"

Tang Yue waved his hand confidently: "Madam is overthinking it. The credit for the introduction is ours, and Young Master Li is well aware of it."

A shrewd glint flashed in his eyes: "Besides, Hongxiu will enter the palace sooner or later; this is the long-term plan."

These women were just trying to get Li Chen to visit the Tang family more often. Tang Hongxiu's progress was relatively slow, so they wanted Li Chen to have new experiences every day so that he would come more often.

Liu Yuran nodded thoughtfully, then suddenly chuckled, "My husband is quite insightful these days."

Tang Yue blushed, recalling those sleepless nights, and felt a surge of excitement at the thought of what was about to happen at the villa.

The next morning, Tang Yue learned from his mother that Li Chen would be visiting the Tang residence that evening, and immediately began making arrangements.

He carefully selected a few merchants, inviting only one or two per day to ensure it didn't seem too deliberate.

Tang Yue personally visited, smiling broadly, and said, "Master Zhang, you must bring your wife to my humble abode for a drink tonight. Young Master Li will also be coming, so let's all get to know each other."

Upon hearing this, Master Zhang's eyes lit up, and he quickly cupped his hands in greeting: "Master Tang's hospitality is too kind of me to refuse."

He turned and called out to the inner room, "Madam, quickly prepare that newly made lake-blue embroidered dress!"

As evening fell, Master Zhang and his wife arrived at the appointment on time.

Today, Zhang Liushi specially styled her hair in the most fashionable "flying fairy" bun, adorned with pearl hairpins, and wore a light blue gauze dress that made her skin look as white as snow.

As she moved gracefully, the jade pendant at her waist jingled, attracting the attention of the servants in the mansion.

Liu Yuran greeted her with a smile and affectionately took her hand: "Madam Zhang looks radiant today."

Zhang Liushi blushed slightly and said in a low voice, "Madam Tang, you flatter me."

She glanced around furtively, waiting with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation for the legendary "Young Master Li".

Before long, Boss Liu arrived with his newly acquired concubine, Cui Yuniang.

Cui Yuniang was only sixteen years old, with almond-shaped eyes and peach-blossom cheeks. She wore a pink gauze dress with a gold sash around her waist. She walked with a graceful and charming gait, looking exactly like a beauty who had stepped out of a painting.

Liu Yuran greeted her with a smile: "Oh, isn't this Yu Niang from Boss Liu's family? You've become even more beautiful in just a few days."

Cui Yuniang curtsied shyly, saying, "Madam Tang, you flatter me." Her large, watery eyes kept glancing towards the door, clearly showing her curiosity about the mysterious "Young Master Li."

The banquet was held in a pavilion in the garden, with light gauze hanging around it and candlelight flickering, adding a touch of hazy beauty to the guests.

Tang Yue specially arranged for Zhang Liushi and Cui Yuniang to sit near the main seats, while he himself chatted and laughed with Boss Liu and Master Zhang.

"I've heard that Young Master Li holds a prominent position in the court?" Master Zhang asked tentatively, taking advantage of his drunken state.

It's true that the Li family is royalty, but he wanted to know the Li family's status.

Tang Yue smiled but did not answer, only saying meaningfully, "When we meet later, Master Zhang will naturally understand."

Just then, a commotion arose outside the mansion gate.

Li Chen, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, gracefully arrived, the jade belt at his waist gleaming warmly in the candlelight.

He had a handsome face and an imposing presence that commanded respect without anger; his good looks were beyond words.

All the guests stood up at the same time.

Zhang Liushi and Cui Yuniang stared wide-eyed, never expecting that this "Young Master Li" would be so young and handsome.

"No need for formalities, everyone." Li Chen waved his hand with a smile, his gaze sweeping across the table. He paused slightly when he saw Zhang Liushi and Cui Yuniang, as if he understood what Tang Yue meant by the unexpected surprise today.

Tang Yue was secretly delighted upon seeing this and quickly introduced them: "Young Master Li, this is Master Zhang and his wife, and that is Boss Liu and his concubine."

"Haha, Young Master Li, you must be tired from your journey. Please forgive us for not being able to greet you at the door." Master Zhang laughed heartily, while discreetly wiping away the oil stains that had accidentally splattered on the main table with his sleeve.

Boss Liu was secretly annoyed that Zhang Yuanwai had snatched this good opportunity to curry favor. On a whim, he nudged Cui Yuniang and pointed to the wine pot next to her, signaling her to fill the wine cup in front of Li Chen.

Tang Yue nodded secretly at Boss Liu's subtle actions, praising the kid for being so savvy, while also worrying that Boss Liu might become his biggest competitor in the future.

However, Tang Yue quickly dismissed the idea. The Liu family didn't have someone like his sister-in-law; at most, she could only be a subordinate of the Tang family!

Li Chen had already taken his seat. Tang Yue took the lead in raising his wine glass and said to Zhang Yuanwai, Boss Liu, and the other women, "Come, let's toast Young Master Li first, to thank him for gracing us with his presence!"

"Yes, it is our honor that Young Master Li has taken time out of his busy schedule to come. You all must keep him company." Liu Yuran smiled and looked around, but her gaze intentionally or unintentionally fell on Cui Yuniang and Zhang Liushi.

"Please, Young Master Li." Master Zhang and Boss Liu hurriedly raised their wine glasses, and their wives followed suit.

Soon, all that remained at the scene was the clinking of glasses and exchanging toasts.

Either Tang Yue encouraged everyone to toast Li Chen, or Tang Yue invited everyone in the room to toast Li Chen.

Soon, Zhang Liushi and Cui Yuniang's cheeks began to flush slightly, and their eyes gradually became vacant and unfocused, clearly indicating that they were no longer able to hold their liquor.

Tang Yue and the others had been waiting for this moment, so they hurriedly said to the two merchants, "Haha, I see that the two ladies are already slightly tipsy. Why don't we have my wife take them to the side room to rest, while we continue drinking?"

The two merchants had no reason to refuse Tang Yue's suggestion, and even thanked Liu Yuran, saying, "That's wonderful, then we'll have to trouble you, Third Madam!"

Their purpose in coming here was simply to get acquainted with Li Chen and see if they could get involved in the Tang family's business; they didn't care about these details.

Li Chen caught a glimpse of the three ladies' graceful figures as they departed, and gently swirled the wine glass in his hand, feeling as if this scene was familiar.

Tang Yue had barely finished speaking when he glanced at Li Chen and feigned surprise, saying, "Oh, look, I forgot. Young Master Li has never been a good drinker. Please wait a moment, I'll take Young Master Li down to rest, and then we can have a long talk all night!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Tang Yue saw Li Chen looking at him, and at the same time, he secretly winked at Li Chen and a meaningful smile appeared on his lips.

(End of this chapter)