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

Chapter 540 Li Chen is truly ruthless in this regard! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)
Emerging from the secret realm, Ruoyu was curious about everything around her: the rare and exotic beasts, the buildings of various cities, and even some delicious food.

Especially after boarding the train, the speed seemed incredible to her.

After learning from Li Chen that it wasn't some rare treasure, but just a means of transportation that ordinary people could afford, she was even more amazed by its wonder.

When the train stopped in the capital, Ruoyu began to have some doubts for the first time. She didn't think Li Chen was lying to her because they had been communicating a lot recently, and she trusted Li Chen a lot. She felt that she should remember something.

It wouldn't be good if I couldn't remember anything and kept bothering Li Chen.

Her slender white fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes, her gaze sweeping blankly across the street scene outside the window.

After a moment's thought, Ruoyu murmured softly, "Strange, this is clearly a place I frequent, so why..."

Li Chen keenly noticed her unusual behavior, and his large, warm hand immediately covered her slightly cool fingertips: "My beloved consort, are you tired? When we return to the palace, I will personally massage your shoulders."

His deep, magnetic voice carried a reassuring power.

Ruoyu immediately cast aside her doubts and obediently leaned on Li Chen's shoulder.

Yes, home is wherever His Majesty is. Why think about these things?
In front of the main gate of the palace, Chu Ruoyan and Wu Nanzhi were already dressed in their finest attire, waiting for them.

Upon Ruoyu's arrival, the two imperial concubines immediately stepped forward, one carrying a freshly baked cream cake and the other holding an iced milk tea.

Chu Ruoyan affectionately took Ruoyu's arm: "Little sister is finally back! This is your favorite tiramisu, and I specially asked the imperial kitchen to add double the cream."

Wu Nanzhi thoughtfully tidied Ruoyu's wind-blown silver hair: "Sister's palace is always cleaned, and those Western Region carpets have been newly replaced according to your preferred style."

The reason they were here was because Li Chen had sent them a message on his phone beforehand, asking them to cooperate.

These two have been with Li Chen for a long time, so they naturally know what Li Chen likes and will definitely cooperate.

Ruoyu was a little overwhelmed by the enthusiasm, but her eyes lit up the moment she tasted the cake.

The creamy texture melted on her tongue, and the sweet but not cloying taste made her squint her eyes in happiness. This was indeed the taste she liked!
It could also be said that women seem to like this flavor.

The palace maids led the way with practiced skill, and people along the way kept bowing and greeting them: "Welcome back to the palace, Lady Ruoyu!"

Every detail was perfect and impeccable, as if she had really lived here for many years.

As night fell, Ruoyu lay in the hot spring pool sprinkled with rose petals, letting the palace maids massage her.

Through the misty steam, she gazed at the familiar patterns on the palace dome, and her last trace of doubt vanished.

This is her home, without a doubt.

At this moment, Li Chen was taking stock of what he had gained from this secret realm.

Millennium-old Ganoderma lucidum, Xuanbing Jade Marrow, and Taixu Divine Iron—these treasures, enough to drive any cultivator mad, are casually piled up in the treasure pavilion.

He tapped his long, slender fingers lightly on the table, a playful smile playing on his lips.

These things are useless to me, but the concubines can use them. However, they can't be given away for free; it depends on their performance.

Soon, Li Chen had the news spread to the inner palace, and it was first come, first served.

The first to arrive was Li Meng, a holy maiden from Miao territory who was very skilled at playing the xiao (a type of vertical bamboo flute).

Today she specially changed into a sheer ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), and the jade flute twirled beautifully on her fingertips.

The sound of the flute was initially like the tinkling of a clear spring, melodious and lingering, like a young girl's whisper, or like a night breeze gently rustling through a bamboo forest, carrying a touch of ethereal and dreamlike charm.

Li Chen was very satisfied and let her choose the reward she wanted first.

Faced with so many rare and precious materials, Li Meng was overwhelmed with choices.

Next up is the exotic Elisa. Her dance steps are sometimes as light as a butterfly, sometimes as wild as fire; her golden skirt flutters, and her silver bells jingle, making her resemble the most alluring dancer in the western desert, captivating all who behold her.
Elisa even performed a split, followed by various alluring curves, making Li Chen feel that she had indeed learned something from the Empress Dowager, so he let her choose what she liked.

The most surprising one was Mu Qingrou.

She shyly led Shi Yingying by the hand as they gracefully approached, both wearing the same style of fairy dress in different colors.

"Your Majesty," Mu Qingrou whispered in Li Chen's ear, and an excited glint immediately ignited in his eyes.

When the two beauties displayed their "combination skill," Li Chen felt refreshed, and the other concubines were also surprised. Mu Qingrou was always dignified and elegant, yet she knew such a thing.

Even Shi Yingying felt ashamed, but for the reward, the two of them were willing to do anything.

After the concubines had left, Li Chen went to Chu Ruoyan's palace, where Wu Nanzhi was also present.

The two empresses were playing chess when they saw him arrive and quickly got up to greet him.

Before Chu Ruoyan could finish speaking, Li Chen swept her up in his arms.

Wu Nanzhi was so startled that she knocked over the chess box, and the black and white chess pieces clattered and rolled all over the floor.

Li Chen placed the two most precious items from the Immortal Ruins on the table.

"My beloved concubines have worked hard these days, this is a special reward for you."

The fact that the harem remained peaceful was actually related to the stability of the two women.

Despite their young age, these two hold very high positions in the imperial harem.

One had the Empress Dowager's support, and the other had the backing of the concubines.

Since the two of them didn't have any conflicts, Li Chen had far fewer troubles.

Chu Ruoyan's eyes reddened with emotion, while Wu Nanzhi threw herself into Li Chen's arms.

The commotion in the palace that night did not gradually subside until dawn.

The next morning at the imperial court, Li Chen sat upright on the dragon throne in the Golden Palace, his black dragon robe making him appear extremely majestic.

Inside the hall, civil and military officials stood on both sides, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

Minister of Revenue Liu Minghan stepped forward first, holding a jade tablet, and respectfully bowed before reporting: "Your Majesty, since the introduction of mobile phones, the public response has been extremely enthusiastic. The first batch of 100,000 units has already sold out, and the black market price has even reached more than fifteen times the original price. The people are eagerly awaiting the release of the second batch and earnestly request the court to expedite its distribution."

Li Chen tapped the armrest lightly with his fingertips and said calmly, "No rush, let them wait a little longer. Scarcity marketing is the best way to maximize value."

Liu Minghan was taken aback, then suddenly realized and respectfully said, "Your Majesty is wise!"

Minister of Justice Pang Jin stepped forward immediately, his face serious: "Your Majesty, we have recently uncovered several cases of reselling mobile phones, involving huge sums of money, and even some officials are secretly involved. I have dealt with them according to the law, but the black market continues unabated."

Li Chen sneered: "Kill one to warn a hundred. Those who offend again will have their property confiscated and be exiled."

Li Chen is truly ruthless in this regard.

Pang Jin bowed and accepted the order: "Your subject obeys!"

The Minister of Works then reported: "Your Majesty, the development of the second-generation mobile phone is progressing smoothly, and testing is expected to be completed within three months. Should we expedite the process?"

Li Chen shook his head: "Proceed according to the original plan. The technology must be mature. What I want is a masterpiece that surpasses the previous generation, not a defective product made in a rush."

The Minister of Works solemnly replied, "Your subject understands!"

(End of this chapter)