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

Chapter 594 He definitely knows something, but he dares not reveal his identity! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)
Hua Rumeng looked at Li Chen's conspicuous high-ranking papal robes and the amethyst token at his waist, symbolizing supreme power, and couldn't help but whisper a reminder: "Young Master Li, are you going to Qinglin Kingdom dressed like this?"

There was a hint of worry in her voice.

Li Chen glanced down at his attire, then smiled nonchalantly: "What, this outfit isn't good enough? Tell me about the situation in Qinglin Kingdom."

Hua Rumeng composed herself and explained, "Among the southern kingdoms, Qinglin Kingdom has always been one of the three most militarily powerful nations. Legend has it that this place is where the ancient Qilin divine beast perished. The region is rich in spiritual energy and hides many secret realms and rare natural treasures. Therefore, there are many cultivators, and the people are quite fierce. More importantly..."

She paused, lowering her voice even further, "The King of Qinglin and his important ministers are extremely hostile to the Holy See, believing that its influence interferes in internal affairs and erodes imperial power, hence your attire."

Her meaning was clear: this outfit might get you anywhere else, but in Qinglin Kingdom, it would likely attract unnecessary trouble, or even hostility.

After listening, Li Chen simply waved his hand casually, a playful smile playing on his lips: "It's alright, I have other identities, how about a businessman?"

Seeing that he was confident, Hua Rumeng said no more, but she couldn't help feeling more uneasy.

This time, she and Li Chen traveled together on their return to the capital of Qinglin Kingdom.

In order to improve her cultivation, she chose to follow Li Chen, which, in a sense, meant she had already betrayed the Prime Minister of Qinglin Kingdom.

Now he must take the young master he serves back to his own country.

She was at a loss for words, and her palms were slightly sweaty.

Upon entering the Qinglin Kingdom, Li Chen immediately sensed a distinct difference.

The gazes from those around them were no longer filled with awe or curiosity, but with undisguised scrutiny, indifference, and even subtle rejection.

This papal robe is as eye-catching as a firefly in the dark.

However, perhaps due to the influence he might represent, no one stepped forward to openly provoke or criticize him.

Upon arriving at the city gates, they were subjected to strict checks by the guards.

Hua Rumeng revealed her identity document as a citizen of Qinglin Kingdom, while Li Chen handed over a pre-prepared ordinary document proving her identity as a "Tian Ce Merchant".

The guard glanced at the words "Tian Ce Merchant" on the document, then looked Li Chen up and down at his luxurious yet standard attire as a high-ranking member of the Holy See, his face showing extreme confusion and disbelief.

After repeatedly verifying the authenticity of the document seal and confirming that there were no errors, he gave his companion a very strange look and secretly winked at him.

Immediately, a quick-thinking city guard quietly followed, clearly wanting to see what this "Tian Ce Merchant" dressed as a high-ranking figure from the Holy See was up to.

When we were still some distance from the Prime Minister's residence, it was already completely dark and the lanterns were just coming on.

Li Chen glanced at the outline of the magnificent mansion in the distance, then at the restless Hua Rumeng beside him, and suddenly suggested, "It's getting late, and it might be inconvenient to visit so soon. Why don't we rest at a nearby inn for the night and visit tomorrow?"

Upon hearing this, Hua Rumeng's cheeks suddenly flushed red, appearing exceptionally beautiful under the dim night lights.

She naturally understood Li Chen's unspoken meaning: tonight, she would be all alone.

She responded in a barely audible voice, "It's entirely up to you, young master."

That night, in a secluded inn in the city, a candle flickered in a superior room, and remained lit until late into the night.

The faint sounds drifted out intermittently, causing the city guard who was ordered to lie in wait outside the window to blush and be shocked. As he took notes, he secretly exclaimed, "This 'Tian Ce Merchant' is so energetic! He hasn't stopped all night! Is he here to do business, or... And that woman, why does her voice sound so familiar?" He shook his head, not daring to think any further.

I'm just a nobody; all I need to do is report the contents.

That's a matter for higher-ups to decide on the specifics.

Early that morning, as the first light of dawn broke, Hua Rumeng led Li Chen to the imposing gates of the Prime Minister's residence.

She hadn't set foot here for many years, and couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion. However, the old guard with graying temples at the door recognized her at a glance, and his face immediately lit up with a warm and respectful smile as he quickly came to greet her.

"Madam! You're finally back! The Prime Minister often talks about you!" The old guard's voice was loud and clear, filled with genuine joy.

His gaze then fell on the distinguished Li Chen standing to the side, especially his undeniably striking papal robes. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he maintained his composure and cautiously inquired, "Madam, who is this gentleman?"

Following the pre-arranged script, Hua Rumeng introduced him naturally: "This is Young Master Li, a merchant from Tian Ce."

"A merchant who plans every day?" The old guard's smile froze instantly, and his eyes involuntarily glanced at Li Chen's luxurious and highly symbolic papal robes, as well as the faintly visible amethyst token at his waist. His CPU almost burned out from this extremely incongruous combination of information.

A Tian Ce merchant dressed in the robes of a high-ranking member of the Eternal Day Church? What exactly is he up to?
In all his years, he had never seen such a bizarre combination.

However, his years of experience serving in the Prime Minister's residence taught him that there were some things he shouldn't ask too many questions about, and some people he couldn't afford to offend.

He quickly concealed the strange expression on his face and bowed even more respectfully: "So it's Young Master Li, my apologies for my rudeness!"

Hua Rumeng noticed that the Prime Minister's residence was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. She couldn't help but ask in surprise, "What happy event is happening in the residence?"

The old guard quickly replied, "Madam, it's a joyous occasion! The eldest young lady will be entering the palace as a concubine in a few days! Your return has come at just the right time!"

"Enter the palace as a concubine?" Upon hearing this, Hua Rumeng's delicate eyebrows immediately furrowed. Instead of joy, her face showed surprise and doubt. "Wasn't she betrothed to Zhang Mingyuan, the young master of the Zhang family of the Ministry of Rites, since childhood? They were childhood sweethearts and had a very deep relationship. Why would she suddenly want to enter the palace?"

A hint of embarrassment and unease flashed across the old guard's face as he said in a low voice, "Madam, this is a long story; it is His Majesty's decree."

The old guard certainly knew something about this, but he dared not reveal his identity.

Hua Rumeng was filled with doubts, and without bothering to ask the guards any more questions, she hurriedly nodded and led Li Chen straight to her daughter's boudoir inside the mansion.

Li Chen followed behind, his gaze sweeping over the festive decorations, a playful smile playing on his lips.

Pushing open the exquisitely carved wooden door, one sees a young girl in a pale yellow dress sitting by the window, her back view slender yet exuding an unyielding melancholy.

Hearing the door open, she turned around blankly and saw Hua Rumeng's daughter, Su Wanqing.

Li Chen's eyes lit up slightly. This girl had indeed inherited her mother's beauty, and was even better than her.

She was tall and slender, with fair skin as white as snow, and a delicate oval face like a porcelain doll. However, at this moment, a faint sorrow shrouded her brows and eyes, making her appear pitiful.

She is indeed a rare beauty.

(End of this chapter)