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

Chapter 620 I don't have many strengths, except that I've been cautious and timid since I was a child! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)
Even if there were officers nearby, it was no longer surprising to see Xu Zifeng, who held a higher rank, addressing Cheng Li, who held a lower rank, as "this humble servant."

After all, who wouldn't dare to hit Master Cheng? He might even hit Xu Zifeng without hesitation.

In fact, they were right. Li Chen beat Xu Zifeng as easily as beating his son.

Xu Zifeng understood Li Chen's meaning, and Li Chen nodded in satisfaction, sending Xu Zifeng away as he began to fantasize about an imperial war.

At this moment, the carriage of Huyan Lan, the Khan of the North, the train carrying Chu Jingsong, the head of the Chu family in the capital, and Han Qi, the captain of the personal guard of General Han Wu, are all speeding toward Hantie Pass on different roads.

A storm is quietly brewing.

Li Chen seemed completely unaware of this, or rather, he didn't care at all, and strolled back to his small courtyard in Anning Lane.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, they heard Tuoba Anyu and another woman talking softly inside.

Upon closer inspection, one could see Tuoba Anyu sitting on a stone bench in the courtyard, chatting with a beautiful stranger.

Upon seeing Li Chen return, Tuoba Anyu immediately stood up to greet him, her face bearing a gentle yet slightly ingratiating smile. She softly introduced him, "My husband is back. This is Anling, whom I met at the rouge shop today. She is the proprietress of the 'Forget-Worry Tavern' in Guannei."

Li Chen's gaze swept over and saw that the woman was about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, wearing an elegant lotus-colored dress, which could not hide her plump and slender figure.

Her hair was slightly loose, her skin was fair and delicate like warm jade, her oval face was exquisite and gentle, her eyebrows and eyes contained a natural shyness and gentleness, but when her eyes moved, they had a captivating charm that only a mature woman could possess.

What is most striking is her extremely full and high breasts, which stretch her clothes into a breathtaking curve, while her waist remains slender, making her hips appear rounder and her legs longer.

Seeing Li Chen looking over, she quickly stood up, slightly curtsied, and said in a soft, gentle voice with a hint of nervousness: "This humble woman, An Ling, greets Your Excellency."

Her demeanor and appearance made her look like a newlywed, delicate, and charming young woman.

Through Tuoba Anyu's supplementary remarks and Li Chen's casual inquiry, it was learned that Anling was also a person with a tragic fate.

The husband was a tavern owner who was addicted to alcohol. Some time ago, he got drunk and insisted on going hunting in the mountains. He never returned, and his body was never found.

She then took over the small tavern on her own and struggled to make a living.

Despite the changes she had experienced, a faint sorrow lingered between her brows, which only added to her pitiful charm.

She clearly had little experience with men and women, and her husband was mostly addicted to alcohol when he was alive. Under Li Chen's gaze, she seemed somewhat at a loss, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes darted away.

Yet she also exudes the understanding and gentleness unique to virtuous women, possessing an indescribable charm.

Li Chen naturally understood Tuoba Anyu's intention in bringing the woman back, and he found the mature woman quite interesting.

This is exactly the type of person Li Chen admires—sensible, gentle, with a charming and pitiful quality, yet not overly clingy.

Of course, Li Chen's "universal love" is well-known, and it's not limited to this. He can appreciate anyone who is sensible and lovable.

At this moment, Ren Ling was talking quietly with Tuoba An Yu, her tone filled with sincere envy: "Sister An Yu is so lucky to have found a husband as tall, mighty, and handsome as General Cheng."

Upon hearing this, Tuoba Anyu covered his mouth and chuckled, teasingly saying, "With a talent like Ren Ling, her suitors must line up from one end of the street to the other, right? Why don't you choose a better one?"

Ren Ling sighed softly, a hint of helplessness and clarity flashing across her eyes: "Sigh, what good men would want a widow like me? I know all too well what those who surround me all day are after." She certainly had no shortage of suitors; young and beautiful, she ran a sizable business on her own, and had no children to burden her. In many people's eyes, she was practically a perfect catch, and countless young people dreamed of getting both her and her wealth by taking shortcuts.

Li Chen casually interjected, "Mrs. Ren, you've been doing quite well these past few years, haven't you thought about expanding your business to the capital? How are your interpersonal relationships handled here in Han Tie Guan?"

Ren Ling answered respectfully one by one, her words clear and logical, revealing her remarkable business acumen.

As she spoke, she suddenly remembered the most sensational rumor in the pass recently. Her eyes lit up, and with a hint of curiosity and gossip, she lowered her voice and said, "By the way, Brother Cheng, is there a particularly powerful officer in your army? I heard he even defeated the nephew of the Northern Khan! Is that true?"

Tuoba Anyu also cooperated by showing a curious expression.

Li Chen, the person involved, remained calm and nodded without changing his expression: "Yes, it seems there is such a person."

Ren Ling immediately moved closer, her fragrance faintly wafting through the air. Her voice lowered, carrying a probing tone: "Does he have a particularly powerful background? How dare he do this?"

Li Chen stroked his chin, feigning profundity: "Well, it's hard to say."

Ren Ling nodded in realization, looking like she understood, and then kindly advised, "Brother Cheng, you're right. We shouldn't inquire about these things too much. You should also try to avoid contact with that guy to avoid getting into unnecessary trouble."

Li Chen nodded in deep agreement: "Absolutely. I don't have many strengths, but I've always been cautious and prudent."

He wasn't entirely lying; before ascending the throne, he did indeed experience a period where he had to tread carefully and proceed with extreme caution.

It was still early, so Ren Ling warmly invited Li Chen and Tuoba Anyu to sit at her "Forget-Worry Tavern".

The tavern is located in a relatively bustling area inside the pass, and has a rather large storefront, unlike ordinary small shops.

Stepping inside, one finds a spacious interior, decorated with an elegant style that also carries the rugged charm unique to the North.

Although it wasn't yet the busiest time of the evening, the place was already packed with people and filled with a lively atmosphere.

The waiters and maids moved about nimbly and tactfully, their manners impeccable, clearly demonstrating their excellent professional skills and training.

Ren Ling is clearly very popular here; as she walks by, many regular customers greet her with smiles.

Among them were heads of noble families dressed in fine clothes, as well as elders of sects with a composed demeanor. Most of them looked at her with admiration, and even a hint of barely perceptible affection.

Ren Ling handled the situation with great tact, always maintaining a proper distance, only discussing business matters and never touching on personal feelings, making her appear both approachable and unapproachable.

She personally found a quiet, elegant spot by the window on the second floor for Li Chen and Tuoba Anyu, and then personally brought out a jar of fine wine from her cellar and poured it for them.

Li Chen took a sip; the wine was mellow, sweet, and had a long aftertaste—it was indeed quite good.

As the three were chatting, a commotion suddenly broke out in the lobby downstairs.

A burly man with a fierce face and a roguish air despite wearing a brocade robe, swaggered in with several burly followers.

(End of this chapter)