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

Chapter 627: A hint of barely perceptible inferiority complex lingered in his tone! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets!)
Lianxing carefully dressed up, selected a box of her treasured spiritual tea as a gift, mustered her courage, and followed the address she had found out, arriving alone outside the courtyard where Li Chen lived.

She took a deep breath, gently knocked on the door knocker, her heart pounding like a deer.

The door creaked open, and a woman appeared behind it.

She was dressed in a light purple brocade dress, her hair was loose and adorned with a simple jade hairpin. Her beauty was no less than that of Lianxing, but what was even more remarkable was her dignified and noble demeanor, as if she were born to live in a magnificent palace. It was an aura cultivated from being in a very high position for a long time.

Compared to her, Lianxing felt that her own aloofness as a "saint" seemed somewhat petty and immature.

In particular, her well-developed, voluptuous, and slender figure exudes a captivating charm unique to mature women.

The one who opened the door was Tuoba Anyu. Having lived in the deep palace for a long time and received all kinds of nourishment, she was naturally very well-maintained and looked young and beautiful, but her noble air was hard to conceal.

Lianxing felt a little ashamed and stammered, "Excuse me, does Commander Cheng live here? I am Lianxing, and I have come to thank you for helping me out of trouble last time."

Tuoba Anyu gazed gently at the pitiful beauty before him, secretly praising His Majesty for attracting so many admirers wherever he went, and for all of them to be of such high quality.

She smiled slightly and stepped aside, saying, "So it's Miss Lianxing. Please come in; it's windy outside."

After thanking her, Lianxing walked into the courtyard somewhat awkwardly.

Upon entering the living room, she was taken aback again. There sat another girl dressed in a pale yellow dress, with an ethereal and otherworldly air. She was none other than Lu Mumu, the proud daughter of the hidden sect, Sumeru Lingxiao Pavilion!

She had seen Lü Mumu from afar once when a secret realm opened, and knew that the other party was of noble status and had extraordinary talent, which was something that she, from a small sect, could hardly reach. However, the other party obviously did not remember her at all.

This made her feel a pang of inferiority again.

When Lü Mumu saw Lianxing, she simply nodded slightly in acknowledgment, then continued to curiously survey the simple living room.

Unable to contain her curiosity, Lianxing cautiously inquired of Tuoba Anyu from the side, "May I ask who you are, sister?"

Tuoba Anyu smiled gracefully and said, "I am Cheng Liming's lawfully wedded wife."

This is the identity that Li Chen arranged for her when she arrived.

One sentence instantly chilled Lianxing's heart, shattering the little hope she had held onto.

Whether it was the elegant and noble wife before her or the prodigy from the reclusive sect, she seemed to be no match for either.

I was hoping to have a romance with Commander Cheng, but it seems that's not going to happen.

However, Tuoba Anyu, seeing her eyes dim instantly, showed no intention of seeing her off. Instead, he warmly invited her to sit down.

Tuoba Anyu thought to himself: This is a rare beauty, and also a sect's holy maiden. She has a unique temperament. His Majesty might like her. How can we just let her go like this?
As for Lü Mumu inside the room, she is an absolute beauty, so young and beautiful, His Majesty will surely like her.

Lianxing put down the carefully packaged box of spiritual tea and awkwardly got up to take her leave: "Madam Cheng, Miss Lü, I have conveyed my gratitude, and I will not bother you any longer."

Tuoba Anyu, however, reacted quickly and gently grabbed her wrist. The touch was warm and delicate, and his smile was so kind that it was hard to refuse.
“Miss Lianxing, why are you in such a hurry? The wind and sand are strong in Hantie Pass. Since you’re here, you’re a guest. Have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself up before you leave.” With that, she raised her voice and ordered the maid who was standing by: “Go and brew the Cloud Mist Spirit Tea that we just got a few days ago, and also prepare some delicate snacks.”

The maidservant obeyed and left. Tuoba Anyu led Lianxing to sit down again, then sat beside her and asked with a smile, "Sister, you are so charming and intelligent. I wonder which immortal sect you belong to? What are your hobbies? I feel an instant connection with you and would really like to hear more about you."

She asked in a natural and friendly manner, neither offending Lianxing nor failing to subtly continue the conversation, clearly trying to stall for time as much as possible.

Lianxing was somewhat taken aback by this enthusiasm, but seeing Tuoba Anyu's sincere attitude, she could only reply softly, "Madam, I come from a small sect called 'Luoshan Valley' on the northern border. Our sect is insignificant, and Madam has certainly not heard of it."
He usually just plays the zither and flute, and tends to some flowers and plants; there's nothing particularly special about him.

There was a hint of inferiority in his tone.

Listening to the two chatting, Lü Mumu felt that she was being somewhat superfluous, so she stood up and said, "Madam Cheng, since you have guests visiting, I won't keep you any longer. I'll take my leave now."

She figured that Commandant Cheng wasn't here either, so she should go back and train herself; it wouldn't be good to keep bothering him.

"Hey, Miss Mu Mu, don't be in such a hurry to leave!" Tuoba Anyu quickly stopped her, his smile growing even brighter. "Look, it's almost time for dinner. I've almost finished preparing the food. How can I let my guest leave on an empty stomach?"
My two younger sisters have come all this way today, so you absolutely must have a meal before you leave! Otherwise, you'll be looking down on me as their older sister.

As she was speaking, there was another soft knock on the courtyard gate.

A maid went to answer the door, and soon a sweet and enthusiastic voice came in: "Is Sister Cheng here? I've brought you a few jars of newly arrived Southern Xinjiang vintage wine!"

Before the words were finished, the tavern owner, Ren Ling, walked in with a smile, carrying an exquisite food box.

She had clearly dressed up carefully today, wearing a light red silk dress that accentuated her graceful figure, and her eyes exuded the charm of a mature woman.

When Ren Ling entered the living room, she was slightly taken aback to see that there were already two beautiful women with excellent looks and temperaments inside. Then her smile widened, and her gaze subtly swept over Lian Xing and Lü Mumu.

When Lianxing saw another woman who was just as beautiful as herself and even more mature and charming, her unease and self-consciousness deepened, and she subconsciously wanted to take her leave again.

Tuoba Anyu, however, beat him to it, winking at Ren Ling and saying with a smile, "Ren Ling, you've come at the perfect time! I was just worried about not having any good wine to entertain our two distinguished guests!"

Ren Ling, being an extremely shrewd person, immediately understood. She put down the food box, took out two well-sealed wine jars, and smiled, saying:

"What a coincidence! Sister, this is my best stuff, 'Forget-Me-Not' from the south. It's sweet and smooth, like fruit syrup, and doesn't taste pungent at all."

Actually, there were some things Ren Ling didn't say, namely that this wine has a strong aftereffect; you'll feel fine after drinking it, but you'll get a headache after a while.

This is not to keep the two of you.

Hearing this, Tuoba Anyu chuckled inwardly, but maintained a composed demeanor: "That's wonderful! Today, we sisters can have a small gathering. With fine wine and delicious food, we must have a good chat! No one is allowed to leave early!"

As she spoke, she personally took the wine jar, her demeanor indicating that she was determined to keep both of these beautiful women.

(End of this chapter)