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

Chapter 649 That strategist doesn't seem like an honest and upright person! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)

Li Chen's voice was filled with obvious displeasure and anger: "Sergei! You never strive for anything, you just dabble in these underhanded methods! What about the important matters I assigned you?! How's the negotiation with Tian Ce regarding the ransom of the prisoners going? Have you heard anything back?!"

This sudden outburst of fury startled Sergei, who fell to his knees with a thud, cold sweat pouring down his face. He quickly explained, "Master, please calm down! I had no other intention! I just saw that you were cultivating here in seclusion and was afraid that you would find it boring, so I wanted to find some pleasing people to entertain you!"
"I haven't forgotten the important matters Master instructed me to attend to! I've already sent a trusted confidant to contact Han Wu, the commander of the Northern Army of Tian Ce. He has agreed to release the prisoners, but the ransom is enormous. I'm preparing to personally go to the border to handle the handover!"

Hearing that the negotiations had made progress, Li Chen slightly reduced his imposing aura and snorted coldly, "Hmph! I bet you wouldn't dare to delay the important matter! Get on with it as soon as possible! Don't bring up those useless things again!"

Having said that, he waved his hand impatiently.

Sergei felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He scrambled to his feet and quickly dismissed the terrified beauties. He then bowed respectfully and hurriedly left to prepare for his journey to the border.

In fact, Li Chen was not indifferent to women; it was just that these so-called "beauties" were nothing more than ordinary women in the eyes of this emperor who was used to seeing stunning beauties. He didn't even have the interest to take a second look at them, let alone touch them.

After Sergei left, the room returned to silence. As evening fell and the lights came on, Lady Catherine personally carried a pot of freshly warmed wine and several exquisitely crafted pastries, carefully approaching Li Chen's door.

She knocked lightly on the door, and only after receiving permission did she gracefully walk in.

At this moment, she had changed into a more homely dark green velvet dress, with the neckline slightly open, revealing a section of her fair and delicate neck and exquisite collarbone. Her makeup was also softer than during the day, making her appear gentle and charming under the lamplight.

“Master,” she gently placed the tray on the table, her voice soft and tinged with apology, “what happened this afternoon was due to my good-for-nothing son’s foolishness, which disturbed your peace. I have come to apologize on his behalf. These are just some simple snacks; I hope you will not find them offensive.”

She adopted an extremely humble posture, personally pouring wine and serving dishes to Li Chen.

As the esteemed Grand Duchess Andrei, this was the first time in her life she had served an outsider with such care, but for the sake of her son's future, she was willing to do so.

Li Chen enjoyed the personal service of this noble and charming woman with a clear conscience, but he was speechless at Sergei.

This disciple is filial, but he is too dull-witted. Can't he see what kind of "scenery" his master prefers?

He took a sip of the wine Catherine offered to his lips and casually asked, "Madam, what is the background of Sergei's brother? And where is Grand Duke Andrei focusing his attention these days?"

When Ekaterina saw that the master had taken the initiative to ask about family matters, she was moved and quickly replied respectfully, "Master, Sergei's younger brother is named Alexei. His mother is the sister of a powerful count in the North. He has some background. The boy has been spoiled since childhood. He is dissolute and only knows how to eat, drink and have fun. He is far less steady, sensible and grateful than Sergei."

She naturally seized the opportunity to belittle her illegitimate son and praise her own son for being honest, dutiful, and grateful.

Li Chen did not interrupt her, but listened quietly, admiring the beautiful woman's captivating demeanor as she spoke and the occasional slight undulations of her voluptuous curves due to excitement. Listening to her speak was a pleasure in itself.

After praising her son at length, Ekaterina turned the conversation to her husband: "As for my husband, Andrei, he spends most of his time at the front lines these days overseeing the battle, coordinating supplies, and monitoring the situation. However..."

She hesitated for a moment, but still said, "It's just that my husband seems to rely heavily on that strategist named Vasily, and he almost always listens to his advice. As a woman, I shouldn't presume to comment on politics, but I always feel that the strategist's eyes are shifty, and he doesn't seem like a loyal and honest person."

Because Ekaterina noticed something strange about Vasily's gaze when they occasionally met.

That feeling was nothing like that of a servant. Each time it was fleeting, and since Andrei listened to Vasily, Catherine didn't mention it, after all, Vasily was usually very respectful.

Li Chen memorized this information and nodded slightly: "I see, thank you for informing me, Madam."

Catherine was flattered and quickly said, "Master, you are too kind! It is my son and I who should thank you! If it weren't for you, Gair..."

Li Chen seemed to suddenly remember something, interrupting her and looking down at her fair neck: "Madam, has that wound healed completely?"

His tone carried just the right amount of concern.

Ekaterina's cheeks flushed slightly as she said softly, "Thank you for your concern, Master. I'm almost fully recovered."

The wound was near the collarbone and was actually not a big deal.

Li Chen said, "It would be better if I checked it again, so as not to leave any hidden marks."

His tone was natural, yet carried the authority of a doctor.

Upon hearing this, Ekaterina blushed even more, but she did not refuse. She simply lowered her head slightly and shyly pulled open the neckline of her dark green velvet dress.

Suddenly, a patch of snow-white, delicate skin and a deep, alluring cleavage were exposed before Li Chen's eyes. Just as he had expected, the scale was astonishing, truly a sight to behold.

Especially in this icy and snowy landscape, where she was wrapped up tightly, the contrast of her now-unwrapped appearance is irresistible. Moreover, her fair and smooth skin is even more exquisite than that of a young girl.

Li Chen examined the "scar" that had long since disappeared with seemingly focused eyes, and nodded: "Yes, it's definitely fine now."

However, at that moment, Catherine seemed to have made up her mind. She suddenly raised her eyes, her azure eyes filled with a hint of tears and helplessness, and said in a trembling voice, "Actually, Master, I have some other old injuries that are still aching. I wonder if I could trouble you to take a look at them as well?"

As she spoke, she took the initiative to untie the belt of her long dress, and the luxurious velvet dress slowly slid down her smooth shoulders, revealing even more of her voluptuous beauty that made one's blood boil.

A hint of surprise flashed in Li Chen's eyes; the progress seemed to be even faster than he had anticipated.

However, when has Li Chen ever been such a polite person? Since the beauty has taken the initiative to invite him, he naturally cannot refuse.

"Since Madam is unwell, I will do my best." Li Chen's voice remained steady, but his eyes had become profound.

He reached out his hand, and the vibrant green light of life emanated from his palm once more. He began to "focus" on treating Catherine's external redness and swelling, as well as the long-standing, uncomforted emptiness within her.

(End of this chapter)