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

Chapter 657 How unfair! How shameless! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)

Ivan remained silent for a moment, his mind in turmoil.

On the one hand, he was indeed shocked by the powerful military force displayed by Tian Ce and worried about getting bogged down in a protracted war; on the other hand, as the ruler of a country, such an action would be tantamount to cutting off his own arm and showing weakness to the enemy, which would damage the face of the empire and his prestige.

When the time came to make a decision, Ivan hesitated, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

Although this action was not explicitly approved by him, it was tacitly approved to some extent. Can Li Chen really be trusted?

“Draft the decree.” Ivan finally made his decision, his voice regaining the calm and majesty of an emperor. “Announce Andrei’s crimes to the world, using strong language, clearly stating that this was his personal act and had nothing to do with the empire. Send an envoy to the Tian Ce Army camp to present my personal letter and the guilty subject Andrei, expressing our dynasty’s sincerity in ending the war.”

He paused, then his tone suddenly turned sharp, carrying an undeniable domineering air: "But at the same time, we must also let Tian Ce understand! My Great Luo Dynasty is by no means a coward! If they are ungrateful and insist on fighting, then I will accompany them to the end!"
Look upon this vast land, whose blood will ultimately run dry first! I give them face in the hope of preventing suffering for the people, not out of fear of their Heavenly Strategy!

All of this was exactly what Li Chen had expected.

Today, Li Chen was chatting with several graceful and beautiful women in the courtyard.

Sunlight filters through the gaps in the vines, creating dappled patterns and an atmosphere that seems relaxed and pleasant.

Anastasia wore a royal blue low-cut dress today, which perfectly accentuated her mature and voluptuous figure. She smiled charmingly and said:

“Master, Katril’s hometown tribe is said to be hidden deep in the frigid snow mountains of the North, where there are glaciers that have never melted for thousands of years, and ancient altars that are said to be able to communicate with the stars. If you are interested, my sisters and I would be happy to guide you and explore those lost shamanic secrets together.”

As she spoke, her eyes sparkled, revealing a myriad of charms unintentionally. In her heart, she secretly thought: This master is very knowledgeable. If I can please him and make him happy, the chances of rescuing Vasily will be much greater.

Dalia chimed in softly, dressed in an elegant moon-white dress, looking gentle and charming: "Yes, Master, Sister Katrilan often says that the tribe's Great Wizard is very knowledgeable and may be able to share many mysteries of the Way of Nature with you."

As she spoke, she secretly observed Li Chen's reaction.

After the previous "misunderstanding," she now felt that when she looked at Li Chen, his deep gaze held only a thirst for knowledge, devoid of any other distractions.

Li Chen's gaze did indeed linger for a moment on Anastasia's impressive breasts and Dalia's slender waist; this time, he genuinely admired them.

These two beautiful mature women, one passionate and fiery, the other gentle and graceful, each with their own charm, are a feast for the eyes.

However, Anastasia and Dalia misunderstood again. They thought the master was simply contemplating matters related to the tribe, or at most appreciating them as works of art, and had no intention of disrespecting them.

They even secretly encouraged other women who were on good terms with them and who were also worried about their husbands' fate to come along. Several beauties sat around Li Chen, their voices sweet and gentle, trying their best to create a harmonious and respectful atmosphere, hoping to gain more favor with this "reclusive master".

Li Chen was indeed very interested in the tribe that Katrilan mentioned, which might be related to the passage to the world of myriad races. He was also happy to enjoy the feeling of being the center of attention, with the beauties around him taking the initiative to show their affection.

As he was pondering how to smoothly agree to this trip to the north, so that he could both investigate clues and maintain his "master" demeanor while also taking all the women with him, Sergei rushed over, his face filled with panic.

Sergei disregarded etiquette and rushed to Li Chen, bowing deeply and exclaiming urgently, "Master! Something terrible has happened!"

His shout shattered the tranquility of the courtyard. Several beautiful women looked at him in surprise, their faces filled with confusion.

Sergei, panting heavily, disregarded the others present and spoke rapidly: "I just received news from the capital! Emperor Ivan has issued an edict! He claims that my father, Grand Duke Andrei, colluded with Tuoba Zhen, arbitrarily provoked a border conflict, and brought disaster to the country and its people! He will strip my father of his title and honors, and hand him over to the Tian Ce Dynasty for judgment in order to quell the war!"

The news struck like a bolt from the blue, instantly causing a stir among the beautiful women. "What? They're going to send the bus out?"

"How can this be! The Grand Duke is still unconscious!"

"It's all over, it's all over. If the Grand Duke is punished, then Vasily..."

These words terrified the women in the vicinity. If Grand Duke Andrei were to be punished, wouldn't their husbands, Vasily, be guilty as well?
Only a very few people knew that Vasily was one of the Emperor's men.

But those who know are even more afraid, because if Vasily's identity is exposed, don't forget that they are still on Sergei's territory, and it would be very easy for Sergei to kill them.

Panic immediately erupted at the scene. The women were at their wits' end, and all their hopeful gazes were turned to the only pillar of support present, Master Urge.

A subtle, almost imperceptible curve appeared at the corner of Li Chen's mouth.

He had been waiting for this moment! He slowly stood up, his voice carrying a strange calm that instantly quelled the commotion: "What's the panic?"

He looked at Sergei, whose face was pale and who was covered in cold sweat, and said in a calm but undeniably powerful tone: "Isn't this a good thing?"

"What a wonderful thing?" Sergei was stunned, as were the beautiful women.

“Of course.” Li Chen took a step forward, his gaze sweeping over everyone. “Sergei, do you think your father, Andrei, a grand duke who even Emperor Ivan fears, wouldn’t have left no backup plan? He has been a seasoned warrior and a ruler of his territories for so many years; he is not someone to be slaughtered at will. Ivan’s move may seem ruthless, but in reality, he has alienated himself from the hearts of the people!”

Li Chen's words were like a wake-up call, clearing up Sergei's chaotic thoughts.

Yes, was Father really unprepared?
"Let's go to the council hall." Li Chen said no more and took the lead in walking out of the courtyard. His black robe fluttered, exuding an air of profound composure.

Sergei felt as if he had found a pillar of support and quickly followed.

As Anastasia and the other women watched Li Chen's departing figure, their panic inexplicably lessened.

Anastasia whispered, "Does the master seem to have anticipated this?"

Dalia held her hand tightly: "Sister, we can only trust the master now."

In this turbulent place, the two of them were eager to increase their favor with Li Chen and gain his protection.

This saved Li Chen a lot of trouble later on.

Upon entering the solemn council hall, Li Chen directly instructed Sergei: "Now is the time for you to step forward. Don't hesitate any longer, lay your cards on the table!"

"A showdown?" Sergei didn't react for a moment.

“That’s right!” Li Chen’s voice was steady. “You should publicly declare that your father, Grand Duke Andrei, was secretly instigated and tacitly approved by Emperor Ivan to act! Now, your father is fighting bloody battles for the empire on the front lines, even seriously injured and unconscious. Ivan, seeing that the Tian Ce army is pressing in and he can’t win, wants to kick you out of the way and push your father out as a scapegoat! How unfair! How shameless!”

(End of this chapter)