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

Chapter 687 Either "Die in Battle" or "Disappear"! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)

Feng Shuo was in a state of great anxiety, unsure whether His Majesty was coming as the Emperor or continuing with his previous title of "Cheng Li" Commandant. He figured it was best to kneel down first.

Seeing this, Li Chen dismounted and walked up to Feng Shuo, his tone somewhat mocking: "Captain Feng, what is the meaning of this? Why such a grand gesture? Don't you even recognize me, Cheng Li?"

The soldiers guarding the city, who were unaware of what was going on, burst into laughter upon seeing this: "Fatty Feng, what's wrong with you? You've met Commandant Cheng several times, and you're still such a coward?"

"Yeah, my legs went weak way way too fast!"

Feng Shuo paid no heed to their mockery. Knowing that Li Chen was still traveling incognito, he quickly scrambled to his feet, plastered a simple, honest smile on his face, and bowed deeply: "Lord Chengcheng! Look, I was so excited that I lost my balance!"

He dared not inspect, and immediately transformed into the most attentive guide, leading Li Chen into the pass while reporting the current situation of Han Tie Pass in a low voice: "Sir, since that traitor Sergei's failed cavalry raid, our area has been quite peaceful, with no major battles. There have just been some minor frictions between some sects and independent cultivators within the pass over resources, all of which have been handled according to the rules."

As Li Chen listened, he nodded slightly, then suddenly asked, "Feng Shuo, you've been stationed here for quite a few years now, and you're quite capable. With the battle raging on the front lines, General Han Wu is in dire need of manpower. Would you like to go to the front lines to gain experience and strive for a greater future?"

These words made Feng Shuo's face turn pale. He shook his head like a rattle-drum, backing away and waving his hands repeatedly: "No, no, no! Sir! Lord Cheng! Please don't flatter me! I, Feng Shuo, know my own limitations. I'm not cut out for that!"

"I'm already content just being able to guard the gates here at Hantie Pass for His Majesty—uh, for the court! The front lines are truly not for me!"

He knew perfectly well that Li Chen was intentionally grooming him.

Even if he were to go to the front lines, General Han Wu, out of respect for His Majesty, would never assign him to the most dangerous position.

However, Feng Shuo was self-aware. He relied on his connections with the emperor to climb the ranks, but his own strength and military achievements couldn't keep up. Sooner or later, people would talk behind his back, and life would become difficult.

Being able to guard Hantie Pass peacefully and occasionally see His Majesty is already an immense blessing.

Actually, there was someone in the Tian Ce Dynasty who had been trying to gain military merit by relying on his connection with Li Chen.

But basically no one dared to say anything to him, after all, he was the Prince of Anxi.

Li Ji naturally went to the war between the Daluo Dynasty and the Tiance Dynasty.

This guy is like a mascot; he doesn't cause trouble, he just gets by.

His status as a prince speaks for itself; he's Emperor Li Chen's closest brother. Anyone who dares to say that would be courting death.

Seeing that Feng Shuo's attitude was firm and his words were sincere, Li Chen did not press the matter further.

He admired Feng Shuo's abilities, especially his skills in managing customs affairs and coordinating various parties, but he admired even more his rare clarity and sense of duty.

During Li Chen's ascension to the throne and the unification of the northern border, he encountered all sorts of talented people, including many with outstanding abilities, but he never forced others to act against their own will.

The Tian Ce Dynasty has a vast territory and a wealth of talented people; it is not lacking in someone like Feng Shuo.

If one truly has ambition, one will naturally seize opportunities and stand out, just like Lin Yue'e.

After chatting with Feng Shuo for a few more minutes about interesting things inside the pass, Li Chen waved his hand and said, "Go back to your duty, don't just stand here."

"Alright! Take care, sir!" Feng Shuo felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He hurriedly nodded and bowed, and quickly ran back to his post at the city gate with nimble steps.

Li Chen strolled back to the secluded villa he had purchased inside Hantie Pass.

Tuoba Anyu had been waiting here. Upon seeing Li Chen return, this still charming and voluptuous woman immediately came forward, her eyes filled with anticipation and a hint of barely perceptible worry. She gently removed his outer robe, served him hot tea, and took meticulous care of him.

Li Chen sat down, took a sip of tea, and said casually, "I went to Da Luo a few days ago."

Upon hearing this, Tuoba Anyu's hand, which was pouring tea, trembled violently, and the tea almost spilled.

After her son Tuoba Zhen betrayed Tian Ce, he sought refuge with the Daluo Dynasty! His Majesty's personal trip to Daluo this time, I wonder if Zhen'er...
Her heart was instantly filled with fear, but she dared not ask directly. She could only suppress her panic and say meekly, "It is good that Your Majesty has returned safely."

Li Chen naturally noticed her nervousness, but he was too lazy to explain further.

He had traveled all the way from the capital, and was exhausted from the journey. Now that he had a beautiful woman by his side, he could finally relax.

So he put his arm around Tuoba Anyu and began a three-hour in-depth conversation to relieve the boredom of the journey.

After the clouds cleared and the rain stopped, Li Chen leaned lazily against the couch and continued, "That kid Tuoba Zhen does have some guts. Seeing that the Great Luo was in chaos and Ivan's prestige had been lost, he took his old troops and left the Great Luo. It seems that he plans to go to the west to conquer those small countries and establish his own stronghold."

Hearing this, Tuoba Anyu finally felt relieved and breathed a long sigh of relief.

As long as the son is still alive and hasn't directly clashed with His Majesty, that's fine.

She quickly defended her son: "Your Majesty, that child has been unruly and disobedient since childhood, which has troubled you. He only asks for a place to live and would never dare to be an enemy of Your Majesty. Please forgive him."

Li Chen waved his hand, his tone indifferent: "It's alright. It's normal for young people to be ambitious and want to make their own way in the world. Let him do what he wants."

However, he had a different plan in mind: Tuoba Zhen was quite capable, so sending him to conquer those small, peripheral countries would save Tian Ce the effort of future conquests.

Once he has almost finished integrating those places, I will then take over with lightning speed, which will be more efficient.

As for Tuoba Zhen himself, he would either "die in battle" or "disappear," and it was absolutely impossible for him to remain.

A capable, ambitious person with a history of defection will never be allowed to grow unchecked.

Li Chen didn't have much affection for Tuoba Anyu; he saw her more as a plaything to satisfy his physical needs, and whose appearance and figure were exceptionally outstanding.

However, this beautiful woman was indeed a rare beauty, mature and voluptuous, with a unique charm that made him somewhat reluctant to let go.

When Li Chen left the villa, a capable-looking palace maid dressed in court attire was already quietly waiting outside.

Li Chen instructed her, "Make arrangements to bring all the 'concubines' here into the palace and settle them properly."

"This servant understands, Your Majesty, please rest assured," the head palace maid replied respectfully.

She is reliable and trustworthy, and Li Chen trusts her deeply. It is most appropriate to entrust this kind of matter to her.

After dealing with these trivial matters, Li Chen did not linger. Alone, his figure blended into the wind and snow of the North, he continued his journey to the Great Luo Dynasty to play the role of the mysterious and powerful "Urge Witch Ancestor".

The chess game in the northern border of the continent awaits his next crucial move.

But before that, he wanted to see how Ivan would respond, after all, Ivan's ancestor had been ruthlessly driven away by Li Chen in the capital.

(End of this chapter)