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

Chapter 697 Master's sacrifice was too great! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)
When Li Chen leisurely walked out of Vorenzova's palace, the sky outside was already full of stars.

He wasn't quite satisfied, but he thought that Matvey had probably been waiting for a long time.

Sure enough, as soon as he returned to the vicinity of his temporary residence in the Holy Palace, he saw Matvey pacing back and forth outside the temple like an ant on a hot plate, looking anxious.

This emperor, now in his vast palace, seems to have only his all-powerful master as a reliable support.

Upon seeing Li Chen, Matvey immediately jogged forward, bowed respectfully, and asked cautiously, "Master, you're back! I've been waiting for you for so long. Where did you go?"

His somewhat impetuous question revealed his true position in the court.

Even the "Imperial Tutor" Wu Zu could not keep track of the exact whereabouts of the harem, which shows how weak his influence was.

Li Chen did not answer directly. Instead, he leisurely strolled into the hall, sat down, and then asked in a slow and deliberate manner, "Disciple, how did you feel about the morning court today?"

The mere mention of the morning court session caused Matvey to deflate like a punctured balloon, his face filled with grievance and helplessness as he began to pour out his grievances:
"Master, please don't mention it. Those ministers are outwardly respectful, but in reality, they are two-faced. As for my opinions, they either give perfunctory answers or refute them with classical texts. No one truly listens to them."

The replies to memorials were mostly based on old practices, or required consultation with "higher-ups" for a final decision. This emperor's role was truly stifling!

He even got confused about how to refer to himself, which shows how frustrated he was.

Li Chen listened quietly, and only after the disciple finished complaining did he slowly speak, his voice carrying a strange allure: "Disciple, let me ask you, do you want to truly wield power?"

"To take power?" Matvey trembled, his eyes flashing with desire, but it was quickly replaced by immense fear and hesitation, his expression shifting and struggling.

Finally, she lowered her head and stammered, "Of course I want to. But...but..."

He kept stammering "but" for a long time, but couldn't come up with a coherent explanation. His long-term repression had almost robbed him of the courage to even dream of power.

"I understand your situation," Li Chen said calmly, like a teacher truly concerned for his disciple. "The reason the former court officials are not listening to you is because the forces behind them are deeply entrenched and their hearts are with their former master."

However, the imperial palace is not solely comprised of the court. The concubines in the harem often have powerful connections with various nobles and high-ranking officials. Their family influence is also a force to be reckoned with.

If one could gain their support, it would be tantamount to indirectly gaining the support of their families. Isn't that a shortcut to power?

Matvey's eyes lit up, as if he had seen a ray of light in the darkness, and he hurriedly asked, "Master, what should I do? How can I gain their support?"

He had absolutely no experience and no confidence in this area.

Li Chen's face revealed a solemn expression of "who else but me?" He said seriously, "This matter concerns your imperial ambitions and is no small matter. Ordinary methods will not be effective. Fine, since you call me master, I will risk everything for you!"
The important task of contacting, appeasing, and even persuading the concubines in the harem will be entrusted to me! You only need to wait patiently; people will naturally stand on your side in due time. In the meantime, just wait for my good news.”

Upon hearing this, Matvey was first stunned, then overwhelmed with emotion, and knelt down with a thud, his voice choked with sobs: "Master! You have done so much for your disciple! Your disciple truly does not know how to repay your great kindness!"

In his naive mind, his master was going to have to deal with those troublesome women for the sake of his throne, which was a huge sacrifice!
To be honest, if one could truly grasp imperial power, who would be willing to be merely a puppet?
Moreover, compared to being Li Chen's puppet, it feels much better to be his father Ivan's puppet!
Li Chen would improve his cultivation, teach him the way of governing the country, and now he was even "sacrificing himself" to help him consolidate his power, and he never directly interfered in specific political affairs.

In contrast, Ivan treated him merely as a symbol that could be replaced at any time, never giving him any warmth or guidance.
Royal family ties are inherently weak. Since Ivan only treats him as a pawn, why should he still regard him as a father?
Gratitude and loyalty are always reciprocal.

At this moment, Matvey's gratitude towards Li Chen reached its peak. He felt that his master had truly devoted himself to him and was even willing to make such a "sacrifice".

Li Chen, with a look of "the wind howls and the Yi River is cold," helped Matvey up and said calmly, "My disciple, there's no need for this. Since I've taken you as my disciple, I should naturally plan for you. My small contribution is nothing to mention."

After saying that, he turned around and walked back towards the Vorenzova Palace. His back looked incredibly tall and tragic in Matvey's eyes.

Back at Vorontsova's palace, the concubine waited with mixed feelings.

Seeing Li Chen return, she felt both fear and joy. She feared the man's domineering and unpredictable nature, but was delighted that the indescribable, intense pleasure had not yet faded.

She was about to say something when Li Chen silenced her with his actions.

A new round of battle is about to begin.

During this process, Li Chen seemingly casually inquired about the backgrounds, personalities, and relationships with the other concubines in the harem.

Initially, Vorentsova was acting on Ivan's orders but was unwilling to cooperate.

However, who exactly is Li Chen?
He secretly activated the subtle and pervasive techniques of the "Emperor Dragon Bible" to influence people's minds. Combined with his own powerful charm and the intoxicating experience he had just had, Vorontsova's mental defenses had completely collapsed after a few hours.

At this moment, she was completely obedient to Li Chen, no longer paying attention to Ivan, and regarding Li Chen as her only master and man.

She was always open and honest with Li Chen, offering all the information he wanted to know, and even proactively providing advice and suggestions.

The next morning, following Li Chen's instructions, Vorontsova sent her trusted maid to invite Empress Dowager Yulia, claiming that she had important matters to discuss regarding the "secret formula for preserving youth".

Empress Dowager Julia was very well-preserved and looked no more than thirty years old.

She wore a magnificent deep purple palace dress, her figure was voluptuous and graceful, with a mature and elegant charm as she walked.

Her full breasts, slender waist, and round, perky buttocks exude the ultimate allure of a woman in this age group.

Her deep phoenix eyes and dignified yet aloof demeanor aroused a strong desire in men to conquer her.

Hiding in the shadows, Li Chen's breathing quickened as he saw Yulia's stunning beauty and mature figure. His inner fire surged, and he could hardly contain himself.

But he knew that this matter could not be rushed and needed to be dealt with gradually.

Vorontsova warmly greeted her, dismissed her attendants, and whispered to Yulia, "Your Majesty, Ivan sent some rare medicinal wine the other day. It is said to be a personal gift from our ancestor, with miraculous effects in preserving youth and strengthening the body. I dare not enjoy it alone, so I specially invite Your Majesty to come and taste it with me."

Upon hearing that it was a gift from her son Ivan and a reward from their ancestor Romanov, Yulia had no doubts and smiled with satisfaction, saying, "It's kind of Ivan to have such a thoughtful thought. Vorontsova, you're a sensible person too."

She accepted the medicated wine that Li Chen had tampered with and slowly drank it down.

The wine initially tasted sweet and mellow, but soon a strong feeling of dizziness and heat surged up.

Yulia felt her vision begin to blur, her body go limp, and her consciousness gradually fade.

Before she completely lost consciousness, she vaguely saw a tall male figure emerge from behind the curtain, carrying a chilling aura.

Seeing the dignified and elegant Empress Dowager lying limply on the brocade couch like a lamb to the slaughter, Li Chen smiled with satisfaction.

He gazed intently at Julia's beautiful face flushed with rosy cheeks and her perfectly voluptuous figure, and the flames in his heart burned ever brighter.

"It's huge, it's just too big," he muttered to himself, his breath trembling with excitement.

The battle continued for ten hours until Li Chen felt it was time to "report the results" to Matvey, at which point he reluctantly stopped.

(End of this chapter)