[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-i-just-maxed-out-and-you-want-me-to-be-a-puppet-":3,"chapter-i-just-maxed-out-and-you-want-me-to-be-a-puppet--i-just-maxed-out-and-you-want-me-to-be-a-puppet--chapter-19":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","I Just Maxed Out, and You Want Me to Be a Puppet Emperor?",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2336458,4569,"Chapter 19: The Difference Between Adults and Children!","i-just-maxed-out-and-you-want-me-to-be-a-puppet--chapter-19",19,"\u003Cp>According to that great noble, Longxian Jade Dew Cake is made by condensing morning dew with a secret method, removing impurities to preserve its purity and sweetness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, longxian incense is finely ground and mixed with golden silk honey dates and lingzhi spores, slowly simmered over low heat until the aroma fills the air and the color becomes jade-like.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, the condensed dew is stirred evenly with the mixture, poured into specially crafted molds, and ripened with spiritual power; once cooled, it becomes this translucent, fragrant Longxian Jade Dew Cake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Ruoyan’s thoughts even drifted back to that year, when she ate the Longxian Jade Dew Cake—it melted instantly on her tongue, as if cleansing her soul and making her forget the clamor of the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After eating it, she had thanked that great noble profusely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who would have thought that this rare treasure, something only a great noble could afford to give as a gift, was merely an ordinary dessert here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And according to the head maid, she could have more anytime she wished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This stirred a faint excitement within Chu Ruoyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But women, after all, still have their reserve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sat for a long time, never daring to eat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stole glances at Li Chen’s handsome profile and saw he was still diligently reviewing memorials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She thought to herself: I’ll just try one piece.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But once she ate it, she couldn’t stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The exquisite texture had already plunged her into a world of fantasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had intended to try just one piece, but before she knew it, she had finished every cake on the plate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she reached unconsciously for another, she accidentally knocked over the teacup beside her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crisp clatter echoed as the cup met the ground and shattered instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The premium tea leaves and tea spilled across the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound drew the attention of the maids outside—and Li Chen’s gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Ruoyan hurriedly rose, stepped before Li Chen, and knelt low in apology.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was already wearing a low-cut dress; this posture left everything fully visible to Li Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chen, still reading intently, thought: Unexpected—she’s got quite the figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not as exaggerated as the Empress Dowager’s, but among her peers, it’s certainly impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just a small incident; Li Chen had nearly finished his work, his mood had lifted, and he dismissed it as nothing serious, ordering the maids to clean up and bringing Chu Ruoyan more tea and snacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Li Chen resumed reviewing the memorials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Chu Ruoyan didn’t keep eating; her long eyelashes fluttered as she watched the earnest man before her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chen’s focused expression while reviewing memorials radiated the charm of a mature man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Combined with his divine features, he was truly intoxicating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Ruoyan didn’t even realize she had fallen into a daze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her life, she had met all kinds of men—some passionate and generous at banquets,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>others young and fiery, strong and unyielding,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>still others fiercely loyal, devoted unto death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As one of the Twin Wonders of the Capital, countless men pursued her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many of her suitors were, in others’ eyes, true sons of heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she had never met a man like Li Chen—someone who carried the world on his shoulders, truly toiling for his country and people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, when she saw her flock of admirers fighting for her attention—even brawling—she pretended indifference, yet secretly delighted; wasn’t that proof of her charm?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, seeing a true man of great deeds, she finally understood the difference between adults and children.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to Li Chen, all other men were utterly insignificant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, Chu Ruoyan didn’t even bother comparing any man she knew to Li Chen—they weren’t even in the same league.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, Chu Ruoyan felt a faint fondness for this emperor, wholly absorbed in his work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no help for it—he was simply too outstanding; where else could she find another like him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chen himself never imagined this— he had no idea Chu Ruoyan’s inner world was so rich.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, the moment Li Chen first saw Chu Ruoyan, he thought: This woman’s chest and legs—no wonder the Empress Dowager picked her; definitely worth pursuing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But today he was too busy, so he left her nearby for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally finished, he thought he could finally take her out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then another pile of matters arose—things only the emperor himself could handle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chen figured this date was likely canceled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She might seem calm on the surface, but inwardly, she must be impatient by now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who knew Chu Ruoyan could self-romance?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After five and a half hours of work—by half past six in the evening—Li Chen finally finished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He set down the last memorial, leaned back in his chair, and exhaled deeply—he was finally free!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By this hour, Li Chen had no desire to go out on a date.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ordered the imperial kitchen to prepare food, then ate with Chu Ruoyan while chatting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he said it was casual, every time Li Chen spoke, Chu Ruoyan would immediately put down her chopsticks and bowl, listen attentively, answer fully, then only resume eating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chen told her not to be so formal—just chat naturally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budebushuo , Li Chen had a knack for charming women.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He started with basic information, then asked about Chu Ruoyan’s interests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing her interests, he could expand their conversation from there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because if you suddenly bring up topics you know well, and she doesn’t, she won’t know how to respond or join in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So starting from her interests, she could speak freely—this was an excellent approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But conversation is about mutual understanding, not one-sided discovery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once they had talked enough about her interests, Li Chen shared things he found interesting, sparking Chu Ruoyan’s curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she became interested, he would center the discussion on it, leveraging his strengths to make her remember what he wanted her to know, forming a first impression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the conversation flowed, Chu Ruoyan naturally became less reserved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During dinner, laughter and joy filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now, they had a fairly good understanding of each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Chu Ruoyan’s bright smile and the gentle tremble of her full figure as she laughed, Li Chen knew her first impression of him was favorable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least, this meal had drawn them closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, with time, he could deepen the connection and see if she felt anything for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, of course, it would be the exchange of special skills to strengthen their bond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Night had fallen; Chu Ruoyan could only take her leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On her way back, she felt utterly light and joyful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the young, commanding emperor, tasting delicacies she could never normally enjoy, and chatting with him about so many fascinating things—she felt wonderfully at ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the escort of her maids, Chu Ruoyan left the palace and rode home in her family’s carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the shadows, a mysterious figure silently followed her!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1157,"2026-06-20T21:59:17.413Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","22c87cddfe2d7785c45fa0f7b264f89101c5a1ea1506427c1b36f354d63982ff","i-just-maxed-out-and-you-want-me-to-be-a-puppet--chapter-20","i-just-maxed-out-and-you-want-me-to-be-a-puppet--chapter-18",766,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fi-just-maxed-out-and-you-want-me-to-be-a-puppet--cover.jpg"]