[{"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-62":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},2336501,4569,"Chapter 62: In High Spirits, Deciding to Reward Myself!","i-just-maxed-out-and-you-want-me-to-be-a-puppet--chapter-62",62,"\u003Cp>At Li Chen’s signal, Zhao Wenyuan continued: “Regarding the upcoming Spring Hunt in ten days, I dare to ask His Majesty: where shall we designate as the hunting ground? So that I may prepare in advance and make proper arrangements.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chen knew very little about court affairs, but he was familiar with the Spring Hunt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spring Hunt was an imperial hunting expedition held in the spring wilderness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the former emperor hunted, Li Chen, as a prince, had also participated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He merely did not wish to reveal his full strength; he did not deliberately pretend to be weak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since all the princes were highly capable, Li Chen only needed to perform averagely, and no one paid him any attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he deliberately performed poorly, everyone might suspect he was concealing his true abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The TianCe Dynasty had long maintained the tradition of awarding the Top Graduate with the honor of hunting after the Spring Examinations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spring Examinations were imminent; in twelve days, the results would be announced, and the top three candidates would proceed to the Palace Examination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Top Graduate alone enjoyed the exclusive privilege of receiving the emperor’s hunting spoils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was both an expression of the emperor’s favor and high expectations for the Top Graduate’s talent—a celebrated tradition of the TianCe Dynasty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, this hunt would serve as a stage for the nobility’s young heirs to display their horsemanship and archery skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Numerous imperial clan members, descendants of great meritorious families, and elite from powerful clans would all participate, showcasing their prowess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only those of imperial blood or close relatives of the imperial family could take part in this hunt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chen could also promote those who performed well, allowing them to feel the boundless grace of the imperial favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Generally, when the emperor participated in such a hunt, extensive preparations were required to ensure his safety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though Li Chen was a Saint Realm cultivator, his ministers still had to fulfill their duties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was also part of the emperor’s responsibilities; Li Chen chose the Cangmang Mountains north of the city as the hunting ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the matter settled, Zhao Wenyuan returned to his position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next, the military officers vied to lead a northern campaign, each kneeling to beg Li Chen to allow them to fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chen was speechless: I haven’t even sent my challenge to the Northern Wangting yet, and they haven’t responded—why are you in such a hurry?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would fight regardless—whether or not the Khan of the Northern Wangting agreed, he would suffer Li Chen’s brutal retribution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before fighting, much preparation was still needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the saying goes: troops move first, provisions follow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chen had just become emperor; he did not know the military officers well and had no idea who was capable and who was not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he simply said: “My ministers are highly enthusiastic—I am pleased. How about this: in ten days, during the Spring Hunt, whoever performs best, I shall choose.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t say I didn’t give you a chance—you must earn it yourselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spring Hunt was a coordinated hunt; in a sense, it also tested the officers’ ability to lead troops and judge complex terrain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This statement indeed stirred the military officers, who clenched their fists, eager to begin the hunt and demonstrate their strength before Li Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chen had not expected that his offhand remark would lead to the largest Spring Hunt in five hundred years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether one sought to launch a northern campaign, to curry favor with him, or even to kill him—this was undoubtedly the perfect opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today’s morning court ended early, as there simply wasn’t much to discuss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he returned to the Imperial Study to finish his remaining work, he noticed a familiar figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man wore splendid robes, his face stern yet approachable, standing outside the door—it was Li Longyu, the late emperor’s younger brother, Prince Jing’an.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon seeing Li Chen, Li Longyu immediately wore a respectful and warm smile, stepping forward to perform a full kowtow: “Your servant pays homage to His Majesty. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chen raised his hand slightly, signaling Li Longyu to rise, his voice calm yet commanding: “Uncle, rise. What brings you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This fellow came uninvited; he must have some purpose. Li Chen would see how he spoke first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Longyu rose and respectfully presented a scroll, his face smiling humbly: “Your Majesty, I have two matters. First, five days hence is my birthday. I dare to humbly request Your Majesty’s presence, to add joy to my celebration. To have Your Majesty attend is my greatest honor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second, regarding the matter Your Majesty entrusted to me several days ago, I have completed all tasks. I humbly ask Your Majesty to review them.” Li Chen took the scroll, glanced at it briefly, then smiled: “I shall certainly attend your birthday, Uncle. Moreover, I wish to see how your recent work has progressed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Li Chen’s agreement, Li Longyu expressed repeated gratitude, his smile deepening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how fearful these people were of Li Chen, being invited by him was unquestionably the highest honor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a Saint Realm emperor to attend one’s birthday banquet—what prestige that would bring!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One could boast about it for decades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What? Your birthday didn’t invite this Saint Realm emperor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then I’m sorry—we’re not on the same level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was invited, proving my status in this dynasty surpasses yours!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, in the entire TianCe Dynasty, few had the standing to invite Li Chen to a banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Attending a birthday feast was merely visiting family—Li Chen found this perfectly normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His uncle had listened reasonably well last time; Li Chen could afford to grant him some face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon entering the Imperial Study, Li Chen instinctively glanced at the desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Due to his recent diligent work, most memorials had been resolved; today there were fewer than ten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing so few, Li Chen finally exhaled in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing, Li Chen stepped out of the Imperial Study. His mood was excellent—he decided to reward himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he ordered Chu Ruoyan to be summoned to the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, at the Chu family residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Ruoyan wore her training attire, weapon in hand, her expression grave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For today was the day Xiao Ming had promised to abduct her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her heart was entirely filled with Li Chen—they were mutually drawn to each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could she possibly wish to live homeless with Xiao Ming?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In every way, Xiao Ming was unworthy of comparison to Li Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chen was gentle, handsome, immensely powerful, and held supreme authority—even if Chu Ruoyan were blind, she knew whom to choose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After so much progress in their relationship, only one thin veil remained to be pierced—then she could become an imperial consort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only did the entire Chu family long for Li Chen’s favor toward her, she herself yearned for it deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by the dampness of her bedding, she had indulged in many spring dreams these past days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, weapon in hand, she prepared to defend against Xiao Ming’s “attack.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should Xiao Ming dare appear, she would draw her sword immediately, making her stance clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the slightest rustle in the courtyard made her alert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, footsteps suddenly sounded at the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Ruoyan instantly drew her sword, startling the maid outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing it was her own maid, Chu Ruoyan asked: “Why are you in such a hurry?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The maid steadied her breath, excitedly saying: “Miss, His Majesty has summoned you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words filled Chu Ruoyan with joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Usually, Li Chen summoned her in the afternoon—today, he must have finished his duties early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She immediately closed the door, changed into clothing that highlighted her best features, then ran out and boarded the imperial carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along the way, she was deeply anxious, constantly scanning her surroundings, fearing Xiao Ming might cause trouble now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she knew—once she entered the palace, she would be safe!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1337,"2026-06-20T21:59:17.413Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","30112e30a499884acd165e4f1f2f3564c56f6fbf92999e240ee485fb38c46b02","i-just-maxed-out-and-you-want-me-to-be-a-puppet--chapter-63","i-just-maxed-out-and-you-want-me-to-be-a-puppet--chapter-61",766,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fi-just-maxed-out-and-you-want-me-to-be-a-puppet--cover.jpg"]