[{"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-87":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},2336526,4569,"Chapter 87: This Is the Treatment an Emperor Deserves!","i-just-maxed-out-and-you-want-me-to-be-a-puppet--chapter-87",87,"\u003Cp>Qiu Kangning and Chu Jingsong were both disciples of third-tier families in the imperial capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had known each other since childhood and were rivals in cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were two people bound by mutual rivalry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In ordinary cultivation circles, they were minor celebrities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, each inherited their family’s legacy and began leading their clans forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After more than a decade of effort, both families rose to second-tier status, but neither would yield to the other, both striving for further advancement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few years ago, Qiu Kangning’s son became a son-in-law at the Wang Mansion, marrying the dim-witted princess of an elderly prince; the Qiu family instantly rose to first-tier status in the capital and moved into the second ring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the time, Qiu Kangning specifically invited Chu Jingsong to the family banquet, and Chu Jingsong went with a black face—after all, not showing up would make him look cowardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, going made him look even more humiliated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, Chu Jingsong’s daughter has married the Emperor; the Chu family has risen to imperial kinship, received imperial rewards, and moved into the first ring of the capital—into a luxurious district.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the Qiu family, who are stuck on the outer edge of the second ring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Jingsong naturally invited Qiu Kangning over too—his purpose was clearly to gain some superiority over this old rival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You showed off to me before; today I’ll show off to you the same way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Kangning smiled without warmth as he shook Chu Jingsong’s hand; after some polite small talk, he said: “Chu family head, you’ve raised an excellent daughter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The implication was clear: Chu Jingsong had no real talent—he simply had a daughter who married well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, nothing special. Your son isn’t bad either. Why haven’t I seen him today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Jingsong didn’t care—you were just being jealous. If you had the ability, go have a daughter yourself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Qiu Kangning claimed his son was busy—actually, he was serving as a slave to the dim-witted princess, needing permission just to leave the mansion, unable to step out without the prince’s approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing most guests had arrived, Qiu Kangning spoke up: “Chu family head, why haven’t you started the banquet? Waiting any longer is pointless, isn’t it? The food will get cold.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was subtly mocking—thinking Chu Jingsong had gone far enough with his pretense. Did he really believe the Emperor had time to come to his place?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though all those present were prominent figures from the capital—even the Empress Dowager’s nephew and major nobles, officials from every ministry—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Jingsong’s personal connections alone could never have summoned them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their true purpose was to flatter Li Chen, to become familiar with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some of lower status merely wanted to glimpse Li Chen, to see the Emperor’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Li Chen didn’t come, many would be deeply disappointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Kangning wanted to watch Chu Jingsong lose face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Jingsong hesitated—everyone who was coming had arrived; should he keep waiting?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a sharp, synchronized marching sound suddenly echoed at the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The footsteps were steady and solemn, drawing everyone’s gaze; some even held their breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, a squad of imperial guards in golden armor entered the courtyard, holding long spears, moving in perfect unison like a flowing golden wall, carving out a sacred path for the noble guest about to arrive!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The arrival of the imperial guards instantly silenced the once-bustling courtyard; every eye turned to the guards’ rear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For their appearance meant “that man” had arrived!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, palace eunuchs shouted loudly: “His Majesty arrives! The Imperial Consort arrives!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their voices rang like thunder across the heavens, making every person present shiver slightly, their eyes now filled with reverence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the eunuchs cried out, a magnificent dragon carriage slowly entered the courtyard; seated within was a man clad in dragon robes, majestic and awe-inspiring—he was the sovereign of the Tian Ce Dynasty, Li Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him sat a woman dressed in splendid palace attire, her beauty unmatched—she was Chu Jingsong’s daughter, the newly appointed Imperial Consort Chu Ruoyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the sight of Li Chen and Chu Ruoyan, everyone present instinctively knelt, shouting: “Long live His Majesty! Long live the Imperial Consort!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their cries rose and fell like a surging tide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chen smiled and raised his hand, signaling them to rise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke gently: “Today is the Chu family’s housewarming. No need for such formalities—please, all rise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was not loud, yet every person present heard it clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After rising, Chu Jingsong didn’t even bother to look down at Qiu Kangning, who stood beside him, pale with fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Jingsong’s face glowed with excitement; he hurried forward, bowed deeply to Li Chen, then warmly invited: “Your Majesty’s presence honors our humble home! Please take your seat!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, Chu Jingsong led Li Chen toward the finest seat in the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, a noble chair had already been prepared—specifically for Li Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wherever Li Chen went, the best seat must be reserved for him—he was an Emperor of the Saint Realm; there was no debate, this was his due status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Imperial Tutor might sit at equal rank with an Emperor—but only another Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who was Li Chen? Did his temperament allow anyone to sit beside him as an equal?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since ascending the throne, Li Chen had fully embodied what it meant: the Emperor is the supreme symbol!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Li Chen’s entrance, those who had never seen him before now wore expressions of awe—this sovereign aura, unmatched by any other, this divine imperial visage—this was their Emperor!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially among Tian Ce Dynasty subjects, pride surged within them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In their hearts, this was how an Emperor should be—Li Chen had even surpassed their definition of perfection!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Li Chen and Chu Ruoyan took their seats, the guests dared to sit down one by one—but they sat as if on needles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many could not resist the urge to approach Li Chen, to flatter him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet seating near Li Chen was strictly ordered by status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was, after all, a Chu family banquet; Chu Jingsong naturally sat at the main table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next came Chu Ruoyan’s mother, the Empress Dowager’s nephew, major nobles, imperial clan members—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who made it to the main table were all of comparable status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet anyone who ate beside Li Chen felt immense honor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, Chu Jingsong drank heavily, visibly delighted—watching him, Qiu Kangning grew envious until his blood boiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never expected the Emperor would actually come—and such a majestic Emperor at that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Kangning thought bitterly: If only I’d had a daughter instead. Too bad I had a useless son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long ago, he had told his son: “You are my greatest pride.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, that pride had turned to uselessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly, comparison kills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chen had no need to stay long at the Chu family banquet—he only needed to make a brief appearance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After this meal, he would return to the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he stayed too long, everyone would center themselves around him, watching his every expression, forgetting this was the Chu family’s banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would feel like he was stealing the spotlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, most present were ordinary families; Chu Jingsong’s circle was still relatively low-tier. Li Chen’s presence here created unbearable pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So when Li Chen left, they all felt considerably lighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They resumed congratulating the Chu family head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Li Chen departed, Liu Hao and Wu Qi had wanted to greet him—but had no chance, no standing, and could only watch from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, they could only watch as Li Chen and Chu Ruoyan departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Li Chen left, Wu Qi glanced at the beauty behind Liu Hao and said: “That can’t be your cousin, can it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Hao nodded. His main reason for coming today was to bring his cousin to see Li Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Hao understood social etiquette well—he could not force an introduction to Li Chen now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether Li Chen might take notice of his cousin was uncertain, but he would surely offend Imperial Consort Chu Ruoyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the Chu family banquet; Chu Ruoyan was the hostess. She had gone to great lengths to invite Li Chen here—Liu Hao suddenly pulling this stunt would make her feel insulted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Liu Hao simply watched, doing nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Qi was puzzled—Liu Hao wasn’t handsome, yet his cousin was truly beautiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she was nowhere near Chu Ruoyan’s level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Ruoyan’s title as one of the Capital’s Twin Wonders wasn’t given lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if hidden beauties existed in the capital, to be publicly recognized as one of the Twin Wonders meant widespread approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Qi still felt he had a chance—after all, his aunt’s beauty was still formidable!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Hao glanced around and asked: “Where’s Xiao Ming?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Qi shrugged: “Probably didn’t want to see this scene.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, Xiao Ming hadn’t planned to come—he simply didn’t know about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Xiao Ming was meditating as usual, daydreaming about how he’d arrange a chance encounter with that big sister tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Saint’s lingering soul, seeing his sluggish cultivation pace, knew the boy was distracted again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the unluckiest was none other than Prince Xu Zifeng of the Southern Pacification Command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he’d been thrown back into prison—again—by Lin Yue’e!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1542,"2026-06-20T21:59:17.413Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","18bdade23bfb16ce2a8afc4a29b49c97edfd8bc9f9b4d02ecbcfd23d043d5423","i-just-maxed-out-and-you-want-me-to-be-a-puppet--chapter-88","i-just-maxed-out-and-you-want-me-to-be-a-puppet--chapter-86",766,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fi-just-maxed-out-and-you-want-me-to-be-a-puppet--cover.jpg"]