That Strategist Didn't Seem Like an Honest Man! (Please Subscribe and Vote with Monthly Tickets)

Li Chen's voice carried unmistakable displeasure and anger. "Sergei! You spend all day chasing crooked paths instead of trying to better yourself! What about the proper business I assigned you?! How are the negotiations with Heavenly Strategy to ransom the prisoners coming along? Have you heard anything back?!"

This sudden thunderous fury frightened Sergei into dropping to his knees with a thud, cold sweat pouring down his body. He hurriedly explained, "Please calm your anger, Master! Your disciple meant nothing else! I merely saw you cultivating in seclusion here and feared you might be bored, so I thought I would find a few pleasing beauties to entertain you!

"I haven't dared forget your instructions for even a moment, Master! I've already sent a trusted subordinate to contact Han Wu, commander of Heavenly Strategy's Northern Army. They've agreed to release the prisoners, but the ransom is enormous. I was just preparing to go to the border myself to arrange the handover!"

Hearing that the negotiations had made progress, Li Chen reined in his oppressive aura slightly and snorted. "Hmph! You wouldn't dare neglect the important business! See to it at once! And don't bring up such useless matters again!"

With that, he waved his hand impatiently.

As though granted a royal pardon, Sergei scrambled to his feet and hurriedly ordered the beauties, who had been frightened out of their wits, to withdraw. After bowing respectfully himself, he rushed out to prepare for his trip to the border.

It wasn't that Li Chen shunned women. It was simply that these so-called "beauties" were nothing but common painted faces in the eyes of an emperor accustomed to peerless loveliness. They didn't interest him enough for a second glance, much less a touch.

Once Sergei had been dismissed, quiet returned to the room. Toward