Just "Basic Practice" in an Emperor's Career! (Please Subscribe and Vote with Monthly Tickets)

At these words, the atmosphere in the Imperial Court, which had only just relaxed, tightened slightly again.

The ministers exchanged glances, unsure what medicine this New Emperor of Daluo was hiding in his gourd.

Li Chen was also momentarily taken aback, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.

A private conversation? Could he have recognized me?

The thought flashed through his mind, only to be dismissed immediately.

He was confident that his disguise was seamless. His aura, appearance, and bearing were all entirely different from his Witch Ancestor persona. There was no way Matvei could see through it.

Then why does he want to meet alone? Does he intend to beg for more lenient terms? Or does he have some secret about Daluo's internal affairs to report?

After a brief moment of consideration, Li Chen decided to see what he was after. He said evenly, "Granted. After court is dismissed, accompany me to the Imperial Study."

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!" Matvei kowtowed again, though his heart was like fifteen buckets drawing water-seven rising and eight falling, never at rest.

Even he could not explain why he had suddenly made this request. There was merely an inexplicable impulse deep within him, urging him to seek closer contact with the Emperor of Heavenly Strategy, without outsiders interfering.

Inside the Imperial Study, sandalwood incense curled through the air. The atmosphere was quieter and more oppressive than in the Golden Throne Hall.

Li Chen sat upright behind a broad rosewood desk, holding a memorial. He seemed absorbed in reviewing it, but in truth, he was discreetly watching Matvei, who knelt on the floor below, from the corner of his eye.

Seeing this "disciple," who had knelt before him countless times, kneeling before him once more as the surrendered ruler of an