After nearly two months of travel, Lu Chen's convoy finally reached Beijun.
Along the way, as they passed through various counties, the local officials greeted him with enthusiasm and courtesy. Despite the formal receptions, the journey itself was far from comfortable.
The constant need to hurry left little time for proper conversation between Lu Chen and his wives and concubines, and even less time for cultivating his Qi Refining Technique or practicing Rejuvenation Hand. Their interactions during the trip were mostly superficial.
But now, as the boundary line of Beijun came into sight, all the fatigue Lu Chen had accumulated over the past two months seemed to dissipate in an instant.
The world he lived in lacked the comfort of paved roads, and a long journey in a horse-drawn carriage was naturally bumpy and exhausting.
Now that he had finally arrived in Beijun, it was time to carry out his long-awaited plan—to have a child.
With a flicker of anticipation in his eyes, Lu Chen gave the order for the convoy to pick up speed and head straight for his newly built mansion.
Before long, they entered Yancheng, the most prosperous among the thirteen cities of Beijun. It would also serve as Lu Chen's royal capital in the days to come.
As Lu Chen's convoy rolled through the city gates, the entire administrative body of Yancheng came out to welcome him. Even the common folk filled the roadsides, watching curiously, whispering among themselves.
> "At last, the Northern Lands have a vassal king again!"
>"Hmph, what use is that? The King of the North is barely sixteen. Still a child."
>"I heard he's a good-for-nothing, which is why he was banished to the northern borders."
>"Do you think he'll raise taxes again? If that happens, we won't survive the winter…"
>"If he stays inside his palace enjoying life and leaves us alone, that's fine. But I heard some other fiefdoms actually got worse after their kings were appointed…"
Lu Chen listened silently as the murmurs echoed from both sides of the road. His gaze swept over the crowd.
The difference was stark.
The people of the north were dressed far more shabbily than those in the other counties he had passed through. Their clothes were threadbare, their faces gaunt. Even here in Yancheng, the wealthiest city in Beijun, the residents looked no better than beggars.
This land was too poor.
His father really had sent him to the most desolate place.
Lu Chen couldn't help but wonder how many women in Beijun could meet his standards—specifically, those scoring over 90 points in the system. Would this poverty affect his chances of taking new concubines?
While his carriage continued its way through the city, he repeatedly activated the system, scanning the crowd for potential beauties.
Unfortunately, none appeared.
Among the sea of faces, the highest-scoring women barely reached an 80.
Lu Chen sighed inwardly, a bit disappointed.
When the convoy arrived at the city gate, the officials of Beijun collectively bowed and shouted, "Greetings, Your Majesty!"
Lu Chen stepped down from his carriage.
Instantly, a ripple of excitement spread through the watching crowd.
> "The King of the North is so handsome!"
"They say he's sixteen, but he looks so composed—like a full-grown man."
"From his looks alone, he doesn't seem uneducated or incompetent…"
At that moment, a middle-aged man in a green robe stepped forward.
"I, Li Rui, pay respects to the prince!"
Lu Chen's gaze shifted to him.
> [Name: Li Rui]
[Identity: Temporary County Magistrate of Beijun]
[Strength: Fifth Rank]
[Loyalty: 30 – He sees you as an ignorant, useless prince]
Seeing the low loyalty score, Lu Chen immediately checked the other officials nearby. Unsurprisingly, most of them shared the same level of skepticism toward him. They had clearly done their homework and knew all about his reputation back in the capital.
Lu Chen spoke directly, "Governor Li, I assume my mansion is ready?"
Li Rui gave a respectful bow. "Rest assured, Your Majesty. Your residence has been fully constructed. You may move in immediately."
"Good," Lu Chen smiled. "Then lead the way."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
With that, Li Rui and his attendants guided the convoy toward the newly built Northern Prince's Mansion.
Upon arrival, Li Rui respectfully stepped forward once more. "Your Majesty, when would it be convenient for me to report the current affairs of Beijun to you?"
Though Li Rui secretly looked down on Lu Chen, he knew the prince now held supreme authority in the region. In this era, fiefdom kings wielded immense power—not just administrative, but also military and financial. They could even mint their own currency and appoint or dismiss officials at will.
Li Rui was only a temporary magistrate, appointed by the imperial court. With Lu Chen's arrival, his position could be taken away at any moment. He had to prove his worth—and fast.
Lu Chen smiled and casually patted Li Rui on the shoulder. "Professional matters should be handled by professionals. You've managed Beijun well in my absence, Governor Li. So from now on, continue to govern it in my name."
Li Rui was stunned. Then, overjoyed, he dropped to one knee.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your trust! I will serve you with all my heart, even unto death!"
Lu Chen raised a brow. So dramatic. He just wanted someone to take over the burdensome work.
A system notification flashed in his mind—Li Rui's loyalty had risen to 50.
Satisfied, Lu Chen waved his hand. "Alright, Governor Li, you may go. Unless there's something urgent, don't come looking for me. I'd like to explore my new home."
With that, Lu Chen turned and walked deeper into the estate.
Li Rui watched the young prince's retreating back, a complicated expression crossing his face.
It was clear that the King of the North intended to be a hands-off ruler, leaving all administrative matters to him.
For someone like Li Rui, this was a golden opportunity—who wouldn't want more authority? But he also knew the risks. There were historical precedents in the Great Xia Dynasty where a secretary who took full control of a fiefdom ended up being executed for "usurping a prince's authority."
The consequences had been dire—not just for the man, but his entire clan.
…
Inside the palace, Lu Chen chose a quiet courtyard to reside in. Once settled, he pulled out a special item from his system inventory—the Dragon and Phoenix Tree Seeds.
He bit his finger and let a drop of blood fall onto the seeds, then buried them gently in the soil.
The Dragon and Phoenix Tree, once grown, could be used to brew a tea that would increase women's emotional dependence on him—a subtle but powerful tool for someone with Lu Chen's ambitions.
Just then, a soft rustle of fabric echoed through the courtyard.
Mu Zixuan, clad in a delicate red gauze dress, stepped into view. Her face turned pale as she saw Lu Chen bleeding into the earth.
"My Lord, what happened? Are you hurt?"
She rushed over, thinking he had been bitten by a snake and was trying to suck out the venom.
Lu Chen chuckled softly and glanced at her. "I'm fine. I was just using blood to nourish the Dragon and Phoenix Tree."
Mu Zixuan blinked in confusion. "Dragon and Phoenix Tree? What's that?"
Lu Chen pulled her into his arms with a sly grin. "You'll understand soon enough."
As his fingers slid teasingly around her slender waist, his voice grew low and playful. "How about we test out the bed in this palace, hmm?"
Mu Zixuan's face instantly flushed crimson.
Lu Chen didn't wait for a reply. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her straight into the room.
…
> [You have cultivated intimacy with your wife and concubine. Qi Refining Technique EXP +10. You have successfully drawn Qi into your body.]
[Congratulations! Mu Zixuan is pregnant. You have obtained: Soap-Making Method.]
[Note: Pregnancy rewards are motivational. Greater rewards await upon successful childbirth.]
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