Even women who travel through time can become prime ministers and nobles.

Chapter 338 Crown Princess Lin Chuying

The candlelight flickered in the main hall of the Shi residence, casting a heavy shadow on the desk as the dossier in Cui Zhihao's hands rested on it.

He frowned and discussed the matter with his subordinates all day long, but they had no solution. That's why he came to ask the Crown Prince for advice late at night. Does Miss Shi have any ideas?

The teacups on the table had long since gone cold, yet no good solution had been devised to deal with the drought in Jingzhou.

"Jingzhou has been suffering from drought in recent years, resulting in uneven distribution of grain and the displacement of countless people. What should be done?"

Choi Ji-ho's voice was tinged with weariness as he spoke, unfolding a yellowed map and crumpled letters. His fingertips traced the map repeatedly, as if trying to find a glimmer of hope in the mottled ink.

Shi Wanxia stood to the side, carefully examining the mountain of materials piled on the table.

Suddenly, a strange sense of familiarity washed over me. Wasn't this the essay question I encountered when taking the civil service exam?

The test questions she had practiced day and night, the articles she had written, all surged through her mind like a tidal wave. Her DNA as a civil service exam taker was instantly activated.

"Isn't that simple?" Shi Wanxia blurted out, her clear voice breaking the oppressive atmosphere in the hall.

"Focusing on the people's material needs, we will adhere to the principle of vigorously developing water conservancy facilities, implement the distribution policy of 'those who are well-fed first will help those who are not,' provide precise support to drought-stricken areas, and promote the systematic construction of the Jingzhou grain supply system."

After saying that, she patted Choi Ji-ho on the shoulder and casually flipped to the next file, "This one's easy, next one!"

A gentle breeze blew in through the carved window lattice, causing the candlelight to flicker slightly.

Choi Ji-ho's eyes widened, his jaw almost dropped to the ground, and he was speechless for a long time.

The brush slipped from his fingers and fell onto the blue bricks with a "thud," sounding particularly deafening in the quiet hall.

For a moment, the entire main hall of the Shi residence fell silent.

Under Shi Wanxia's guidance, Cui Zhihao quickly completed his first administrative task.

Liu Qingci, Lin Xu, and the others standing to the side were dumbfounded.

They had always known that the adults were exceptionally capable, but they never expected that Shi Wanxia could come up with such effective strategies for governing the country and ensuring the well-being of the people so readily, and with such clarity and insight.

Shen Yanzhou sat upright to one side, his smile growing wider. Today, he had brought the Crown Princess Lin Chuying to the Shi residence precisely to discuss the drought situation in Jingzhou.

Crown Princess Lin Chuying comes from a prestigious family; she is the eldest daughter of the current prime minister. Her family has been a scholarly family for generations; her father is known for his elegance, and her mother is gentle and virtuous.

Lin Chuying was immersed in poetry, literature, and music from a young age, and was proficient in playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, especially cursive script.

At this moment, she leaned slightly forward, gazing at Shi Wanxia with a hint of admiration in her eyes.

“Miss Shi is absolutely right,” Shen Yanzhou said, his voice steady.

"However, its implementation still requires careful consideration."

The group discussed the strategy proposed by Shi Wanxia until late at night.

The candlelight gradually went out, and the moonlight outside the window was still and silent.

This drought was just the beginning of a small undercurrent brewing in the capital.

The arrival of late summer was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples and changing the course of many people's lives.

Unwittingly, he was drawn into a turbulent and unpredictable court intrigue.

Springtime brings clear skies and bright sunshine; the flowers in the capital city bloom like brocade, and the streets and alleys are bustling with activity.

The vermilion gates of the Shi Mansion were wide open, and the gilded door studs gleamed in the sunlight. Lin Chuying sat upright in a chair, being attentively served by two maids.

She wore a phoenix crown with filigree and pearls, and a pigeon blood ruby ​​flower ornament on her forehead, which shone brightly and made her skin look like solidified cream.

Lin Chuying paused slightly, a strange glint flashing in her eyes.

The name Shi Wanxia has recently become very well-known. As the first female official in Cangling, she has repeatedly assisted the Crown Prince in solving difficult problems with her outstanding talent and courage. His Highness the Crown Prince has praised her highly, which makes Lin Chuying both curious and somewhat uneasy.

Lin Chuying looked Shi Wanxia up and down. She was dressed in an indigo official robe, with a tall and straight posture, and the jade pendant at her waist swayed gently with her steps.

Her black hair was neatly tied up in a bun, with a few wisps of hair playfully falling beside her cheeks. Her eyes were smiling, and she was full of energy.

"Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Princess." Shi Wanxia stepped forward quickly, bowed gracefully, and spoke in a clear and melodious voice.

Just as Lin Chuying was about to respond, Wang Bojun, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, cupped his hands and said, "Lord Shi, there are still some details about the Jianghuai salt administration reform that we mentioned last time that I need to ask you about."

Shi Wanxia immediately turned around and sat with a group of ministers around the stone table in the garden, unfolded the blueprints, and began to talk eloquently.

Lin Chuying stood under the corridor, watching Shi Wanxia's commanding manner, and a bitter feeling welled up in her heart.

As the Crown Princess, she was well-versed in poetry and literature from a young age and was familiar with classics, history, philosophy, and literature, but because of her status as a woman, she could only bury her talents deep in her heart.

Whenever he attended a palace banquet, even if he had unique insights into court affairs, he could only remain silent.

However, Shi Wanxia was able to discuss state affairs with the ministers without any reservations, a carefree and unrestrained manner that she greatly admired.

The conversation continued until late afternoon, and everyone was still eager to continue.

Lin Chuying finally found a moment to exchange pleasantries with this famous female official in the capital, but was informed by a servant that the banquet had already been prepared.

After several rounds of drinks, Liu Qingci, a newly promoted official in the Ministry of Works, rose to take his leave: "Lord Shi, it's getting late, Qingci should return home."

Shi Wanxia looked up at the window. The night was as dark as ink, with stars twinkling in the sky. She said, "Miss Liu, it's so late. Why don't you stay at my residence tonight? I'll send someone to explain to your father."

A hint of gratitude flashed in Liu Qingci's eyes as she bowed respectfully to express her thanks.

From the moment she entered the Ministry of Works as a woman, the entire Liu family regarded her as the pride of the family.

Remembering his father's instructions before he left, "You must persevere on this path, learn diligently from Lord Shi, and be loyal to His Majesty and Lord Shi."

Liu Qingci felt more and more that her choice was absolutely right.

After the dinner, Lin Chuying strolled alone in the garden.

The moonlight, like water, spilled across the pavilions and towers, creating a hazy, dreamlike scene.

She recalled the beauty of late summer during the day, and her heart was filled with mixed emotions.

If the Crown Prince is truly interested in Shi Wanxia and takes her into his family, can I get along with her peacefully?

As she was deep in thought, footsteps sounded behind her, and a familiar voice rang out: "Ying'er, are you troubled by something while you're here alone?"

Lin Chuying turned around and saw the Crown Prince dressed in a moon-white robe, tall and slender, with the moonlight casting soft shadows on his face.

She forced a smile and said, "Thinking about Lady Shi today, she is indeed as Your Highness said, a remarkable woman."

The Crown Prince walked to her side, looked at the bright moon reflected on the lake, and said, "Although Shi Wanxia is a woman, she has the talent to save the world. Many of her insights are beyond the reach of even the old ministers in the court."

"She and I are just like-minded friends. I truly consider her my sister. Don't worry! My affection for you will last until death. You don't need to overthink it."

Lin Chuying's worries immediately dissipated, and she said softly, "I am relieved that Your Highness thinks this way. I admire Lady Shi's elegance and talent very much. If I have the opportunity, I would really like to learn a thing or two from her."

The prince held her hand and said gently, "You don't need to underestimate yourself. Your knowledge and cultivation are in no way inferior to hers."

"When the time is right, I will definitely let you show your talents."

As night deepened, Lin Chuying returned to her palace, where her maids removed her heavy jewelry.

She sat by the window, gazing at the swaying shadows of the trees outside, and secretly resolved that even if she remained secluded in her chambers, she would not waste her talents.

Perhaps one day, she will be able to break free from the shackles of worldly conventions, just like Shi Wanxia, ​​and leave her own mark in the ever-changing Cangling court.