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

Chapter 282 Attitudes of All Parties

After receiving the order, Shen Yanchu returned to the Prince's residence and immediately began preparations.

He knew that to overcome these obstacles, he had to start with the smallest details.

He first summoned his trusted advisors to discuss investigation strategies.

“Your Highness, in my opinion, this case involves a wide range of people. Those corrupt officials must be colluding with each other. It will probably be difficult to find evidence,” an advisor said worriedly.

Shen Yanchu pondered for a moment: "The more this is the case, the more we need to find another way. The local people of Yizhou are the most direct victims, and they may know some unknown inside information."

"We first sent people secretly to Yizhou to gather clues from the local people."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, the situation in the imperial court became increasingly tense. Some officials involved in the corruption case began to get restless, and they secretly plotted to try to stop Shen Yanchu's investigation.

"With the Prince of Xiang's sudden intervention, our plans are likely to be thwarted," an official said worriedly.

"Hmph, he's just a greenhorn, what trouble could he possibly cause?"

Another official sneered, "If we just stall for time and wait for things to calm down, this matter will naturally be forgotten."

However, they underestimated Shen Yanchu's determination and ability.

While exchanging information with Prime Minister Cui Zhe, Shen Yanchu's secret agents made a significant discovery in Yizhou.

They found a driver who had participated in transporting relief grain and learned some key clues from him, which led to the uncovering of a larger corruption network.

As the investigation deepened, Shen Yanchu gradually uncovered the many dark secrets behind this embezzlement case.

Inside the majestic palace hall, Shen Yuxi frowned deeply. On his desk lay a mountain of memorials, all concerning the progress of the investigation into the corruption case in Yizhou, but each one left him greatly disappointed.

No matter how meticulously the ministers dispatched were, their efforts were in vain, and they could not find a single piece of compelling evidence.

"How could this case be so difficult?"

Shen Yuxi murmured softly, his eyes filled with worry.

He knew that the more bizarre the situation, the bigger the underlying problem, but he didn't know who in the court had the ability to find out the anomaly.

Tensions rose sharply in the capital. Ministers spoke evasively in court, shifting blame among themselves. The tense atmosphere hung like an invisible net over the heads of the court officials.

Every court assembly was like a war without gunpowder, with various forces stirring up undercurrents, trying to protect themselves in this turmoil.

As a fourth-rank official in the court, Shi Wanxia did not directly participate in the court disputes, but she had long heard about what was happening in the court.

She knew that since His Majesty had entrusted such an important case to Prime Minister Cui Zhe, it must mean that he had a high regard for the Prime Minister's abilities.

However, as the days went by and the case made no progress, she couldn't help but worry about the situation in the court.

After the court session ended, Shi Wanxia walked out of the palace gate with light steps.

The sunlight shone on her, outlining her graceful figure.

As soon as she stepped out of the palace gate, she saw Choi Ji-ho, who had been waiting for her for a long time.

Choi Ji-ho was dressed in a moon-white robe with a black jade belt around his waist, which made him appear even more upright and handsome.

"Brother Cui, I can go back by myself. You don't need to come pick me up every day!"

Shi Wanxia's cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke somewhat shyly.

She often advised him not to do this, but Cui Zhihao seemed not to hear her and still insisted on picking her up every day, which moved her but also left her somewhat at a loss.

Cui Zhihao smiled slightly, his eyes full of tenderness: "Miss Shi, this capital city is not peaceful. How can I let you go back alone?"

As he spoke, he stepped forward and gently took the bundle from her hands.

The two walked side by side on the streets of the capital, surrounded by bustling crowds.

However, Shi Wanxia had no heart to appreciate the bustling street scene; her mind was always on matters of the court.

"Brother Cui, when do you think the case in Yizhou will have a result?" Shi Wanxia asked softly.

Cui Zhihao frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "This case involves many forces, and it will probably be difficult to investigate it in a short time. However, since Lord Cui has taken it on, he will definitely do his best."

Shi Wanxia nodded: "I believe in the Prime Minister's abilities. However, as long as this case remains unresolved, the court will not be at peace."

As they were talking, they passed a teahouse. The teahouse was bustling with people, many of whom were discussing the Yizhou case.

"I heard His Majesty is going to send new people to investigate again. The previous ministers all came up empty-handed. I wonder what will happen this time," a tea drinker said.

"I think this case is going to fizzle out. Those corrupt officials have powerful backers; how could they be easily exposed?" another tea drinker chimed in.

Shi Wanxia and Cui Zhihao exchanged a glance, both seeing helplessness in each other's eyes.

They quickened their pace and left the teahouse.

Back home, Shi Wanxia sat in her room, recalling the discussions she had overheard during the day, feeling increasingly uneasy.

"Miss, it's time for dinner." The maid's voice interrupted her thoughts.

Shi Wanxia got up and went to the front hall.

Brother Cui, Lin Yu, and Shu Yun were already sitting at the table. Shi Wanxia looked tired and had a worried expression.

"Sister Shi, what's wrong? Is something not going well at court?" Shuyun asked with concern.

Shi Wanxia sighed: "The case in Yizhou has greatly angered His Majesty."

"There has been no progress so far, and as an official, I am truly ashamed."

Shuyun comforted her, "Sister Shi, you've done your best. This case is so complicated, it's not your responsibility alone."

Shi Wanxia looked at Shuyun with eyes full of relief: "Shuyun, thank you for your concern."

"But the situation in the court is likely to become increasingly chaotic."

Meanwhile, in the Prime Minister's residence, Cui Zhe was also troubled by the case.

He sat in his study, surrounded by piles of files, yet he remained completely clueless.

"Master, the eldest son has returned," the butler said as he entered the study.

"Let him in," Cui Zhe said.

Cui Ziting entered the study and saw his father looking exhausted. He felt a pang of heartache and said, "Father, please don't overwork yourself. Your health is the most important thing."

Cui Zhe waved his hand: "How can I be at ease until this case is solved? Ting'er, do you have any thoughts?"

After thinking for a moment, Cui Ziting said, "Father, I think we might start with those seemingly insignificant little people; we might find crucial clues that way."

Cui Zhe's eyes lit up: "You're right, how come I didn't think of that? I'll send people to reinvestigate those people tomorrow."

Cui Ziting quickly stepped forward to bow and spoke to his father.

"Father, it's so late. Why don't you finish your dinner first, and then you can deal with official business?"