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

Chapter 261 Breaking Free from the Identity of the Cui Clan of Qinghe

Shi Wanxia immediately knelt down to plead for mercy, her skirt spreading out on the cold floor tiles. She spoke earnestly: "Your Majesty, please investigate thoroughly. Lord Cui is definitely not that kind of person. During his tenure as the prefect of Youzhou, he improved people's livelihoods, promoted agriculture and sericulture, and constructed water conservancy projects."

"I do not believe he would do such a thing. I beg Your Majesty to see the truth."

Her voice trembled slightly, and her eyes were red-rimmed, as if she were enraged by the unjust accusation, or as if she were pleading with the emperor for justice.

Shen Yuxi's face darkened as he sat on the dragon throne, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest. He was well aware of Cui Zhihao's achievements, but at this moment, undercurrents were swirling in the court, and various forces were eyeing his appointment of a female official.

He couldn't let the court officials think that Shi Wanxia had some shady connection with the Cui family of Qinghe when he conferred the title, otherwise he would be drowned out by public opinion before the new policies even started.

In order for Shi Wanxia to take office smoothly, Cui Zhihao must stay away from officialdom, and if necessary, he is willing to give up his life.

“Miss Shi, you are mistaken. This is Cui Zhihao’s own confession and signature, and it was not imposed by me.”

Shen Yuxi's voice was deep, yet it carried an undeniable authority.

Cui Zhihao stood aside, his heart filled with reluctance. Watching Shi Wanxia kneel and beg for mercy, scenes of their past together flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern.

Together they discussed strategies for governing the country, applauded a brilliant article, and pondered deeply over a flaw in a policy.

He knew he was in dire straits, but the thought of being separated from her forever, with no chance to be together again, tore his heart apart.

After struggling for a long time, he finally bowed solemnly, his body standing straight, like a pine tree standing proudly against the frost and snow.

"Your Majesty, I do not admit my guilt. I still wish to work with Miss Shi."

He tilted his head slightly, his gaze firm, as if he had made a great decision, and then silently said in his heart: Father and Mother, please forgive your unfilial son!

"Your Majesty, this sinful subject is willing to renounce his identity as a member of the Qinghe Cui clan and follow Miss Shi as a commoner. This sinful subject is willing to write a letter severing ties with the clan, and from this day forward, he will no longer be a member of the Qinghe Cui clan. I beg Your Majesty's permission to allow this sinful subject to remain by Miss Shi's side and serve her."

Cui Zhihao's words were like a boulder thrown into calm water, causing an uproar in the court. Cui Zhe and Cui Yan looked at him in disbelief, their eyes filled with shock and heartache.

This foolish child, he's gone mad! In their eyes, family honor is above all else; Cui Zhihao's actions are undoubtedly self-destructive and a betrayal of their ancestors. Cui Zhe's lips trembled; he wanted to speak up and dissuade him, but he knew that saying anything more at this moment would be useless.

Shi Wanxia was also stunned. She did not expect Cui Zhihao to go to such lengths for her.

Looking at his resolute face, I felt a mix of emotions, including gratitude, guilt, and shock.

She knew that once Choi Ji-ho left the family, his future would be filled with thorns, but how could she possibly betray such deep affection?

Shen Yuxi was also slightly taken aback; he hadn't expected Cui Zhihao to make such a resolute move. He stared at Cui Zhihao for a moment, weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

On the one hand, if Choi Ji-ho's move is approved, it can both silence some of the court officials and show that he is not biased towards the Cheongha Choi clan;

On the other hand, Cui Zhihao is exceptionally talented, and staying by Shi Wanxia's side might help implement the new policies. After pondering for a long time, he finally spoke:

"Cui Zhihao, since you have this intention, I will grant it. But you must remember that in the future, you must follow Miss Shi's lead in all your actions. If there is any mistake, I will not let you off lightly."

Cui Zhihao knelt down to express his gratitude, his voice booming: "This sinful subject thanks Your Majesty for your grace. I will repay your kindness with my life."

Shi Wanxia looked at Shen Yuxi, her eyes filled with gratitude: "Your Majesty's grace, I will certainly not fail in my duty."

Shen Yuxi's expression finally returned to normal, and it was getting late. He slightly raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and said slowly, "Alright, if there's nothing else, let's adjourn the court!"

"Miss Shi, you can arrange your own residence. Attend the morning court in three days and report to the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue."

After saying that, he looked at Cui Zhihao again, a complicated look flashing in his eyes.

“Cui Zhihao, since you want to break away from your identity as a member of the Qinghe Cui family, that’s perfect. The head of the Cui family is here too, so let’s grant his wish.”

Although Shen Yuxi's words were calm, they carried an undeniable authority. Cui Zhe and Cui Yan felt a chill run down their spines, knowing that the emperor's will was difficult to disobey, so they could only bow and agree.

Seeing this, Yu Heng quickly stepped forward to help the Emperor, and they walked steadily towards the back of the hall. As the head eunuch shouted "Dismiss the court," the ministers rose one after another, and the court immediately became noisy.

Today's court assembly was truly breathtaking. Everyone secretly pondered how capable that young lady was. As a woman, she not only submitted a memorial but also managed to get His Majesty to pardon her for deceiving the emperor, and even set a precedent for women serving as officials.

Looking at Cui Zhihao, everyone thought he was too foolish. He was actually willing to give up the prestigious Cui family of Qinghe for a woman. It was truly unbelievable.

The ministers offered perfunctory congratulations to Shi Wanxia, ​​uttering polite words while their eyes darted around, their insincere attitude blatantly obvious.

In contrast, Cui Zhihao was ignored and neglected by everyone. They held him in utter contempt. In the eyes of these conservative ministers, it was utterly absurd for someone to betray his ancestors and abandon his family for a woman. They disdained to associate with such a person.

Although they understood that His Majesty's move was mostly to pave the way for Shi Wanxia and clear obstacles.

Shi Wanxia stood in the crowd, filled with guilt, seemingly oblivious to the flattering words.

She hurried to Choi Ji-ho, who was still kneeling on the ground, and helped him up. Her eyes were red and her voice was choked with sobs.

"Brother Cui, I'm so sorry, it's all my fault that you've been dragged into this. How about I go and beg His Majesty to rescind his decree? I can't let you leave your family!"

Choi Jiho slowly stood up, his posture still upright. He smiled gently and patted the back of her hand lightly, as if to soothe her flustered heart.

“Miss Shi, there’s no need for that. Compared to the choices His Majesty has given me, cutting off my own escape route might not be the worst outcome.”

His gaze was deep, looking into the distance, as if he could already see the difficult yet hopeful road ahead.

Shi Wanxia felt even more guilty and sad. Just as she was about to say something, a strong palm wind suddenly came whistling and struck her directly.

Choi Ji-ho's eyes sharpened, and he reacted quickly, pulling her behind him and taking the slap without hesitation.

A sharp "snap" rang out, particularly jarring in the empty hall, startling the official walking at the back.

After all, Prime Minister Cui Zhe was usually a very gentle and polite person. When had he ever been so rude and out of control?

Everyone turned to look, only to see Cui Zhe trembling with anger, pointing a shaking finger at the two of them, and shouting, "Cui Huai'an, I think you've been bewitched by this vixen, that you'd actually leave the family for her sake! You're a member of the Cui family!"

"Do you know how absurd your actions are? Your second uncle and I have been running around pleading for you, and you treat us like this."

Cui Zhihao's cheeks were red and swollen, and blood seeped from the corner of his mouth, but he still stood up straight, looked directly into Cui Zhe's eyes, and said calmly, "Uncle, my mind is made up. This is not what you think."

“Miss Shi has the world in her heart and the talent to govern the country and bring peace to the nation. I am willing to follow her and seek the well-being of the people of Cangling, rather than be trapped in the fame and fortune of my family.”

Seeing this, Shi Wanxia could no longer hold back her tears, which streamed down her face. She choked out, "Lord Cui, this matter started because of me. If you want to blame someone, blame me. Brother Cui is all sincere and is trying to help me realize my ambitions. If you want to hit or scold me, I am willing to accept it."

Cui Zhe looked at the two men before him, his anger still burning, yet he felt somewhat helpless. He knew Cui Huai'an's temperament well; once he made up his mind, nothing could sway him.

He sighed deeply, turned and left. Seeing this, Cui Yan followed closely behind, leaving behind only a determined Cui Zhihao and a grateful Shi Wanxia.

The ministers watched this scene from afar; some shook their heads and sighed, while others secretly chuckled, each harboring their own thoughts as they dispersed.

Looking at Cui Zhihao's injured face, Shi Wanxia felt heartbroken and said softly, "Brother Cui, you should go back to the manor to heal your wounds and rest well for the next few days."

Cui Zhihao shook his head slightly and smiled, "It's nothing, just a minor injury. Miss Shi, a new beginning is in three days, and we still have many things to prepare."