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

Chapter 233 Choi Ji-ho's Choice

Inside the Youzhou government office, the atmosphere was as oppressive as the calm before a storm.

A few rays of light shone through the carved window lattice, but they seemed to be weighed down by the heavy atmosphere, appearing listless and weak.

The sturdy pillars in the hall, which usually uphold the majesty of the government office, now seemed to be silently witnessing Cui Zhihao's inner torment. The patterns on the pillars were like tangled nets that spread throughout the entire space.

The square bricks on the ground laid out a neat pattern, but at this moment, with the sound of Cui Zhihao's pacing, they seemed particularly cold and hard. With each step, one could hear the dull echo, as if it were the merciless blow of fate.

The calligraphy and paintings of past prefects hanging on the wall have become blurred in the shadows, as if they are saddened by the current crisis.

Cui Jiu, standing to the side, also looked anxious, his eyes filled with worry, yet he tried to remain calm, though his constantly rubbing fingers betrayed his inner tension.

Just then, the butler rushed over, breaking the suffocating silence.

"My lord, a letter has arrived from home. It is a letter from the master of the house, instructing that you open it personally."

Upon hearing this, Choi Ji-ho paused abruptly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, before extending a slightly trembling hand to take the letter.

He unfolded the letter and quickly scanned it, only to see that the previously calm face gradually darkened, and his brows furrowed into a deep frown.

His eyebrows and eyes were lowered, as if shrouded in a dark cloud.

Cui Jiu watched from the side, his curiosity burning, but he dared not ask any questions. He could only stare intently at Cui Zhihao, trying to find a clue in his expression.

Suddenly, with a loud "bang," Cui Zhihao slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly. The force of his anger made the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone on the table shake slightly.

"You want me to betray Miss Shi? Absolutely not! I was the one who led her into officialdom, and my second uncle is using that to threaten me."

Choi Ji-ho's voice trembled slightly with anger, and his chest heaved violently.

It turns out that his previous actions had angered the current emperor.

Now, the Emperor has ordered his men to arrest him and Miss Shi and bring them to the capital.

Feeling utterly helpless, Choi Ji-ho slowly closed his eyes and fell into deep thought.

He knew that if they sat and waited for their deaths, he and Miss Shi would surely perish.

Even if the Cui family of Qinghe would do everything in their power to protect him, how could he be willing to live a life of shame and guilt for betraying his friends?

Every word and action of Miss Shi had already taken root and sprouted in his heart like seeds.

They shared the same ideals and harbored a grand dream—to create a peaceful and harmonious world without war, exploitation, or social hierarchy, where everyone was equal, men and women could read and write, the elderly were cared for, and the young were supported.

As a member of the Qinghe Cui clan, Cui Zhihao's noble status as a member of a century-old family may seem glamorous, but in reality, he also faces many helplessness and struggles.

The fact that Miss Shi, a woman, had such lofty aspirations deeply moved him. As a man, how could he be content to lag behind others?

But now, he is in deep trouble, and getting out of it is as difficult as climbing to the sky.

However, he resolutely refused to accept his second uncle's suggestion, because if he did, Miss Shi would be sacrificed innocently, and he himself would be forever shrouded in guilt, his heart never at peace.

After a long while, Choi Ji-ho slowly opened his eyes, a hint of determination in his gaze.

He looked up at Cui Jiu and said in a low but firm voice, "Cui Jiu, you must know that I will soon be detained and taken to the capital."

"You should go back to Qinghe County tonight and tell the master and madam that I have a way to get out of this predicament, so they don't need to worry."

Cui Jiu looked unwilling. He knew his master's feelings for Miss Shi and understood that his master was willing to live and die with her.

But this time they have offended the current emperor. Under such overwhelming power, how can they possibly escape unscathed?

Cui Jiu secretly blamed his master for his impulsive decision to let a woman like Miss Shi serve as an official in the court.

Although he admired the young lady's abilities and talents, in this world of strict feudal ethics, it was unacceptable for women to hold official positions.

Now they are facing the pressure of the entire imperial court! The more Cui Jiu thought about it, the more desperate he felt, and tears involuntarily streamed down the face of this seven-foot-tall man.

His life was saved by his master, and he secretly swore an oath to protect his master.

But now, he felt utterly powerless. After much deliberation, he thought he might return to the mansion first and see if his master could offer any solutions.

After all, the current prime minister is the head of the family's elder brother, and this may be their only chance of survival.

Choi Ji-ho blew the ink off the letter he had written and handed it to Choi Gu.

He knew in his heart that many difficulties and obstacles awaited him, but he had no regrets about his choice.

"Cui Jiu, go quickly! Don't worry about me, I have my own way to protect myself."

Cui Jiu wiped away his tears, stood up, took the letter with both hands, and then respectfully bowed and knelt to bid farewell to his master.

He knew that his future was uncertain, but he could only carry his master's entrustment and embark on the journey back to Qinghe County, hoping to find a glimmer of hope in the family and save his master from this crisis.

In this complex officialdom, Choi Ji-ho held fast to his beliefs and friendships, facing immense pressure from the emperor's authority alone.

His fate, like a candle flickering in the wind, swayed uncertainly in the storm of power, and it was unknown whether he would ultimately reach the bright shore he envisioned.

Inside the Youzhou government office, candlelight flickered, casting uneasy shadows on the walls, as if sensing the impending storm.

Choi Ji-ho sat on the tatami mat, leaning slightly forward, his hands clasped together, his knuckles turning white from the force.

His eyes were fixed on the closed window, as if trying to see through the endless darkness and into the dawn.

Time flowed slowly through the quiet night, each minute and second like a dull knife, slowly tearing at his heart.

Finally, a sliver of dawn appeared on the horizon, and the faint light, like a thread, pierced through the darkness and gradually spread out.

When the first rays of sunlight gently fell on Choi Ji-ho's face, his face, which had been slightly tired from not having slept all night, strangely regained a radiance.

He slowly got up, stretched his sore limbs, and took a deep breath, as if drawing strength from the rising sun.

He carefully put on his official robes, gently smoothing out every crease with his fingers, as if he were handling an extremely precious suit of armor.

As he combed his hair, he looked into the bronze mirror with a firm and profound gaze. His reflection showed signs of fatigue, but his eyes shone with unyielding spirit.

After finishing his preparations, he walked out of the room with steady steps and headed towards the courtroom.

Upon arriving at the courtroom, he summoned everyone from the government office. As they gathered, they all sensed an unusual atmosphere; the usually composed official seemed to be behaving differently today.

Cui Zhihao stood before the crowd, his voice clear and powerful: "I am going to the capital today. During my absence, all official business in Youzhou will be handled by Wang Chang."

After speaking, he turned his gaze to Wang Chang, his eyes filled with trust and entrustment.

Then, he gave detailed instructions on various matters: "In Xinyang, Xu Mingyi will handle the affairs of the county government."

"Now is the planting season, and although Miss Shi has been escorted to the capital by the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, she still cares about the people of Xinyang."

"Our state's agricultural officials must regularly inspect the sown crops in each state, county, and prefecture, and must not slack off in the slightest."

His words flowed like a string of pearls, falling in an orderly fashion, and everyone listened attentively, nodding in agreement from time to time.