dognovel Chapter 213 The Princess's Decree
Chapter 213 The Princess's Decree
Shen Yunzheng was still furious and paced back and forth in the hall.
“Cui Zhihao is playing the piano terribly. If the Emperor finds out, she and the entire Cui family will be punished.”
She was worried about the serious consequences this incident would cause, and felt even more resentful towards her cousin's reckless behavior.
Granny Liu drove briskly and quickly arrived at the yamen gate. The yamen runners, seeing from afar that it was Her Highness the Princess, dared not be negligent in the slightest and immediately and respectfully welcomed her into the house.
At this moment, Cui Zhihao was handling official business when, reminded by his subordinates, he realized that it was Granny Liu who had arrived. He quickly stood up, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart. Granny Liu gave a slight bow and then solemnly conveyed the Princess's decree.
"Prefect Cui Zhihao of Youzhou, step forward and listen to my command! I hereby order you to immediately dismiss the female official of Xinyang County. No mistakes will be tolerated, or you will be executed!" This voice echoed in the main hall of the yamen, like a heavy hammer striking the hearts of everyone.
Cui Zhihao's heart skipped a beat, and his face turned deathly pale. He never expected the Princess to issue such a stern order. He knew the Princess was furious, but he had his own considerations regarding the matter of the female official.
This female official was exceptionally intelligent and talented. After taking office in Xinyang County, she did many practical things for the people and won their hearts.
Dismissing her from her post would not only be a loss to the people of Xinyang County, but also violate his sense of justice. However, the princess's decree was as mighty as the heavens, and he could not disobey it. He was caught in a dilemma, and large beads of sweat rolled down his forehead.
Behind this seemingly simple order lie countless complex emotions and interests. And all of this seems to be just the beginning of a storm that will unleash a tidal wave across the land of Youzhou.
While Cui Zhihao was struggling with this order, Shi Wanxia, the female magistrate of Xinyang County, was also busy in the county office.
Unaware that she was about to be dismissed, she was preoccupied with the water conservancy project in Xinyang County. Dressed in her official robes, she stood tall and straight, her delicate face displaying focus and determination.
"Sir, we have revised the blueprints for this water conservancy project. According to this plan, we can better irrigate farmland and reduce floods," Xu Mingyi reported to Shi Wanxia, holding the blueprints.
Shi Wanxia carefully examined the blueprints and nodded slightly. "Very good, but we still need to conduct an on-site inspection to ensure everything is perfect. The livelihoods of the people depend on this, so we cannot afford to be careless." Her voice was clear and powerful, carrying a convincing charm.
Meanwhile, at the prefectural government office, Cui Zhihao finally managed to calm himself down and said to Granny Liu, "Granny, this matter is of great importance. I hope you can return to the palace and plead with Her Highness the Princess. This female official has made outstanding achievements since taking office and is truly a blessing to the people. If she is dismissed rashly, it may cause dissatisfaction among the people of Xinyang County."
Granny Liu frowned slightly. "Lord Cui, this old servant is only acting under orders. Her Highness the Princess is in a fit of anger, so this old servant dares not say more. You should follow orders as soon as possible, lest you implicate yourself and the Cui family."
Cui Zhihao's face showed bitterness. He knew that what Granny Liu said was true, but he really couldn't bear to ruin the career of a good official like this, and he couldn't bear to let the people of Xinyang County lose a good and benevolent official. He fell into deep thought, constantly thinking of a way to deal with the situation.
Inside the Princess's residence, Shen Yunzheng's anger gradually subsided, but her worry grew stronger. She knew that Cui Zhihao always had his own opinions, and if he disobeyed orders, the consequences would be unimaginable. She sat by the window, gazing at the garden outside, her thoughts in turmoil.
Cui Yuanqi looked at Shen Yunzheng, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew his cousin's character; there must be more to this than met the eye, but he didn't know how to persuade Shen Yunzheng. Love and family interests were intertwined at this moment, leaving him unsure of what to do.
Cui Zhihao took a deep breath and immediately dismissed the meeting. His eyes were resolute; this matter concerned Miss Shi's future, and he could not act rashly.
In his view, the order to dismiss him was too absurd, and he had to go to the Princess's residence to explain it to her face, even if it meant facing the Princess's wrath.
Granny Liu's expression remained unchanged, but her heart was filled with disdain. This Lord Cui is truly foolish; he dares to disobey the Princess's orders for the sake of a woman.
Even if you're the prince consort's cousin, it won't do! The Cui family of Qinghe will definitely not forgive you once they find out." She thought to herself, a trace of pity flashing in her eyes, but more so her disapproval of Cui Zhihao's actions.
Cui Zhihao had no time to consider Granny Liu's thoughts. He sped along, his mind racing, trying to figure out how to explain things to the Princess. He had always felt that Her Highness was different from ordinary women.
She was also well-educated and courteous. Although she had to conceal some things about politics, governance, and the way of being a ruler because she was a woman, she should still know the principles involved and not be so unreasonable.
The carriage stopped in front of the Princess's residence. Granny Liu led the others inside to report, while Cui Zhihao waited respectfully outside the gate. He gazed at the imposing gate, feeling somewhat apprehensive, but mostly driven by a sense of justice and unwavering conviction.
At this moment, inside the Princess's residence, Shen Yunzheng was chatting with her husband Cui Yuanqi and her future daughter-in-law Ye Wenshu. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious, and laughter echoed in the hall.
Ye Wenshu lowered her head slightly, a shy smile on her face, occasionally interjecting with a few words, displaying her intelligence. Cui Yuanqi looked at Shen Yunzheng tenderly, her eyes full of love.
Granny Liu rushed in, seemingly wanting to say something but hesitating, before finally kneeling down to pay her respects. Seeing this, Shen Yunzheng's smile faded, and an ominous premonition rose in her heart.
"Granny, what's the matter? Why are you in such a panic? Could it be that Cui Zhihao is disobeying my orders as the eldest princess?" Her voice gradually rose, and a hint of anger flashed in her eyes.
"Insolence!" Shen Yunzheng stood up abruptly, waving her long sleeves. "How dare Cui Zhihao defy me?" She was so angry that her face turned pale, and she paced back and forth in the hall.
Seeing this, Cui Yuanqi quickly stood up to comfort her, "Don't worry, my wife. Perhaps my cousin has some difficulties. We can ask him about it when he arrives before making a decision."
He knew his cousin's character and knew he wouldn't disobey orders without a reason.
"Difficulties? What difficulties could he possibly have? He disregarded his family and the rules of the court for the sake of a woman. What else is there to say?" Shen Yunzheng's eyes widened in anger, her chest heaving violently.
Ye Wenshu stood to the side, not daring to utter a sound. She had never seen the Princess so angry, and felt a little scared. But she was also curious about what kind of woman could make Lord Cui disobey the Princess's orders.
Just then, a servant came to report that Cui Zhihao was requesting an audience outside the mansion gate. Shen Yunzheng sneered, "Let him in. I want to hear what his reasons are."
Cui Zhihao entered the hall, bowed, and then looked directly into Shen Yunzheng's eyes. "Your Highness, I know you are angry, but please hear me out." His voice was steady and powerful, without the slightest hint of backing down.