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

Chapter 339 Engagement Turmoil

Before the echoes of the morning bells in the capital had faded and the sky was just beginning to lighten, the ancient capital was awakened by a festive atmosphere.

The stone-paved road was teeming with people, and shouts and laughter mingled together, like a lively symphony of everyday life.

Today, Prince Xiang, Shen Yanchu, is engaged to Ye Wanning, the daughter of Grand Tutor Ye. The entire capital is immersed in this grand and joyous occasion.

On the streets and alleys, people gathered in small groups, discussing the matter.

An old man dressed in coarse linen clothes stroked his beard and said with great enthusiasm, "Have you heard? Prince Xiang is really amazing. Yesterday he personally went to the outskirts to hunt two wild geese, and today he sent them to the Grand Tutor's mansion along with the betrothal gifts."

"In etiquette, wild geese symbolize fidelity. Your Highness's actions demonstrate how much you value Miss Ye."

A young man next to him nodded quickly and chimed in, "That's right! Prince Xiang is indeed worthy of being the General Who Guards the North for many years. He can bring peace to the country on horseback and manage his family well on foot. Miss Ye is truly blessed."

A woman clasped her hands together in front of her chest, her eyes full of envy: "The Prince of Xiang's father is not only from the Cui family of Qinghe, but also the son of the Princess and His Majesty's nephew. His status is so noble."

"Now that he commands a large army and has made numerous military achievements, it's truly a stroke of good luck for the Ye family to have secured this marriage."

"If the engagement banquet is this grand, I can't even imagine how extravagant the wedding will be."

"Perhaps even the Emperor himself will attend; the scene will be even more spectacular then."

"A boy said excitedly, his eyes sparkling with curiosity."

The murmurs of the people spread like ripples, reaching a slowly passing carriage.

Inside the car, Shi Wanxia was dressed in a light purple dress, her face was beautiful, but her eyes held a hint of helplessness.

She hadn't really wanted to attend Shen Yanchu's engagement banquet today.

Shen Yanchu and she went from being acquainted to strangers, and they had a youthful past. Now that he is getting engaged to someone else, Shi Wanxia can't help but feel a complicated emotion.

However, the eldest princess always acted in a high-profile manner, and sent invitations to court officials and imperial relatives.

As an important official in the court, Shi Wanxia would not only be disrespectful to the Princess if she did not come after receiving the invitation.

After much deliberation, she decided to attend the banquet.

Fortunately, Brother Cui, His Highness the Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess also arrived, which made Shi Wanxia feel a little more at ease, at least she wouldn't feel too awkward at the banquet.

The carriage slowly came to a stop, and Shi Wanxia stepped down from the carriage with the help of her maid.

The Grand Tutor's Mansion was brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations. Large red lanterns hung high, and auspicious red "double happiness" characters were pasted on the doors, creating a festive atmosphere everywhere.

Upon seeing Shi Wanxia arrive, the servant at the door hurriedly stepped forward respectfully to greet her: "Greetings, Princess Zhaoyang. Please come in. The Prince and the Grand Tutor's family are waiting in the main hall."

Shi Wanxia nodded slightly and walked into the mansion with light steps.

Along the way, the carved beams and painted rafters, the golden splendor, all revealed the extravagance of the Grand Tutor's Mansion.

Inside the main hall, guests gathered, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Shen Yanchu, dressed in a black brocade robe, looked dashing and his face beamed with happiness.

Ye Wenshu, dressed in a pink ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), looked shy and radiant, like a blooming peach blossom.

The two stood together, a handsome man and a beautiful woman, complementing each other perfectly.

As soon as Shi Wanxia stepped into the main hall, Shen Yanchu's gaze fell on her.

He paused slightly, a fleeting, complex emotion flashing in his eyes, but quickly regained his smile and stepped forward: "Miss Shi, you've arrived. It's wonderful to see you today."

Shi Wanxia smiled somewhat awkwardly, cupped her hands and said, "Your Highness is overjoyed, and I have come to offer my congratulations."

"May Your Highness and Miss Ye have a long and happy marriage, and be forever united in heart."

Just as Shen Yanchu was about to say something more, Grand Tutor Ye walked over and said with a smile, "It is truly an honor for Lord Shi to come. Please take a seat."

Shi Wanxia sat down in a seat to the side, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over Shen Yanchu and Ye Wenshu, her heart filled with mixed feelings.

Just then, Crown Princess Lin Chuying and Liu Qingci walked over.

Lin Chuying asked with concern, "Miss Shi, are you alright?"

Shi Wanxia shook her head and forced a smile: "I'm fine, thank you for your concern, Crown Princess."

Lin Chuying said with a smile, "It's so lively today, Sister Wanxia, ​​don't spoil the fun."

"Come, let's toast His Highness and Miss Ye together."

Everyone stood up, raised their glasses, and toasted Shen Yanchu and Ye Wanning.

Just as the banquet was reaching its climax, a guard rushed in, looking panicked: "Your Highness, something terrible has happened! Urgent report from the border: enemy troops have suddenly amassed and show signs of attacking!"

Shen Yanchu's expression changed drastically. He took the urgent report, glanced at it quickly, and said in a deep voice, "It seems I must return to the border immediately. This engagement banquet..."

A hint of disappointment flashed in Ye Wenshu's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure: "Your Highness prioritizes national affairs, and Wanning understands."

The eldest princess frowned and said, "Yan'er, what will happen to the engagement banquet now that you're gone?"

"Why don't we send someone else to the border to scout out the situation first, and you can go after the engagement ceremony?"

Shen Yanchu shook his head and said firmly, "Mother, the border war is urgent and there is no time to lose."

"As the General Who Guards the North, it is my duty to protect my country."

"We'll discuss the engagement further when I get back."

Seeing Shen Yanchu's resolute attitude, no one dared to say anything more.

Shen Yanchu hurriedly bid farewell to everyone and turned to leave.

As Shi Wanxia watched Shen Yanchu's departing figure, she was filled with mixed emotions.

This sudden turn of events cast a shadow over what should have been a joyous engagement banquet.

With Shen Yanchu's departure, the banquet came to an abrupt end.

When Shi Wanxia returned home by carriage, the image of Shen Yanchu kept replaying in her mind.

She knew that Shen Yanchu's departure was uncertain, and the two might never cross paths again.

The carriage carrying Shi Wanxia sped along the bluestone road, the wheels clattering against the stone slabs with a dull thud, much like the anxious mood of everyone present.

But which force is stirring up trouble and invading the border again?

This question weighed heavily on everyone's mind like a boulder.

The carriage had just stopped in front of the Shi residence when Cui Zhihao and His Highness the Crown Prince hurriedly followed.

All three had solemn expressions, their eyes filled with worry.

Before they could speak, a high-pitched voice came from afar: "Your Highness, Lord Shi, His Majesty requests that you come to the palace immediately for an audience!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Yu Hengsheng dressed in eunuch's robes, holding a whisk, rushing over in a hurry.

Shi Wanxia was a little dazed and her brain hadn't reacted yet when Cui Zhihao gently helped her onto the carriage heading to the palace.

"Guoguo, don't worry, His Majesty must be looking for us about border matters!"

Cui Zhihao's voice was deep and gentle, like a spring breeze, trying to dispel Shi Wanxia's unease.

Shi Wanxia raised her head and looked at Cui Zhihao with a somewhat blank expression.

Under the light, Choi Ji-ho's face was clearly defined, his eyes filled with doting affection and concern.

For some reason, Shi Wanxia's heart suddenly stirred, and as if possessed, she leaned down and placed a kiss on Cui Zhihao's cheek.

In an instant, their faces turned bright red, like ripe apples.

They hurriedly looked away, avoiding eye contact, and the atmosphere inside the car became ambiguous and subtle.

Realizing her abruptness, Shi Wanxia stammered, "Brother Cui, I was just thinking about the sudden battle at the border, not..."

Before she could finish speaking, Choi Ji-ho reached out and gently stopped her.

"I know, I wasn't thinking too much about it, I was just worried about you!"

His voice trembled slightly, revealing the turmoil in his heart.

The carriage stopped at the palace gate, and the three of them hurriedly got off. Led by Yu Hengsheng, they walked quickly toward the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Along the way, palace lanterns flickered, casting dappled light and shadow, as if foreshadowing the coming storm.