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

Chapter 311 Crown Prince Shen Yanzhou

Shi Wanxia ran back to her room in a panic, as if a raging flood was chasing her.

As soon as she entered the room, she leaned against the door, panting heavily. She frantically raised her hand and gently placed it on her chest, trying to calm her heart, which was pounding wildly like a deer's.

Moonlight streamed through the carved window lattice, casting a silvery frost on the ground, but she had no heart to appreciate the tranquil night.

She was used to calling Cui Zhihao "Brother Cui," and she knew all too well his affection for her.

All those little moments they shared, the tenderness and concern in Choi Ji-ho's eyes when he looked at her, were like the warmest sunshine in spring, shining into her heart.

I still remember the time she accidentally twisted her ankle in the garden. Choi Jiho rushed over anxiously, carefully helped her up, and carried her all the way back to the room. He looked so worried, as if she were the most precious treasure in the world.

In addition, he would always secretly prepare some little surprises for her, such as her favorite pastries or rare trinkets he had found from afar.

However, she had her concerns, which were like heavy shackles, binding her and forcing her to avoid this deep affection.

She comes from the modern era, and although she has lived in this era for some time, she has never been able to truly integrate.

She was afraid of being assimilated and corrupted by this era.

In modern times, she is accustomed to a free and equal life, and to women being able to independently pursue their own dreams.

Here, a woman's fate seems to be predetermined from birth. The concept of the Three Obediences and Four Virtues is deeply ingrained in people's minds. She fears that she will gradually lose herself in this tender love and become a person controlled by the rules of the times.

She knew all too well that no matter how deep a person's feelings were, they couldn't withstand this cannibalistic era.

In this era, social hierarchy was strictly enforced, and the struggles between powerful families were complex and intricate. A single misstep could lead to utter ruin.

Moreover, she was also aware of His Majesty's plans.

Although Brother Cui was expelled from the family, he was still a member of the Qinghe Cui clan.

The powerful clans have deep-rooted influence and wield enormous power in the court, posing a threat to His Majesty's rule and the stability of the empire.

Although His Majesty will not take any major actions to avoid provoking strong resistance from powerful clans, he will certainly not allow these clans to continue to grow stronger.

She worried that her relationship with Choi Ji-ho would become a handle for His Majesty to deal with the Choi family. In that case, not only would Choi Ji-ho be in danger, but she herself might also become a victim of this political struggle.

Just as she was lost in thought, there was a soft knock on the door.

"Miss Shi, are you there?"

It was Choi Ji-ho's voice, gentle yet tinged with a hint of caution.

Shi Wanxia's heart tightened suddenly. She instinctively wanted to hide, but her feet seemed to be nailed to the ground, unable to move.

"I...I'm here."

Her voice trembled slightly, and even she could hear the panic in it.

"May I come in?"

Choi Ji-ho's voice rang out again, tinged with anticipation.

Shi Wanxia hesitated for a moment, but finally slowly opened the door.

The moment the door opened, Cui Zhihao's figure came into her view under the moonlight.

His eyes were full of concern. Seeing her slightly pale face, he frowned slightly: "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Shi Wanxia forced a smile: "I'm fine, I'm just a little tired today."

She didn't dare look directly into Choi Ji-ho's eyes, her gaze unconsciously drifting elsewhere.

Cui Zhihao seemed to sense her unusual behavior. He took a step forward and said softly, "Miss Shi, is something on your mind? You can tell me. I will always be by your side."

Hearing this, Shi Wanxia felt a sharp pain in her heart.

How she wished she could throw herself into his arms without any worries and pour out all her troubles to him.

But she couldn't.

She took a deep breath and tried to make her voice sound calm: "Brother Cui, I'm really fine. Don't worry too much about me, you have a lot to do yourself."

Choi Ji-ho looked at her, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes, but he quickly smiled again: "Okay, as long as you're alright."

"If you need anything, be sure to tell me immediately."

He took out an exquisite purse from his pocket and handed it to her: "I made this especially for you. I hope you like it."

Shi Wanxia looked at the purse; the embroidery was exquisite, and it was embroidered with her favorite flowers.

She felt a surge of emotion, but at the same time, her worry grew stronger.

She took the purse and said softly, "Thank you, Brother Cui. I like it very much."

Her voice was so soft, as if a gust of wind could blow it away.

Choi Ji-ho looked at her, opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he didn't say anything.

He looked at her intently and said, "Then you should get some rest. I'll be going now."

After saying that, he turned and slowly walked away. Shi Wanxia stood at the door, watching his figure disappear into the night, and tears finally welled up in her eyes.

She knew that her relationship with Choi Ji-ho was like the moon in the night sky—beautiful, yet unattainable.

In this era, she didn't know where their love should go. All she knew was that the road ahead was full of thorns and obstacles.

The majestic palace stands solemnly under the morning light, its glazed tiles gleaming, and its eaves and brackets resembling auspicious beasts about to take flight.

Inside the Imperial Study, a sense of solemnity permeated the tranquility.

Shen Yuxi sat upright on the dragon throne, wearing a bright yellow dragon robe, exuding an aura of imperial authority that commanded respect without anger.

He raised an eyebrow and looked down at the kneeling crown prince, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

The Crown Prince Shen Yanzhou before him was his legitimate son, and had been deeply loved and expected by him since childhood.

Shen Yanzhou, who had just turned twenty, was tall and handsome. Even though he was kneeling on the ground, he could not hide his innate noble air.

He wore a purple-gold crown, the pearls on it shimmering with a warm luster in the morning light. His magnificent python robe, though slightly wrinkled, did not diminish his heroic spirit.

"Zhou'er, get up."

Shen Yuxi's voice was deep and mellow, like a great bell, echoing in the imperial study.

Shen Yanzhou slowly rose, his movements elegant and composed. He bowed slightly and said respectfully, "Thank you, Father Emperor."

Shen Yuxi leaned back on the dragon throne, carefully examining his son, his heart filled with satisfaction.

This child was exceptionally intelligent and diligent from a young age, excelling in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, military strategy, and tactics.

He also remembered that when Shen Yanzhou was young, he showed a strong interest in the way of governing the country and often pestered him with questions. His thirst for knowledge and ambition made him place great expectations on this son.

"Zhou'er, what are your thoughts on the recent events at court?"

Shen Yuxi narrowed his eyes slightly, a sharp glint in them.

Shen Yanzhou felt a chill run down his spine; he knew his father was testing him.

He pondered for a moment, then said methodically, "Father, I believe that the various forces in the court are now intricately intertwined."

"The civil service group, led by Prime Minister Lin Zhengyuan, advocated for recuperation and reduced taxes and corvée labor."

"The military faction, led by General Lin Yong, believed that our dynasty should expand its military and expand its territory."

"Your subject believes that both of these points are reasonable, but the pros and cons must be weighed."

Shen Yuxi nodded slightly, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes: "Oh? Then tell me, how should we weigh the pros and cons?"