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

Chapter 241 Shen Yanchu Visits the Prison

Inside the Xiang Prince's Mansion, the courtyard was deep and the autumn air was growing stronger. Fallen petals rustled in the wind, adding to the already somber atmosphere and making it even more desolate.

The dark clouds pressed down on the sky like heavy lead blocks, and only a few rays of sunlight managed to squeeze through the gaps in the clouds to fall on the carved beams and painted rafters, but they failed to dispel the gloom that permeated the entire palace.

Mu Yin hurried along, sweat dripping from her forehead, her clothes disheveled from her hasty journey, as she stepped into the main hall.

She knelt down with a thud and eagerly reported the information she had gathered to the prince.

"Master, Miss Shi is currently imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice prison. The Princess has issued an edict ordering you not to get involved in this matter."

Mu Yin's voice trembled slightly as she stole a glance at Shen Yanchu, only to see him stiffen and stop playing with the jade pendant in his hand.

"What the eldest princess means is that His Majesty is furious that Cui Zhihao of the Qinghe Cui family disregarded etiquette and the court's rules, and actually allowed a woman to enter officialdom."

Mu Yin continued, speaking faster as if afraid of being interrupted, "His Majesty will publicly order the execution of Miss Shi in the court three days from now, and all those who knew about it and concealed it will be implicated."

After saying this, he kowtowed heavily, "Your Majesty, I beg you to obey the Princess's orders and refrain from acting rashly."

Mu Yin was filled with trepidation. He had followed Shen Yanchu for many years and knew that his prince, though seemingly aloof, was actually a man of deep affection and loyalty.

The imprisoned girl, Shi, had once done a favor for the prince in the Cangyan Mountains.

At that time, he was plotted against by villains and was surrounded alone. It was then that the girl saved him from being poisoned and led him to fight his way out of a bloody path. She also went to great lengths to find herbs and save him from his critical injuries.

How could Shen Yanchu not repay such a great kindness?

Mu Yin was filled with worry, and upon hearing that Grand Tutor Ye also intended to get involved in the matter, she hesitated, unsure whether she should inform the Prince, fearing that he might impulsively fall into a desperate situation.

Shen Yanchu stood motionless for a moment, as if carved from wood or clay, then suddenly slammed his hand on the table and stood up. "How dare you! Do you think I am such an ungrateful person?"

His eyes were wide open, his hair stood on end in anger, and his usually elegant face was now filled with determination.

"Back in the Azure Flame Mountains, if it weren't for Miss Shi, I would have lost my life long ago."

When the past was mentioned, a soft light appeared in Shen Yanchu's eyes. The scene of sharing life and death was still vivid in his mind, and the petite yet strong figure of Miss Shi was deeply rooted in his heart.

"Now that the young lady is in trouble, how can I, a dignified man, back down? Issue the order to send more men to investigate and find out who leaked the information."

Shen Yanchu paced back and forth, his clothes fluttering in the wind, revealing his anxiety.

"Also, have the steward prepare some clothes and food. You will come with me to the imperial prison." He gave the order decisively, leaving no room for argument.

Mu Yin was shocked and hurriedly tried to dissuade him: "Your Highness, you mustn't! The Princess and His Majesty have already issued their decrees. If people find out that you are going to the prison now, it will surely bring you great disaster. I hope Your Highness will think twice."

He crawled a few steps on his knees, grabbed Shen Yanchu's legs, and pleaded desperately.

Shen Yanchu bent down and gently pried open Mu Yin's legs, his gaze resolute: "Mu Yin, my mind is made up. Miss Shi saved my life. If I stand idly by, how can I be a human being? Life and death are predestined, and I, Shen Yanchu, am not afraid."

After saying that, he strode towards the door.

Helpless, Mu Yin could only hurry to follow, secretly praying that the prince would have a safe journey.

The entire Prince's mansion was bustling with activity. The steward quickly prepared clothes and food, and Shen Yanchu changed into his travel attire and left the mansion with Mu Yin.

In the streets and alleys of the capital, the autumn wind howled, stirring up dust and fallen leaves. Pedestrians hurried along, all wrapped tightly in their clothes, their expressions hurried.

The street vendors listlessly packed up their stalls, making the usually bustling market unusually deserted. Shen Yanchu, filled with anxiety, ignored them.

Upon arriving at the Ministry of Justice's prison, a sinister atmosphere enveloped them. The prison guards, seeing the Prince of Xiang arrive, were so frightened that they all knelt down to pay their respects.

Shen Yanchu waved for them to stand up, handed over the token, and said in a deep voice, "I wish to see Miss Shi."

The jailer looked troubled, hesitated for a long time, but finally dared not disobey and led Shen Yanchu and the other man deep into the prison.

The damp, dark corridor reeked of decay, with flickering torchlight casting mottled shadows on the walls. Shen Yanchu frowned, his heart filled with even greater pity for the young woman trapped there.

Finally, in the deepest cell, Shen Yanchu met Miss Shi.

She was dressed in prison clothes, her hair disheveled, yet her beautiful face was still undeniable. He soon noticed Choi Ji-ho, who was in the same cell.

Upon seeing Shen Yanchu arrive, a hint of surprise flashed in Miss Shi's eyes, but she quickly concealed it, feigning strength as she said, "Your Highness, why have you come? This is a grave offense of disrespect."

Choi Ji-ho had grown up with his nephew since childhood and knew his personality, so he wanted to advise him not to get involved in this matter.

Through the prison door, Shen Yanchu gently comforted her, "Don't be afraid, young lady. Since I, Shen Yanchu, have received such a great favor from you, I will not let you die innocently."

Miss Shi's eyes reddened, tears welled up, and she choked out, "Your Highness, why are you doing this? Don't let me drag you down with you."

As the two were talking, a commotion suddenly broke out, as if someone had come to patrol.

Mu Yin was shocked and urged, "Your Highness, let's go quickly, it will be terrible if we are discovered."

Shen Yanchu seemed not to hear, holding Miss Shi's hand tightly, his gaze resolute: "Don't be afraid, I'm here."

"Third Uncle, please take good care of Miss Shi. I promise I will make sure nothing happens to you."

Choi Ji-ho slowly got up, each movement seemingly carrying a heavy burden, his steps dragging yet resolute as he walked to the door.

Looking up, I saw Shen Yanchu standing outside with a worried expression, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief.

"Zhizhou, don't be like this. Remember, you must never plead for us in front of His Majesty, or you and your mother will be implicated."

Cui Zhihao's voice was low and hoarse, but every word was filled with undeniable concern. His gaze was fixed on Shen Yanchu, full of the love and advice of an elder for a younger generation.

In this treacherous and unpredictable imperial court, one wrong step can lead to total defeat and even harm to one's family.

"I have my own ways to protect Miss Shi, you know?"

He slightly raised his chin, a hint of confidence flashing in his eyes—the confidence accumulated over years of ups and downs in officialdom, as if he had a plan in mind and held the trump card to turn the tide.

Upon hearing this, Shen Yanchu was extremely anxious. He quickly stepped forward, his eyes filled with urgency and doubt as he looked at his third uncle: "Third Uncle, do you have any ideas?"

He knew his third uncle's prestige and strategy in the court, but in the current situation, the emperor was furious, the princess had issued an imperial edict, various forces were eyeing him covetously, and Miss Shi was in imminent danger. He really couldn't think of any way to turn the situation around.

Cui Zhihao raised his hand and gently patted Shen Yanchu's shoulder, as if to give him strength.

A barely perceptible smile appeared at the corner of his mouth: "Zhizhou, you can rest assured. Matters in the court are intricate and complex; a single move can have far-reaching consequences. Although His Majesty is angry, he is not entirely unreasonable."

“These past few days, I asked my uncle to contact several highly respected senior officials. They are also aware of Miss Shi’s talent and are willing to submit a memorial together, explaining the advantages and disadvantages.”