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

Chapter 291 The Eldest Princess Disagrees

As dusk settles, the Princess's residence is quiet, except for the bright lights in the main courtyard.

Shen Yunzheng sat upright in the carved pear wood chair, the teacup in her hand swaying slightly, steam rising gently, but her mind was not on the fragrant tea at all.

Her gaze pierced through the window, looking at the courtyard shrouded in night. Her brows were furrowed, her heart filled with helplessness and worry for her son, Shen Yanchu.

Recalling yesterday, Shen Yanchu's face was full of determination as he earnestly told her about his trip to the palace to ask His Majesty to bestow Shi Wanxia upon him in marriage.

The persistence and fervor in his eyes moved even her, as a mother.

But Shen Yunzheng knew in her heart that this marriage was simply a pipe dream and could never be realized.

Shi Wanxia was a name that was somewhat well-known in the capital.

She was highly learned and talented, and despite being a woman, she had profound insights into the art of governing a country.

Shen Yunzheng had also heard that Shi Wanxia's views on politics and people's livelihood were insightful and incisive, making many men feel inferior to her.

Shen Yunzheng truly admired this girl, and she had to admit in her heart that Shi Wanxia was indeed exceptional.

But Shen Yunzheng was an experienced person, and she was well aware of the various rules and intricacies of this deep mansion, the imperial court and the inner palace.

In her opinion, a woman like Shi Wanxia, ​​who flaunts her presence and acts in a shocking manner, is really not suitable to be a woman in the Xiang Prince's harem.

In her view, a woman should obey her husband after marriage, be gentle and virtuous, adhere to the duties of a wife, and be content to support her husband, raise children, and have offspring. This is the proper thing for a woman.

However, Shi Wanxia was clearly far from the ideal daughter-in-law she had in mind.

Moreover, Shen Yunzheng knew the current emperor's thoughts.

His Majesty had also heard of Shi Wanxia's talent and intended to keep her by his side for his own use, and even had the idea of ​​betrothing her to his son.

In this way, it would be virtually impossible for Shen Yanchu to marry Shi Wanxia.

She sighed, gently put down her teacup, and inwardly blamed her son for being so foolish as to bring this matter into the open; it was truly inappropriate.

Shen Yunzheng felt a pang of heartache when she saw her son's haggard appearance, but she still put on a stern face and said seriously, "Yan'er, don't be so persistent."

"You were wrong about this marriage from the very beginning. Don't you understand His Majesty's intentions? How could His Majesty easily agree to marry a woman as outstanding as Shi Wanxia to you?"

Shen Yanchu clenched his fists, a stubborn glint in his eyes: "Mother, I don't care. Miss Shi is my savior, and I have a heart full of love for her. I will marry no one but her." His voice was firm, revealing an undeniable determination.

Shen Yunzheng shook her head helplessly: "Why are you so stubborn? Even if His Majesty agrees, Wanxia may not be suitable for you at that time."

"Her behavior is too flamboyant. If she really enters the Prince's mansion, she will probably cause a lot of trouble in the future."

Shen Yanchu disagreed: "Mother, I know Miss Shi's talent and kindness better than anyone else."

"Although she is unconventional in her actions, she is kind-hearted and a rare good woman. My son believes that as long as the two of them truly love each other, none of these things will be a problem."

The mother and son each held their own opinions, and neither could convince the other. Shen Yunzheng looked at her son's stubborn appearance, feeling helpless.

She knew that getting Shen Yanchu to give up on Shi Wanxia would not be easy.

But how could she just stand by and watch her son go further and further down this path that was destined to lead nowhere?

Looking at her son Shen Yanchu, who was so devoted to her, Shen Yunzheng felt a pang of sadness. How could she not see that her son's deep affection for Shi Wanxia was nothing but wishful thinking?

"Yan'er,"

Shen Yunzheng's voice was soft, with a hint of reluctance, "I heard that Cui Zhihao, a member of the Cui family, is in love with her. The two are now living under the same roof, so they must have already pledged their lives to each other."

Her gaze was fixed on Shen Yanchu, trying to catch a glimpse of wavering on his face.

Shen Yanchu's body stiffened abruptly, and the hand holding the teacup tightened involuntarily, her knuckles turning white.

"Mother, this may not be true."

He said through gritted teeth, his voice trembling slightly.

The rumors about Cui Zhihao and Shi Wanxia were like thorns stuck in his heart.

Seeing that her son was still unwilling to give up, Shen Yunzheng sighed again and said slowly, "Even if there was no promise of a lifetime commitment, her reputation is already ruined, and she is absolutely not a good match for you!"

In this world where grand mansions and the imperial court intertwine, reputation is of paramount importance to women.

Even without any transgression, a woman living with a man outside the marriage is enough to tarnish her reputation in ways that cannot be washed away.

A ruthless glint flashed in Shen Yanchu's eyes; how could he not know these things?

But in his heart, Shi Wanxia was like a ray of light, illuminating his originally mundane and dull life.

Ever since Shi Wanxia saved his life, his heart has been filled with this intelligent and courageous woman.

He firmly believed that as long as Cui Zhihao was removed as an obstacle, Shi Wanxia would return to his side.

"Mother, you don't need to say anymore."

Shen Yanchu stood up, his back to Shen Yunzheng, his voice low but firm, "Your son has his own plans."

The image of Choi Ji-ho flashed into his mind—a face he loathed utterly.

He secretly vowed to make Cui Zhihao disappear from Shi Wanxia's world.

Shen Yunzheng watched her son's resolute back as he walked away, her heart filled with helplessness and worry.

She knew her son's personality well; once he made up his mind about something, it was hard for him to change it.

But how could she stand by and watch her son fall into an abyss for someone who was impossible to him?

The next morning, sunlight shone through the clouds and onto the streets and alleys of the capital.

Mu Yin left the palace early and headed to the Assassin's Pavilion. He was dressed in a black robe, his face covered with a black cloth, revealing only a pair of deep eyes that exuded a cold chill.

Inside the Assassin's Guild, it was dark and damp, filled with an eerie atmosphere.

Mu Yin stood in the pavilion, looking at the various assassins before her, her heart unmoved.

He tossed out a heavy silver ingot, his voice icy: "I want Cui Zhihao's life, alive or dead."

The assassins exchanged glances, a glint of greed in their eyes. The leader, a tall, thin man, stepped forward, took the silver, and bowed obsequiously, saying, "Don't worry, young master, we brothers will definitely handle it. However, Cui Zhihao is also quite skilled; we'll need some time."

Mu Yin snorted coldly: "I'll give you three days. If you can't get it done, don't even think about coming back alive."

After saying that, he turned and left, leaving the group of assassins looking at each other in bewilderment.

Meanwhile, in another part of the capital, Qin Xin was playing chess with Cui Zhihao in the courtyard.

The sunlight shone on them, creating a harmonious scene.

Qin Xin gently placed a piece, a slight smile appearing on her lips: "Young Master Cui, you've lost again."

Cui Zhihao looked at the chessboard and shook his head helplessly: "Qin Xin, your chess skills are becoming more and more exquisite."

His gaze fell on Shi Wanxia's face, his eyes filled with tenderness.

Shi Wanxia didn't notice Cui Zhihao's gaze. She looked up at the sky, feeling a vague unease in her heart.

Lately, she has been feeling like there is a pair of eyes watching her from the shadows, and that feeling of being spied on makes her very uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, in the princess's residence, Shen Yunzheng was also deeply worried about her son.

She summoned the steward and whispered, "Go and keep an eye on the prince. See what he's been up to lately. Make sure he doesn't cause any major trouble."

The butler obeyed and left. Shen Yunzheng looked out the window at the sky and prayed silently that this storm caused by love would subside soon.