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

Chapter 430 Something Abnormal About You

He paused, a barely perceptible glint of cold light flashing in his eyes, and added, "Besides, the people Father Emperor secretly sent for me are still here, so I have no need to worry about my safety."

"The most urgent task is to ensure that Miss Shi is completely safe."

He knew in his heart that Shi Wanxia was now the key, and her safety was directly related to Cang Ling's future.

She needs more meticulous protection than he does.

Those forces lurking in the shadows might not hesitate to attack her; he had to ensure that nothing went wrong.

Upon seeing this, Chu Wu knew that His Highness had made up his mind, so he said no more and respectfully kowtowed: "Your subordinate understands, I will make the arrangements immediately."

After saying that, his figure flashed and disappeared into the night as silently as he had come.

Shen Yanzhou stood still, his gaze fixed on the direction of the east wing in the distance. The midday sun was so bright it hurt his eyes, casting a blurry image on the window paper.

His brow furrowed slightly, and the inexplicable worry in his heart only subsided somewhat after he made thorough arrangements.

He only hoped that the woman who always brought surprises but also repeatedly found herself in danger would be safe and sound this time.

Inside the east wing, Cui Zhihao was still half-holding Shi Wanxia in his arms. Only when he felt the breathing of the person in his arms gradually become steady did his tense nerves relax a little.

Looking down at her pale yet still beautiful face, he reached out and carefully brushed away a stray hair from her cheek, his movements so gentle as if afraid of disturbing her.

"Wanwan, get a good night's sleep. I'm here, I won't let anything happen to you again."

He whispered softly in her ear, his voice so gentle it could melt water, filled with promise and a deep sense of protection.

Shi Wanxia seemed to have heard his words. In her sleep, she gently rubbed against his arm, and her originally furrowed brows gradually relaxed, her breathing becoming long and steady.

Seeing this, Cui Zhihao felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He held her like this, quietly guarding the bedside, unwilling to leave. His gaze never left her face, as if afraid that if he closed his eyes, she would disappear from his sight again.

Morning light filtered through the carved window lattices, casting dappled patterns on the blue brick floor. The east wing was filled with a rich yet pleasant medicinal fragrance, mixed with the lingering calming incense from the previous night, creating a sense of tranquility and peace.

Shen Yanzhou, dressed in a moon-white casual robe, stood tall and straight at the door. His gaze first fell on the direction of the bed, and then he stepped in quietly.

Yuan'er, who was following behind him, carried a black lacquered tray with a bowl of still-steaming medicinal soup on it. White steam rose from the rim of the porcelain bowl.

As soon as they entered the inner room, they both saw the scene beside the bed.

Cui Zhihao was dressed in a light blue brocade robe, with some wrinkles still clinging to the hem, clearly indicating that he had been guarding the bedside the whole time and had not left for a moment.

He sat on the low stool on the edge of the bed, leaning slightly forward, with one hand casually resting on the edge of the bed.

His gaze remained fixed on Shi Wanxia's sleeping face, his eyes filled with undisguised focus and tenderness, so much so that he didn't even notice the commotion of Shen Yanzhou and the other person entering.

Shen Yanzhou paused, looked at the scene before him, and sighed helplessly.

He had known Cui Zhihao for many years. This third young master of the Qinghe Cui family was famous throughout the world for his outstanding talent and open-minded personality since childhood.

He was already famous in the court and literary circles at a young age. He was always calm and composed and knew how to advance and retreat. When have I ever seen him so cautious and with only one person in his eyes and heart?

Unexpectedly, the renowned Third Young Master Cui would one day fall for someone and be willing to bow down and protect them.

Shen Yanzhou sighed inwardly, but remained outwardly calm. He simply raised his voice, breaking the silence in the room: "Huai'an, Miss Shi's medicine is ready. Let her get up and drink it first."

Huai'an was Cui Zhihao's courtesy name. It was only when Shen Yanzhou called out to him that Cui Zhihao suddenly came back to his senses.

He turned his head and saw that the people who came were Shen Yanzhou and Yuan'er. The tenderness in his eyes had not completely faded, and there was a slight surprise at being disturbed. He then stood up and nodded: "Your Highness."

Yuan'er, who was standing to the side, had kept her head down since she entered the room, her eyes fixed on the blue bricks under her feet, not daring to even glance out of the corner of her eye.

She held the tray with both hands, her knuckles turning slightly white from the force.

Young Master Cui is the eldest son of the Cui family of Qinghe, and an elder of the future husband's family of our young lady. The Cui family of Qinghe places great importance on etiquette and rules.

If she, a mere maid, were to lose her composure at this moment and look around recklessly, offending a noble person or ruining her mistress's reputation, she would be guilty beyond redemption.

Cui Zhihao's gaze fell on the medicine bowl in Yuan'er's hand, and he naturally stepped forward: "Give me the medicine."

Yuan'er quickly handed over the tray, still keeping her head down and replying softly, "Yes, Young Master Cui."

Choi Ji-ho reached out and took the medicine bowl. As soon as he touched it, he felt that it was burning hot. It was obviously freshly brewed and still had the residual heat of the stove fire.

He seemed oblivious, steadily supporting the bottom of the bowl with his fingertips, and turned to go to the bedside.

Shen Yanzhou frowned almost imperceptibly as he looked at him.

His gaze swept lightly over Shi Wanxia's sleeping face. Her pale complexion was slightly better than yesterday, but she was still weak.

He quickly shifted his gaze to Cui Zhihao, his tone carrying a hint of consideration and reminder befitting a prince: "Huai'an, Miss Shi is still unmarried, and men and women should not be too close. It would be more appropriate to have a maid handle this personal care."

He didn't mean to make things difficult, but Shi Wanxia's status was special and she wasn't engaged yet. If word got out that Cui Zhihao was watching over her and personally feeding her medicine, it would inevitably cause some gossip and damage Shi Wanxia's reputation.

As the crown prince, he needed to consider the overall situation and also her reputation.

Choi Ji-ho paused almost imperceptibly, and the hand holding the medicine bowl tightened slightly.

He naturally understood Shen Yanzhou's meaning; His Highness was thinking of Wanwan, and he knew that in his heart.

But when he thought of how she had coughed so hard just now, and how she had clung to his sleeve with a pale face, he couldn't bear to leave.

He stayed by her bedside, listening to her steady breathing, which gave him some peace of mind. How could he leave her now?

He quickly regained his composure, turned around and bowed slightly to Shen Yanzhou, his tone carrying an undeniable firmness: "Your Highness, I understand your concerns."

"But Wanwan's injuries have not yet healed and she is weak. I only wish to stay by her side and ensure her safety."

"If the dressing needs to be changed later, I will go to the outer room and will not look at it again."

"As for other daily care, I will be extra careful to ensure that no rumors or gossip affect Wanwan."

His voice was not loud, but every word was clear, carrying an almost obsessive seriousness.

Those usually gentle eyes were now filled with determination, clearly indicating that she had made up her mind to stay here.