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

Chapter 296 Things are revealed

Inside the magnificent Qianyuan Hall, candlelight flickered, and light and shadow danced among the carved beams and painted rafters, illuminating the entire hall in a dreamlike manner.

However, Shen Yuxi, sitting on the dragon throne, had no interest in appreciating the luxurious scenery before him.

His brows were furrowed, his eyes blazing as he stared intently at the secret report in his hand, as if trying to see through the thin paper.

The Cui family of Qinghe, a powerful clan with significant influence in both the imperial court and the martial arts world, has always been his primary target.

The Cui family produced many scholars who held important positions in the imperial court, and their words and decisions often had a profound impact on the government.

Moreover, the Cui family of Qinghe also kept a number of private soldiers. These soldiers were well-trained and, although not numerous, their fighting power was not to be underestimated. They were not under the control of the imperial court.

"The Cui family of Qinghe is like a thorn stuck in my heart."

Shen Yuxi pondered to himself, his expression growing increasingly solemn.

"If we are to take action against them, we must be extremely cautious. If we push them too far and cause chaos, then we will be in serious trouble."

He knew all too well that a complete break with the Choi family could trigger a chain reaction that plunged the entire country into turmoil, a result he absolutely did not want to see.

"Yu Heng!"

Shen Yuxi suddenly spoke, his voice deep and authoritative, echoing in the empty hall.

As soon as he finished speaking, the palace door was gently pushed open, and Yu Heng strode in with steady steps.

He was dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit, tall and straight, with a stern face and eyes that revealed loyalty and competence. He walked up to Shen Yuxi, knelt on one knee, and respectfully bowed, replying, "What are your orders, Your Majesty?"

Shen Yuxi slowly raised his head, threw the secret report in his hand onto the table, and said with a gloomy expression, "Take a look at this."

Yu Heng reached for the confidential report, quickly glanced through it, and a look of surprise flashed across his face: "Choi Ji-ho was attacked?"

"Yes."

Shen Yuxi nodded slightly, a ruthless glint in his eyes. "We must find out who is so audacious as to cause trouble right under my nose. We cannot let them ruin my plans."

Yu Heng placed the secret report back on the table and asked in a low voice, "Your Majesty, what do you mean?"

"Escort Cui Zhihao back to the capital from outside the city. I want to see him."

Shen Yuxi's voice was firm and resolute, "I want to hear what he actually knows."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Yu Heng accepted the order and rose to leave.

"Wait a minute." Shen Yuxi called out to him again, "We must be careful in this matter and not alarm too many people."

"This old servant understands," Yu Heng replied, then turned and strode out of the Qian Yuan Hall.

After Yu Heng left, Shen Yuxi leaned back on the dragon throne, closed his eyes, and fell into deep thought.

His mind kept replaying the images of the high-ranking officials of the Cui clan in Qinghe, and the intricate power relationships behind them.

"The Cui family's influence is deeply entrenched, and it will be no easy task to completely eradicate them."

Shen Yuxi secretly pondered, "However, this attack on Cui Zhihao might be an opportunity."

He knew that although Cui Zhihao had left the family, he was still the second young master of the Qinghe Cui family. His status was what it was, and there must be an unknown conspiracy behind this attack.

What he needed to do was to take advantage of this opportunity to expose the hidden enemies one by one, and at the same time, find a suitable breakthrough to deal with the Cui family of Qinghe.

Meanwhile, at a temporary camp outside the city, Choi Ji-ho was resting inside his tent.

After several days of recuperation, his injuries have improved somewhat, but his face is still pale and he looks somewhat weak.

Cui Changfeng sat outside the tent, vigilantly observing his surroundings.

He knew in his heart that escorting the second young master back to the capital was a difficult task, and the slightest carelessness could lead to danger again.

"Chief Guard, why do you think His Majesty suddenly wants to see the young master?" a guard asked in a low voice.

Cui Changfeng glanced at him and shook his head: "How could we possibly fathom His Majesty's thoughts? However, whatever His Majesty's purpose, we must ensure the safety of the Second Young Master."

Just then, the sound of horses' hooves came from afar. Cui Changfeng immediately stood up, his hand on the hilt of his sword, and looked warily in the direction of the sound.

A moment later, a fast horse appeared in everyone's sight. The rider was Yu Heng, who reined in his horse in front of the camp and dismounted.

"My name is Yu Heng. I have been ordered by His Majesty to escort Young Master Cui Zhihao back to the capital," Yu Heng announced loudly.

Cui Changfeng looked Yu Heng over and, after confirming that he was indeed the right person, nodded: "Thank you for your trouble, Lord Yu."

Yu Heng entered the tent and saw Cui Zhihao lying on the couch. He bowed slightly and said, "Young Master Cui, His Majesty has ordered me to bring you back to the capital."

Cui Zhihao struggled to his feet, forcing a smile: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I'm grateful to Lord Yu for making this trip."

After packing his belongings, Cui Zhihao, escorted by Cui Changfeng and Yu Heng, embarked on his journey back to Beijing.

Throughout the journey, everyone remained highly vigilant, fearing another attack by assassins.

In the afternoon, they finally arrived in the capital. Choi Ji-ho was taken directly to the Qian Yuan Hall to meet Shen Yu-xi.

"This humble subject, Cui Zhihao, greets Your Majesty." Cui Zhihao entered the main hall and knelt down to pay his respects.

"No gift."

Shen Yuxi's voice came from the dragon throne, "Young Master Cui, do you know who was responsible for this attack?"

Cui Zhihao raised his head, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes: "Your Majesty, this humble subject does not know either. Those assassins were highly skilled in martial arts and acted cautiously, leaving no clues."

Shen Yuxi frowned slightly, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes: "I will send people to investigate this matter thoroughly. Young Master Cui, you go back first, and report to me immediately if you find any clues."

"As you command," Cui Zhihao replied.

After Cui Zhihao left, Shen Yuxi leaned back on the dragon throne and fell into deep thought.

"It seems the waters behind this are deeper than I imagined."

He thought to himself, "No matter who is behind this, I will not let them succeed."

Inside the Prince Xiang's mansion, dusk, as dark as ink, pressed heavily upon this luxurious yet sinister residence.

Inside the main hall of the Prince's mansion, candlelight flickered, its faint light dancing among the carved beams and pillars, yet unable to dispel the tension and oppression that permeated the air.

Mu Yin, dressed in black, knelt on one knee, her head bowed so low it almost touched the ground, her back trembling slightly with guilt and fear.

"Your Highness, I deserve to die!"

Mu Yin's voice was hoarse and trembling, filled with deep self-reproach and fear.

"The men I sent to assassinate Cui Zhihao not only returned empty-handed, but His Majesty also learned of the matter. I am utterly useless and have failed His Highness's trust!"

Shen Yanchu stood in the hall, his back to Mu Yin, his hands clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white from the force. His chest heaved violently, each breath filled with barely suppressed rage.

"Incompetent bungler!"

He roared inwardly, wishing he could punish this incompetent person in front of him severely.

But he knew that this was not the time to act impulsively.