mtl008 Chapter 287 Marriage Grant
Chapter 287 Marriage Grant
At this moment, on the streets of the capital, Lin Yu and Cui Zhihao were weaving through the bustling crowds.
They searched for suitable shops and workshops along the way, completely unaware of what was happening in the palace.
"Brother Cui, what do you think of this shop? It's in a good location with lots of foot traffic."
Lin Yu pointed to a shop facing the street and said.
Choi Ji-ho looked up and nodded slightly: "The location is indeed good, but we still need to take a look at the layout and facilities inside."
Just as they were about to go into the shop to check, a servant-like man rushed over: "Young Master Cui, Young Master Lin, something terrible has happened! Someone from the palace has come to summon Young Master Cui to the palace, and Miss Shi is looking for you everywhere!"
Cui Zhihao and Lin Yu exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes.
"The palace summoned me? What is the purpose?" Cui Zhihao asked, puzzled.
"I don't know either. I only heard that His Majesty summoned you urgently, and Miss Shi wants you to return home immediately," the servant said anxiously.
After a moment of contemplation, Cui Zhihao said to Lin Yu, "Brother Lin, it seems I have to go back first. We'll have to put the shop matter on hold for now."
Lin Yu nodded: "Brother Cui, you should go back quickly and see what happened. If you need any help, please don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you. If anything changes, I hope you will take good care of yourself, Brother Lin."
Choi Ji-ho bowed respectfully, then turned and hurriedly left with the servant.
When Cui Zhihao returned to the Shi residence, Shi Wanxia was anxiously waiting in the study.
Upon seeing him return, Shi Wanxia quickly stood up: "Brother Cui, you're finally back! His Majesty urgently summoned you to the palace, but I don't know why."
Cui Zhihao said calmly, "In that case, I will go to the palace to see the Emperor. Miss Shi, no matter what happens, I hope you will take care of yourself."
Shi Wanxia nodded slightly: "Don't worry, Brother Cui. You should also be careful."
Choi Ji-ho left the Shi residence and rode in a carriage towards the palace. His mind was filled with a multitude of thoughts as he traveled.
His Majesty suddenly summoned him to the palace. Was it because of his previous refusal to submit? Or was there another reason?
He knew that this trip to the palace would be a difficult test, but he was fearless and determined to meet the challenge in his own way.
Inside the palace, in the imperial study, Shen Yuxi sat on the dragon throne, his face gloomy.
His fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrests of the dragon throne, producing a dull sound that seemed to strike the heart with each tap.
"Your Majesty, Cui Zhihao has arrived." Yu Heng's voice came from outside the door.
"Summon him in." Shen Yuxi's voice was low and cold.
Cui Zhihao entered the imperial study, knelt down and bowed: "This humble subject, Cui Zhihao, pays his respects to Your Majesty."
"Cui Zhihao, how dare you defy the imperial decree!"
Shen Yuxi glared angrily, his voice booming like a bell, echoing throughout the imperial study.
Cui Zhihao raised his head, his expression calm: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I was not disobeying the imperial decree. I was simply out on business and was unable to receive the decree in time."
"Get things done? What could you possibly have that's more important than my decree?" Shen Yuxi sneered.
Cui Zhihao felt a chill run down his spine, but remained calm and composed: "Your Majesty, although I come from a noble family, I only want to do something practical for the people of Cangling."
"I recently discussed with Lin Yu the idea of making and selling glassware. This would increase the government's tax revenue and improve the lives of the people."
"I believe that although this matter is small, it is related to people's livelihood, which is why I went out to find suitable shops and workshops."
Upon hearing this, Shen Yuxi's expression softened slightly: "If you truly care about the people and submit to me, I will forgive your past mistakes and will even give you an important position."
Cui Zhihao shook his head: "Your Majesty, it's not that I'm unwilling to serve you, it's just that I don't want to lose myself."
"I hope to contribute to the prosperity of Cangling in my own way."
Shen Yuxi was silent for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter: "Good, good indeed, Cui Zhihao! I admire your courage and talent."
"Since that's the case, I'll give you a chance. I heard from Prime Minister Cui that you weren't engaged in Qinghe County, right?"
My niece, Princess Jiahui, is dignified and beautiful. As a member of the royal family, she is well-educated and courteous, and is a perfect match for you. I intend to bestow a marriage upon you both.
I wonder if you will accept this marriage proposal?
"As long as you agree, I will not pursue the past and will even grant you a place in the court."
When Choi Ji-ho suddenly heard Shen Yu-xi mention the arranged marriage, he was struck dumb as if by lightning.
His mind went blank for a moment, and he didn't know where to begin or how to refuse.
He knew in his heart that although he was not yet engaged, his heart was already completely devoted to Shi Wanxia.
He absolutely could not accept the marriage decree from His Majesty, but if he did not, His Majesty would not let him off the hook and might even harm Miss Shi.
The thought swirled wildly in his mind, making him break out in a cold sweat.
Taking a deep breath, Cui Zhihao slowly knelt down, his voice trembling slightly, yet carrying a hint of determination: "Your Majesty, I thank Your Majesty for your kindness, but although I am not engaged, I already have someone I love. I have sworn in my heart that I will marry no one but her in this life."
He paused, pressed his forehead to the ground, and continued,
"This humble subject has failed Your Majesty's expectations; I beg Your Majesty to grant my request!"
Shen Yuxi sat upright on the dragon throne. Upon hearing these words, his face instantly darkened, becoming as gloomy as the sky before a storm, extremely unpleasant.
How could he not know that Cui Zhihao was in love with Shi Wanxia? This Cui Zhihao usually seemed to know what was good for him, but today he was so bold as to openly defy his orders.
"Choi Ji-ho, do you know what you're saying?"
Shen Yuxi's voice was low and cold, each word seemingly carrying frost.
"My bestowal of this marriage is an honor for you, something many would rather die for, yet you dare to refuse?"
Cui Zhihao knelt on the ground, his body trembling slightly, but he still forced himself to say, "Your Majesty's kindness is etched in my heart, but matters of the heart cannot be forced."
"This humble subject is utterly loyal to Your Majesty and is willing to go through fire and water for Your Majesty, even unto death. Only in this matter, I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."
Shen Yuxi laughed angrily: "Fine, fine, Cui Zhihao, you are indeed loyal and righteous."
"However, do you think your sweetheart, Shi Wanxia, is capable of anything?"
Cui Zhihao was startled, not expecting His Majesty to mention Shi Wanxia so directly.
He clenched his fists instinctively, secretly vowing that he would never allow His Majesty to harm Shi Wanxia in the slightest.
Shen Yuxi sneered inwardly as she looked at Cui Zhihao's reaction.
He slowly stood up and paced around the study, saying as he walked, "Shi Wanxia is indeed exceptionally intelligent, and I also intend to win her over."
"In my opinion, if she is truly capable of helping my Cangling unify the world, I will not only make her the Crown Princess of my Shen royal family, but I will also apply to her country for a marriage alliance."
"A country that can raise such a smart girl must be a force to be reckoned with."
Choi Ji-ho felt a mix of emotions as he listened to Shen Yu-hee's words.
He was well aware of His Majesty's ambitions and understood Shi Wanxia's value in His Majesty's eyes.
However, his feelings for Shi Wanxia could not be measured by these interests.