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

Chapter 255 Whether or not to enlighten the people

These words immediately caused an uproar in the hall.

The Crown Prince snorted coldly and launched the first attack: "You woman, have you gone mad? Since ancient times, has there ever been any reason for commoners to be literate? If everyone were enlightened and knew too much, what if trouble arose? How could the court and the world remain peaceful?"

Several high-ranking officials from aristocratic families echoed, "The Crown Prince is absolutely right. Our Cangling Kingdom has a history of over a hundred years and maintains a well-ordered system. If we break the established norms and allow those peasants to learn to read and write and develop their own ideas, how will we be able to control the situation?"

Their eyes were haughty, and their words were full of contempt for ordinary people.

Shi Wanxia's gaze swept over the crowd, unwavering: "My lords, it is precisely because the nation is currently facing numerous difficulties that reform is all the more necessary. What good is it for the country or the ruler if the people are ignorant and can only blindly obey government orders?"

"If they can read books, understand principles, know the greater good of the nation, and serve the country, why worry about the national treasury not being full, and why worry about the economy not being revitalized?"

Shen Yuxi sat in the chair, remaining silent, his fingers rhythmically tapping the armrest as he silently weighed the pros and cons.

He knew that Shi Wanxia's words were not without reason, but the forces involved were deeply intertwined. If universal literacy were implemented, it would touch the core interests of aristocratic families such as the Five Surnames and Seven Noble Families.

These powerful families control books and educational resources, and they will not easily relinquish them.

At that time, opposition voices will rise one after another in the imperial court.

An old minister stepped forward, trembling, and said with great distress, "Your Majesty, I have heard that this woman's origins are unknown. If we rashly believe her nonsense, it may endanger the country!"

Upon hearing this, all eyes turned to Shen Yuxi, awaiting his decision.

Shen Yuxi leaned forward slightly, looking intently at Shi Wanxia, ​​and slowly said, "Miss Shi, what you said is indeed thought-provoking, but this matter is of great importance and requires careful consideration. You may step down now, and allow me to discuss this in detail with my ministers."

His voice was steady and powerful, yet it also carried a hint of helplessness.

Shi Wanxia gave a slight bow and took her leave. She knew that her words today had been like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples, and she could only wait and see what would happen next.

After leaving the palace, Shi Wanxia remained deeply troubled. She had only entered the Cangling Kingdom by chance, but witnessing the suffering of its people, she couldn't help but speak out for justice. She knew the road ahead was fraught with difficulties, but if she didn't try to make a change, the future of the Cangling Kingdom would be bleak.

Inside the main hall, Shen Yuxi was engaged in a heated debate with his court officials.

The Crown Prince remained adamant: "Father, I absolutely cannot agree to that woman's proposal. This is nothing short of a plan that will bring chaos to the country!"

Shen Yuxi glared at him: "Shut up! You only know one side of the story. I need to think carefully about what Miss Shi said."

Several ministers who supported the reforms seized the opportunity to speak: "Your Majesty, we believe that although what Miss Shi said is risky, it is a path to save the country. The national treasury is empty and the people are ignorant. If this continues, the country will cease to exist!"

The opposing aristocratic ministers persisted, arguing: "Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable! If the ban on reading and writing is lifted, what will become of our prestige? What will become of the stability of the court?"

The two sides went back and forth, neither willing to give in, and the atmosphere inside the hall became increasingly tense.

Shen Yuxi rubbed his temples, feeling a deep headache. He had to balance the various forces while also considering the long-term development of Cangling Kingdom. He was caught in a deep dilemma: should this decree concerning literacy for all citizens be implemented or shelved?

"If that's the case, then the messenger shall return to the palace and summon all ministers for the morning court tomorrow. No one shall be absent without a valid reason."

Since that's the case, let's discuss it during the morning court session!

At this moment, Shen Yanchu, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up: "Your Majesty, in my opinion, there may be some hidden story in this matter. We might as well listen to their detailed account first before making a decision."

Shen Yuxi glanced at him and nodded slightly: "Very well, Yu Heng, bring Shi Wanxia into the palace and hand her over to the Empress for arrangements. Do not harm her."

"As for Cui Zhihao, you can go back with Prime Minister Cui for now! I am only giving you a chance, not pardoning you."

Suppressing his excitement, Choi Ji-ho quickly knelt down to express his gratitude!

Cui Zhe could not hide his joy and immediately knelt down to express his gratitude!

"I thank you for your majesty's holy grace."

As dusk settled and candlelight flickered within the palace, Shen Yuxi stood with his hands behind his back, gazing in the direction Cui Zhihao had departed, a complex expression flashing in his eyes.

How could he not understand Cui Zhihao's obsession with Shi Wanxia, ​​that passion that seemed to ignite the surrounding air?

However, Shen Yuxi had other plans in mind. If this girl truly possessed extraordinary talent and could contribute to the country, he would never allow any aristocratic family, even a prestigious one like the Cui family of Qinghe, to have even the slightest possibility of marrying her.

Such an extraordinary woman could only be used by him, becoming a sharp weapon for him to stabilize the court and revitalize the country.

Cui Zhihao was completely unaware of the emperor's scheme. He was full of doubts and felt that it was too strange for Miss Shi to suddenly enter the harem. However, he also knew that His Majesty was not the kind of person who would be easily bewitched by beauty.

Shen Yuxi raised his hand slightly, indicating that he still had important matters to discuss with the Crown Prince and others, so he waved to Shen Yanchu and the others, signaling them to step back.

Helpless, Shen Yanchu could only bow and take his leave. Just as he stepped out the door, a familiar figure came into view—it was Shi Wanxia who had been waiting outside for a long time.

He was about to step forward to exchange pleasantries when Ye Wenshu, like a nimble little deer, took the first step and quickly grabbed Shi Wanxia's hand. Her gaze swept over Shi Wanxia, ​​scrutinizing her carefully until she was sure she was unharmed, at which point she secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Even so, her voice still trembled uncontrollably, choked with sobs, as if she were pleading: "Sister Shi, you're alright, that's wonderful! I was so worried! Father was furious and locked me in the ancestral hall, refusing to let me visit you. Now that I see you safe and sound, I can finally relax."

As she spoke, large tears streamed down her face, and she gripped Shi Wanxia tightly with both hands, as if afraid that she would disappear again.

Looking at the little girl in front of her, Shi Wanxia felt a warm current well up in her heart.

Ye Wenshu comes from a prestigious family and has a noble status, but she is gentle and kind. Since they met, she has sincerely regarded her as a close friend.

Seeing her crying with tears streaming down her face, Shi Wanxia felt a pang of heartache. She quickly reached out and gently hugged her, patting her back rhythmically with her right hand, and said softly, "Don't worry, I'm perfectly fine. It's all my fault for making you worry about me."

While comforting Ye Wenshu, Shi Wanxia's thoughts drifted away, and the faces of Shuyun and the others appeared in her mind. She secretly wondered how they were doing now that she had left so suddenly, and hoped that they wouldn't get into any trouble because of her.

Ye Wenshu seemed to realize that she had been too out of line, so she hurriedly stepped out of Shi Wanxia's arms, wiped the tears from her face, and smiled shyly: "Sister Shi, I... I was in a moment of panic and lost my manners. Please don't laugh at me."

Her appearance was like a shy peach blossom in spring, making her all the more endearing.