mtl008 Chapter 234 Choi Ji-ho is escorted to the capital
Chapter 234 Choi Ji-ho is escorted to the capital
"It is destined to be carried by heaven, the emperor decreed."
The eunuch cleared his throat and began to read aloud.
"Prefect Cui Zhihao of Youzhou is audacious and reckless. He intends to undermine the imperial court and disregard ancestral laws and rituals. He even allowed a woman to enter officialdom."
"Such heinous acts are utterly despicable. As a court official, one should know shame and abide by the rules. However, Cui Zhihao's actions are undoubtedly a blatant provocation against the imperial system. He is hereby dismissed from his post as prefect and escorted back to the capital to await further judgment. So be it!"
The atmosphere in the courtroom was so heavy it seemed like water could drip from it.
Choi Ji-ho knelt on the ground, his back straight. He knew in his heart that this was a trial against him and the beliefs he held dear.
But there was no fear in his eyes, only composure and determination. He knew that although his actions had angered the emperor, he had a clear conscience.
Whether it was guiding Shi Niang into officialdom or implementing a series of new policies in Youzhou, it was all for the sake of the ideal world in his heart.
Now, faced with this imperial edict, he is about to embark on an unknown journey, and Youzhou, the land he has painstakingly cultivated, will face new tests and changes after his departure.
Miss Shi was exceptionally intelligent and ambitious. As a woman, she used her talent to enter officialdom, hoping to make a name for herself in this world, but unexpectedly, her misdeeds were exposed, implicating Cui Zhihao.
Cui Zhihao has served as an official for many years and has always been honest and upright. His appointment of Shi Wanxia this time was not an impulsive decision.
He was well aware of Shi Wanxia's talent and ability; in many affairs of Xinyang's governance, Miss Shi played a key role.
Whether dealing with issues affecting people's livelihoods or handling disputes in officialdom, she could offer unique insights and act decisively, no less so than any man.
However, in this dynasty with its strict feudal ethics, it was a major taboo for women to hold official positions, and if discovered, it would be a heinous crime.
On the way back to Beijing under escort, Choi Ji-ho was filled with mixed emotions.
He recalled their first meeting in late summer. She was dressed simply, with a firm and clear gaze. Although she was slender, she exuded an indomitable spirit.
However, the truth eventually came out. Some conservative officials in the court already had reservations about Choi Ji-ho's style of doing things.
After a secret investigation, it was discovered that Shi Wanxia was openly acting as a woman, so they immediately reported to the emperor, intending to put Cui Zhihao to death.
Upon returning to the capital, Choi Ji-ho was imprisoned. In the dark and damp cell, he kept thinking of a solution.
He knew that he had to fight for a chance for himself and for Shi Wanxia, and not let this absurd etiquette bury true talent.
The carriage escorting the prisoners to the capital in late summer moved slowly along the official road. The carriage swayed slightly with each bump, leaving deep ruts on the dirt road.
Inside the car, Shi Wanxia sat calmly, her face serene, though a hint of worry about the unknown lingered in her eyes.
Ye Wenshu sat beside her, her expression resolute. Her magnificent attire and extraordinary demeanor highlighted her noble status as the future Princess Consort of Xiang and the daughter of the Grand Tutor.
Ye Wenshu used her status to protect Shi Wanxia throughout the journey.
Shi Wanxia did not suffer the hardships commonly encountered during the escort, and was not even required to wear prison clothes.
Ye Wenshu was not at ease. She knew that her actions might bring great disaster to her family. Her father, as the Grand Tutor, had always been cautious in court.
By openly protecting Shi Wanxia who was being escorted, he was undoubtedly walking on the edge of a dangerous situation, which could potentially lead to his death.
But whenever she looked at Shi Wanxia beside her, her worries were replaced by determination.
Shi Wanxia was such a good woman. In the short few days they worked together at the Xinyang County Government, they worked tirelessly together for the benefit of the people.
Whether dealing with trivial civil disputes or promoting new policies that benefit people's livelihoods, Shi Wanxia always took the lead. Her intelligence, decisiveness, and sincere heart for the people deeply moved Ye Wenshu.
Recalling Xinyang County, Shi Wanxia went deep into the fields and had long talks with the old farmers to understand the crop harvest and tax pressure;
She walked into the streets and alleys, listened to the demands of the vendors, and offered suggestions for improving the business environment. The new policies she implemented gradually improved the lives of the people of Xinyang County, and made their folk customs more honest and simple.
The local people have genuine respect and recognition for Shi Wanxia, and have never looked down on her in the slightest because she is a woman.
In that male-dominated world of officialdom, Shi Wanxia was like a unique and dazzling star.
Ye Wenshu had never seen an official like Shi Wanxia who was so dedicated to serving the people.
In her mind, the officialdom was full of people who pursued fame and fortune, and the position of princess, though noble, was just an embellishment in a deep mansion.
Now that she works with Shi Wanxia, she has come to understand the satisfaction that comes from serving the people. This kind of joy cannot be given by fame or fortune. Even if it means taking huge risks, she is unwilling to give up protecting Shi Wanxia.
As the carriage drew closer to the capital, Ye Wenshu's mood grew increasingly heavy.
She knew that once she entered the capital, Shi Wanxia would definitely be imprisoned in the Dali Temple prison, a place that was gloomy and cold, and where the punishments were severe.
By then, no matter how much status and position she has, she will probably be unable to protect Shi Wanxia anymore.
But she was still secretly plotting in her heart whether she could find other help in the capital, whether she could speak a few words of justice for Shi Wanxia in the court, even if there was only a sliver of hope, she would try.
The carriage curtain was lifted by a corner in the wind. Ye Wenshu looked at the scenery rushing past outside the window and silently prayed that a miracle would happen so that Shi Wanxia could escape this calamity and that a good official like her would not be swallowed up by the dark rules of officialdom.
Shi Wanxia seemed to sense Ye Wenshu's worry and gently took her hand, the two women's hands clasped tightly together.
During this turbulent journey of escort, they offered each other a touch of warmth and comfort, as if silently declaring that no matter how many difficulties and obstacles lay ahead, they would not easily bow to fate and would fight to the end for justice and righteousness.
In Chaoyang City, the capital of Cangling Kingdom, the magnificent city gate became increasingly clear in the field of vision.
Pei Xuan, with agile movements, nimbly dismounted from his horse, quickly walked to Miss Ye's carriage, knelt on one knee, and respectfully bowed.
“Miss Ye, we are about to reach the city gate. I cannot let you continue to follow us. If someone with ulterior motives notices, it will surely implicate my mentor.”
Pei Xuan raised his head slightly, his eyes filled with sincerity and helplessness. "Rest assured, as long as His Majesty has not issued an order to torture Lord Shi, I will arrange for someone to take good care of him."
Pei Xuan, as the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, bears the heavy responsibility of criminal justice in the court. However, he has been a student of Grand Tutor Ye since childhood and has known Miss Ye since she was a child.
He entered the palace as a child to become the Crown Prince's companion, and through his experience in the complex environment of the court and officialdom, he gained a deep understanding of the intricacies involved.
When Lord Shi was escorted to the capital, Miss Ye accompanied him and took special care of him. Considering his teacher-student relationship and his respect for Miss Ye, he chose to acquiesce.
But at this moment, the city gate is just a stone's throw away. Various forces in the capital are deeply entrenched and have many eyes and ears, so there is no room for the slightest mistake.
Miss Ye lifted the carriage curtain and leaned out, her face showing worry but also a hint of stubbornness: "Lord Pei, I know you have many concerns, but Lady Shi is devoted to the people. You have also heard about what she did in Xinyang County. How can I just stand by and watch her fall into danger?"
“Having accompanied her along the way, I have witnessed her injustice and helplessness. If I were to abandon her now, my heart would not be at peace.”