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

Chapter 466 Shen Yanchu's Thoughts

Shen Yuxi's voice was firm and authoritative, carrying an unquestionable authority.

"The minister obeys the order!"

Pei Xuan kowtowed to accept the order, and when he stood up, his forehead was already beaded with sweat. He knew that this case was far-reaching and that the slightest mistake could bring trouble upon himself, but the emperor's order had been given and there was no room for refusal.

After dealing with the traitor, Shen Yuxi's gaze returned to the "rewards," and the atmosphere in the hall immediately became subtle.

On the left, Wang Chong, the Minister of Rites, took half a step forward, his beard trembling slightly as he stroked it: "Your Majesty, I agree with His Highness the Crown Prince's assessment of Lord Shi's merits in disaster relief and quelling the rebellion, and he should be rewarded. However... bestowing another female official upon him might be inappropriate!"

"Why do you say that, my lord?" Crown Prince Shen Yanzhou raised his eyes, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable weight.

"Shuyun, Qinxin, and others, during the crisis in Chuzhou, coordinated the supply of provisions, treated the wounded, and supervised the construction of dikes. Their actions were no less remarkable than those of men."

"Our dynasty has always valued talent in selecting officials, so why can't women obtain official positions?"

"Besides, Lady Shi is a woman! She recently established the Ministry of Finance, which also has many female members!"

Wang Chong hurriedly bowed: "Your Highness, please calm down! I do not mean to belittle women, but... 'Men are in charge of external affairs, and women are in charge of internal affairs' is an ancestral rule!"

"It is unprecedented for a woman to serve as an official in the court. I fear this will disrupt the established order and incur criticism from the people!"

As soon as he said this, several senior officials immediately echoed his sentiments, nodding in agreement, all appearing to be firmly committed to upholding ancestral rules.

Just as the Crown Prince was about to argue further, Fan Peng, the Minister of Revenue standing on the right, spoke up: "Your Majesty, I think what His Highness the Crown Prince said makes sense."

"After the disaster in Chuzhou, the national treasury was empty. Princess Shi promoted 'cement,' which saved money and effort in building dikes and repairing houses. If Miss Qinxin continues to supervise and promote it, it will be a good thing for the country and the people."

"As for official titles, they are just titles. It is better for them to act legitimately than to remain behind the scenes and have their merits buried."

Fan Peng, who was in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, valued practical interests the most. He remembered clearly that Qin Xin had saved nearly 30% of the national treasury's expenditure by using cement in Chuzhou, so naturally he had to speak up for her.

For a time, the court was divided into two factions: one led by the Ministry of Rites to uphold ancestral rules, and the other led by the Ministry of Revenue to support practicality. The debate raged on.

Shen Yuxi sat on the dragon throne, listening to the argument below, his fingers still caressing the Taotie pattern. After a long while, he finally spoke: "Alright, there's no need to argue about this anymore."

As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell silent. "Shi Wanxia was entrusted with a critical mission and stabilized Chuzhou, which is of great merit. I have decided to grant Chuzhou as her fiefdom and reward her with one hundred taels of gold and one thousand bolts of silk as a commendation."

"As for the matter of bestowing official titles upon female officials..."

Shen Yuxi paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone, "Although ancestral rules are important, they must also adapt to the times."

"This matter will be put on hold for now. The Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Rites will discuss it together and come up with a proper plan before submitting it to me for a final decision."

This decision acknowledged Shi Wanxia's contributions while also giving the conservatives a way out, thus temporarily balancing the two sides.

The Crown Prince nodded slightly. Although he had not fully achieved his goal, he had at least secured an opportunity for the female officials, which was already a significant achievement.

"Retreat!"

As the eunuch announced in a high-pitched voice, the officials bowed and slowly withdrew from the hall.

Crown Prince Shen Yanzhou was the last to leave the palace. As soon as he stepped out of the palace gate, Pei Xuan quickly caught up with him: "Your Highness, please wait!"

The Crown Prince stopped and turned to look at him: "Minister Pei, is there something you need?"

Pei Xuan lowered his voice: "Your Highness, I just received news outside the palace that Prince Xiang has returned to the capital with the Imperial Guard's cavalry and is probably already at the Prince's residence."

He paused, then added, "I heard that when Prince Xiang left Chuzhou, he looked extremely displeased, as if he had a grudge against Princess Shi... Your Highness, you should pay close attention."

A cold glint flashed in the Crown Prince's eyes. He knew Shen Yanchu's personality best; he was stubborn and vengeful. Shi Wanxia had publicly humiliated him, so he would certainly not let it go.

"I understand," the Crown Prince said calmly. "Minister Pei, just focus on investigating the case. I will handle the situation with Prince Xiang."

Pei Xuan bowed in agreement, watching the Crown Prince's figure disappear at the end of the palace road, and sighed inwardly.

The imperial court in Cangling is likely to be thrown into complete turmoil because of the incident in Chuzhou.

On the official road outside the west gate of the capital, the dust had not yet completely settled.

Prince Xiang, Shen Yanchu, rode a jet-black steed, followed by dozens of cavalrymen from the Imperial Guard standing at attention. The entourage entered the city gate in a grand procession.

Upon seeing this spectacle, the people on the street quickly made way for them, whispering amongst themselves in hushed tones.

Everyone knows that this Prince Xiang has always been short-tempered. Now, seeing his ashen face and chilling aura, no one dares to provoke him.

Shen Yanchu rode his horse straight to the Prince of Xiang's residence.

As soon as they arrived at the gate of the mansion, the steward hurriedly came to greet them: "Your Highness, you've finally returned! Miss Ye has been waiting for you at the mansion for most of the day."

"understood."

Shen Yanchu dismounted, tossed the reins to a servant, and hurried inside, the chill emanating from him almost cracking the blue bricks of the mansion.

In the inner courtyard's flower hall, Ye Wenshu was holding a cup of hot tea, but her fingers were trembling slightly.

She wore a moon-white ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with a pearl hairpin in her hair, looking gentle and charming, but there was a hint of unease hidden in her eyes.

Hearing footsteps, she immediately stood up, her face showing just the right amount of worry: "Your Highness, you're finally back! I heard you were mistreated in Chuzhou, and I was so worried about you."

When Shen Yanchu entered the flower hall and saw Ye Qingwan's frail appearance, his anger subsided slightly.

But the thought of Shi Wanxia's unruly face immediately stirred up a surge of anger.

"make you worry."

He sat in the chair, picked up the tea that the maid had just served, but did not drink it. Instead, he placed it heavily on the table, the teacup making a crisp sound as it collided with the surface.

Ye Wenshu quickly stepped forward, gently took his hand, and asked in a voice as soft as water, "What exactly happened? I heard that Miss Shi... she was disrespectful to you?"

Upon hearing the name "Shi Wanxia," Shen Yanchu's eyes instantly turned sinister: "Disrespectful! That woman is nothing short of a shrew from the streets!"

"I kindly bestowed upon her the position of concubine, but not only was she ungrateful, she dared to hit me and even publicly insult me!"

He didn't voice Shi Wanxia's rebuttal, for he couldn't let her ears be tainted by such foul language.

Ye Wenshu's eyes immediately reddened, and tears rolled down her cheeks like a broken string of pearls: "I...I..."

"Why would she treat you like this, Your Highness? Have I caused you trouble?"

Her tears, like pear blossoms in the rain, made Shen Yanchu feel even more heartbroken.

"none of your business!"

Shen Yanchu pulled her into his arms, his tone harsh.

"It's Shi Wanxia who doesn't know her place! An orphan with no background is already incredibly fortunate to have won my favor, yet she dares to be so arrogant."

"Don't worry, after our wedding, I'll make sure you 'teach' her a good lesson, so she knows what rules are and what her place is!"