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

Chapter 283: Hitting the wall at every turn

Cui Zhe sighed helplessly, looked up and saw that it was pitch black outside, and it was getting late.

He got up and went to the front hall, his steps showing signs of weariness and worry.

Upon seeing this, Cui Ziting quickly followed. He now works in the Ministry of Rites as a Vice Minister and his career is generally smooth. However, he still maintains a respectful attitude towards his father.

Cui Ziting was over thirty years old and had married the eldest daughter of the Lu family of Fanyang in his early years.

Born into a prestigious family with strict upbringing, Lady Lu was carefully cultivated from a young age, displaying the demeanor of a well-bred lady in every gesture.

The bright lights in the front hall made Cui Lushi's figure appear exceptionally gentle.

As the eldest daughter-in-law of the Cui family, she was virtuous, well-educated, and skilled in managing the household. In the capital, such a woman was loved by thousands.

Cui Zhe looked at his daughter-in-law with great satisfaction and quickly sat down.

When Cui Lushi saw her father-in-law sit down, she immediately stepped forward and personally served him the dishes, even though there were many maids and servants standing by her side at all times.

In noble families, it was customary for daughters-in-law to serve their parents-in-law meals, which was also a manifestation of filial piety.

Cui Ziting quickly sat down next to his father. The family seemed to be enjoying a harmonious time together, but Cui Zhe had other worries in his heart.

He thought to himself, there had been no news from Huai'an for several days, and he wondered how he was doing.

Huai'an is Cui Zhe's nephew. He was intelligent and quick-witted from a young age, but he was also unruly by nature. He gave up his identity as a member of the Cui family of Qinghe for a woman and had no interest in officialdom or career.

Although Cui Zhe loved his nephew dearly, he often worried about his future.

During the meal, Cui Zhe couldn't help but ask, "Ziting, have you received any news from Huai'an recently?"

Cui Ziting was slightly taken aback, put down his bowl and chopsticks, and respectfully replied, "Father, I have not received it. However, Huai'an has always acted with discretion, so he must have been traveling and lost track of time."

Cui Lushi also said softly from the side, "Father-in-law, there is no need to worry too much. The young master is a lucky man and will be blessed by heaven."

Cui Zhe nodded slightly, but he still couldn't hide his sorrow.

He recalled Huai'an's appearance before he left, his eyes filled with longing for freedom. Although he tried his best to dissuade him, he ultimately couldn't persuade him otherwise.

Now, with each passing day without news, his unease grows stronger.

After finishing his meal, Cui Zhe returned to his study and sat alone at his desk, stroking objects from his childhood in Huai'an, his thoughts drifting away.

Back then, when Huai'an fell off his horse for the first time, he stubbornly refused to cry and even smiled, saying that he would become a great hero who roamed the martial arts world. At that time, his face was full of fearlessness and longing.

Cui Zhe stood under the corridor of the mansion, gazing at the autumn leaves falling softly in the courtyard, his brows furrowed, his heart filled with worry for his nephew Cui Zhihao.

From a young age, Cui Zhihao was the pride of the Cui family. He was exceptionally intelligent, diligent, and self-disciplined. The elders in the clan all believed that he was a rising star who could shine in his official career and revitalize the Cui family.

But now, everything has been disrupted by a woman named Shi Wanxia.

Cui Zhe still remembers that a few months ago, Cui Zhihao participated in the family gathering as usual, showing the demeanor of a scion of a prominent family while chatting and laughing.

He always speaks highly of the extraordinary woman he met in Xinyang.

Although she came from humble origins, she possessed striking features, with eyebrows like distant mountains and eyes that sparkled with both liveliness and stubbornness. Among the elegantly dressed aristocratic women, she stood out like a fresh and refined little flower.

From that moment on, Choi Ji-ho's gaze never left her, as if the whole world consisted only of her.

From then on, Cui Zhihao was like a different person. In the past, he would always get up early to study the classics and historical texts to prepare for entering the court as an official, and he would also actively participate in the social activities and official engagements arranged by his family.

But now, for the sake of a woman, he has actually broken away from his family and no longer cares about his career plans; all he sees is that ordinary woman.

He still remembers what Zhizhou said when he left his family for that ordinary woman.

At that moment, Cui Zhihao responded with unwavering determination and without backing down: "Uncle, Miss Shi is the most precious person in this world to me."

"I don't want to be a burden to my family anymore; I just want to stay with her forever."

Cui Zhe glared at him angrily, "You're being foolish! Our family has accumulated its current glory over generations, and you're going to throw all of that away for a woman."

"If you leave your family, you will lose all your support, and your career will vanish. How will you survive in the future?"

Cui Zhihao remained unmoved. "Uncle, my mind is made up."

"Although Miss Shi came from a humble background, she was kind, intelligent, and we were kindred spirits."

"Even without family honor and a career in government, I can still give her happiness with my own hands."

Ultimately, despite his family's objections, Choi Ji-ho resolutely broke away from the Choi family and gave up his promising future.

He settled down in a small house in the late summer and lived a simple yet sweet life.

At first, they made a living by selling some of Choi Ji-ho's personal belongings. Although life was hard, the two supported each other and were quite happy with it.

However, the harsh reality soon followed. Having lost the protection of his family, Choi Ji-ho encountered setbacks everywhere in society.

He wanted to find a job to make a living, but because of his family background, no one dared to hire him.

The pressures of life gradually overwhelmed him. Although Miss Shi never complained, Cui Zhihao felt guilty.

One day, Choi Ji-ho went out to look for a job but was rejected again, leaving him in a bad mood.

As dusk settled and the setting sun cast its blood-red glow through the dappled leaves, it dappled onto Cui Zhihao's lonely figure.

He dragged his heavy steps, slowly walking along the bluestone alley on his way home, his heart filled with frustration and resentment.

This was the third time he had encountered setbacks in his pursuit of a livelihood. His ambitions and expectations had vanished with each rejection, and a sense of frustration and dejection had completely enveloped him.

Choi Ji-ho raised his hand and pushed open the door. The hinges creaked softly, as if sighing for his plight.

Inside the house, Shuyun was sitting at the table, carefully checking the household accounts by the dim candlelight.

Hearing the sound, she subconsciously looked up and her eyes instantly caught Cui Zhihao's dejected appearance.

A hint of worry flashed in Shuyun's eyes. She quickly put down the account book in her hand, hurried forward, and asked with concern, "Young Master Cui, you're back. What happened?"

Her voice was soft and melodious, tinged with anxiety, like a clear spring trying to soothe Cui Zhihao's wounded heart.

Cui Zhihao forced a bitter smile, which looked worse than crying. "It still didn't work out. Those high-ranking officials and dignitaries simply weren't willing to give me this opportunity."

His voice was low and hoarse, filled with endless weariness and helplessness, like a traveler who had lost his way in the dark.

Shuyun looked at him with heartache, and for a moment she didn't know how to comfort him.

Just then, the aroma of food wafted from the kitchen. A sudden idea struck her, and she said, "Young Master Cui, quickly wash your hands; dinner will be ready soon!"

She thought that giving Choi Ji-ho some hot food first might dispel the chill in his heart.

Choi Ji-ho responded and dragged himself to the basin, where he quickly washed his hands.

He sat down at the table and looked at the dishes he usually loved to eat, but at that moment, he found it hard to swallow.

Shuyun sat down quietly to the side and served Cui Zhihao a bowl of soup. "Young master, have some soup to warm your stomach first."

Her gaze was gentle yet firm, fixed on Choi Ji-ho, as if conveying a silent strength.

Choi Ji-ho took the soup bowl, drank a few sips, and it seemed that some of the frustration in his heart flowed away with the warm soup.

He put down his bowl, looked at Shuyun, his eyes filled with gratitude and guilt, "Shuyun, I'm sorry, I've dragged you into this."

Shuyun quickly waved her hand, a gentle smile appearing in her eyes, "What are you saying, young master? Being by your side, I have never felt bitter."

"Let's work together to find a solution, and things will get better."