coobybook Chapter 219 Choi Ji-ho Arrives
Chapter 219 Choi Ji-ho Arrives
Inside the Youzhou City government office, Cui Zhihao listened to Cui Jiu's report with trepidation, realizing that Miss Shi was far too audacious.
How could we possibly confront the Princess head-on? If we offended her, the consequences would be dire...
Cui Zhihao grew increasingly alarmed. He hurriedly ordered Cui Jiu to prepare a carriage, determined to defy orders and go to Xinyang, even if it meant giving up his official post. He was deeply worried about Miss Shi, and his anxiety surged like a tidal wave.
Night fell, the stars twinkling in the sky, and Cui Zhihao hurried along, rushing to the county government office. All the way, he was burning with anxiety, wishing he could fly to Miss Shi's side immediately. The carriage sped along the rugged road, the bumpy ride only fueling his restlessness.
Finally, at dawn, Cui Zhihao arrived at the Xinyang County government office. Without resting, he went straight to Miss Shi's residence. Only when he saw that Miss Shi was safe and sound did the weight lift from his heart.
When Miss Shi saw how exhausted Cui Zhihao looked, she was deeply moved. She knew that Cui Zhihao had disobeyed orders and rushed here under the cover of night for her sake.
Cui Zhihao's eyes, filled with concern and worry, made Shi Wanxia feel uneasy for a moment. She quickly changed the subject, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere. Knowing he had disobeyed orders to come find her, Shi Wanxia was terrified. She understood the danger involved and quickly told him to go back.
But Cui Zhihao shook his head firmly, refusing to leave no matter what. His eyes were full of determination and resolve as he told Shi Wanxia that he couldn't stand by and watch her in danger.
Shi Wanxia sighed helplessly. She knew Cui Zhihao's personality; once he made up his mind, it was difficult to change it. A wave of emotion welled up in her heart, but she also felt a pang of guilt. She knew she had caused Cui Zhihao a lot of trouble, yet he had always stayed by her side, never abandoning her.
At that moment, Shi Wanxia secretly made up her mind that no matter what difficulties they might encounter in the future, she would face them together with Cui Zhihao. Their fates were already closely intertwined and could no longer be separated.
When the eldest princess saw Cui Zhihao, who should have been at the Youzhou government office, suddenly appearing in her villa, she was immediately enraged and scolded him for being ridiculous, daring to abandon his post as an official of the court.
Cui Zhihao, however, remained calm and unhurriedly bowed to the princess, then said, "Princess, please calm your anger. I have come here today to tell you something important."
The eldest princess frowned and asked, "What matter is so urgent that it made you disregard the laws of the court and come here on your own?"
Cui Zhihao lowered his voice and said, "Princess, I have received information that someone intends to harm you."
The princess was startled, her expression turning serious. She asked, "Do you know who it is?"
Cui Zhihao shook his head and said, "I am not clear about this matter yet, but it is of great importance. I am worried about the princess's safety, so I risked coming here."
The princess was silent for a moment, then said, "You did the right thing. I will investigate this matter thoroughly. You should go back now and make sure no one finds out you were here."
Cui Zhihao didn't move, but silently stood next to Miss Shi. How could Shen Yunzheng not understand?
I'm afraid the message was a lie; the truth is he risked his life to come for this girl!
Standing in the ornately decorated hall, Shi Wanxia felt as if the air around her had frozen. She could clearly feel the oppressive aura emanating from the Princess and her entourage. Though she was flustered and afraid, she remained composed. She had long known that these people were up to no good.
The eldest princess sat in the high seat, her eyes coldly scrutinizing Shi Wanxia. "Miss Shi, you are a woman, yet you dare to attempt to open a girls' school. This is a violation of ancestral rules and a disruption of the court."
Shi Wanxia curtsied slightly, but her voice was steady and firm: "Your Highness, women face many difficulties in this world, often confined to their chambers. The idea that 'lack of talent is a virtue' imprisons their minds. However, if women can read and understand principles, it will benefit both their families and the country. Why shouldn't they do it?"
The old nanny beside the princess scolded, "How dare you! It's already inappropriate for a woman to show her face in public, but to want to gather people to give lectures is utterly absurd."
Shi Wanxia took a deep breath. "Granny, you are mistaken. In other countries, women are already involved in many affairs and contributing to social development. Women in our country are no less capable; they just lack an opportunity. I simply want to fight for a better future for them."
At this moment, Cui Zhihao, who had been standing silently in the corner, fixed his gaze on Shi Wanxia. He was a promising young minister in the court and should not have been involved with someone as "rebellious" as Shi Wanxia, but for some reason, his heart had already been moved by her courage and persistence.
Zhihao stepped forward and bowed to the Princess, saying, "Your Highness, although Miss Shi's behavior has been improper, her intentions may have been good. Perhaps we can listen to her plans for running the school before making a decision."
The eldest princess raised an eyebrow. "Lord Cui, have you perhaps been bewitched by this woman? Such a thing that goes against the rules of the times must not be tolerated."
Cui Zhihao respectfully replied, "Your Highness is wise. However, I believe that if we suppress it indiscriminately, it may cause public resentment. Currently, many women in the community support Miss Shi's actions. If we can guide them properly, we may be able to avoid a major upheaval."
Shi Wanxia glanced gratefully at Cui Zhihao. She knew that in this situation filled with opposition, his words were a rare form of support.
The princess pondered for a moment, then said, "Let's hear what Miss Shi has to say."
Shi Wanxia was delighted and began to explain her educational philosophy: "Your Highness, the courses taught at the girls' school will not only include female virtues, but also poetry, calligraphy, painting, arithmetic, and so on. This will enable women to have a skill so that they can support themselves if they encounter unforeseen circumstances in the future. Moreover, the school will be located in a secluded and quiet place so as not to disturb others."
Upon hearing this, the eldest princess snorted coldly, "Even so, this still cannot escape the name of violating etiquette."
Cui Zhihao spoke again: "Your Highness, you can let Miss Shi try it out first, and secretly send someone to supervise. If there are any problems, then we can deal with them."
After much hesitation, the princess finally agreed, "Very well, we will do as Lord Cui says. But if anything goes wrong, Miss Shi, you will have to bear all the blame and not implicate others."
Shi Wanxia hurriedly replied, "This humble official understands, thank you for your leniency, Your Highness."
After the princess and her entourage left, Shi Wanxia breathed a sigh of relief, her legs went weak, and she almost collapsed.
Cui Zhihao quickly helped her up, saying, "You took too much risk today. If the princess hadn't been in a good mood, the consequences would have been unimaginable."
Shi Wanxia looked at him, her eyes filled with gratitude and stubbornness. "I know, but I don't want to give up. It's hard for women in this world too. I want to change something for them, even if it goes against the rules of this era, even if it means being shattered to pieces."
Choi Ji-ho sighed softly, "I understand your ambition, but the road ahead is full of thorns. I will protect you to the best of my ability."
Shi Wanxia's heart stirred; she saw a unique emotion in Cui Zhihao's eyes. In this era of strict feudal ethics, this understanding and support were all the more precious.
After that, the girls' school was established with great difficulty. She worked hard day and night in the summer, and Xiao Jinchen would often come, sometimes bringing books, sometimes helping to solve some problems.