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

Chapter 368 The Turbulent Times at the Ministry of Works

The midsummer breeze carried a hint of languid restlessness, yet it could not dispel the somber atmosphere within the Ministry of Works' government office.

The stacks of official documents on the desk exuded the old scent of ink, which, together with the faint sounds of carriages and horses coming from outside the window, outlined a typical scene of an official office.

However, this tranquility was suddenly shattered by a sharp voice.

"Hmph, in my opinion, if the Ministry of Works hadn't mismanaged the fire on East Street in the capital, how could the disaster have spread to this extent?"

The speaker was Zheng west, the official in charge of disaster relief funds sent by the Ministry of Revenue. Although he was only a fifth-rank official, he dared to put on airs of seniority in the Ministry of Works office because of the reputation of the Zheng family of Xingyang.

At this moment, he was stroking his goatee, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes revealed undisguised contempt.

"It is against the ancestral rules to place a young woman in a high position and put her in charge of the Ministry of Works, a crucial department concerning the national economy and people's livelihood."

"Now that such a blunder has occurred, in my opinion, it is time to investigate it thoroughly!"

The "young woman" he mentioned was none other than Shi Wanxia, ​​the youngest Minister of Works in the current dynasty, who also held the title of Princess.

These words not only silenced the junior officials standing around, but also pierced Cui Jiu's heart like a needle, which was standing behind the main seat.

Cui Jiu was Cui Zhihao's most capable bodyguard. His black outfit accentuated his tall and straight figure, and although the sword at his waist was not drawn, one could already feel its restrained sharpness.

He had been by Cui Zhihao's side since childhood and watched Shi grow from a clever and lively girl to where she is today through her own talent.

He knew all too well that his young master's regard for Miss Shi had long surpassed ordinary colleague friendship; it was a deep-seated protection and cherishing.

Zheng west's words were not only a slander against Miss Shi, but also a complete denial of her courage in the face of disaster and her tireless efforts day and night.

Cui Jiu remembered clearly that when the fire first broke out, Miss Shi immediately led the craftsmen from the Ministry of Works to the front line, guarding the ruins day and night, enduring wind and rain, and even narrowly escaping death several times.

On this day, the bloodshot veins in her eyes were more numerous than the stars in the sky, and the blisters on her hands kept breaking and healing, but she never uttered a single complaint.

But this Zheng west in front of us is just hiding in the back and talking, yet he is so capable of turning black into white!

Cui Jiu tightened his grip on the sword hilt, his knuckles turning white from the force, and the anger in his eyes almost burst forth.

If it weren't for the fact that this was the Ministry of Works, the place where the young master handled official business, he probably would have already stepped forward and shown this old scoundrel what he should and shouldn't say.

"Lord Zheng, you are mistaken!"

Just as Cui Jiuqiang was suppressing his anger, a clear and calm voice rang out. It was Cui Zhihao, who was sitting in the main seat.

He looked up at Zheng west, his gaze calm and unwavering, yet carrying an invisible pressure.

"Lady Shi is a female official personally appointed by His Majesty. She holds the rank of a princess and is also the Minister of Works, a position above you and me."

"What, has Lord Zheng gone mad from all his reading? How dare you speak so recklessly about an official of the imperial court?"

Choi Ji-ho's words were clear and resounding.

He came from the Cui family of Qinghe. Although he did not rely entirely on the family's power, he possessed the dignity and prestige of a scion of a prominent family.

Although he wasn't angry at the moment, his calm tone made Zheng west instantly feel inferior.

Choi Ji-ho caught a glimpse of the fleeting resentment in Jung Seo's eyes out of the corner of his eye, but he paid no attention to it.

In his eyes, a mere concubine of the Zheng family of Xingyang was utterly insignificant.

Even if he no longer had the identity of the Cui family of Qinghe, with his abilities, he would have been more than capable of protecting Shi Wei.

Moreover, Shi Wei is intelligent, quick-witted, and meticulous. He doesn't need to lift a finger to deal with someone like Zheng west who only knows how to rely on his age and spread rumors.

Furthermore, His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince are currently in a period of relative weakness, and the management of the floods in Jiangnan and the planning of new water conservancy projects are all inseparable from her.

With His Majesty and the Crown Prince around, how could she possibly be put in real danger?

Cui Zhihao slowly opened the official document in front of him, dipped his pen in ink, and spoke seemingly casually, but his tone carried an undeniable warning: "Lord Zheng, I would like to remind you of something."

"Just who is Lord Shi, and why does he enjoy the deep trust of His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince? I imagine you have heard these rumors as well."

"In my opinion, Lord Zheng should be more law-abiding and avoid asking for trouble."

Zheng west was speechless after being silenced by Cui Zhihao's words, her face turning red and white in turns.

He had only said those things to vent his dissatisfaction with Shi Wei and to curry favor with Cui Zhihao, but he didn't expect to be exposed in public, leaving him in a dilemma.

Realizing the deeper meaning in Cui Zhihao's words, he dared not utter another word, only feeling embarrassed and fearful of being caught red-handed.

"Your Excellency is absolutely right; it was I who overstepped my bounds."

Zheng west immediately bowed and greeted them with utmost respect, his voice trembling slightly.

Choi Ji-ho glanced at him, too lazy to look at him any longer, and simply waved his hand, signaling him to leave.

Zheng west felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He dared not delay any longer, so he quickly bowed again, lowered his head, and hurriedly left the room as if a raging flood or ferocious beast was chasing him.

Only after Zheng Xi's figure completely disappeared outside the door did Cui Jiu finally lose his temper and step forward, his tone full of resentment: "Young Master, why did you just let him go like that? At least you should have taught him a lesson, let him know that Miss Shi is not someone to be slandered! That old scoundrel... Humph!"

As he finished speaking, he couldn't help but let out a cold snort, showing that his anger had not subsided.

Upon hearing this, Choi Ji-ho frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure on his face.

This is the Ministry of Works' government office, an important place for handling official business. How can he be allowed to make such a ruckus here?

"shut up!"

Choi Ji-ho's voice turned colder, "You're getting more and more unruly! Don't forget who you are!"

He looked up at Cui Jiu, his gaze carrying a clear warning: "Miss Shi is clever and meticulous in her work. It's not your place to make a fuss here."

"Furthermore, with me here, nothing will happen to her."

He paused, his tone becoming more somber.

"As for you, do I have to teach you what to say and what not to say?"

Cui Jiu was startled by Cui Zhihao's words and instantly realized his loss of composure.

This is not the Cui residence. The young master is handling official business. My impulsive actions are truly inappropriate.

He immediately knelt down with a thud, bowed his head and begged for forgiveness: "Your subordinate knows his mistake and begs for punishment from your master."

"Get up."

Choi Ji-ho's tone softened slightly, but it still carried an air of authority.

"Go down, I still have official business to attend to."

"Yes."

Cui Jiu responded, carefully rose from the ground, and bowed again.

"Then I shall take my leave. Please continue with your business."

After receiving Choi Ji-ho's tacit approval, Choi Gu quietly left the room and gently closed the door.

The light outside the door was much softer, but it couldn't dispel the worry in his heart.

He stood under the corridor, his gaze involuntarily drifting towards the gate of the government office, as if two voices were pulling at his heart.

A voice told him that the young master was right, and that Miss Shi already had a benefactor to help her, so there was no need for him to do anything extra.

Another voice cried out, "Miss Shi may be busy helping the people suffering from the disaster in the city right now. There may be someone stirring up trouble behind Zheng west. What if something really happens?"

After struggling for a long time, Cui Jiu finally couldn't suppress his inner worries.

He tightened his grip on the sword at his waist, took one last look at the room where Cui Zhihao was, then turned and hurriedly left the Ministry of Works.

He knew that leaving without permission might displease the young master, but he was even more afraid that the young lady Shi, who always stood tall and was dedicated to her country and its people, might have suffered some injustice in a place he couldn't see.