jdhmnovel Chapter 332 Promotion and Ennoblement
Chapter 332 Promotion and Ennoblement
Cui Zhihao stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Highness, I know Miss Shi's character best."
"We met, got to know each other, and fell in love."
"The Prince of Xiang's actions not only harmed Miss Shi, but also hindered the promotion of movable type printing."
Shen Yanzhou nodded slightly: "What Huai'an said makes sense. If the movable type printing technology that Sister Wanxia is researching can be promoted, it will greatly improve the efficiency of book printing, allow knowledge to be spread more widely, and benefit people all over the world."
"Yan Chu, as a court official, instead of thinking about the well-being of the country and its people, you are here fighting over women. What kind of behavior is this?"
Shen Yanchu was dissatisfied, but dared not refute the Crown Prince, so he could only grit his teeth and remain silent.
Just then, Choi Ji-ho's father hurriedly thanked His Highness the Crown Prince on behalf of his wife.
Dressed in a scarlet casual robe, with a solemn expression, he bowed to the Crown Prince and said, "Your Highness's presence is an honor to my humble abode. I hope Your Highness will uphold justice in this matter."
Shen Yanzhou returned the greeting, saying, "No need for such formalities, Lord Cui. I will definitely investigate today's matter thoroughly and give Sister Wanxia and Zhihao an explanation."
Shen Yanzhou turned to the guard beside him and said, "Go and find the person who was with Wanxia and Yanchu in the Cangyan Mountains that day. I want to question them in person." The guard obeyed and left.
The atmosphere in the hall was oppressive during the wait, and everyone remained silent.
Shi Wanxia felt uneasy and held Cui Zhihao's hand tightly.
Choi Ji-ho gently patted the back of her hand to comfort her.
Shen Yanzhou personally interrogated them, and the others testified that Shi Wanxia behaved properly and without any impropriety during her time in the Cangyan Mountains.
After listening, Shen Yanzhou glared angrily at Shen Yanchu: "Yanchu, what else do you have to say?"
Shen Yanchu's face turned pale, and he knelt on the ground with a thud: "Your Highness, I was confused for a moment, please spare my life."
Shen Yanzhou said coldly, "You have slandered Wanxia's reputation and ruined her relationship with Zhihao. Your crimes are unforgivable."
"Considering this is your first offense and there was no substantial harm done, I will let you off this time. But if there is a next time, I will not be so lenient."
Shen Yanchu felt as if he had been granted a pardon and kowtowed repeatedly: "Thank you, Your Highness, for sparing my life. I will definitely repent and correct my past mistakes in the future."
After resolving the matter, Shen Yanzhou said to Lord Cui, "Lord Cui, Wanxia's movable type printing technology is of great significance, and the court will certainly provide full support. If there are any difficulties, please feel free to raise them."
Lord Cui said gratefully, "Thank you for your support, Your Highness. My Cui family will do our utmost to assist Miss Shi in promoting movable type printing."
Shen Yanzhou then said to Shi Wanxia and Cui Zhihao, "Wanxia, Zhihao, you must work hard to promote movable type printing as soon as possible."
"If anyone dares to make things difficult for you again, feel free to come and find me."
Shi Wanxia and Cui Zhihao exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with gratitude: "Thank you, Your Highness."
However, things didn't end there.
The promotion of movable type printing was not smooth sailing. Some conservatives believed that movable type printing would impact the traditional woodblock printing industry and wrote letters of opposition.
Although Shen Yanchu outwardly agreed to repent and reform, he harbored resentment in his heart and secretly colluded with some forces to suppress Shi Wanxia and Cui Zhihao.
Despite facing numerous difficulties, Shi Wanxia and Cui Zhihao did not back down.
On the one hand, they wrote to the imperial court, explaining the advantages and significance of movable type printing;
On the other hand, demonstrations of movable type printing were held in the public to allow people to witness its convenience firsthand.
Shen Yanzhou also stood up against the majority opinion in the court to garner support for the promotion of movable type printing.
During a demonstration of movable type printing, Shen Yanchu secretly instructed his men to sabotage the event.
Fortunately, Shen Yanzhou arrived in time and captured all the troublemakers.
Shen Yanzhou severely punished Shen Yanchu again, warning him not to repeat the offense.
Meanwhile, the streets and alleys of the capital were filled with the new atmosphere brought about by movable type printing.
Inside the bookstores, brand-new movable-type printed books filled the shelves, attracting people to rush to buy them.
Movable type printing, with its high efficiency and convenience, completely changed the way books were made and disseminated, winning widespread recognition from the people of Beijing.
Inside the Golden Palace, the carved beams and painted rafters shone brilliantly. On the dragon throne, the young Emperor Shen Yuxi wore a bright yellow dragon robe and a twelve-tassel crown, his gaze deep and wise.
He glanced at the civil and military officials lined up below and thought to himself, the promotion of movable type printing has now achieved remarkable results, it is time to reward the meritorious officials.
"My beloved ministers, movable type printing has now spread widely among the people, with remarkable results, and has greatly promoted the prosperity of our dynasty's culture."
"All of this is inseparable from the tireless efforts of my beloved ministers, including Shi Wanxia."
Shen Yuxi's voice was steady and loud, echoing in the hall.
The officials all nodded in approval, acknowledging the changes brought about by movable type printing.
Shi Wanxia, the Vice Minister of Works, stood tall and straight among the officials, dressed in a scarlet official robe.
Her eyes and brows exuded a heroic spirit, and upon hearing His Majesty's words, she felt both joy and trepidation.
Shen Yuxi nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Yu Heng, the eunuch in charge of ceremonies beside him.
Yu Heng understood immediately, straightened his posture, held the prepared imperial edict in both hands, and took a few steps forward.
"His Majesty has decreed!" Yu Heng's high-pitched voice rang out, and the entire hall fell silent instantly. Everyone held their breath and listened to the contents of the imperial edict.
"Effective immediately, the Vice Ministers of the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue are hereby appointed. Shi Wanxia is promoted to Minister of Works, and the former Minister of Works is promoted to Chancellor of the Imperial Secretariat."
"Shi Wanxia is exceptionally talented and has made significant contributions to the practical application of knowledge. She has made outstanding contributions to the promotion of movable type printing. Therefore, she is hereby granted the title of Princess Zhaoyang, of the first rank, and is bestowed with a mansion. Lord Shi, accept the decree and express your gratitude!"
This imperial edict was like a bombshell, causing a huge uproar in the imperial court.
Everyone cast surprised and envious glances at her, and Shi Wanxia was completely stunned.
She never expected that His Majesty would suddenly grant her an official title and bestow upon her the title of Princess.
For a moment, she was at a loss.
After a brief moment of shock, Shi Wanxia quickly regained her senses.
She lifted her skirt, knelt down and kowtowed: "Your subject Shi Wanxia receives the imperial decree and thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!" Her voice was clear and firm.
After the court session, Shi Wanxia walked alone on the imperial road of the palace.
The sunlight shone on her, warm and comforting, but her heart was like a surging tide, unable to calm down for a long time.
Just then, footsteps sounded behind her. Shi Wanxia turned around and saw that it was none other than the current Crown Prince, Shen Yanzhou.
"Congratulations, Wanxia!"
With a smile on his face, Shen Yanzhou quickly walked to Shi Wanxia's side.
"You have given so much to movable type printing, and you deserve all of this."
Shi Wanxia smiled and thanked them: "It is thanks to the support of Your Highness the Crown Prince and His Majesty that I have been able to achieve what I have today."
Shen Yanzhou gazed intently at Shi Wanxia with deep eyes: "Sister Wanxia, do you know that this is not only an award for you personally, but also an encouragement to all those who have made contributions to the country and its people?"
"Now that you are the Minister of Works and Princess Zhaoyang, the burden on your shoulders is even heavier."