nucmednet Chapter 315 Another Appointment
Chapter 315 Another Appointment
Chapter 315 Appointment of Official Title Again
Minister of Revenue Fan Peng hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Your Majesty, what His Highness the Crown Prince and Miss Shi said is not without reason."
"The salt administration reform is in dire need of talent. If Cui Zhihao can be employed by the court, it may accelerate the reform process. Moreover, with His Highness the Crown Prince and Miss Shi supervising him, he probably won't dare to act recklessly."
Minister of Works Zhao Hong echoed, "Yes, Your Majesty, when it comes to employing people, why not give young people a chance?"
Shen Yuxi glanced at everyone, then turned his gaze to Shi Wanxia.
Shi Wanxia looked back at him with a firm gaze and no fear. Shen Yuxi sighed inwardly; this woman was indeed extraordinary, managing to persuade everyone to speak on her behalf.
After a long silence, Shen Yuxi said, "Since that's the case, I will give Cui Zhihao a chance. But he must start from the bottom and hone his skills. If he harbors any ill intentions, he will not be let off lightly."
Shi Wanxia was overjoyed and knelt down again to express her gratitude: "Your Majesty is wise. I will certainly urge Cui Zhihao to serve the Cangling Kingdom."
The atmosphere in the Imperial Study finally eased, and everyone discussed the follow-up matters of the salt administration reform before dispersing.
As Shi Wanxia stepped out of the imperial study, a night breeze blew, and she couldn't help but shiver. Everything that had happened tonight felt like a thrilling gamble, and she had won.
She knew that the road ahead was long and the path of salt administration reform was full of unknowns and challenges, but she was already prepared.
On the way back to the manor, Shi Wanxia sat in the carriage, raised her hand to lift the curtain, looked at the bright moon in the sky, and let her thoughts drift away.
She thought of Choi Ji-ho, that talented man burdened by his aristocratic family background.
She believed that with her recommendation, Cui Zhihao would surely achieve great things in the court, and that they would join hands to open a new chapter for the prosperity of Cangling Kingdom.
The sound of horses' hooves clattered and carriages rumbled as Crown Prince Shen Yanzhou's entourage, like a long, winding dragon, traveled through the bustling streets of the capital, drawing the attention of passersby and prompting whispers among them.
They arrived at the Shi residence quickly. Shi Wanxia's heart tightened, and she hurriedly got out of the carriage. This time, His Highness the Crown Prince was personally coming to her home to deliver an imperial decree, and she hadn't even had anyone prepare anything yet.
Shuyun and Cui Zhihao, who were waiting at the door, were also startled by the sudden commotion and didn't know what had happened.
However, Cui Zhihao, with his sharp eyes, still spotted the Crown Prince's entourage. Startled, he quickly stepped forward to pay his respects, only to be helped up by Shen Yanzhou.
"Young Master Cui, there's no need for such formalities. I've come here on imperial orders." Shen Yanzhou smiled, his tone friendly yet authoritative.
“Miss Shi, Young Master Cui, why don’t you invite me in for a seat?” Shen Yanzhou said again, a hint of teasing in his eyes.
Shi Wanxia then seemed to wake from a dream and hurriedly and Cui Zhihao respectfully invited Shen Yanzhou into the mansion.
Shuyun and the others were seeing such distinguished people for the first time, and they were momentarily flustered, their faces turning pale.
But they quickly calmed down. Shuyun personally brewed the best tea, while Qinxin hurriedly ran to the kitchen to prepare snacks and food.
They had never seen the Crown Prince in their entire lives, and they never expected to have the honor of seeing him today.
Inside the main hall of the Shi residence, the carved beams and painted rafters were elegantly furnished. Shi Wanxia led Shen Yanzhou to the main seat, while she and Cui Zhihao stood respectfully to the side, not daring to utter a sound.
Shen Yanzhou raised his eyes and gestured to his personal eunuch to read out the imperial edict.
The chief eunuch standing next to Shen Yanzhou nodded hurriedly in agreement, his expression solemn, his hands trembling slightly as he took out the imperial edict from the box containing the imperial decree.
The imperial edict was bright yellow and dazzling, its silk fabric gleaming with a luxurious sheen, and the characters written on it in silver cinnabar were vigorous and powerful.
"Cui Zhihao, receive the imperial decree!" The chief eunuch's shrill voice echoed throughout the hall.
Choi Ji-ho was shocked; he hadn't expected the imperial edict to be addressed to him.
In an instant, all sorts of thoughts flashed through his mind. Could it be that His Majesty had issued an imperial decree to bestow marriage upon him and the princess?
If he disobeyed the imperial decree, would it implicate Miss Shi? Thinking of this, Cui Zhihao's palms became sweaty, and his legs went slightly weak.
He subconsciously turned to look at Shi Wanxia, who also looked puzzled and gently shook her head, indicating that she didn't know either.
Cui Zhihao took a deep breath, composed himself, slowly knelt down, clasped his hands in a fist and said loudly, "This humble subject, Cui Zhihao, accepts the imperial decree."
The chief eunuch cleared his throat, unfolded the imperial edict, and began to read: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: It is now known that Cui Zhihao is exceptionally talented and learned, and is therefore pardoned for his past transgressions. Following a recommendation in late summer, Cui Zhihao is hereby appointed as a sixth-rank principal clerk in the Ministry of Revenue, effective immediately. It is hoped that he will make good use of his knowledge to serve the court. This is the imperial decree!"
Choi Ji-ho stood there, stunned, unable to react for a moment.
He originally thought it was an imperial decree to grant him marriage, but he never expected it to be a request for him to return to the court as an official, even if it was just a minor sixth-rank official. As long as he could be by Miss Shi's side, even if he was just a commoner, he would be willing to do it.
Unexpectedly, this sudden surprise left him somewhat at a loss.
Shi Wanxia was both surprised and delighted, and quickly said to Cui Zhihao, "Young Master Cui, why don't you quickly thank him!"
Cui Zhihao then came to his senses, kowtowed three times heavily, his voice trembling with excitement: "This humble subject, Cui Zhihao, thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness. I am willing to serve Your Majesty with my life!"
Shen Yanzhou looked at Cui Zhihao with a satisfied smile: "Young Master Cui, this is His Majesty's great favor to you. You should cherish this opportunity."
"If it weren't for Miss Shi risking her life to remonstrate, how could you have returned to the court as an official? Miss Shi is a woman I greatly admire. You should learn from her and not let her kindness go to waste."
Cui Zhihao stood up, his eyes shining, and said firmly, "Your Highness, rest assured, Zhihao will live up to the expectations of His Majesty, Your Highness, and Miss Shi. I will study diligently and fulfill my mission."
Shi Wanxia was also genuinely happy for Cui Zhihao: "Young Master Cui, if you encounter any difficulties in the Ministry of Revenue in the future, please feel free to tell me, and I will do my best to help you."
Shen Yanzhou picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said with a smile, "Miss Shi is indeed kind-hearted. His Majesty's decree this time is also due to his appreciation of Young Master Cui's talent, hoping that you can both serve the court and contribute to the prosperity of Cangling Kingdom."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Shen Yanzhou got up to take his leave.
Shi Wanxia and Cui Zhihao escorted Shen Yanzhou to the door and watched his entourage depart.
Back at his residence, Cui Zhihao was still immersed in joy: "Miss Shi, thanks to your kind words to His Majesty, Huai'an has this opportunity."
Shi Wanxia waved her hand: "Young Master Cui, there's no need to be so polite. This is all thanks to your own talent. The production and promotion of fine salt is an excellent opportunity. You must seize it and make the most of it in the future."
As night fell, the Shi residence was brightly lit. Cui Zhihao returned to his room, sat by the window, gazed at the bright moon, and silently made a vow.
I will study hard and live up to the expectations of His Majesty, the Crown Prince, and Miss Shi. One day, I will make a name for myself in this court and dedicate everything to the stability and prosperity of Cangling Kingdom.