The playboy county magistrate

Li Xuanzhi walked with composure, his expression open and unashamed.

"I do not seek a distinguished family background, abundant wealth, or stunning beauty. Like my elders, I only desire a family with a clean reputation, pure hearts, and upright character. I am content with a harmonious family and a peaceful household."

Many officials present, who came from noble families or were deeply entangled in factions, had their last glimmer of hope shattered upon hearing this.

One by one, they were riding high in the officialdom, but now their eyes dimmed instantly, a sense of defeat washed over them, and their spirits were extinguished.

However, many officials from respectable families still looked delighted and stepped forward with even greater enthusiasm, recommending themselves.

"It's quite a coincidence, really. My family's eldest granddaughter has been well-versed in poetry and literature since childhood, and is gentle and obedient. She usually stays at home, behaving well and observing proper etiquette. She is most serene and insightful, which is exactly what you, sir, are looking for."

"Although my family is not of high status, we have been honest and upright for generations, without any political affiliation. My youngest daughter has learned the family rules and etiquette and is skilled at managing the household and maintaining good neighborly relations. If she were to gain your favor, it would be a truly admirable story."

"My youngest daughter has always disliked extravagance and possesses a pure heart. She never quarrels or gets jealous of others, making her perfectly suited to manage the inner quarters of the Imperial Censor's residence!"

Everyone chimed in, their voices warm and their manners humble.

Several respected and elderly officials also stepped forward with smiles, intending to make connections for the younger generation.

"Xuanzhi is young and promising, and deserves the best girl in the world. I am acquainted with many respectable families, and I can help find someone to introduce you to another day."

Li Xuanzhi remained calm and composed throughout, politely declining each offer.

"Thank you all for your kindness. Marriage is a serious matter and will naturally be decided by the elders. I will respectfully follow the arrangements made by my mother and the elders."

This way of speaking offended no one and subtly rejected all attempts to test him. His perfect tact made him appear even more composed and measured.

The officials weren't fools; they could tell from his words that he had already made up his mind, and that it would be presumptuous and abrupt to press him any further.

He could only laugh it off, but secretly he was still planning to ask someone to help him out later.

Meanwhile, at the new residence in Qinghefang, Li Xuanzhi's aunts had all packed and were ready to leave.

After careful consideration by the group of women, the order of visits was finalized.

Following the prudent approach of first selecting the best option, then the second best, and finally the last best, a respected elder from the clan was dispatched to visit each of the three households to inquire about their true intentions and family traditions.

Elders will not propose marriage rashly, nor will they make promises hastily. They will only use visits from relatives and friends and casual conversations as a pretext to secretly observe and compare, striving to ensure that nothing goes wrong.

Our first stop was the Pei residence.

Pei Yuting, the head of the Pei family, was working at the Hanlin Academy when he received news of the visit of Li Xuanzhi's elders and dared not be negligent in the slightest.

He immediately asked for leave to go home and entertain the guests, showing utmost courtesy, warmth, and humility.

Both families came from respectable backgrounds and shared similar character. After taking their seats, they brewed tea and chatted idly, discussing poetry, classical texts, and family traditions and upbringing in a tranquil and harmonious atmosphere.

After they had finished discussing most of the topics, Li Xuanzhi's uncle and aunt smiled and subtly brought up the main subject, their tone sincere and earnest.

"I have come to pay my respects today for two reasons. First, I have long admired Lord Pei's reputation and wish to pay my respects. Second, I have come to intrude on a private matter concerning my junior family member."

Li Xuanzhi's uncle didn't mince words and continued to speak frankly.

"My nephew, Li Xuanzhi, is young and has already established himself in the imperial court. Now that the new household has been established, the family is peaceful and tidy. He is also upright, polite, and of pure heart. Our family has always admired the Pei family's scholarly tradition, and we have heard that your younger sister is of virtuous character, gentle and insightful. Therefore, I take the liberty of asking whether the Pei family has any intention of considering Xuanzhi's marriage?"

Speak frankly and act respectfully.

Upon hearing this, Pei Yuting's eyes flashed with a knowing smile, and he calmly nodded in reply:

"Since Lord Zhang is so frank, Yuting, as a junior, will naturally not hide anything."

"Imperial Censor Li has endured many hardships but remained true to his original aspirations. He has served in the court with integrity and selflessness, which Yuting and my wife deeply admire. My younger sister, Qingyuan, has always admired gentlemen. If she could marry Imperial Censor Li, it would be a blessing for my sister and for the Pei family, as their families are compatible and their personalities are in sync."

"However, marriage is a major life event, and it's best if both parties understand each other. I'd like our families to get to know each other first. Once we're both of you and understand each other's feelings, then we can discuss marriage."

In Pei Yuting's view, no matter how outstanding Li Xuanzhi was, he only had one younger sister.

If Li Xuanzhi is not a good match for my sister, it's not a pity to miss out on him.

Furthermore, Pei Yuting was confident that his younger sister was the best woman in the world. If she and Li Xuanzhi were truly not destined to be together, it would be Li Xuanzhi's loss.

Li Xuanzhi's uncle felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders, and his smile was genuine.

"Lord Pei is absolutely right. This is the proper way to proceed slowly and steadily, so as to achieve lasting stability."

Of course, the other two aunts weren't idle either. They split into two groups to visit the Lin family of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Shen family of the Ministry of Personnel.

Upon hearing the purpose of their visit, the Lin family frankly stated that their daughter was gentle, virtuous, and well-behaved, and that they had high hopes for this marriage.

The Shen family remained as clear-headed and pragmatic as ever. Head Steward Shen frankly admitted that the Shen family was caught in a personnel vortex and might be entangled in many things. He dared not delay Li Xuanzhi's innocent future, and while he admired him greatly, he also knew that fate was not on his side. If he was chosen, all the better; if not, he would not force it.

Of course, marriage is a major life event, and it's not just Li Xuanzhi who's picky; almost everyone else is also being picky.

It's just that Li Xuanzhi was too outstanding, and had no rivals.

However, after considering various factors, it was inevitable that Pei Yuting's sister would be the top priority in the end.

If the two are a good match, they can inform the other two families in advance to avoid jeopardizing the girl's good marriage.

After all, a girl's prime is only so long, and it would be Li Xuanzhi's fault if she were to become an old maid.

The Zhang and Pei families reached an agreement to first introduce the two families to each other and see if they were compatible and got along well.

Therefore, a few days later, a literary gathering was held in the capital. It was organized by a group of civil officials from the Hanlin Academy, inviting scholars of the Qingliu school, scions of prominent families, and talented young ladies to participate. They appreciated poetry, discussed painting, brewed tea, and talked about philosophy.

Pei Yuting sent an invitation early on, specifically dispatching someone to deliver it to the new residence of the Imperial Censor in Qinghefang, inviting Li Xuanzhi to the meeting.

After reading the invitation, Zhang smiled and handed it to Li Xuanzhi.

"The Pei family's actions are quite thoughtful. The literary gathering is elegant, and there are many people present. It's appropriate to get to know each other in such a setting. You should go and make the necessary acquaintances."

Li Xuanzhi took the invitation, his gaze sweeping over the neat and elegant handwriting, a faint warmth passing through his eyes.

Since this is a choice for his own principal wife, she naturally has to be someone he finds acceptable. Li Xuanzhi smiled and nodded, "I understand, Mother, please don't worry."

The following afternoon, a gentle spring breeze blew, and the willows were lush and green.

The pavilions and terraces in the suburban literary garden are scattered, and the water flows gently.

The garden is filled with the fresh scents of grass and trees, and the aroma of ink, creating an atmosphere of elegance and tranquility.

Most of the upright officials and scions of scholarly families in the capital were present, all dressed elegantly and behaving with proper manners.

There was none of the ostentatious extravagance of a noble family's mansion, nor the scheming and self-interest of the imperial court.

When Li Xuanzhi removed his official robes and stepped into the literary garden in a plain brocade robe, he instantly attracted everyone's attention.