The playboy county magistrate

Everyone nodded in greeting, their eyes filled with respect and envy, and no one dared to show the slightest contempt or disrespect.

"Imperial Censor Li has arrived."

"I have long admired Lord Li's exceptional talent and learning, and today I am finally able to meet him in person."

Pei Yuting stood beneath the main pavilion. Upon seeing him arrive, he immediately smiled and raised his hand in greeting, his tone gentle and friendly.

"Xuanzhi has arrived. Please come in and take a seat."

Li Xuanzhi stepped forward steadily and bowed respectfully. "I apologize for disturbing Lord Pei today."

"What do you mean by 'intruding'? Xuanzhi, there's no need for such politeness."

Pei Yuting smiled sincerely and deliberately turned to the side so that Li Xuanzhi could see the scenery inside the pavilion.

"Today's literary gathering has no distinction of official rank or status; we only discuss the spirit and integrity of poetry and prose. Please feel free to take your seat and be at ease."

Li Xuanzhi's gaze shifted slightly, subtly sweeping over an elegant seat on the side of the pavilion.

Beneath the wisteria trellis, a woman in plain clothes sat gracefully beside a stone table.

She lowered her eyes to quietly read the poems, her figure slender and elegant, her temperament gentle and otherworldly.

A wisp of soft hair hangs gently by her temple, making her profile appear fair and gentle, and her eyebrows and eyes look even cleaner and clearer.

It was Pei Qingyuan.

She had followed her brother and sister-in-law's arrangements early in the morning and knew that Li Xuanzhi would be attending the literary gathering today, so she was already prepared.

Yet she still couldn't hide her girlish feelings; her fingertips tightened slightly around the book, and a faint blush crept onto the tips of her ears.

He was known to the world as an incorruptible and impartial censor, a cold-faced official in the imperial court.

But now, seeing him, I realized he was gentle and modest, with proper manners, polite and articulate. He possessed an air of refined gentlemanly integrity, completely unlike the cold and aloof persona of the rumors.

Pei Qingyuan lowered her eyes, not daring to look up and meet his gaze easily, only using the act of flipping through the poetry scroll to conceal her emotions. Her long eyelashes trembled slightly, hiding the shyness and admiration that quietly grew in her eyes.

Li Xuanzhi's gaze swept lightly over the people in the pavilion, and then instantly landed on the woman under the wisteria flowers.

He had never met Pei Qingyuan, yet he could recognize her identity at a glance.

The room was filled with daughters of prominent families, some flamboyant and radiant, others deliberately dignified.

She remained calm and composed, sitting quietly in a corner, guarding her true self. This perfectly matched the upright family tradition of the Pei family, which had been steeped in scholarship for centuries, and also perfectly embodied the image of a dignified and virtuous lady in his mind.

A smile flickered in his eyes, but he didn't continue to pry. Instead, he calmly withdrew his gaze and sat down politely.

Many scions of prominent families also noticed something amiss.

This couple is truly a perfect match in terms of character; they are a match made in heaven.

The literary gathering officially began, with everyone taking turns composing poems, creating paintings, and discussing literary principles.

Some praised the spring breeze and the grass and trees, some wrote about the scenery of mountains and rivers, and some discussed the new policies of the court. The atmosphere in the room was elegant and refined, and the discussions were broad and open.

Although Pei Qingyuan lived a secluded life in her boudoir, she was well-read and had a broad perspective.

Occasionally, he would stand up to answer, his words clear and insightful, his ideas profound.

Every sentence was in accordance with refined tastes and proper conduct, without a trace of the narrow-mindedness and confinement of petty sentimental matters, drawing praise from the entire audience.

Li Xuanzhi sat quietly to one side, occasionally nodding in approval, his understanding growing ever clearer—

This woman is insightful and open-minded. She is far from an ordinary pampered young lady; she is truly outstanding.

During a break, Pei Yuting walked over slowly with a teacup in hand, his smile gentle, deliberately creating an opportunity for the two of them to be alone.

"Xuanzhi, try my family's newly made pre-rain tea. It was personally stir-fried and cooked by Yuan'er, so the taste is the purest and most mellow."

As soon as she finished speaking, Pei Qingyuan, who was following behind Pei Yuting, blushed instantly and quickly stood up to serve him tea. Her voice was soft and gentle, as gentle as a spring breeze.

"Imperial Censor Li, please have some tea."

Her slender, pale fingers gently held the teacup, trembling slightly—a shyness the young girl couldn't hide.

Li Xuanzhi raised his hand to accept the teacup, their fingertips never touching. He was courteous and measured, his manners impeccable.

He glanced at her briefly when he looked up, his voice warm and deep, "Thank you, Miss Pei."

The moment their eyes met, Pei Qingyuan's heart trembled slightly, and she hurriedly lowered her eyes and turned away.

Her ears turned bright red, her breathing slowed down, and her heart pounded wildly.

Not far away, Lin Lingyi and Shen Zhiwei, who had also been invited, stood quietly behind the flowers and trees, silently watching this scene.

Lin Lingyi's eyes were filled with genuine envy, and she sighed softly:

"Sister Pei and Imperial Censor Li are indeed a perfect match; it seems their wedding is just around the corner."

She felt no jealousy whatsoever; she was genuinely happy for the two of them.

Shen Zhiwei's eyes were clear and bright as she slowly nodded in agreement:

"Such a match is truly unmatched by others."

Meanwhile, at the other end of the bustling literary garden, the Chengen Earl's Mansion remained desolate and cold.

Li Dehai sat in the deserted hall, listening to the news brought back by his spies.

Hearing of Li Xuanzhi's illustrious reputation at the literary gathering and his growing affection for the noblewoman of the Pei family, and the fact that scions of prominent families throughout the capital were vying to befriend him, he felt a growing unease in his heart.

Most importantly, his most valued eldest son was not even qualified to attend such an elegant gathering.

At the gathering, people dispersed in twos and threes to chat.

Pei Yuting and his group of civil officials were in high spirits when they moved to the back to admire the inscriptions on the stele.

The pavilion was quiet for a while, which gave Li Xuanzhi and Pei Qingyuan some time alone.

A spring breeze rustled through the wisteria trellis, causing petals to fall softly. Delicate petals drifted onto the stone table, carrying a subtle fragrance.

Pei Qingyuan gently brushed away the flower petals on the table with her hand, her movements soft and graceful.

Seeing that no one was around, he spoke softly, breaking the silence first.

"I have heard that Imperial Censor Li is known for his impartiality and integrity in the court, and he does not shy away from powerful figures. He is praised by the world for his upright character."

Her tone was respectful yet warm, carrying a hint of delight, and also a perfectly measured probing.

Li Xuanzhi glanced at her, his gaze gentle and calm. There was not a trace of the coldness and aloofness typical of officials; he replied calmly:

"To be loyal to the emperor is simply to fulfill one's duty. There are many exaggerated rumors circulating about me. I am just an ordinary person, and I only seek to stay true to my conscience."

Li Xuanzhi spoke frankly and sincerely, without deliberately flaunting his superiority or feigning humility. He was exceptionally open and upright.

Pei Qingyuan nodded slightly upon hearing this, her eyes shining even brighter, and continued softly:

"My daughter once read Your Excellency's memorial on governance, which was earnest and insightful in its legal principles. Every word was for the people and the public good, without a trace of selfishness. People only know Your Excellency's sternness, but they do not know that Your Excellency has the world in your heart and cares for the people. You have truly made a difference in a subtle and pervasive way."

She was well-read and knowledgeable, and had long since discerned Li Xuanzhi's true character and temperament from his articles and political views.

This unique and insightful perspective earned Li Xuanzhi genuine admiration.

Ordinary people all fear his authority as an imperial censor and are terrified of his sharp sword of impeachment.

However, Pei Qingyuan, a young woman who had long lived in seclusion, actually understood the kind heart beneath his strict exterior.

A slight smile appeared on his lips.

"Miss Pei reads books and observes the mind; her insight is far superior to that of ordinary people."

A few words of praise, neither too light nor too heavy, yet extremely sincere.

Pei Qingyuan's ears burned again. She lowered her eyes and smiled gently, her features soft and captivating.

"I'm just stating the facts. The court is in turmoil, and it's rare for an official to not follow the crowd."

"It's easy to remain virtuous in chaotic times, but difficult to remain righteous in prosperous times." Li Xuanzhi gazed at the garden full of gentle breezes and blooming flowers, his tone calm. "I have been through the mud, and I know how hard-won peace is. Therefore, I only ask for a peaceful home and a clear conscience."

This statement is half a recounting of the past and half a revelation of expectations.

Pei Qingyuan's heart stirred slightly upon hearing this. She gently raised her eyes, her gaze clear, and her words resolute.