The playboy county magistrate

"What you expect is also what my heart desires."

Their eyes met, and at that moment, no words were needed; their hearts were already in sync.

He saw through her gentle and insightful nature, realizing she was no weak woman pampered in her boudoir.

She understood that his aloofness and self-restraint were not those of a cold-faced and ruthless court official.

A mutual understanding and compatibility is far more precious than any match made in terms of social standing or the approval of elders.

Both sets of elders are insightful and steady people, so there is no need for the younger generation to go through the trouble of conveying their feelings or engaging in ambiguous relationships.

After seeing that the two were compatible in conversation and temperament, they followed the ancient customs of their family in everything and tacitly began to move forward with the marriage.

The next morning, as dawn broke.

The new residence of the Imperial Censor in Qinghefang was bustling with activity early in the morning.

Sweep the courtyard, burn incense, clean the table, and prepare tea.

The news that the imperial carriage would be leaving the Forbidden City today spread last night, and everyone knew that the Empress would personally visit the residence of Imperial Censor Li to act as matchmaker for the newly promoted high-ranking official Li Xuanzhi.

Li Xuanzhi's mother, Zhang, dressed in an elegant brocade robe, led the servants of the mansion to kneel in neat rows to welcome him at the foot of the main gate, her heart trembling slightly.

She had endured so much humiliation in the Chengen Earl's mansion for so many years, never imagining that one day, her son's marriage would alarm the Empress Dowager as matchmaker.

The imperial carriage landed, and the palace fans slowly opened. The dignified Empress stepped down with gentle eyes. "Madam Zhang, you may rise."

Upon hearing this, Zhang almost cried with excitement.

After marriage, women are given their husband's surname. She thought the Empress would change her surname to Li Zhangshi or Li Furen, but she never expected that she would be willing to call her Zhang Furen.

But now is not the time to be sentimental; there are important things to do.

Zhang quickly cleared his mind and composed himself. He rose, bowed his head, and respectfully led the way.

"Your Majesty the Empress's presence graces my humble abode; I am deeply honored and humbled."

The group entered the main hall and took their seats. The maids served tea and then withdrew.

The Empress looked around, a faint smile in her eyes, and slowly spoke.

"Your Majesty and I have always known that Imperial Censor Li is of upright character and a rare and pure minister in the court. Now that he has established his own new residence, he is of good age and it is time for him to settle down and start a family."

Zhang's nose felt slightly warm as she bowed and replied, "My son and I are deeply grateful for the kindness and care shown to us by His Majesty and the Empress."

"I have come today specifically to find a suitable match for your son, Xuanzhi." The Empress leaned forward slightly. "Last night, Imperial Censor Li suddenly entered the palace, saying that he had met and fallen in love with Qingyuan, a girl from the Pei family. Everyone in the capital has witnessed this. The Pei family is a family of scholars for a hundred years, and they are most worthy of a minister as upright and honest as Xuanzhi."

Madam Zhang quickly responded, "Your Majesty, I also admire Miss Pei's gentle and virtuous character, as well as her understanding and propriety. However, the children's marriage should proceed steadily and according to proper etiquette, and I dare not overstep my bounds."

The Empress was even more pleased.

No wonder Li Xuanzhi is such a sensible child; it turns out his mother is such a sensible person.

"It is precisely because of the need to follow etiquette that I have personally come to act as a proper matchmaker."

The Empress smiled faintly, her composure perfectly measured.

"If we were to hire an ordinary matchmaker, it would lack prestige and authority, and would only be a disservice to this fine marriage. I will personally act as matchmaker for both families and preside over the six rites."

Zhang was overjoyed, feeling a huge weight lifted from her shoulders. "It's all up to Your Majesty."

The Empress smiled and nodded. Her personal maid stepped forward, holding a gilded gift box.

"I will immediately take the imperial matchmaker's documents, the groom's birth chart, and the betrothal gifts to the Pei residence."

The Empress looked at Lady Zhang and gently gave her instructions.

"You should prepare Xuanzhi's birth date and time. When the royal matchmaker comes to your door, that will be the highest honor, and your family will not be slighted in the slightest."

Zhang hurriedly got up and went back to her room. Without wasting a moment, she retrieved the carefully stored marriage certificate of Li Xuanzhi and presented it to him with both hands. Her fingertips trembled slightly, and her heart was filled with mixed emotions.

Back in the old Earl's mansion, Xuanzhi, as the second son of the legitimate wife, had no one even remembering his proper birthday. Every year, he had to remind him before that good-for-nothing Earl Chengen would come to visit, saying some seemingly affectionate but actually empty words to please his son.

Now, Li Xuanzhi stands upright in the court, and even the inquiry about his marriage invitation can alarm the Empress herself to come out of the palace to act as matchmaker. The contrast is too obvious.

The Empress took the document, opened it herself, glanced at it, and nodded slightly. Without wasting any time, she prepared to depart immediately.

Meanwhile, the Pei family of the Hanlin Academy had already received the imperial decree. The entire household cleaned the courtyard and opened the main gate wide.

Pei Yuting was also granted special permission by the emperor to be exempt from attending the morning court session. He and his wife, dressed formally, stood on the steps to wait for him, their hearts filled with joy.

No one expected that Li Xuanzhi's marriage would attract the Empress to act as matchmaker and even make a special trip to his home.

Not long after, the Empress arrived at the Pei residence.

"I have heard that the two children are in love, so I have come here on behalf of Xuanzhi to request Miss Pei's birth chart so that we may be betrothed."

Mr. and Mrs. Pei bowed respectfully in return.

"Thanks to the Emperor's favor and the Empress's kindness, my younger sister is fortunate enough to be married to this gentleman."

Madam Pei personally took out Pei Qingyuan's birth chart and solemnly handed it to the female official beside the Empress.

The Empress immediately left with her entourage and returned to Li Xuanzhi's womb. She ordered someone to fetch the divination book made by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau and performed the marriage test in front of everyone.

After a short verification, the diviner bowed and reported back.

"Your Majesty, Imperial Censor Li and Miss Pei are compatible according to their birth charts, their destinies complementing each other. There are no clashes or conflicts between them; this is an extremely auspicious marriage. It promises a peaceful and harmonious family, with everyone united year after year, and lasting blessings and prosperity."

Upon hearing this, the Empress smiled even more broadly and turned to Zhang Shi.

"The auspicious signs are clear; the marriage is a match made in heaven. Since the name inquiry has been successful and the divination is extremely auspicious, shall we proceed to the next step?"

It's no wonder the Empress was anxious; she simply didn't have much time to linger outside the palace.

Furthermore, the Empress had received instructions from the Emperor before leaving the palace this time.

The sooner Li Xuanzhi's marriage is arranged, the better. After all, Li Xuanzhi is still too young, and staying in the capital and quietly climbing the ranks from Censor of the Censorate is too slow.

The Empress, being observant, understood that His Majesty intended to send Li Xuanzhi out again to gain experience in the provinces.

However, it wouldn't be good to let Li Xuanzhi go to his post in a remote area alone without even being able to hold a wedding. Furthermore, since Li Xuanzhi had separated from his family and established his own household with his mother, it wouldn't be good if he didn't even have a proper daughter-in-law to take care of his mother-in-law and manage the household affairs.

It would be disgraceful to allow Liu Yunrou and Gu Pan'er, two concubines, to act as wives.

However, Her Majesty the Empress would not say these things to them.

The Empress instructed softly, "The betrothal ceremony should emphasize sincerity, etiquette, and family tradition, not extravagance. You and the Zhang family should prepare an elegant and proper betrothal procession. I will order the Ministry of Rites to send an official to supervise the ceremony, which will be conducted in accordance with the marriage regulations for a fourth-rank official. This will neither disgrace the imperial family nor betray the Pei family's scholarly reputation."

"Your Majesty's teachings will be remembered by this humble woman." Zhang was filled with gratitude, her eyes slightly moist, and she bowed deeply once again.

Having just finished court and hurried home, Li Xuanzhi, who had been standing under the eaves listening to the entire proceedings, slowly entered the hall and bowed respectfully.