The playboy county magistrate

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. Your subject has worked diligently and thoughtfully."

The Empress looked up at him, her gaze filled with admiration and expectation, and slowly said:

"You have served in the court with impartiality and integrity, which His Majesty and I have both witnessed. Now we have chosen a good match for you and sealed your marriage. We only wish that your family will be peaceful and stable in the future, and that you will remain true to your original aspirations. Continuing to be upright and honest, and working together with your ruler, will be the best reward you can receive."

"Your subject will certainly keep your teachings in mind, remain true to your principles, and live up to Your Majesty's grace."

Li Xuanzhi's voice was steady, and every word was earnest.

All the officials and noble families in the court were filled with envy.

When noble children get married, at most a high-ranking official in the court is asked to act as matchmaker and an elder in the clan makes the decision.

No young minister has ever been able to have the Empress personally act as matchmaker and oversee the entire six rites.

Everyone increasingly understood that Li Xuanzhi's current favor with the emperor far exceeded that of ordinary court officials.

The Chengen Earl's Mansion, located a few streets away, is even more desolate than before.

Upon hearing that the Empress herself had acted as matchmaker for Li Xuanzhi, Li Dehai felt even more remorseful.

This time, it wasn't just that Li Xuanjing was so angry he was grinding his teeth; it was a case of disappointment and frustration.

Instead, he took a rattan cane and chased Li Xuanjing all over the yard, whipping him relentlessly.

"How could I have raised such a useless piece of trash like you after all my hard work! Xuanzhi has been inferior to you in every way since childhood. Whether it's in education, food, or daily necessities, he's inferior to you in everything!"

"And what was the result? The thing I raised with all my might is a worthless piece of trash like you! How could you have lived up to my expectations? How could you have lived up to the Li family's painstaking efforts in nurturing you?"

"Now that Li Xuanzhi is getting married, the Empress, who doesn't even interfere in the marriages of royal sons, has left the palace for Li Xuanzhi's sake. What about you?"

"Don't think I don't know you're still in contact with Huo Linyuan's daughter, who was executed and demoted to a government slave! The Huo family's daughter will only ever be of lowly status, worse than even the lowest-ranking maid in our manor's inner quarters! You'd better break off with her as soon as possible, lest you ruin your future!"

After saying these words, Marquis Chengen Li Dehai felt somewhat guilty.

After all, any sane person knows that the officials in the court might have dared to challenge Li Xuanzhi in the past, but now even Li Xuanzhi's marriage is being arranged by the Empress herself. What does this mean?

The power behind Li Xuanzhi is His Majesty!

Which of the court officials would dare to confront the emperor head-on?

Those officials could only fawn over Li Xuanzhi, and as long as Li Xuanzhi was present in the court, no one would give Li Xuanjing a kind look.

Or rather, as long as Li Xuanzhi lives, Li Xuanjing and the entire Chengen Earl's Mansion will never be able to turn their lives around!

Li Xuanjing was almost driven mad with anger.

My father is getting more and more outrageous these days. He was the one who drove Li Xuanzhi away, so how come it's all his fault as the eldest son?

"My marriage was arranged by you. Now that Huo Linyuan has fallen from power, the other officials' wives look down on me. Even the lowly officials guarding the city gate think I'm bad luck! If you want me to carry on the family line, you'll probably have to tolerate your grandson being born to a woman of low social status."

Li Dehai was so angry he almost fainted on the spot.

Rebel!

They're all rebellious children!

……

The following day was the auspicious day for the betrothal ceremony, as designated by the Empress.

As soon as dawn broke, the entire Ministry of Rites mobilized.

Officials in charge of etiquette arrived early at the new residence of the Imperial Censor in Qinghefang, and supervised the betrothal ceremony in accordance with the marriage regulations for fourth-rank officials and the standards of the imperial matchmakers, without daring to slack off in the slightest.

The entire Qinghefang street was swept clean, and the bluestone pavement was spotless.

Every household along the street spontaneously hung up red ribbons, creating a solemn yet festive atmosphere.

The new Imperial Censorate, both inside and out, is completely renovated and orderly.

Brocade draped around the pillars, palace lanterns hanging from the eaves. Everywhere exudes elegance, yet carries the noble air of royalty.

Dressed in formal attire, Zhang sat upright in the inner room, her fingertips resting lightly on her knees. A gentle smile, barely concealed, lingered in her eyes, her heart filled with a sense of peace and warmth.

"Madam, the ceremonial guards are ready."

Zhang's dowry maidservant entered quietly, her voice soft.

Early in the morning, she led her servants to check the gift boxes and arrange the items, taking meticulous care in every detail.

Madam Zhang raised her eyes and nodded, saying softly, "Go, invite Xuanzhi out, and set off according to etiquette."

A moment later, Li Xuanzhi slowly walked out of the study.

He was not wearing court robes today, but rather a moon-white brocade robe with a jade belt around his waist. His black hair was tied up with a jade crown, his features were handsome and refined, and his demeanor was gentle yet upright.

Shedding the cold and stern demeanor of the imperial court, he now possesses the refined elegance and poise of a young gentleman.

He stood under the veranda, quietly gazing at the dozens of gift boxes neatly arranged in the courtyard, his gaze calm and without a trace of arrogance or self-satisfaction.

Others envy his boundless success, but he knows in his heart that behind the glory, he must be extra careful to protect his current dignity and stability.

"Xuanzhi." Zhang stood up and walked to his side, her voice gentle. "Don't be nervous."

At the exact moment of Chen Shi (7-9 AM), the sound of ceremonial drums resounded throughout the long street

The betrothal procession departed on time.

The officials of the Ministry of Rites led the way, carrying ceremonial banners and flags.

Following them was a specially appointed female official from the palace, who accompanied the ceremony on the Empress's orders, representing the dignity of the Empress.

Following closely behind were all elegant and substantial items meticulously prepared by Li Xuanzhi and the Zhang family.

A complete set of calligraphy and paintings by renowned artists, a pair of warm and lustrous jade pendants, top-quality brocade and satin, and seasonal fruits and wedding cakes.

In addition, the Zhang family possessed a collection of ancient books and manuscripts, as well as some land and shop registers, befitting the status of a virtuous and upright official and living up to the style of a scholarly family.

The ceremonial procession slowly passed through the long street, where people stopped and knelt, while civil and military officials lined up on both sides of the street, watching quietly.

Some people sighed in admiration, some expressed their heartfelt envy, and some lamented the unpredictability of life.

"That纨绔 (spoiled brat) from the Earl's Mansion back then has now become so incredibly respectable."

"The Empress herself acted as matchmaker, with the Ministry of Rites assisting. Such a wedding ceremony is something even the sons of hereditary nobles might not be able to match."

"He relied on his integrity and loyalty to the country, and the emperor's favor was rightfully due to him."

……

Before long, the ceremonial guard came to a steady stop in front of the Pei residence of the Hanlin Academy.

The Pei residence had already opened its main gate wide, and everyone in the household was dressed neatly and performing their duties.

Pei Yuting and his wife stood with the elders of the Pei family on the steps, their expressions dignified and humble.

The female matchmaker was the first to ascend the steps, her voice clear yet dignified.

"Imperial Censor Li Xuanzhi is of upright character and comes from a family of integrity. He admires the virtuous and kind-hearted Miss Pei Qingyuan and sincerely seeks her hand in marriage. He wishes to establish a bond of kinship and a lasting family friendship."

As soon as the words were spoken, the officials from the Ministry of Rites stepped forward in order and neatly arranged the gift boxes in the courtyard of the Pei residence.

Pei Yuting's gaze swept over the betrothal gifts filling the courtyard, and the smile in his eyes grew even more genuine.

"I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's favor," Pei Yuting returned the greeting with a dignified and graceful demeanor.

"The two families share the same sentiments and similar values. This is a match made in heaven, and the Pei family gladly agrees."

In a corner of her boudoir, Pei Qingyuan stood quietly behind the carved window. Through a thin veil, she secretly watched the lively scene in the courtyard, and gazed at that tall and elegant figure in the courtyard.

Her ears felt slightly warm, and a sweet, soft ripple stirred in her heart.

The maid stood beside him and chuckled softly:

"Miss, Imperial Censor Li is truly sincere to you, and with Her Majesty the Empress's approval, no one will dare to utter a single word against you from now on."