The playboy county magistrate

The surrounding crowd fell silent instantly, everyone holding their breath and watching.

Composing poetry on the spot is the ultimate test of true talent and learning, as there is no draft to rely on and no opportunity for polishing.

The three-breath time limit is even more stringent, and even a learned scholar might not be able to cope with it calmly.

Everyone wanted to see just how skilled Li Xuanzhi was in calligraphy.

Li Xuanzhi slightly raised his eyes, gazing at the festive red silk filling the courtyard. In less than three breaths, he spoke fluently, his voice clear and melodious. Every word was perfectly matched, every sentence filled with emotion:

"In heaven, we wish to be birds flying wing to wing; on earth, we wish to be trees with intertwined branches. Heaven and earth may pass away, but this sorrow will last forever."

Li Xuanzhi inwardly exclaimed, "That was close!"

Fortunately, this is a fictional dynasty, and no poet like Bai Juyi ever existed here.

Although I can't remember the exact contents of the entire poem "Song of Everlasting Regret," these few lines should be enough.

After a moment of deathly silence, the hall erupted in cheers, and the applause reverberated throughout the courtyard!

"What a wonderful poem! Absolutely brilliant!"

"Every word is sincere, every sentence penetrates to the bone! It turns out that Imperial Censor Li is not only well-versed in law and politics, but his poetic talent is also unparalleled in the capital!"

Cousin Pei was visibly shocked, repeatedly bowing in admiration: "Speaking so spontaneously, yet with such profound meaning! I can't wait! No one in the world knew that the Imperial Censor possessed such unparalleled literary talent!"

While others were still shocked, Pei Qingyuan, who was standing behind the curtain in her boudoir, quietly waiting for her brother to carry her out, was even more shaken.

She had always known Li Xuanzhi to be upright and resolute. She had read his official reports, but she had never imagined that his descriptions of romance could be so tender, affectionate, and deeply moving.

Li Xuanzhi's poem gently settled into her heart, making her ears burn, her heart warm, and her eyes quietly well up with tears.

The younger generation refused to give up and continued to pose increasingly difficult questions, trying to further explore its depths.

Some people asked for a poem with the theme of "newlyweds," while others asked for a matching poem with the theme of "close friend."

Some people have been asking for continuations of obscure poems from ancient books, and the methods have been varied and increasingly difficult.

Li Xuanzhi remained calm and composed throughout, answering questions fluently without showing the slightest sign of panic.

He could effortlessly continue a difficult-to-match poem. His lines were perfectly crafted and exquisitely beautiful, possessing an extraordinary artistic conception.

He could recite obscure verses at a glance and interpret them flawlessly, without the slightest error.

When it comes to improvisational lyric writing, Li Xuanzhi is a whiz, completely in his comfort zone.

His entire performance was fluid and eloquent, overflowing with talent, completely overshadowing the group of bookish young men present.

The playful banter on everyone's faces had long since transformed into genuine awe and shock.

No one had ever associated him with a romantic and talented man before, but today, when they stopped him at the door and asked, everyone suddenly realized—

This ruthless and decisive minister in the imperial court possessed such talent hidden deep within him.

He was not just an official who could solve cases and govern, but also a very low-key and exceptionally talented man.

No wonder he dared to arbitrarily choose from so many wives and daughters of officials.

Pei Yuting stood quietly under the eaves, his eyes filled with amazement and admiration. He slowly sighed to his wife beside him:

"Xuan Zhi's talent far surpasses that of countless famous scholars in the capital. People only know of his illustrious official reputation, but they are unaware of his unparalleled literary talent and profound knowledge. Sister Yuan'er is truly fortunate to have found such a good man."

Madam Pei nodded repeatedly, her eyes filled with joy.

"Such a character and talent, and such a sincere person, are hard to find in this world. This is not only my sister's great fortune, but we, as her family, are also honored."

"The auspicious time has arrived! Open the door to welcome the bride!"

The door slowly opened, and joy surged once more.

Li Xuanzhi stepped steadily into the mansion and went straight to Pei Qingyuan's boudoir courtyard to wait quietly.

The carved door to the boudoir opened. Li Xuanzhi looked up and immediately saw Pei Yuting carrying Pei Qingyuan out on his back.

Li Xuanzhi stepped forward slowly, his voice extremely soft:

"Qingyuan, I've come to take you home."

Beneath the red veil, Pei Qingyuan's eyes held a faint glimmer of water and a smile as she nodded gently, her voice barely audible.

"it is good."

Pei Yuting felt helpless.

Is it really okay for the young couple to talk back and forth like this in front of her husband's older brother?

Li Xuanzhi smiled and bent down to carefully tie the red silk handkerchief around her neck. His movements were gentle and restrained, measured and proper, without a trace of frivolity.

Pei Yuting silently carried his younger sister on his back and continued walking out until they reached the main hall before stopping.

"Little sister, take your brother-in-law to offer incense to our parents."

For so many years, Pei Yuting has been raising his younger sister all by himself, acting as both father and mother, while also having to guard against malicious collateral branches trying to seize power and take over as head of the family.

Although there were still elders in the Pei family, they were merely a shield used by Pei Yuting to resist the rest of the clan, and their relationship with the brother and sister was not close.

After Li Xuanzhi and Pei Qingyuan walked out of the main hall, the matchmaker reminded the bride not to put both feet on the ground.

This means that Pei Yuting should continue to carry Pei Qingyuan to her wedding and escort her into the bridal sedan chair.

To everyone's surprise, Li Xuanzhi suddenly picked up Pei Qingyuan in a princess carry and strode outside.

Those who knew Li Xuanzhi were inexperienced in his first marriage, but those who didn't might have thought he was so eager to take her back to the bridal chamber and have a baby.

The crowd laughed, but there was no disdain or mockery in their laughter.

The wedding procession slowly returned home, accompanied by thunderous drums and music, and red ribbons draped the streets. People lined the roads to see them off, and countless children picked up candy and coins from the ground, cheering and offering blessings without end.

In contrast, the Chengen Earl's Mansion, located just a few streets away, remained desolate and cold, a scene of utter bleakness.

The second son of the Marquis of Chengen, Li Xuanzhi, is getting married. It should have been a joyous occasion for the Marquis of Chengen, a time of great celebration.

But the Marquis of Chengen's residence was devoid of red silk and festive cheer. The fallen leaves in the courtyard had been piling up for who knows how long.

A cold wind swept through the corridor, bringing with it gusts of cool air, completely out of place with the city's festive atmosphere.

Reeking of alcohol, Li Dehai listened to the distant celebratory drums and music, and even breathing felt like a dull ache.

"You brat! Such a big event as your wedding, and you don't even bother to invite your own father to sit in the main hall! You unfilial and disobedient brat!"

"Butler! Where is he? Butler, you better show yourself!"

The butler rubbed his temples in exasperation.

The servants of the Marquis of Chengen's mansion who could run away all ran away, and those who couldn't run away tried to steal indentures or drag their families along to beg the steward to spare their lives.

The Chengen Earl's Mansion needs manpower everywhere, yet it has no manpower available anywhere.

These days, even tasks like cleaning the courtyard need to be arranged by the housekeeper.

I've seen people find ways to stretch every penny, but I've never seen a head steward treated like eight hundred people.

"What are your orders, Lord?"

The Earl of Chengen stood up, shook the festive clothes he had specially changed into that morning, and snorted coldly.

"Spread the word that Censor Li Xuanzhi is disobedient and unfilial, failing to invite his own father to the wedding ceremony, such a momentous occasion. Furthermore, although Li Xuanzhi has separated from the family, he is still a member of the Li clan. Why doesn't he bring his new bride to the ancestral hall to pay respects to the ancestors? Is it dissatisfaction with his new daughter-in-law, or disrespect for his in-laws?"

"I refuse to believe that Li Xuanzhi is so determined to disregard his own father's feelings, and would he trample on his in-laws' reputation? Even if His Majesty allows him to separate from the family and establish his own household, so what? His ancestors will always be his ancestors!"