The playboy county magistrate

Regardless of the current situation at the Chengen Earl's residence, no one cares what the Chengen Earl is up to now.

The new Censorate is already at its most bustling stage.

"They're back! The groom has brought the bride back! They'll be here soon!"

The mansion was already packed with guests.

The children couldn't stay still; they ran around laughing and sharing the good news.

Dozens of tables were neatly arranged in the courtyard, covered with bright red brocade tablecloths. On them were dishes, fresh fruit, wedding cakes, and sake.

A group of officials from the court, elders of the Zhang family clan, and relatives and friends with whom they had a fairly good relationship all stood up from their respective positions.

Lanterns under the eaves swayed gently in the breeze, and red silk ribbons hung neatly from the pillars. The bluestone ground was spotless, and even the sound of the wind sweeping through the courtyard carried a warm sense of congratulations.

The Ministry of Rites' official in charge of rites, dressed in auspicious robes, stood ramrod straight, awaiting the arrival of the newlyweds.

The emperor and empress did not come, and everyone was worried that it would affect the lively atmosphere. Everyone was very careful and could not enjoy the banquet properly.

Therefore, two female officials from the palace were sent as representatives. At this moment, the two stood quietly under the corridor, their dignified demeanor making the wedding ceremony even more solemn.

Madam Zhang sat upright in the center of the hall, having changed into a festive brocade gown. The pearl hairpins adorning her temples were simple yet elegant, giving her a more dignified and majestic air than her usual gentle and domestic demeanor.

She rested her hands lightly on her knees, her gaze fixed on the doorway, but her fingertips trembled slightly.

To outsiders, it was a grand spectacle of a hall full of guests, attracting nationwide attention.

Only she herself knew that everything she had achieved was thanks to her son's perilous struggle.

At this thought, Zhang's eyes welled up slightly. She quietly raised her hand and very gently wiped the corner of her eye.

The old woman beside him saw it clearly, took half a step forward, and gently comforted him in a low voice.

"Madam, today is a joyous occasion; you mustn't cry."

Zhang nodded hurriedly, trying to suppress the bitterness welling up inside her. "I just... suddenly realized that I've made things too difficult for him all these years."

As they were whispering, joyful music grew closer outside the door, and the voices suddenly rose in volume.

The master of ceremonies' clear voice pierced through the hall and rang out steadily:

"The newlyweds return home—auspicious gifts to be presented!"

The clamor in the hall instantly subsided, and all eyes turned to the main entrance.

Red ribbons fluttered in the sky, and joyful music filled the air.

Li Xuanzhi, dressed in a bright red auspicious robe, held one end of a red silk ribbon in his hand. At the other end of the ribbon stood Pei Qingyuan, dressed in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe.

The girl lowered her head, her bright red veil hanging down, covering her eyebrows and eyes, revealing only a slender, fair, and long neck.

Her figure was slender and graceful; as she moved slowly, the tassels of her wedding gown swayed gently. Her steps were dignified, without a trace of panic or shyness, but rather poised and composed.

The two walked side by side across the red carpet, step by step from the courtyard gate to the main hall.

"The bride steps over a fire basin!"

Li Xuanzhi paused slightly, instinctively gently taking hold of the red silk ribbon. He slowed his pace, silently protecting the person beside him as they crossed the river smoothly.

The movement was extremely subtle, yet it was still noticed by many elders nearby.

Seeing this, an older man smiled slightly and whispered to the person beside him:

"True character is revealed in the details. Xuanzhi is the most reliable person. After he enters the Pei family, he will certainly not suffer the slightest grievance."

The relatives and friends beside him nodded and chuckled. "Yes, he holds a high position yet remains humble and composed, and he treats others with kindness despite the hardships he has endured. Such a character is truly rare. It's a pity that I don't have a daughter of marriageable age. Our family's situation isn't such that we can't compete."

"Step over the saddle and banish misfortune!"

The two finally reached the center of the main hall and stood side by side.

The Master of Ceremonies raised his sleeves and spoke in a loud voice, each word solemn and clear, reaching the ears of everyone present.

"The auspicious time has arrived—the newlyweds must perform the wedding ceremony!"

"I bow to Heaven and Earth!"

The two bowed in unison, their posture upright and devout.

Li Xuanzhi did not believe in the illusory concept of fate, but he was grateful for the world and its ever-changing ways, which gave him the opportunity to start a family and build a career in this unfamiliar world.

Pei Qingyuan, standing beside her, was secretly grateful for the vastness of the land and the serendipitous encounter that allowed her to meet this gentleman amidst the sea of ​​people, and to have the opportunity to spend her life with him.

After bowing, he stood up.

"Bowing to the parents a second time!"

The two turned to Zhang, who was sitting upright, and bowed down again in unison.

Madam Zhang sat in her high seat, gazing at the perfect couple before her. The candlelight cast a warm glow on her eyes.

She looked at her son, who had been so reserved in his youth, now standing steadily amidst the joyous celebration.

All the past hardships and grievances seemed to be completely dissolved in this one bow.

After the two finished their greetings and stood up, Zhang spoke softly, her voice gentle yet firm.

"From now on, husband and wife will be of one mind, respecting and understanding each other."

Li Xuanzhi lowered his eyes and responded sincerely, "Your son will remember Mother's teachings."

Pei Qingyuan responded gently, "Daughter-in-law will remember."

"Husband and wife bow to each other!"

The two turned to face each other and looked at one another.

Through a gently swaying red veil, their vision was blurred, yet their hearts were clear.

Looking at her dignified and composed figure, all the solemnity and composure in Li Xuanzhi's eyes faded away, leaving only a gentle tenderness.

He bowed slowly, with a devout and solemn expression.

Pei Qingyuan, sitting opposite her, also curtsied slightly in return.

This bow is not merely a worldly formality; it signifies entrusting each other with the rest of our lives, sharing joys and sorrows.

Once the three rites were completed, a deafening roar of congratulations erupted from below the hall.

Congratulations to Imperial Censor Li on your marriage!

Congratulations to the newlyweds on your harmonious marriage! May you be forever united in heart and soul!

Cheers and applause filled the room, laughter echoing throughout. The festive lanterns under the eaves swayed gently, and the joyous atmosphere surging endlessly throughout the courtyard.

Several colleagues from the Hanlin Academy rose, cupped their hands in greeting, and smiled sincerely.

"Today, the Imperial Censor has finally met a good man. Congratulations!"

Li Xuanzhi nodded slightly, his tone gentle and measured.

"Thank you all for your kindness and support. I am also grateful to my relatives and elders for coming from afar today."

He remained humble and self-possessed, showing no trace of the arrogance that comes with early success.

The more composed and gentle he is, the more respect he commands.

Under the eaves, Liu Yunrou and Gu Pan'er, who could only stay in the backyard because of their status as concubines, stood together on the small pavilion, looking at the two people standing side by side in the hall, with faint smiles on their lips.

Two figures stood at the far end of the alley.

Lin Lingyi and Shen Zhiwei arrived together, but did not approach the front. They stood quietly behind the others, watching the red silk and joyous celebrations throughout the mansion, and the newlyweds in the hall, enjoying a splendid and perfect occasion.

Lin Lingyi's eyes were gentle, but a faint bitterness rose in her heart, and she sighed softly:

"Such a perfect match, such an upright couple, truly the best marriage. With Lord Li as such a fine example, I fear it will be even more difficult for me to find a good match in the future."

Shen Zhi smiled and shook his head helplessly with a sigh, "Sincerity and uprightness are the essence of good manners. Now I understand what it means to ruin one's life with just one glance."

Although the two of them were convinced that Pei Qingyuan had been chosen, how could they not have any feelings for such an outstanding man?

But they were the legitimate daughters of the family and received the best education in the clan from a young age.

For families like theirs, the desire to marry according to their own heart is a luxury.

Even if they were willing to become concubines, their elders in the family would probably not agree for the sake of their reputation.