The playboy county magistrate

Half a year has passed in the blink of an eye.

When Li Xuanzhi was ordered to travel to Jinling to thoroughly investigate a major case during a time of crisis, he went there amidst the suspicion, probing, and suppression of the court's nobles.

At that time, everyone in the court and the public was watching closely, waiting to see him be trapped by local corruption, the entrenched relationships of powerful families, and the chaos in the Grand Canal, ultimately ending up with a ruined reputation and a destroyed career.

But now, Nanjing is free from the chaos and accumulated problems. The Grand Canal is open, the treasury is full, the people are at peace, and the government is clean and efficient.

The local powerful families that had dominated the area for centuries were quietly eliminated, all hidden dangers were removed, and the chaos was completely quelled.

The morning light spilled onto the gilded roof, reflecting a dazzling luster.

The Taiji Hall was solemn and imposing, with the fragrance of ambergris rising and swirling between the beams and pillars, making all the civil and military officials in the hall hold their breath in silence.

On the dragon throne, the young emperor sat upright in the center. His bright yellow dragon robe was embroidered with intricate cloud patterns, his face was composed, and his eyes were deep. He quietly looked down at the ministers below, his eyes concealing the joy that had been difficult to hide for days.

Now that Li Xuanzhi has returned to the capital, Jinling is prosperous, with tax revenue increasing by at least 70% compared to before, continuously filling the national treasury and relieving the court of its financial difficulties for several years.

This achievement was unparalleled in the court, and no one could match it.

"Summon Li Xuanzhi to the palace for an audience!"

The eunuch's high-pitched, drawn-out chanting pierced through the morning light outside the palace, spreading through the entire imperial city and breaking the silence of the court.

Upon hearing this, all the officials raised their eyes and looked towards the palace gate, their eyes swirling with a complex mix of emotions.

There was admiration, fear, jealousy, resentment, and even a sense of relief. A myriad of emotions were expressed, but the only common thread was that no one appeared truly at ease.

A moment later, a tall and slender figure slowly stepped into the Taiji Hall.

He wore a brand-new court robe, a jade belt around his waist, and his black hair was adorned with a jade crown. His posture was as upright as a pine tree, and his demeanor was outstanding.

Compared to before, Li Xuanzhi now possesses a more reserved and composed demeanor. His features are handsome and gentle, yet he exudes an aura of authority befitting someone in a high position who holds power. He commands respect without anger and remains calm and composed.

During his six months in Nanjing, people said he indulged in pleasure and that his ambition and sharpness had been worn down by the allure of women.

But when everyone looked up, they saw that his eyes were clear and deep, his demeanor dignified and noble, without a trace of extravagance or decadence. On the contrary, he seemed even more unfathomable, making people afraid to look directly at him.

Li Xuanzhi walked into the hall and bowed to perform the grand ceremony of a subject to his ruler.

"Your subject, Li Xuanzhi, was ordered to enter Jinling City to investigate a case. Having completed all matters, I return to the capital today to report. Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"

The emperor looked at the young and important minister below the steps, his eyes filled with undisguised appreciation, and raised his hand, saying loudly, "Rise, my dear minister."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Li Xuanzhi slowly straightened up, his posture upright, his eyes lowered, standing still, awaiting the imperial edict.

He remained calm, as if making such a great achievement was nothing more than routine official business to him, without the slightest hint of arrogance or self-importance.

On the dragon throne, the emperor's gaze swept over the civil and military officials in the hall, finally settling on Li Xuanzhi with full approval.

"Xuanzhi, Nanjing has suffered from a century of accumulated problems and rampant chaos. In just half a year, you not only investigated the case thoroughly, but also rectified official corruption, restored the Grand Canal, and reassured the people. You are truly a pillar of the state for whom I can entrust important responsibilities!"

These evaluations, coming from the emperor, carried immense weight, elevating Li Xuanzhi's achievements to the pinnacle of the dynasty.

The expressions of the officials in the hall became complicated once again.

The emperor continued speaking, showing no sign of stopping.

"In recognition of your meritorious service, I hereby bestow upon Li Xuanzhi the title of Commissioner of the Court of State Affairs, a third-rank official. He shall be in charge of public opinion throughout the realm, reporting to the court from all directions and handling confidential matters. He shall also concurrently serve as the Inspector of Nanjing, overseeing all civil administration, grain transport, and defense affairs in Nanjing. He shall be authorized to act expediently and make independent decisions."

"Furthermore, I will bestow upon you a thousand acres of fertile land, a thousand taels of gold, a hundred bolts of brocade, and a jade pendant by imperial decree!"

The moment those words were spoken, the entire hall erupted in uproar!

The court fell silent for a moment, then a few suppressed murmurs arose.

Countless gazes fell upon Li Xuanzhi, a mixture of shock, envy, apprehension, and jealousy sweeping across the entire Taiji Hall.

The third-rank official, the Commissioner of the Court of Judicial Review, concurrently held the authority of the Governor-General of Jinling. He also had the power to act expediently and submit independent reports.

This means that from now on, Jinling will practically become Li Xuanzhi's private domain!

The court was unable to maintain balance, and no one else could intervene. He truly achieved a position of great power and influence.

Even though he was only a third-rank official, he had already entered the core of the court and become the emperor's most trusted and relied-upon minister.

Such an honor is unprecedented, let alone for a young official like Li Xuanzhi. Even seasoned officials who have served in the court for decades have not received such a privilege!

Looking back at the history of the Great Yong Dynasty, this is simply unprecedented!

Li Xuanzhi bowed again, his tone still calm and composed, without the slightest sign of losing his composure.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness! I will certainly devote myself wholeheartedly to serving you and live up to your trust and the heavy responsibility entrusted to me by the nation."

"Excellent! What a truly devoted and selfless service!" The emperor was overjoyed, his smile genuine. "With my beloved minister here, I have no worries!"

……

The morning court session ended, and all the officials left the court.

Civil and military officials emerged from the Taiji Hall in batches. The usual orderly chatter and pleasantries were nowhere to be seen. Today, everyone's conversation revolved entirely around Li Xuanzhi.

The court was divided into numerous factions, each with differing stances and interests. Their differing mindsets led to drastically different reactions.

The old guard of the aristocratic faction, their faces ashen, their steps heavy, their eyes filled with solemnity and regret. A heavy weight pressed down on their hearts, making it hard to breathe.

"I should not have! I should not have been blinded by those rumors about the pleasures of Jiangnan!"

"We all thought that his departure to Jinling, far from the court, would make him easier to deal with. But now! Alas..."

"Now it seems that it was all a performance he deliberately put on for the world!"

"At such a young age, he wields immense power. From now on, no one in the court will be able to suppress Li Xuanzhi! The depth of his cunning and the length of his plans far exceed our expectations; he is truly terrifying!"

In stark contrast to the somber regret of the Xun Gui faction, the neutral civil officials and upright officials in the court were all filled with admiration and praise. They stopped to chat, their words brimming with appreciation.

A middle-aged imperial censor stroked his beard and chuckled, his tone one of genuine admiration:

"Lord Li is truly a genius! Young and promising, with exceptional wisdom. In just six months, he quelled a century-old malpractice, calmly stabilizing the nation. Such methods, such composure and resolve, are unmatched in this court!"

Another civil official from the Ministry of Rites nodded in agreement, "What's most commendable is that despite achieving such extraordinary feats, he shows not a trace of arrogance or impetuosity. He is measured in his actions and conduct, humble and self-possessed, and his composure far surpasses that of his peers. Such talent is a blessing to the Great Yong Dynasty and a boon to the court!"

"Previously, rumors circulated throughout the city slandering Lord Li for indulging in pleasures and neglecting his duties. Now it seems that these were all the speculations of petty people! A true sage always conceals his talents and keeps a low profile, patiently planning his moves. He does not argue with vulgar people, nor does he debate right and wrong with rumors!"

The assembled upright officials chivalrously offered their opinions, each word filled with praise and admiration. They felt that the court's possession of such a virtuous minister was a blessing for the nation.

The newly promoted officials, who followed the emperor and were single-mindedly eager to do practical things like Li Xuanzhi, were now filled with enthusiasm.