The playboy county magistrate

They stared intently in Li Xuanzhi's direction, showering him with compliments one after another, each one different.

"Congratulations, Lord Li, on your successful return to the capital! From now on, Lord Li will be a pillar of the court and a trusted confidant of His Majesty. We will rely on your guidance and support in the future!"

"To quell the chaos in Nanjing in just half a year—such skill is rarely seen in ancient times!"

There was also a group of young officials who had entered the court around the same time and were of similar age, yet whose achievements differed greatly. They harbored barely concealed jealousy and bitterness, whispering amongst themselves.

"We both entered officialdom at a young age, yet fates differ so greatly."

"We, who are cautious and timid in the court every day, still find it difficult to move forward. Yet he went into danger alone, ascended to the top of the court, and wielded immense power, which is truly beyond the reach of others."

"Envy is useless. This person is too cunning, ruthless, and unpredictable. The future political situation in the court will likely be completely overturned because of him."

Li Xuanzhi, at the center of the controversy, remained completely indifferent. His expression was calm, his steps unhurried, as if the praise and criticism, the turmoil in the hall, had nothing to do with him.

"Are the carriages and horses ready?" Li Xuanzhi asked softly.

"Everything is ready." Tang Zheng smiled and waved to Li Xuanzhi, who had walked to the palace gate, responding excitedly. "The carriage is parked outside the palace gate; we can return home at any time."

Li Xuanzhi nodded slightly, continued walking, and gave the instructions in a soft voice.

"Go to the post station in the capital and ask Xiao Xiao to come with me back to the Li residence."

Tang Zheng paused slightly, then bowed and accepted the order, "Yes."

Before long, two streets away from the Li residence, a fine and sturdy ebony carriage stood quietly waiting.

A woman dressed in plain clothes stood beside the car; she was slender and had a beautiful face.

She wore a simple, light-colored dress and had understated makeup. She wore no extravagant accessories and displayed no flamboyant style.

Li Xuanzhi glanced over indifferently, his tone calm.

"Get in the car and come with me back to the mansion."

"Yes, sir."

Fu Xiaoxiao never imagined that she, a killer who couldn't stand in the light, would one day stand openly in the sunlight.

At this moment, the main gate of the Li residence was wide open, and the steps in front of it were swept clean and spotless.

All the servants in the mansion stood in a line at the back, waiting respectfully.

Before the steps, a gentle and dignified figure stood quietly in the center. It was none other than Li Xuanzhi's legal wife—Pei Qingyuan.

Today she wore a moon-white brocade dress with flowing clouds, the hem of which was embroidered with delicate and elegant orchid patterns.

Her makeup was light and elegant, her eyes gentle and clear. She was dignified, graceful, and serene.

She stood there steadily, exuding the air of a matriarch. Composed, poised, and graceful.

Upon receiving news that Li Xuanzhi had returned to the capital, she made all the necessary preparations in advance, personally leading two of her concubines to stand at the gate to greet him.

After months of longing and yearning, the day of her return has finally arrived, and her eyes reveal an undisguised tender expectation.

"Madam, we've spotted the master's carriage."

The personal maid whispered a reminder, her tone respectful.

Pei Qingyuan nodded slightly, her gaze fixed on the end of the long street. A gentle tenderness deepened in her eyes, and a faint, serene smile played on her lips.

Before long, the sounds of carriages and horses drew near from the end of the long street. The ebony carriage slowly approached and came to a steady stop in front of the main gate of the Li residence.

The coachman stopped the carriage smoothly, and Tang Zheng dismounted first, bowing to lift the curtain.

The next moment, the tall, slender figure bent down and got out of the car. Compared to before, he appeared even more handsome and outstanding.

Pei Qingyuan's eyes lit up, and she subconsciously took half a step forward, speaking softly and gently.

"My husband, you must be tired from your journey."

Behind them, Gu Pan'er and Liu Yunrou bowed and knelt down in unison.

"Welcome back to your residence, sir. Are you well?"

All the servants in the courtyard bowed their heads in greeting and offered their congratulations in unison.

"Welcome back to your residence, sir!"

Li Xuanzhi raised his eyes, his gaze immediately falling on Pei Qingyuan.

"It's no trouble at all," he said gently. "You've taken great care of managing the household; it's you who's worked hard."

Pei Qingyuan smiled gently, her eyes tender, and replied softly, "My husband has worked tirelessly for the country and has made great contributions. It is my duty to guard the manor. How can it be considered hardship? As long as my husband returns home safely, everything will be worthwhile."

Looking at her gentle and clear eyes, Li Xuanzhi felt a tenderness in his heart.

At this moment, the carriage curtain moved again. A slender figure in plain clothes carefully stepped down from the carriage and stood with her head bowed beside it.

The atmosphere in the courtyard changed slightly for a moment, and a faint hint of surprise flashed across the eyes of the two concubines. They quickly concealed it and maintained their obedient and respectful demeanor.

The servants in the courtyard held their breath and stood silently with their heads bowed.

Everyone knew that the woman who accompanied the lord back to his residence was the beauty mentioned in the rumors that had been circulating throughout the city.

Now that they are returning to the mansion with the master, it is clear that they will be settled in the mansion and placed in the back courtyard.

Everyone secretly wondered whether the mistress would be displeased upon first meeting the newcomer.

Li Xuanzhi sensed the subtle atmosphere in the courtyard but did not try to hide it. He calmly turned to the side and pointed lightly.

"This girl is named Fu Xiaoxiao. She serves me in Jinling with meticulous care and diligence. From now on, she will be a member of my household."

Fu Xiaoxiao immediately stepped forward and curtsied deeply to Pei Qingyuan.

"This humble servant, Fu Xiaoxiao, is new to the household and inexperienced in etiquette. I hope Madam will take good care of me in the future. This humble servant will certainly behave myself, abide by the rules, and serve Madam and Master wholeheartedly."

Pei Qingyuan looked quietly at the person in front of her, a gentle and dignified smile on her lips. She stepped forward, raised her hand slightly, and said softly, "No need for formalities, please rise."

"Now that you've entered the Li household, you are a member of the household. From now on, you only need to behave yourself and fulfill your duties. The household will allow you to establish yourself peacefully, and no one will mistreat you."

Fu Xiaoxin felt a warmth in her heart and quickly replied, "This humble servant will remember Madam's teachings and will certainly behave herself and abide by the household rules."

After saying that, she turned to the side and curtsied slightly to Gu Pan'er and Liu Yunrou. "Greetings, elder sisters. I hope you will give me your guidance in the future."

Gu Pan'er nodded slightly.

Liu Yunrou spoke up gently to comfort her, "Sister, there's no need to be so reserved. From now on, we'll live together in the manor and get along well."

Li Xuanzhi stood aside, quietly watching this scene.

What pleased him most about Pei Qingyuan was never just her dignified beauty and background. It was also her insightful understanding, magnanimity, gentleness, and kindness.

As his legal wife, she never used her narrow-minded jealousy to restrain or restrict him, nor did she resent him, allowing him to live without any worries.

Pei Qingyuan smiled gently, "My husband has had a long and tiring journey, and the court meetings must have taken a toll on your mind. Mother went to the temple to offer incense today and should be back in about two hours. Tea, snacks, and a warm meal have already been prepared at home. Husband, please come inside and rest."

"Okay." Li Xuanzhi nodded in response, took Pei Qingyuan's hand, and stepped inside, with the others following behind steadily.

The group entered the mansion in an orderly fashion, passing through the vermilion gate and long corridor, and then through the bluestone courtyard. The flowers and trees under the corridor were lush, a gentle breeze was blowing, and the whole courtyard was quiet and elegant.

Halfway there, Pei Qingyuan slowed down and turned to speak frankly.

"My lord, there were many rumors circulating before, and people said that you had a beautiful woman serving you. Although I did not believe them, I could not help but worry about her every day. Now that I see that Sister Fu is gentle and well-behaved, I am completely at ease."

She is open and honest, without pretense or hidden grudges. She is sincere, insightful, and poised.

Li Xuanzhi glanced at her sideways, his eyes filled with even deeper tenderness.

"It's my fault for making you worry for so long."

At this point, Li Xuanzhi continued: