The playboy county magistrate

At this point, Li Xuanzhi's mother, Zhang, sighed again.

"You've worked so hard these past six months. All the trivial matters inside and outside this huge mansion have fallen on your shoulders. Xuanzhi is always traveling around, so I'm sorry to have troubled you with all this."

Pei Qingyuan naturally understood that her mother-in-law was saying this to support her, worried that if Fu Xiaoxiao stayed by her husband's side for too long, she would take advantage of her, the head of the household.

This was meant to both warn Fu Xiaoxiao and to tell Li Xuanzhi not to let him down.

Such a good mother-in-law is hard to find, compared to other families where mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law fight and the whole household is in chaos and there is never any peace.

Pei Qingyuan slightly bent her knees, her smile gentle.

"It's not hard for a daughter-in-law. Managing the household and securing the home front is simply her duty. My husband is serving the country, and as a member of the Li family, I should do my best to support him."

Looking at her insightful, generous, gentle, and proper demeanor, Zhang felt increasingly satisfied.

Turning to look at his son, he couldn't help but continue muttering:

"Look at Qingyuan, she's virtuous, broad-minded, and always considerate of you. She's never jealous or quarrelsome. You're incredibly lucky to have married such a wonderful wife!"

"From now on, you must be more discreet in your actions. Only by upholding your principles and maintaining family harmony can you go far and achieve great things. No matter how powerful you are in the court, if there is unrest in your home and discord in your family, your foundation will ultimately be unstable."

Li Xuanzhi nodded slightly, responding sincerely, "Your son understands and will certainly treat Qingyuan well and ensure the safety of our home."

Zhang shared a reunion dinner with everyone and chatted for quite some time. After pouring out all the longing that had been building up in her heart for half a year, she finally waved her hand and said:

"Alright, I'm exhausted from the long journey back. You should all go back and rest, we'll talk again tomorrow."

"Yes, Mother, please rest well." Everyone responded in unison.

The maids escorted Zhang Shi inside to rest, and the noisy courtyard finally returned to tranquility.

Li Xuanzhi and Pei Qingyuan were already newlyweds separated, and after being apart for half a year, their passion naturally ignited.

If it weren't for the fact that I had to go to the Pei residence early the next morning, I'm afraid I wouldn't have had a peaceful night.

And so, the next day, just as dawn was breaking, Li Xuanzhi got up early and finished washing up.

Pei Qingyuan was still fast asleep, too tired to hear that Li Xuanzhi had been up for quite some time.

When Pei Qingyuan woke up again, she was completely shocked.

She had just woken up when she found herself wearing the elegant and luxurious brocade dress she had chosen yesterday for her homecoming visit today.

Even her makeup was done, light and delicate, elegant and gentle.

At this moment, Li Xuanzhi was holding her on his lap, and her face instantly turned red to the roots of her neck.

Li Xuanzhi smiled and reached out to rub Pei Qingyuan's nose and cheeks. "Your brother-in-law must be worried sick at home right now. Now that you're awake, let's set off now."

Pei Qingyuan had relied on her elder brother Pei Yuting since childhood; he was her closest relative in the world.

Previously, Li Xuanzhi had gone to Jinling, and she had been busy managing affairs at home, so she hadn't been able to visit her parents' home. Now that Li Xuanzhi had returned to the capital, whether it was to make up for the previous visit or just a regular family visit, she naturally had to visit her parents as soon as possible.

The two had ordered people to prepare generous gifts for the bride's return visit last night, and traveled lightly and simply to the Pei residence.

The Pei residence remained as elegant and tranquil as ever, exuding a scholarly atmosphere and reflecting the refined and cultured character of a noble family.

Having received a visiting card yesterday, and knowing that his sister and brother-in-law were coming, Pei Yuting and his wife waited at the gate of the mansion early in the morning.

Upon seeing the carriage approaching from afar, Pei Yuting immediately stepped forward to greet it once it came to a stop. His eyes were smiling, and his demeanor was gentle and humble.

"Xuanzhi, Qingyuan, you're finally back."

The car came to a stop, and the two got out.

Upon seeing her loved ones, Pei Qingyuan's eyes instantly lit up with a smile, and she softly called out:

"Brother, sister-in-law."

Li Xuanzhi also performed the proper etiquette and bowed respectfully.

"Brother-in-law, sister-in-law."

Pei Yuting quickly reached out to help him up, his smile sincere and without a trace of formality or distance.

"Now that you hold a high position, you need not stand on ceremony with me. Your safe return is the greatest joy for us siblings."

Madam Pei, gentle and kind, stepped forward, took Pei Qingyuan's hand, carefully examined her appearance, and said with a soft smile:

"Qingyuan looks better and better. It seems she is living a stable and comfortable life in the Li family, so we are relieved. In the past six months, your husband has been away in Jinling, and you have been managing the household affairs on your own. It must have been hard for you."

Pei Qingyuan hugged her sister-in-law's arm, tilted her head and rested it on her shoulder, showing great affection.

"It's not hard work. Everything is going smoothly at home, and my mother-in-law is a very easy person to get along with. My husband is also doing well in everything, and I'm doing very well."

The group chatted and laughed as they entered the mansion side by side and went straight to the main hall to take their seats.

A maidservant served freshly brewed tea, and the table was laden with fruits and snacks, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

Pei Yuting looked at his brother-in-law, who sat upright beside him, his demeanor becoming increasingly composed, and sighed sincerely:

"During your six months in Nanjing, rumors have been rampant, and my wife and I have been worried about you every day. People say you've been indulging in pleasure and neglecting your duties, but I've never believed it. I know your character and mindset well; you're definitely not someone who's indulging in comfort and lacking ambition."

"Now it seems that it was all just worldly talk. In just half a year, he quelled the century-old problems in Jinling and was personally promoted by His Majesty. He is young and promising, and he deserves it."

Li Xuanzhi picked up his teacup and took a small sip, his tone humble and calm, without a trace of arrogance or self-satisfaction.

"Brother-in-law, you flatter me. I was merely fulfilling my duty as a subject, relieving the country's worries, and ensuring the people's well-being. Nanjing was in chaos, with deep-seated problems, and eventually someone had to step in to break the deadlock and quell the unrest. I was simply acting in accordance with the opportune moment."

Pei Yuting clapped his hands and chuckled: "Your composure is truly rare. Most people who achieve great things in their youth are impetuous and arrogant. It is truly remarkable that you have maintained such a calm mind despite your tremendous achievements."

During their casual conversation, the two did not discuss court intrigues or factional disputes. They only talked about poetry, literature, etiquette, the lives of ordinary people, and everyday life in the marketplace.

Pei Yuting was indifferent to fame and fortune and disliked court intrigues. Li Xuanzhi deliberately avoided the treacherous politics of the court and had frank discussions with him on the principles of scholarship and the benefits and drawbacks of people's livelihoods. His speech was refined and his insights were profound.

Madam Pei sat beside Pei Qingyuan, chatting about everyday matters and inquiring about her daily life and diet. She advised her not to overwork herself, not to do everything herself, and to take good care of her health.

Pei Yuting abruptly changed the subject, earnestly offering his advice:

"Xuanzhi, you now wield immense power and enjoy the Emperor's favor, unmatched by anyone in the court or among the people. But the taller the tree, the more the wind will blow, and the higher one climbs, the colder it gets. From now on, you must be even more cautious in your actions in the court."

"Your harmonious marriage with Qingyuan and the stability of your home are the greatest blessings. Power and wealth are external things; stability is what lasts."

These words came from the bottom of my heart; they were sincere advice from a close relative.

Li Xuanzhi nodded solemnly and sincerely agreed.

"I will keep my brother-in-law's words in mind. I will be careful with my words and actions in the future and will never act rashly."

The group chatted happily, and time slipped by unnoticed; it was almost noon.

Just as Madam Pei was about to give the order for the meal to be served, a palace eunuch suddenly arrived at the door, bringing an imperial edict, breaking the warm tranquility of the Pei residence.