The playboy county magistrate

"By imperial decree, Li Xuanzhi, the Commissioner of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, and his wife, Lady Pei, are to be summoned to the palace immediately. The Emperor and Empress will personally host a luncheon to receive them. This is the imperial decree!"

The eunuch's voice was clear and bright, his attitude sincere, and his tone full of respect for the newly promoted powerful minister.

Everyone in the hall was taken aback upon hearing this, but then their faces lit up with joy.

Although Li Xuanzhi brought Pei Qingyuan with him this time to make up for the regret of not being able to accompany her on her homecoming visit, the fact that the Emperor and Empress jointly summoned the couple to the palace for a banquet was an act of immense imperial favor. Ordinary officials would rarely encounter such an opportunity in their lifetime, which was enough to demonstrate the Emperor's great favor and was an extremely prestigious event.

Pei Yuting quickly smiled and said gently to Li Xuanzhi and Pei Qingyuan:

"Since it is a summons from His Majesty, there is no time to delay. You two should hurry to the palace to receive the decree and attend the banquet, lest you be late. Be mindful of your words and actions, and do not be impolite."

"Don't worry, brother." Pei Qingyuan nodded gently, stood up and straightened her clothes and appearance.

Li Xuanzhi rose to take his leave, displaying impeccable manners.

"I hope you will forgive my hasty departure. I will accompany Qingyuan back to the manor another day and have a proper chat and get-together with you both."

Madam Pei smiled and waved her hand, "We're all fine, no need to worry. You two can go to the palace in peace, we have a long time to spend together."

The two dared not delay for a moment and immediately followed the summoned eunuchs to board the carriage and enter the palace.

The imperial carriage led the way, with palace guards bowing their heads in salute. The journey was unimpeded, leading straight to the heart of the imperial city.

Compared to the bustling city life outside the palace, the imperial city was solemn and tranquil. The blue-brick imperial road was smooth and wide, and the palaces were magnificent and layered. The upturned eaves were bathed in the midday sun, and the whole place exuded the unique solemnity of the royal family.

Before long, the carriage stopped outside Ninghui Palace.

Ninghui Hall was a side hall where the emperor and empress would rest, hold banquets, and chat.

Unlike the solemn and cold main hall, this place is built against the mountain and beside the water. The courtyard is lush with flowers and trees, and koi fish play in the water. The interior is bright and airy, perfect for hosting small banquets.

The eunuch leading the way bowed and raised his hand, his attitude respectful.

"Lord Li, Madam Li. His Majesty and the Empress are waiting in the hall. Please enter."

Li Xuanzhi nodded slightly, turning to look at Pei Qingyuan beside him. He reached out, took her hand, patted it gently, and said softly:

"Don't be shy, just answer naturally."

Pei Qingyuan nodded obediently.

Although she rarely entered the palace to meet the emperor, she was a person of proper manners.

In addition, having managed the mansion for many years and navigating the complexities of relationships with powerful figures and their wives, he was already intimately familiar with the nuances of social interaction.

She gently straightened her clothes and skirt, making sure her hair was neat and her attire was tidy, and that her every move was graceful and dignified.

The two walked slowly into the hall side by side.

The hall was filled with the gentle fragrance of amber, a royal incense, delicate and lingering.

The bright yellow curtains hung neatly, and the exquisitely carved tables, chairs, and desks were spotless. The long table in the center was filled with seasonal delicacies, fine imperial snacks, fresh fruits, and fine wines.

A perfect blend of meat and vegetables, with excellent color, aroma, and taste, each item is a rare and exquisite imperial delicacy.

The emperor sat upright on the throne, his dragon robe replaced by casual clothes, shedding the imposing and awe-inspiring presence he exuded in the court. His eyes and brows softened, revealing less of the aloofness between ruler and subject and more of the approachability of an ordinary person.

He lightly rested one hand on the edge of the table, his gaze falling on the two people who entered the hall, his eyes filled with genuine appreciation and satisfaction.

The Empress sat regally beside the Emperor, dressed in a soft satin palace gown adorned with dragons and phoenixes. Her makeup was exquisite and elegant, perfectly embodying the dignified and graceful presence of the Empress.

Her features were gentle and her expression soft, without a trace of haughty arrogance. Although she wasn't much older than Li Xuanzhi and his wife, she carried the warm smile of an elder looking at a younger person.

The two walked to the center of the hall and knelt down together.

"Your subject Li Xuanzhi, and your wife Pei, pay our respects to Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress. Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!"

"Rise." The emperor raised his hand slightly, his tone warm and composed.

"Today is not a court meeting, so there's no need to adhere to the strict etiquette between ruler and subject. You and your spouse may come forward and take your seats. Today is just a casual family dinner, so feel free to chat as you please."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress."

The two stood up in response and sat down in their designated seats, close together, according to palace etiquette.

Once the two were seated, the Empress spoke first, her gaze gently falling on Pei Qingyuan. After scrutinizing her for a moment, her smile grew even more genuine.

"I've long heard from old palace servants and noblewomen that you're virtuous, kind, and upright. You've managed such a large mansion perfectly, with harmonious concubines in the inner courtyard and obedient servants, and there's never been a single dispute. Seeing you in person today, I can confirm that you are indeed elegant, dignified, and generous, even more insightful than the rumors suggest."

Upon hearing this, Pei Qingyuan calmly rose and bowed, displaying humility and propriety.

"Your Majesty flatters me. I am unworthy of such praise. I have merely fulfilled my duties as a woman, managing the household affairs, disciplining the servants, upholding family traditions, and ensuring the stability of our home. My husband bears heavy responsibilities at court and is concerned with the well-being of the nation. The only thing I can do is to eliminate the trivialities and distractions in the household so that he can devote himself to serving the country without any worries."

She did not deliberately seek credit, nor did she feign humility to shirk responsibility; she was open and sincere.

Upon hearing this, the emperor clapped his hands and smiled, nodding repeatedly in approval.

"Well said! Eliminating internal disturbances and securing the rear is the greatest achievement. As the ruler of the empire, I know that the most precious thing for court officials is to have 'no worries about their rear.' Many court officials are exceptionally talented and full of ambition, yet they are often entangled in domestic disputes and trivial matters. Distracted and internally drained, they can hardly accomplish great things."

He turned his gaze to Li Xuanzhi, his tone filled with complete trust and approval.

"Xuanzhi is a young prodigy, decisive in his actions, and far-sighted in his planning. It is no accident that he was able to quell the century-old ailments of Jinling in just six months. And your wife, Lady Pei, has made a great contribution to your ability to break through and build your business without any hindrance."

Li Xuanzhi stood up, bowed, and answered sincerely.

"Your Majesty flatters me. I have been wholeheartedly devoted to my duties, and my wife has taken care of all the affairs at home. If it weren't for Qingyuan's steadfast protection of the household and her understanding of my difficulties, I would never have been able to concentrate on external affairs and dare not speak of any merits."

He did not claim all the credit, but readily attributed the success of the household affairs to his wife. This demonstrated both the deep affection between husband and wife and the magnanimity of a gentleman, further pleasing the Empress who was listening quietly from the side.

The Empress chuckled softly and slowly began to speak.

"His Majesty often mentions to me that among the many young officials in the court, Xuanzhi is the one who truly puts my mind at ease. He is not greedy for fame or fortune. He conceals his talents and remains humble, seeking progress steadily. He is calm and collected in the face of adversity and has a long-term vision in his plans."

"Previously, rumors were rampant in Jinling, and half of the officials in the court and the public were watching and mocking you. They said you were indulging in pleasure and neglecting your duties. Only His Majesty was convinced that you were no ordinary person. Today, it seems that His Majesty indeed has a discerning eye."

His words not only praised Li Xuanzhi, but also pleased the emperor even more.

Li Xuanzhi lowered his eyes and answered humbly, "I am young and inexperienced, and I am fortunate to have gained Your Majesty's trust and the court's tolerance. My previous allowance of rumors to spread was actually to lull the remaining local forces and those in the court who were watching from the sidelines. This was my calculation, and I dare not deceive Your Majesty, nor do I dare to claim that I am clever."

He frankly admitted that he had deliberately tarnished his image and openly confessed to the emperor and empress.

This sincerity and transparency earned the emperor's trust far more than deliberate concealment.