The playboy county magistrate

Just as Li Xuanzhi had guessed, the emperor's smile deepened, and his tone became even more gentle and intimate.

"Your frankness and honesty demonstrate your pure loyalty. I know you have always been clear about the distinction between public and private matters. The administration in Nanjing has been cleaned up, the Grand Canal has been unblocked, and the treasury is full, making it an even more solid foundation for the national treasury. No one in the court can match your achievements."

These words definitively affirmed Li Xuanzhi's standing in the court. It was the emperor's heartfelt recognition, carrying far greater weight than any official reward.

The Empress looked at Pei Qingyuan and began to chat gently and softly once again.

"Qingyuan, Xuanzhi is busy with state affairs, which has caused you and your husband to be separated for long periods of time. You are alone in the mansion, managing all the affairs, which must be very hard for you."

"I heard that when the rumors in Jinling were at their peak, everyone in the capital was speculating and gossiping, but you alone remained calm in your residence, neither believing the rumors nor harboring any suspicions. Such composure and temperament are far beyond what ordinary women from noble families can match."

Pei Qingyuan lowered her eyes slightly, a faint, gentle smile playing on her lips, and answered calmly.

"Your Majesty, I know him well. He is self-disciplined and acts with propriety. He has always been devoted to the country and strict with himself. He is by no means a person who indulges in pleasure and neglects his principles. I trust his character and believe that rumors will stop with the wise. Naturally, I will not let the empty talk of the marketplace disturb my mind."

The Empress sincerely praised, "One should marry a virtuous wife. Xuanzhi's good fortune in having you as his wife is not only his good fortune but also the good fortune of the court."

The emperor and his ministers chatted amiably, with the emperor not asking about the harsh political affairs, but only about the local customs and people's lives in Nanjing.

The Empress did not discuss palace rules, but only talked about how to manage the household and how husband and wife should get along.

"Xuanzhi has rendered great service to the nation, stabilizing Jinling and enriching the national treasury. Pei Shi has managed the household with virtue, securing the rear. You and your husband, one working outside and the other inside, have complemented each other, both contributing to the court and benefiting the nation. At today's family banquet, I will bestow generous rewards upon you to encourage virtuous officials and to recognize your good character."

As soon as the words were spoken, a group of palace servants carrying the rewards entered the hall in an orderly fashion.

Layer upon layer of vermilion lacquer plates were covered with bright yellow brocade. The plates were filled with a dazzling array of treasures, each a masterpiece of the imperial court and a rare gem in the world.

The lustrous and translucent Hetian jade, the dazzling South China Sea pearls, the finest imperial silks and brocades, and rare and nourishing century-old medicinal herbs.

In addition, imperial snacks, tribute tea, and famous wines were laid out, filling two whole rows of tables.

The Empress rose and personally counted the rewards, recounting them one by one in a gentle voice.

"One hundred bolts of imperial brocade and fifty bolts of flowing cloud satin were all taken from the Jiangnan Weaving Bureau."

"Ten luminous pearls from the South China Sea, four Hetian jade pendants, and a quantity of rare and nourishing medicinal herbs such as century-old ginseng and Tian Shan snow lotus."

"Another hundred acres of fertile land and five shops in the suburbs of the capital were all bestowed upon Madam Li. They became the private property of the Pei family, to be managed and controlled by them at their discretion."

Every reward is a truly generous favor. They range from precious jewels to enduring assets that guarantee continued wealth. The gifts are generous and substantial.

Upon hearing this, Pei Qingyuan rose again, curtsied deeply, and expressed her gratitude. Her voice was sincere and earnest.

"Your Majesty, I kowtow to express my gratitude for Your Majesty's and Your Majesty's boundless grace! Your Majesty's kindness is immeasurable, and I am unworthy of it. For the rest of my life, I will remain true to my principles, manage my household diligently and frugally, uphold family traditions, and maintain harmony within the home. I will always assist my husband in his loyalty to the emperor and love for the people, and I will never fail to live up to Your Majesty's and Your Majesty's high expectations and love."

The emperor raised his hand, gesturing for her to rise, and bestowed upon her further imperial favor:

"I have issued another imperial edict bestowing upon you a title of Lady Pei. Considering your virtue, competence in managing the household, your ability to reassure the ministers, and your contribution to the nation, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Lady Pei, a third-rank imperial consort, granting you the privileges and treatment afforded to court ladies. You may freely enter and leave the palace, and frequently visit to accompany and serve the Empress without needing to report to or request further imperial approval."

This divine grace is far greater than the value of all precious treasures and fertile lands.

According to the regulations of the Dayong Dynasty, the wives of ordinary court officials, unless they had made special contributions, would rarely receive an imperial title throughout their lives.

The title of a third-rank lady-in-waiting was enough to earn Pei Qingyuan the respect of the world.

Even if Li Xuanzhi were to rise to a high position in the future, this title of virtuous consort would be her own supreme glory, not an appendage honor attached to powerful ministers.

Moreover, the privilege of freely entering the palace and constantly accompanying the Empress was a lifelong dream but unattainable honor for countless noblewomen.

Pei Qingyuan's heart trembled slightly, knowing the weight of this grace. She knelt down again and bowed solemnly, with piety and respect.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace! I will certainly live up to my duty, be gentle and kind to my household, assist virtuous ministers, and forever repay Your Majesty and the Empress for your kindness and love."

Li Xuanzhi also bowed to express his gratitude, his demeanor calm and sincere.

"Your Majesty and I are deeply grateful for Your Majesty's great kindness. From now on, we will be even more cautious in our words and deeds, and devote ourselves wholeheartedly to the cause. We will fulfill our duties as loyal subjects to the emperor and maintain harmony within our family. We will dedicate our lives to serving the court and ensuring the well-being of the people."

"Please rise and take your seats quickly." The emperor smiled gently. "Today we will only talk about family matters, not official business. You two can enjoy your meal in peace."

The two men got up and sat down as instructed, and the palace servants promptly served them dishes and poured them wine.

During the banquet, the emperor was in high spirits and inquired in detail about the current livelihood of the people of Nanjing and the advantages and disadvantages of the reform of the canal transport system, including subtle changes in local governance.

Li Xuanzhi spoke truthfully, neither exaggerating his achievements nor concealing minor potential problems. Every word and sentence was a practical and down-to-earth strategy for governing the country, without a trace of empty rhetoric.

The Empress rose and walked down, pulling Pei Qingyuan aside for a quiet chat. She inquired in detail about her daily life and routines in the manor, urging her not to overwork herself and to take good care of her health.

He also comforted her, saying that a harmonious home is the most precious thing, and that she didn't need to do everything herself. Delegating some authority would allow her to enjoy her life in peace.

Pei Qingyuan responded obediently to each question, displaying gentleness, wisdom, and tact, which made the Empress increasingly fond of her.

"Later, I will have someone send you a pot of warm wine. It was personally prepared by a renowned gynecologist from the Imperial Hospital, and it is most effective for those seeking a child."

Pei Qingyuan's face flushed red to the roots of her neck, and she was so shy that she wished she could find a hole to crawl into and hide.

The Empress couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle at her appearance.

Indeed, newlyweds are the most fun.

Come to think of it, although the two have been married for half a year, the total time they have actually spent talking face-to-face is no more than five days.

After the family banquet at Ninghui Palace came to an end, Li Xuanzhi and his wife left the palace with gifts that filled several carriages.

Inside the carriage, Pei Qingyuan gently straightened her slightly disheveled clothes. Her composed and courteous responses at the banquet were now replaced by a hint of weariness in her eyes. She whispered:

"Today's divine grace is far too great, exceeding my expectations."

Li Xuanzhi glanced at her sideways, his tone gentle, carrying a hint of reassurance and certainty.

"His Majesty and the Empress have always been fair in their rewards and punishments. Your management of the household has been excellent, allowing me to focus wholeheartedly on the affairs of the court and the well-being of the people without any internal worries. This merit is well-deserved of this imperial decree."

Pei Qingyuan smiled gently, "I was merely doing my duty. But my husband, the more favored you are by the Emperor, the more attention the court will pay. You must be even more cautious in your actions from now on."

Although she lived in the inner quarters, she was well aware of the people's hearts in the court and knew the principle that prosperity inevitably leads to decline and that excessive favor breeds jealousy.

Now, Li Xuanzhi is increasingly powerful and has received high praise from the emperor and empress, as well as generous rewards and titles. He has long been the focus of attention for all the civil and military officials.

Beneath the surface of envy lies endless jealousy and scheming.

Li Xuanzhi nodded slightly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, but he still responded gently.