The playboy county magistrate

They trembled as they watched the perfectly matched couple below.

What they didn't know was that Li Xuanzhi would never make things difficult for women, but he would also never tolerate anyone wantonly tormenting the people he cherished.

Inside the cosmetics shop, a subtle fragrance wafted through the air.

The shop displayed all sorts of new-style rouge, perfume, and floral hair ornaments. The colors were so bright and vibrant that they were dazzling to the eye.

The shopkeeper was a sharp-eyed middle-aged man who recognized Li Xuanzhi at a glance. Not daring to be negligent in the slightest, he immediately stepped forward to serve him with the utmost respect.

"The arrival of Lord Li and Madam Pei is an honor to our humble shop! Please feel free to choose whatever you like. Madam, you may take whatever you wish to have in the shop today."

Pei Qingyuan felt a little embarrassed and waved her hand gently.

"You're too kind, shopkeeper. We'll just make our selections as usual and pay as normal."

Li Xuanzhi stood protectively in front of the shelf, his tone gentle.

"No need for exceptions, just price according to the rules. We're just doing business honestly, there's no need to make exceptions for us."

Despite his high position, he never abused his power to oppress ordinary people. His gentle and courteous demeanor earned him even greater respect from the shopkeeper.

Pei Qingyuan bent down to examine the cosmetics on the shelf, her fingertips gently brushing against the delicate cream, occasionally glancing up to chat with Li Xuanzhi.

"My husband, look at this bean paste-colored rouge. Isn't it so gentle and elegant? It's not ostentatious to wear every day."

Li Xuanzhi lowered his eyes, his gaze not falling on the cosmetics, but fixed on her fair face.

"The lady is naturally beautiful, and without the need for makeup, she surpasses all the beauties in the world."

"You're just saying nice things to coax me." Pei Qingyuan couldn't help but smile, feigning disgust as she scolded him, but her heart was filled with sweetness.

"I'm not just flattering you, I mean it sincerely." Li Xuanzhi said seriously, his eyes filled with undisguised affection. "But if Madam likes it, I'll buy it all. I love it whether she's wearing light or heavy makeup."

Pei Qingyuan's cheeks flushed from his words, and she stopped arguing with him, carefully selecting several boxes of cosmetics and perfumes that she liked.

Yingchun and Panxia exchanged a smile and stood silently by, waiting.

The two of them took their time, spending about half an hour choosing before they had finally made their selections.

As I stepped out of the cosmetics shop, the sun was beginning to set. The daytime heat dissipated, leaving me feeling exceptionally refreshed.

Li Xuanzhi carried the makeup box in his own hands, held Pei Qingyuan's hand firmly, and walked slowly down the long street on their way home.

The carriage followed slowly behind, waiting to be used when the masters got tired.

As they walked, Pei Qingyuan casually asked, "Husband, you said earlier that you wouldn't let them gossip for nothing. What are you planning to do about it? Let's not make a big fuss."

She kept this matter in her mind, fearing that Li Xuanzhi would be seen as narrow-minded and oppressive towards his colleagues and their wives in order to protect her.

Li Xuanzhi turned his head slightly, looked at her worried expression, and gently comforted her.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I won't make a fuss or overstep my bounds."

"They are wives of noble families. It is already improper for them to criticize court officials in private and distort His Majesty's conclusions. I do not need to intervene personally. I only need to inform the person in charge of their family and let each family manage their wives themselves."

Pei Qingyuan instantly understood and found it amusing.

What those ladies feared most was, in the end, the impact and real punishment their husbands would suffer if they found out.

Pei Qingyuan originally thought that as a woman, she knew that not all housewives had it as easy as she did, and that she should be forgiving.

But if her husband wanted to do it, Pei Qingyuan thought it was a good idea.

"So that's how it is. It punishes their mistakes without giving them any ammunition to criticize them. That's the most appropriate way."

"Hmm," Li Xuanzhi responded calmly.

"I never like to cause trouble for no reason, but I will never tolerate ignorant people acting recklessly."

"I'm simply informing their head of the household that it's already a concession on my part compared to seeking His Majesty's help to get justice."

As soon as he finished speaking, a dark figure strode closer from the street—it was Tang Zheng.

He bowed and reported in a low voice.

"Master, Madam. I have already verified the identities of the women who were gossiping about you and Madam at the teahouse at the street corner. I have also sent someone to inform their heads of the household of today's events in detail."

"Upon learning the truth, the heads of each household were filled with fear and repeatedly apologized. They are now leading the women of their families toward our Li residence, intending to visit and atone for their sins."

Pei Qingyuan was slightly taken aback: "So fast?"

She thought that at most each family would reprimand the other party privately, but she didn't expect the other party to come to her door with people to apologize.

Li Xuanzhi remained calm, as if he had expected this, and spoke softly.

"Their family members are adept at judging the times and situations to gain a foothold in the capital. Now that I enjoy the Emperor's favor, they are making unwarranted criticisms of important officials and noble ladies. If this is investigated further, it will be a grave mistake that will bring disaster upon their entire family."

"They dare not gamble, nor can they afford to. Naturally, they will take the initiative to come and apologize, seeking forgiveness."

Pei Qingyuan suddenly understood and said softly, "In the end, it's all about seeking advantages and avoiding disadvantages."

"That's just how human relationships are," Li Xuanzhi said, not particularly concerned. "No need to take it to heart. Let's just go home and wait."

The two said no more and stopped walking. Instead, they turned around, got into a car, and went home.

As soon as I stepped into the courtyard, the butler hurriedly went inside to report.

"My lord, my lady! Several officials and their families have arrived at the gate, saying they have come specifically to apologize, and they are waiting outside the mansion."

Pei Qingyuan looked at Li Xuanzhi and said, "Just let them admit their mistakes and leave. There's no need to make things too difficult for them."

Seeing her soft-hearted expression, Li Xuanzhi knew she was worried that he would make many more enemies in the court for no reason, and nodded gently.

"We'll do as you say, Madam. They were in the wrong first today, so you can deal with them however you wish."

He was never forceful or demanding, and always followed her wishes, supporting her and giving her dignity.

Pei Qingyuan pondered for a moment, then said, "Let them go into the front hall."

"Yes."

A moment later, five women dressed in decent clothes followed their husbands and walked nervously into the front hall.

In the past, they would chat and laugh idly in their circle of wealthy women, gossiping freely and with ease.

But at this moment, everyone was pale, heads bowed, eyes lowered, and so restrained that they had lost all their arrogance.

Their husbands were even more respectful. As soon as they entered the front hall, they all stepped forward and bowed, displaying the utmost humility.

"Lord Li, Madam Pei, we have failed in our duties in managing our household. Our wives are ignorant and foolish, blindly believing rumors and wantonly criticizing you both, committing a grave mistake! Today, I have come with my wife to sincerely apologize to you both!"

The leading official bowed deeply in apology, his face filled with fear.

"The women in our household are ignorant and short-sighted, unaware of the full picture of the court. They have made reckless remarks about court officials, distorted the facts, and spoken rudely, completely lacking in discretion. This is all due to our inadequate supervision! We hope that Lord Li and Lady Pei will forgive them!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the women immediately knelt down and bowed, their voices trembling.

"We know we were wrong, and we will never dare to gossip again. We beg Lord Li and Madam Pei for forgiveness!"