The playboy county magistrate

On the other hand, Pei Qingyuan also put extra care into choosing the gift.

Grand Tutor Wang was a veteran of three reigns, holding a high position yet remaining incorruptible throughout his life. He disliked extravagance, was upright, and valued propriety and sincerity above all else; he believed that precious treasures and worldly possessions would only backfire.

Before long, soft footsteps sounded, and Pei Qingyuan walked gracefully in carrying two plain brocade boxes.

"My husband, I have prepared all the gifts."

Li Xuanzhi looked up and saw that the brocade box was simple and understated in style, without any ornate decorations. It exuded just the right amount of solemnity and elegance, and he couldn't help but smile and speak.

"You're quite observant."

Pei Qingyuan placed the brocade box on the table and explained in a soft voice.

"Grand Tutor Wang was honest and upright throughout his life, and he did not care for gold, silver, jewels, or rare and exotic objects. What I have prepared is this year's newly harvested pre-rain tea, as well as my own agricultural notes that I have personally compiled and bound."

"The Grand Tutor has always been concerned about people's livelihood and agriculture, and dislikes ostentation. Although these two items are not expensive, they suit their tastes and show our sincerity, which is more appropriate than any treasure. In addition, I have prepared a jar of candied fruit that I made myself. The Grand Tutor's wife usually loves sweet snacks, so this is just a small token of my appreciation."

Li Xuanzhi stood up, gently took her hand, and smiled tenderly:

"With you here, I never need to worry about interpersonal relationships; you always think more comprehensively than I do."

Pei Qingyuan smiled faintly and adjusted his clothes accordingly.

The two understood each other perfectly, needing no further words. They boarded the carriage with their gifts, and the carriage smoothly drove out of the streets and alleys, slowly heading towards the Grand Tutor's Mansion.

The Grand Tutor's Mansion is located in a quiet street in the capital, and the mansion is magnificent but not ostentatious.

Vermilion gates and plain tiles, a tranquil courtyard. No carriages or horses clamor in front of the gate, no guests clinging to it, revealing the noble and refined character of a veteran of three dynasties.

Upon seeing that it was Mr. and Mrs. Li Xuanzhi who had come to visit, the gatekeeper dared not be negligent in the slightest and hurriedly went inside to announce their arrival.

A moment later, the steward of the manor came out to greet them personally, bowing respectfully and humbly.

"Lord Li, Madam Pei, the master and madam are already waiting for you in the flower hall. Please follow me inside."

Passing through the quiet corridor, the courtyard flowers and trees are neatly trimmed, and the bluestone path is paved, which is completely different from the extravagance of ordinary noble mansions.

Inside the flower hall, an elderly man with half-white hair and beard, yet full of vigor, sat in the main seat. He was none other than Wang Runze, a veteran of three reigns and Grand Tutor.

He was dressed in plain clothes, with a dignified face and a calm and dignified air that came from having experienced the world.

Sitting beside him was an elegantly dressed, gentle-mannered elderly woman, the Grand Tutor's wife. Her eyes were kind, and she was kind to others, showing none of the haughty air often associated with high-ranking ladies.

"This junior, Li Xuanzhi, has come with my wife to pay our respects to Grand Tutor Wang and his wife. We apologize for the intrusion and hope you will forgive us."

Pei Qingyuan followed closely behind, gentle and polite.

"This junior, Pei, greets the Grand Tutor and his wife."

Upon seeing this, the Grand Tutor's wife quickly smiled and raised her hand in greeting.

"Please rise, no need for formalities. You two are too kind, please take a seat."

The two thanked him and stood up, taking their seats in turn. Servants immediately came forward to serve tea.

Wang Runze picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and his gaze fell lightly on Li Xuanzhi. His tone was calm and even, and he got straight to the point.

"This morning at court, I publicly challenged you. Did you harbor even the slightest resentment?"

Upon hearing this, Pei Qingyuan sat upright to one side, quietly lowering her eyes.

Li Xuanzhi sat upright, his expression calm. "I was puzzled and even felt annoyed at times. But after getting into the carriage and thinking it over carefully, I no longer had any resentment, only gratitude."

Wang Runze raised his eyebrows slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"Oh? Today, in front of the entire court, I used the principles of propriety and filial piety to pressure you, almost giving you a reputation for being arrogant and disrespectful to your elders. And you're grateful to me?"

Li Xuanzhi's eyes were clear and bright as he answered calmly.

"The Grand Tutor holds a high position and has always adhered to etiquette and morality, with his heart set on the court. He is by no means a rigid and conservative person, nor is he a troublemaker. Today, his public challenge, seemingly aimed at a junior, is actually to establish rules for the court and to clear the way for the junior from gossip."

"Regarding my decision to sever ties with my family, I have always been plagued by rumors. Countless people have used the words 'filial piety and righteousness' to criticize me and secretly hinder my actions. In the past, no one dared to argue in court, and no one dared to thoroughly clarify the truth. Only you, Grand Tutor, dared to use the public opinion of the court to urge His Majesty to make a final decision."

"From this day forward, no one in the court or among the people will dare to criticize me with empty formalities, nor will anyone dare to use clan history to manipulate me. I will forever remember this kindness of guidance and support."

Upon hearing this, Wang Runze's tense brows relaxed slightly, and a hint of approval appeared in his eyes. He slowly put down his teacup.

"Your ability to see through this layer shows that your intelligence far surpasses that of the young officials in the court."

"My actions today are partly for the public good and partly for personal reasons. For the public good, it is to rectify the atmosphere of the court and prevent future generations from using blind filial piety to hijack public justice and personal relationships to obstruct the law. For personal reasons, it is to cherish talent."

His gaze was deep, and his words were earnest.

"You are a talented and principled man, a rare and capable minister in the Great Yong Dynasty. I am getting old, and there are not many people in the court who can take on the heavy responsibilities. I do not want to see you hindered by worldly formalities and the gossip of petty people, thus burying your talents as a pillar of the state."

Li Xuanzhi bowed again, "Grand Tutor's kindness is too much for this junior to bear."

"No need for excessive modesty," Wang Runze waved his hand, his tone solemn. "But you must also remember that although you have gained the Emperor's favor and secured your position today, you must not become arrogant or complacent. Breaking the shackles of old etiquette is for the purpose of acting impartially and serving the country better. In the future, when you stand in the court, you should be even more careful in your words and deeds, and stay true to your principles. Do not fail the Emperor's grace, and do not fail the people."

Li Xuanzhi's expression grew even more respectful, and he solemnly responded.

"I will remember the Grand Tutor's teachings. I will uphold justice and integrity, perform my duties diligently, and never fail the court's cultivation or the Grand Tutor's support."

The Grand Tutor's wife, who was standing nearby, was delighted to hear this and interrupted with a smile.

"Alright, alright, let's discuss official matters in the court. You two are honored guests who have come to our home today. Let's stop talking about those serious matters of the court; we don't want to hear them."

Her gaze fell gently on Pei Qingyuan, her eyes full of approval.

"Madam Pei is kind-hearted and insightful. She can help her husband understand right from wrong and manage the household well. It is the greatest fortune of Xuanzhi's life to have married you."

This wasn't the first time Pei Qingyuan had heard such words, and now she had become much more thick-skinned and wouldn't be shy anytime, anywhere.

But hearing such praise coming from the Grand Tutor's wife, Pei Qingyuan couldn't help but get excited.

"Madam Grand Tutor, you flatter me. My husband has a bright future ahead of him and is of upright character. It is due to his own diligence and understanding. I have only done my bit of help, which is nothing more than my duty."

As she spoke, she handed over the prepared brocade box.

"I apologize for the intrusion today and have not prepared anything of value. I have only brought some new tea, my own compiled agricultural notes, and some candied fruits and pastries that I made myself as a token of my humble sentiments. I hope that the Grand Tutor and his wife will not find them too simple."