The playboy county magistrate

The Grand Tutor's wife smiled as she accepted the brocade box, opened it, and examined it closely, growing increasingly fond of it.

"How thoughtful! This is far more precious than any expensive gift piled with gold and silver."

Looking at the simple gift box, Wang Runze knew that the couple had indeed put in a lot of effort and were not just going through the motions. He also showed a genuine, warm smile.

"You two are truly a rare find."

The atmosphere in the flower hall grew increasingly warm. Halfway through the conversation, Wang Runze suddenly changed the subject, his expression slightly serious, and whispered a reminder.

"Xuanzhi, there is actually another external matter that requires your utmost caution."

Li Xuanzhi felt a slight chill and respectfully asked for guidance.

"Please enlighten me, Grand Tutor."

"The Northern Desert delegation." Wang Runze spoke clearly, "Princess Ning'an has been staying in the capital for so long, she is definitely not a person who is content with her lot. This woman is ambitious and scheming. It is also clear that her previous arrogance was all an act. Both Princess Ning'an and the Northern Desert delegation are extremely good at forbearance and know how to lie low and take advantage of opportunities."

"You were previously very busy, caught in clan disputes and court controversies, while she watched coldly, waiting for her chance to act. Now that you have cleared away the internal troubles and firmly established yourself, with the court stable, she will certainly not remain silent any longer. I expect she will make a move soon, so you must be careful."

This matter concerns the diplomatic relations between the two countries, and we must be extremely cautious.

A sharp glint appeared in Li Xuanzhi's eyes. "This junior has already anticipated this and is already thinking about the possible events and countermeasures."

Seeing his composed demeanor, Wang Runze felt a little relieved, but still continued to give him instructions.

"I know you are intelligent and resourceful, but diplomatic relations in the northern desert are related to border stability and the balance of power between the two countries. I dare not make the slightest mistake."

"Princess Ning'an used to scheme against you, trying to use others to suppress you and then win you over, and then to force you to submit to the Northern Desert, but all of these attempts ended in failure. Now that she has no more pawns to use, she will surely change her tactics and take the opportunity to seek personal gain for the Northern Desert."

"After the second delegation from the northern desert arrives in a few days, barring any unforeseen circumstances, you will certainly be in full charge of diplomatic affairs. Remember to uphold the bottom line of Dayong and do not let the overall situation hold you back. Do not think of sacrificing yourself for the benefit of the entire Dayong, and do not give the other side even the slightest opportunity to take advantage of you."

Li Xuanzhi naturally understood the meaning behind these words.

It was precisely because he understood that Li Xuanzhi was even more moved.

"Thank you for your guidance, Grand Tutor. I will keep it in mind and handle the situation with utmost care."

"It's good that you know what's going on. After all, looking at the court, you are the only one who can keep Princess Ning'an in check and see through all her schemes to break the deadlock."

After sitting for a while longer, the two, not wanting to disturb the elderly couple's rest any longer, took their leave.

The Grand Tutor's wife personally escorted him to the entrance of the corridor, smiling and giving him instructions.

"From now on, please come to my residence often when you have nothing to do. There's no need for formalities. With you two working together as a couple, your future will surely be smooth and worry-free."

"Thank you, Madam Grand Tutor."

The two bowed again to say goodbye, then slowly walked out of the Grand Tutor's mansion and boarded their carriage to return home.

As the carriage drove away from the streets, Pei Qingyuan frowned slightly.

"This Princess Ning'an has never been well-behaved."

Li Xuanzhi responded calmly, "She never came here to make peace through marriage; she came here to seize the initiative in the northern desert."

All the past schemes and calculations flashed through his mind.

When Princess Ning'an first arrived in the capital, she was impressed by his talent and wanted to humiliate Da Yong by offering him the position of a male concubine, in order to provoke Li Xuanzhi and see his reaction. Later, she recruited him by offering him the position of imperial consort, hoping to make him serve in the northern desert.

Unable to recruit him, he secretly colluded with other court officials who disliked Li Xuanzhi, and later supported Li Xuanjing to help the Marquis's family frame him, spreading unfavorable rumors. He was determined to force Li Xuanzhi into a corner, ultimately leaving him no choice but to submit to the Northern Desert.

They meticulously planned and schemed, but ultimately all their efforts failed.

Upon returning to the Li residence, as soon as the carriage came to a stop, Tang Zheng quickly stepped forward and bowed to report.

"My lord, my lady. His Majesty has decreed that you be summoned to the palace immediately to take full charge of liaising with the delegation from the northern deserts!"

"The delegation from the northern desert has just formally presented their credentials, restarting diplomatic negotiations. They specifically requested that Your Majesty personally receive them!"

Li Xuanzhi hadn't expected the Northern Desert delegation to be in such a hurry.

What I thought would happen in a few days has happened now.

Li Xuanzhi turned to Pei Qingyuan beside him and said, "I'm going to the post station. If any guests come to visit, I will not see them."

After saying this, Li Xuanzhi turned around and got back into the carriage. Tang Zheng drove it himself, and they sped off to the royal post station.

……

The royal post station was heavily guarded, a stark contrast to its usual tranquility.

The members of the Northern Desert delegation were all dressed in smart and practical attire, exuding a fierce and sharp aura amidst the border winds and sand.

His posture was impeccable, his aura was stern, and he exuded a sense of aloofness and wariness.

In the courtyard pavilion, Princess Ning'an, whom we haven't seen for a long time, sat gracefully at the stone table.

She was still wearing a magnificent brocade dress from the northern desert, with intricate patterns and an air of nobility.

Her eyes and brows were even more radiant and stunning than when I last saw her, and a gentle, graceful smile played on her lips. She appeared peaceful and harmless, but her eyes concealed a surging ambition and scheming.

She held the cup quietly, her fingertips lightly touching the rim of the jade cup. She appeared to be leisurely enjoying the scenery, but her mind was actually racing.

The maidservant beside him reported in a low voice.

"Princess, the Emperor of Dayong has already issued an edict, ordering Lord Li Xuanzhi to make full contact with our delegation. He is currently on his way to the post station."

Upon hearing the name Li Xuanzhi, Princess Ning'an's smile grew even more gentle, but a dark and unfathomable glint flashed in her eyes.

"Finally, he's come." She spoke softly, her tone gentle. "I've waited far too long for this day."

The maid was a little confused, but she couldn't help but ask.

"Princess, our previous schemes have all failed. Li Xuanzhi's position in the court is now secure, and his favor with the Emperor is unmatched. He is virtually invincible. Should we continue to try to win him over?"

Princess Ning'an slowly raised her eyes and looked in the direction of the Dayong Imperial City.

"Of course we must continue."

"Li Xuanzhi is such a peerless and capable minister. Having him can help the northern desert prosper, but losing him is the greatest hidden danger to the northern desert. In the past, I tried to lure him with fame and fortune and coerce him with the clan, but these were all bad strategies, which is why I failed repeatedly."

"Now that his path ahead is clear and his weaknesses have been eliminated, I will change my strategy."

Before the words were finished, a clear and steady announcement came from outside the inn, echoing throughout the courtyard.

"Li Xuanzhi, the Grand Councilor of the Great Yong Dynasty, has been ordered to meet with the diplomatic mission!"

Upon hearing this, Princess Ning'an immediately concealed all the scheming in her eyes and shed her sharp edge. Her expression softened, and she looked up at the doorway with a smile.

Li Xuanzhi slowly stepped into the courtyard.

Facing the elite delegation from beyond the region, whose members harbored hidden strength, he remained calm and composed, showing no sign of hesitation or apprehension. His gaze swept across the entire area before finally settling steadily on the woman in the pavilion.

The moment their eyes met, Princess Ning'an stood up first, looking completely at ease with the sight of a long-awaited reunion.

"Lord Li, how have you been?"