The playboy county magistrate

"Have you thoroughly inspected your residence for any problems? You and my sister have been married for quite some time now. Neither my sister nor any of your concubines have given us any good news?"

"Could it be... that someone has put some kind of infertility poison in your food and water?"

Li Xuanzhi rubbed his temples helplessly.

It wasn't that he didn't want to have his own offspring; it was simply that the medical conditions in Dayong were too backward.

People here get married and have children at a young age, and some are already grandparents. If they were in the future world they came from, they would still be enjoying their last few years of single life.

If a child is not fully developed, wouldn't giving birth be like losing half one's life?

Moreover, children born to women who haven't fully developed are often not in good health.

It's better to have a healthy baby a few years later than to give birth to a sickly child with osteogenesis imperfecta.

While this isn't absolute, the probability is higher.

The people of Dayong believed in the saying "many children, many blessings," so if Li Xuanzhi used the excuse of being considerate of Pei Qingyuan's health, Pei Yuting would definitely think he was being fooled.

They might even overthink it, thinking that Li Xuanzhi is heartless and wants to use the excuse of not having children to divorce his wife.

Therefore, Li Xuanzhi found the most plausible excuse that would be easiest to fool people.

"You know I'm being watched by so many people in the court. What if they can't deal with me, they'll turn on Qingyuan instead?"

"Qingyuan is currently in the manor and has someone accompanying her when she goes out, so there's not much of a problem. But if she's pregnant, even a slight fright could be a big deal. I won't allow Qingyuan to be harmed in any way until things are completely under control."

Sure enough, Pei Yuting's anxiety subsided.

The two of them really only had a few drinks before heading to their respective rooms to rest.

The next morning.

Pei Yuting returned to the Pei residence by carriage early in the morning, preparing to bring his wife and sister back to the Li residence.

Li Xuanzhi, accompanied by the now-dressed Crown Prince, headed towards the palace under the protection of the Imperial Guards.

The passage was unimpeded, reaching straight to the outside of the study.

The chief eunuch was waiting outside the door. When he saw the two of them enter, he quickly bowed and greeted them with a genuine smile on his face.

"Your Highness, Lord Li. His Majesty has been waiting for a long time. Today, His Majesty's mood and health are much better, and his complexion is much better than usual."

Upon hearing the voice, the emperor put down the memorial he was holding, smiled, and said gently:

"There are no outsiders here, so please rise. There's no need for such formalities."

The emperor's gaze first fell on the crown prince, and after examining him closely for a moment, his eyes were filled with satisfaction and affection.

"It has only been a few days since I last saw you, and my son has become much more composed. His demeanor and speech are increasingly showing the bearing of a crown prince."

The Crown Prince bowed respectfully in response, his manners impeccable, his eyes filled with concern and admiration for the Emperor's health.

"It is all thanks to the Emperor's protection and the meticulous teaching of my teachers, my teacher's wife, and Mr. Pei. I dare not slack off."

"You're sensible." The emperor nodded with a smile, then looked at Li Xuanzhi.

"You've all worked hard these past few days. You've been teaching the Crown Prince and helping me manage state affairs."

Li Xuanzhi bowed and replied, "It is my duty to share the burdens of the country and the emperor; there is no question of hardship. The current political situation is clear and just, all thanks to Your Majesty's wise decisions. I have merely done my humble best."

The emperor shook his head and smiled faintly, his tone sincere.

"You're too modest. Your mouth is just as endearing as you are."

The emperor reached out and patted the crown prince's head. "Next time you come to the palace with your master, your father will give you a good test."

He then looked at Li Xuanzhi and whispered the instructions:

"The Crown Prince has been staying in your residence for many days. Although he studies diligently and is self-disciplined every day, making progress in his character, he has not seen his mother, the Empress, for a long time. There is nothing urgent to attend to today, so please take him to Kunning Palace to see the Empress."

Li Xuanzhi bowed and replied, "Your subject obeys the decree."

Upon hearing this, a faint warmth flickered in the Crown Prince's clear eyes, yet he remained composed and dignified, showing no sign of childlike joy, and simply bowed softly in thanks.

"Thank you for your kindness, Father Emperor."

Looking at his mature-beyond-his-years appearance, the emperor felt a pang of pity and gently waved his hand.

"Go ahead, don't be shy, spend some quality time with your mother."

The two bowed and took their leave, then turned and stepped out of the imperial study.

Stepping outside the palace, a gentle breeze caressed my face, dispelling the solemnity of the imperial study and making the air feel more relaxed and comfortable.

The long corridor was deep and secluded, with red pillars and glazed tiles. Sunlight fell on the bluestone floor, casting two shadows, one long and one short.

The master and apprentice walked side by side at a leisurely pace, with no one urging them on.

The prince walked beside him, looked up at his master who stood tall and straight beside him, and spoke softly, his tone sincere.

"Teacher, these days I have been staying in the mansion, far away from the palace intrigues, and have been able to study in peace without being involved in the storms and dangers. This is all thanks to the protection of you and your wife."

Li Xuanzhi looked down at him, his tone gentle.

"Protecting you and guiding your growth is our duty. You don't need to constantly remember our kindness; just strive for improvement every day. Living up to your own potential and that of your family and country is the best way to repay our kindness."

"I understand." The Crown Prince nodded gently, his steps becoming lighter. "It's just that I sometimes think that my mother lives alone in the deep palace, and in the past I was by her side. Now that I live outside the palace for so long, my mother must be worried about me all the time, thinking of me day and night. She must be suffering a lot."

He was still young, yet he understood the deepest love and care from his parents. He knew the loneliness of the inner palace and the worries and anguish the Empress had endured these past few days.

Li Xuanzhi felt a warmth in his heart. "Her Majesty the Empress is very righteous. For the sake of the Crown Prince's safety and the overall situation of the country, she is willing to give up the warmth of being with her son day and night."

The two chatted along the way and soon arrived at the gate of Kunning Palace.

After the incident involving Consort Shu, the harem underwent a thorough purge. Now, the six palaces are peaceful and tranquil.

The palace maids and eunuchs performed their duties with respect and prudence. The entire harem shed its former extravagance and turmoil, leaving only a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

When the maids of Kunning Palace saw the two figures from afar, they quickly stepped forward and bowed.

"Greetings, Lord Li; greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"Is Her Majesty resting in the palace?" Li Xuanzhi asked softly.

"Your Majesty, Her Majesty is reading in the palace. She will surely be delighted to hear of Your Highness's arrival."

The maid replied with a smile, and quickly stepped aside to lead the way, "This servant will now lead you two inside."

Stepping into the hall, one is greeted by the gentle fragrance of incense, a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

The Empress, dressed in a plain phoenix robe and without heavy makeup, sat gracefully on a soft couch by the window, holding a book in her hands.

These days have been filled with turmoil, and she has been unable to sleep at night. There are faint dark circles under her eyes, but she still maintains a dignified, gentle, and composed demeanor, with the calm and steady bearing of an empress.

Hearing footsteps, the Empress looked up. The moment her gaze fell on the Crown Prince, a subtle tenderness and joy instantly welled up in her usually calm and gentle eyes.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty." The Crown Prince stepped forward quickly and curtsied respectfully.

The Empress immediately put down her book, raised her hand to help him up, and gently stroked her son's cheek with her fingertips, her eyes full of tenderness.