The playboy county magistrate

Severe punishment for minor offenses, seemingly harsh, actually reveals the emperor's deepest wisdom in governing the world. He vaguely touched upon it, but failed to fully grasp it.

Li Xuanzhi leaned forward slightly, "Your Highness, remember, a ruler governs not by scrutinizing minor faults or dwelling on petty grievances, but by establishing rules and rectifying people's hearts."

He spoke slowly and deliberately, analyzing things step by step, making complex concepts easy to understand.

"Consort Lin's words are nonsense and cannot harm me in the slightest. I hold a position in the court, but my heart is with the country. I am never afraid of shallow criticism or ignorant insults. But she has ruined the etiquette of respect between the court and the people, and disrupted the foundation of mutual respect between the emperor and his subjects."

"The reason why the court is stable and the new policies can be implemented is simply because there is order between superiors and inferiors, respect between the public and the private, and the law is respected."

The prince listened intently, his eyes fixed on the words, memorizing them completely.

Li Xuanzhi continued, "The empress dowager must not interfere in politics, and concubines must not disrespect officials; these are the ironclad rules of the Great Yong Dynasty for centuries. If we easily forgive her today because of her youth or her supposedly unintentional transgression, it would be a case of the monarch abandoning the rules and the laws of the land being lax. In the future, meritorious officials will be humiliated, and the dignity of the court will be trampled upon. Who will then be willing to wholeheartedly assist in governing and serve the country?"

"His Majesty's severe punishment is not a joke. It is a punishment for unbridled arrogance, for disregard for the law, for establishing the authority of the court, and for setting a precedent for future generations."

The fog in the prince's eyes cleared, his gaze brightened, and he nodded heavily.

"Master! I understand."

He stood tall and straight, his expression solemn, his tone resolute.

"A ruler should govern the world with impartiality and not abandon the law for personal feelings. He can tolerate people's ignorance, but not their recklessness. He can care for the young, but not violate his own principles. A moment of leniency will become a hidden danger for generations to come."

"That's exactly right." Li Xuanzhi's eyes showed even greater approval as he nodded with a smile. "Your ability to draw inferences from one instance to another and to grasp the fundamental principles of the way of the ruler is the greatest progress you've made."

Pei Qingyuan walked in from outside carrying two cups of warm tea, handed them to the two of them, and added softly with gentle eyes.

"This principle applies not only to rulers but also to individuals. Without reverence, one has no foundation for standing. Those in high positions who fail to restrain themselves will ultimately be devoured by selfish desires and arrogance. The Lin family's downfall was not due to the emperor's heartlessness, but rather their own self-inflicted ruin."

The Crown Prince accepted the tea, holding it with both hands. After a moment's thought, he spoke again, his tone carrying the firmness and sincerity of a young heir apparent.

"I will remember this today. When I ascend to a high position in the future, the first thing I must uphold is reverence, and the second thing I must safeguard is justice."

"I will not tolerate the arrogance and extravagance of my close attendants, nor will I condone the reckless behavior of those in high positions. I will not disregard the laws of the state for personal favors, nor will I corrupt the order of the court for personal feelings. I will respect virtuous ministers and value court officials. I will uphold the rites and maintain the stability of the state. I will never be a monarch who condones evil and abandons public duty for private gain."

The child's voice was clear and resonant.

The lamplight illuminated his youthful yet upright figure, revealing a maturity beyond his years, a maturity beyond his years, a maturity befitting a future wise ruler.

His sense of loyalty to the ruler is gradually taking root, sprouting, and growing stronger.

Looking into his clear and determined eyes, Li Xuanzhi felt a warmth flowing through her heart.

"If you can keep this in mind and hold onto this thought, it will be a great blessing for the Great Yong Dynasty."

"It is through your teachings and example, Master, that I have come to this understanding." The Crown Prince bowed respectfully, displaying impeccable manners and humility. "Without your careful guidance, Master, I would only have seen the surface of the turmoil and would have been unable to discern the true nature of good governance."

The master and apprentice exchanged a smile.

The night outside the window was deep, and the evening breeze swept through the courtyard, rustling the leaves softly, creating a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.

Pei Qingyuan watched the scene unfold before her quietly, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

Li Xuanzhi raised his hand to look at the night sky and gently gave his instructions.

"The night is deep and the dew is heavy, so today's lessons and discussions will come to an end. Rest early, and we will discuss policies for governing the people and ensuring their well-being again tomorrow morning."

"Yes, student will obey teacher's instructions."

Pei Qingyuan and Li Xuanzhi walked out of the study, and after turning a few corners, they spoke softly, their eyes full of relief.

"His Highness the Crown Prince is insightful and has exceptional understanding. Despite experiencing many setbacks, he has not become timid but has instead become more composed and reasonable. He will surely become a wise ruler in the future."

"He is a natural-born heir apparent, pure and sincere, with the nation at heart. With careful guidance and steady leadership, he will surely be able to safeguard this prosperous land in the future."

Li Xuanzhi was also very pleased to be able to teach such a Crown Prince.

The next morning, as dawn broke, the sky was clear and the clouds were vast.

After several days of rest and recuperation, the emperor's complexion gradually improved.

The accumulated political issues were handled in an orderly manner, the new policies were steadily implemented, and the court and the public were in a state of peace and stability.

Everyone believed that the storms of the Great Yong Dynasty had subsided and the golden age had been firmly established.

As dawn broke, the imperial city bells rang precisely on time. Civil and military officials lined up to enter the court, standing in order below the steps of the Golden Palace, awaiting the morning court session.

Today was the Crown Prince's first time attending court. Dressed in the Crown Prince's court robes, he stood upright and solemnly in his designated spot beside the throne.

He was neither arrogant nor impatient, but calm and composed, already displaying some of the majesty of a crown prince.

Having spent days studying and observing politics with Li Xuanzhi, and personally experiencing the turbulent and unpredictable events, he had long since shed his childish and spoiled nature. His expression was calm and composed, and his demeanor was remarkable.

The officials stood in rows on both sides, holding their breath in anticipation of the emperor's arrival. The hall was solemn and orderly, utterly silent.

At this time in the past, the emperor would have already arrived at the palace on time, but today the imperial carriage has not yet appeared.

After a short wait, hushed whispers began to rise in the hall. Many officials looked puzzled, exchanging glances with a hint of surprise in their eyes.

"His Majesty should be in court today, why is he so late?"

"I heard the other day that His Majesty was in excellent health and looked very well. I suppose he was exhausted from reviewing memorials last night and has not yet arrived."

Whispers spread quietly, and no one noticed the hidden crisis, simply attributing it to the emperor's occasional hesitation.

Only Li Xuanzhi's brow furrowed slightly, almost imperceptibly.

When an emperor is recovering from illness, he should avoid overexertion, which can harm his health.

Although he appears to be in good health and spirits recently, his underlying health is still weak and hidden dangers remain. Such unexplained lateness to court is definitely not a good omen.

His gaze darkened slightly, and standing at the forefront, he subtly raised his hand to signal the officials to stand quiet and respectfully. He was maintaining order in the court and preventing any unrest among the officials.

A moment later, hurried footsteps outside the hall suddenly broke the morning tranquility.

The chief eunuch, pale-faced and covered in cold sweat, staggered into the hall.

His usual composure and respectfulness vanished completely. His knees buckled, and he knelt heavily on the ground, his voice trembling and broken, shattering the tranquility of the entire hall.

"I hereby report to all Your Excellencies, and to His Highness the Crown Prince... His Majesty... His Majesty has suddenly fainted in the Imperial Study and is unconscious!"

The entire Golden Palace fell into a deathly silence, followed by a deafening roar.

All the civil and military officials' expressions changed drastically, and everyone's heart and mind trembled.

The once peaceful and solemn court was instantly engulfed in boundless chaos.

"His Majesty has fainted? How could this be!"

"His health had improved the day before yesterday, and he was still managing state affairs normally yesterday. Why did he suddenly fall into a coma?"

The hall was filled with uproar, people were filled with fear and chaos.

Although the powerful clans had been eliminated, their foundations were not yet secure. The emperor's sudden critical illness was undoubtedly a shocking event that would overturn the entire court.

If mishandled, the new policy will collapse, causing unrest on all sides and endless troubles.