The playboy county magistrate

"Drink slowly, soothe your throat."

Pei Qingyuan took the teacup, looked up at his earnest and meticulous expression, and her smile deepened.

"You are now doing everything yourself, and you are even busier than when you were governing the country."

As night deepened, all was quiet.

Pei Qingyuan leaned against the soft pillows, closed her eyes, and fell into a deep sleep. The slight weariness from the day slowly welled up, and her breathing gradually became even and gentle.

Li Xuanzhi sat by the bed, never leaving, quietly watching over her.

The candlelight illuminated his handsome profile, revealing an unyielding doting affection in his eyes.

After sitting quietly for an unknown period of time, Pei Qingyuan slowly opened her eyes, her gaze gentle and tender, and spoke softly:

"My husband, do you think it will be a boy or a girl?"

Li Xuanzhi looked up at her, a faint, gentle smile playing on his lips, his tone frank.

"Both men and women are fine."

"If it is a boy, teach him to be kind-hearted, upright, and honest. Let him understand the greater good of his country and the hardships of human life. He need not bear heavy burdens, but simply live a peaceful and smooth life."

"If she is a girl, then pamper her for a lifetime so she can live a carefree life, bright and innocent. Let her receive all the love in the family and see all the beauty of the mountains and rivers in spring."

Pei Qingyuan felt a warmth in her heart upon hearing this, and gently leaned into his embrace, whispering:

"May my child have a smooth life and grow up safely."

Zhang had only been traveling in Nanjing with her family for less than three days when she learned that her daughter-in-law was pregnant. She couldn't sit still for a moment. She hastily packed her bags and traveled all night, making a long journey back to the capital.

Upon entering the mansion, he didn't even have time to drink water; his eyes and heart were only on Pei Qingyuan.

In the courtyard, Pei Qingyuan sat on the veranda, basking in the sun, wearing a thick velvet cloak. Her fingertips gently rested on her lower abdomen, her eyes gentle and kind.

Zhang hurried forward, deliberately making her steps extremely light. Afraid that her hurried appearance would startle her, she spoke with a cheerful but reproachful tone.

"My dear child, as soon as I heard you were pregnant, I couldn't sleep at night. I just wanted to come back and stay with you."

Pei Qingyuan looked up at the sound, smiled faintly, and called out softly:

"Mother, you must be tired from your journey. Please rest well."

Zhang was too busy to rest, fearing that none of her family members knew anything about such matters.

After all, Li Xuanzhi and Pei Qingyuan were both young and full of vigor, at an age when they did things without thinking.

If things get even more heated, and the baby you finally managed to conceive is miscarried, you'll be devastated.

"I'm not tired!" Zhang quickly waved her hand, reached out and carefully supported her arm, her gaze falling on her lower abdomen, her eyes full of wonder and affection.

"Our family finally has an heir! No matter how tired I am, I feel so happy, even if we're on a long journey. Sit down and don't move around or tire yourself out."

Standing to the side, Li Xuanzhi looked at his mother's overly nervous appearance and chuckled helplessly.

"Mother, Qingyuan's pregnancy is progressing very steadily. The imperial physicians are checking on her every day, and everything is fine. You don't need to be so worried."

Zhang immediately turned her head and glared at him, her tone reproachful.

"What do you know? Childbirth is a life-or-death matter for women, not to mention that she is physically delicate and cannot be taken lightly. You are busy with trivial matters on weekdays, and even if you want to take care of her, you are not as meticulous as this old woman. From now on, you should interfere less in the affairs of the household. I will protect Qingyuan and my grandson."

Li Xuanzhi had no choice but to comply.

"I'll do whatever my mother says."

From then on, Madam Zhang took over all the affairs of the household, protecting Pei Qingyuan very well.

As dawn broke, she got up and went to the kitchen to give instructions on the meals. She carefully explained the balance of meat and vegetables, as well as the taboos regarding hot and cold foods, leaving no stone unturned, and not omitting any ingredients that were gentle and nourishing for the fetus.

During the day, he would stay by Pei Qingyuan's side, chatting with her, basking in the sun, and taking walks to digest their food.

He personally checked the bedroom doors and windows at night, warmed the bedding, and prevented even a trace of cold from entering the room.

Pei Qingyuan often felt guilty and said softly:

"Mother, you are getting old, you don't need to work so hard every day. There are enough servants in the mansion to take care of you."

Zhang held her hand, smiling gently and earnestly.

"No matter how good the servants are, they are still outsiders. You are my daughter-in-law, and I feel at ease only when I take care of you personally. Just focus on your pregnancy and don't think about or worry about anything else."

With her mother-in-law's tender care and Li Xuanzhi's constant and gentle protection, Pei Qingyuan's pregnancy was peaceful and smooth. However, as time went on, the guilt in her heart grew stronger and stronger.

That afternoon, a palace eunuch hurriedly arrived at the residence, bringing with him an imperial edict for the New Year's Eve banquet.

The Emperor has fully recovered and is grateful for the peace and prosperity that has brought to the land and happiness to all people this year.

The emperor was overjoyed and specially arranged a grand banquet for New Year's Eve. He invited civil and military officials, as well as members of the imperial family and their families, to celebrate the prosperous new year together.

Upon receiving the imperial decree, Zhang immediately frowned, her face full of worry.

"Xuanzhi, why don't you go to the palace banquet alone? Qingyuan is pregnant, and she's not even three months along yet. She needs to rest and recuperate. The palace banquet is crowded and noisy, and she has to sit for a long time to socialize. I'm afraid it will tire her out and frighten the baby."

Li Xuanzhi lowered his eyes to look at Pei Qingyuan beside him, his eyes full of concern, and asked softly.

"Are you feeling alright? If you don't want to go, I'll go to the palace and ask His Majesty for a favor. His Majesty is always compassionate and will certainly not blame me."

Pei Qingyuan pondered for a moment, then gently shook her head and spoke softly.

"No. In previous years, the court was in turmoil, and the emperor and his ministers had no time to celebrate the New Year. This year is the first grand banquet of this prosperous era, a time for universal celebration. You are the current regent, and I am your principal wife; we should both be present. If we are absent, it would seem distant and impolite."

She looked up at him and said, "I'll be careful. I won't tire myself out, nor will I implicate you. At the banquet, you should interact more with your colleagues. You don't need to worry about me all the time. I can take care of myself."

Li Xuanzhi knew the importance of this palace banquet and had intended to attend it.

He originally didn't want Pei Qingyuan to go, but when he thought about how other pregnant women could attend while his own couldn't, he was worried that people would talk behind his back.

Pregnant women are already emotionally sensitive, and if this incident causes them to have this thorn in their heart, it will not be good for their health.

Besides, I've been cooped up at home for so long, it would be good for me to get some fresh air. I could only nod in agreement and give them repeated instructions.

"Then we should go to the palace early. If you feel unwell at the banquet, tell me immediately and we will return home right away. There is no need to force yourself."

"Okay," Pei Qingyuan replied softly.

On New Year's Eve, the imperial city was brightly lit. Red lanterns hung inside and outside the palace walls, and a warm and festive atmosphere filled the entire capital.

Li Xuanzhi personally dressed Pei Qingyuan in luxurious and warm palace attire, with a snow-white fox fur cloak over it. He protected her completely, not letting her be exposed to even a wisp of cold wind.

Standing to the side, Zhang repeatedly gave instructions, her words filled with concern.

"Once you enter the palace, minimize your movement. Avoid standing in drafts and refrain from eating raw or cold food. If you feel dizzy or weak, immediately inform Xuanzhi. After the banquet ends at night, do not linger; return to your residence to rest early. Do you understand?"