The playboy county magistrate

Pei Qingyuan smiled and replied, "I've remembered everything, Mother, please rest assured."

The two bid farewell to Zhang and rode together into the palace.

Tonight, the palace is at its most bustling and prosperous in years.

The palace was magnificent, with thousands of lights, creating a dazzling spectacle.

Officials and their families gathered together, laughing and chatting, accompanied by pleasant music. Gone was the tense, solemn, and oppressive atmosphere of previous years.

The emperor sat upright on his dragon throne, his expression gentle and serene. Looking at the harmonious officials and the peaceful state of the court, his eyes were filled with a contented smile.

The Empress sat gracefully to one side, her demeanor dignified and gentle. Every now and then, she would glance at Li Xuanzhi and Pei Qingyuan, who had taken their seats, her eyes full of approval and consideration.

The Crown Prince, dressed in his imperial robes, was poised and courteous. Upon seeing the two take their seats, he rose and stepped forward with a smile to greet them, "Teacher, Teacher's Wife."

Li Xuanzhi nodded slightly in return, and Pei Qingyuan responded with a gentle smile.

As the banquet began, Li Xuanzhi kept Pei Qingyuan by his side the entire time. There were no cold drinks or chilled dishes on the table, only fresh fruit and warm food.

He politely declined all the toasts offered by the officials, focusing solely on his pregnant wife beside him, occasionally inquiring about her condition in a low voice.

"If you feel bored, lean on me and rest for a while."

The palace banquet has been going on for two hours now, with singing and dancing filling the air and the emperor and his ministers enjoying themselves.

Pei Qingyuan remained quiet and obedient throughout, responding politely and appropriately. She never acted rudely in the slightest.

After sitting for a long time, my lower back ached slightly, and my eyes showed signs of fatigue.

Li Xuanzhi saw it clearly, and before the banquet had completely ended, he stood up and asked the emperor and empress for his leave.

Knowing that he cared deeply for his pregnant wife, the emperor readily agreed, smiling and waving his hand, saying:

"Go ahead, Qingyuan is pregnant and shouldn't sit for long periods. There's no need for formalities. Go back and rest well. Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year."

The two expressed their gratitude and took their leave. Under the bright lights of the palace, they slowly left the palace, boarded their carriages, and returned home.

The carriage traveled smoothly, isolating the bustling city outside the palace.

Pei Qingyuan leaned back on the soft couch, closed her eyes slightly to rest, and looked slightly tired.

Li Xuanzhi gently supported her waist and abdomen with his hand, his movements tender and delicate, and asked in a low voice:

"Are you exhausted? Is your back aching again?"

Pei Qingyuan slowly opened her eyes, looked at the undisguised tenderness in his eyes, nodded gently, her voice slightly hoarse.

"A little bit, but it's nothing, I'll be fine after a rest."

Li Xuanzhi's palms were warm as he gently massaged her aching waist, his voice full of concern.

"I already told you not to force yourself. Next time there's such a lively banquet, I'll go to the palace alone and won't let you suffer anymore."

Looking into his gentle and focused eyes, Pei Qingyuan could no longer suppress the pent-up frustration and guilt in her heart.

She spoke softly and slowly:

"My husband, you treat me too well."

Li Xuanzhi paused slightly, looked up at her, his eyes filled with tenderness.

"I should treat my wife and children with all my tenderness; how can there be any talk of good or bad?"

"But you should have been more at ease," Pei Qingyuan said softly, her eyes slightly stinging.

"Because I was pregnant, you restrained yourself and endured everything, accommodating me in every way, thus wronging yourself."

Li Xuanzhi was slightly taken aback, then raised his hand and gently stroked the top of her head, soothing her in a soft voice.

"Silly girl, what is there to complain about? Being with you and the children is the greatest happiness of my life."

Pei Qingyuan shook her head, a light mist rising in her eyes, her tone earnest yet gentle.

"I know you're doing this willingly, but I feel guilty. I'm so cumbersome now, easily awakened by the cold at night, and emotionally sensitive. I occupy your bedside every day, leaving you to restrain yourself every night..."

They chatted quietly all the way, and the carriage soon arrived at the gate of the Li residence.

After getting off the carriage, the mansion was brightly lit. Madam Zhang had been waiting inside the gate. Upon seeing the two return, she quickly stepped forward to inquire with concern.

"Did the banquet go smoothly? Qingyuan, are you tired? Go back to your room and warm up, get some rest."

"Thank you for your concern, Mother. Everything is fine," Pei Qingyuan replied gently.

Back in the main bedroom, servants helped him remove his outer robe and brought him hot tea. The room was warm and cozy with the warmth of the fireplace.

Seeing that the two had returned unharmed, Zhang felt relieved and went back to her side courtyard to rest, no longer disturbing them.

Only the two of them remained in the room, silent and still, with only the candlelight flickering gently.

Pei Qingyuan sat on the edge of the bed, remained silent for a moment, and finally looked up at Li Xuanzhi in front of her, saying what she had been pondering for a long time but had not finished saying in the carriage.

"My husband."

"I'm here." Li Xuanzhi approached her and gazed at her tenderly.

Pei Qingyuan took a deep breath, her tone filled with cautious concession and understanding.

"Tonight is New Year's Eve. You've been traveling with me all night and you deserve a good rest. I'm feeling unwell, and I've made you suffer for so long."

She looked up at him earnestly, "For the next few days, you don't need to stay up with me while I sleep. The girls in the backyard have been waiting for you for a long time. Starting tomorrow night, you should go and rest in the backyard."

The gentle smile on Li Xuanzhi's face vanished instantly, and his eyes darkened slightly. His eyes were filled with astonishment and confusion as he stared at her, his voice low and slightly hoarse.

"What did you say?"

Pei Qingyuan's heart tightened slightly, but she still forced a docile demeanor and explained softly.

"I'm very sensitive during my pregnancy and often toss and turn at night, which might disturb your sleep. You're with me every day, which is too tiring for you. My sisters are also concubines in the Li household, and it's their duty to serve you and ensure the continuation of the family line."

Li Xuanzhi frowned slightly, walked closer step by step, lowered his eyes and stared intently at her, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible melancholy.

"So, you want me to rest in someone else's room?"

Pei Qingyuan felt a pang of sadness in her heart, but she still nodded softly.

"Yes. You shouldn't restrain yourself and wrong yourself for my sake alone. I know how you feel, but I really can't bear to see you suffer like this."

"Qingyuan." Li Xuanzhi's voice turned completely deep, his eyes darkening as he fixed his gaze on her brows. "Do you know what you're saying?"

Pei Qingyuan looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears, yet her words were earnest.

"I know. I'm not being stubborn or distancing myself from you; I genuinely care about you. Now that I'm pregnant, I shouldn't have you all to myself anymore."

The flickering candlelight illuminated her gentle yet stubborn features.

She has always been so insightful and sensible, never using her pregnancy as an excuse, and never taking advantage of being favored.

Even with a heart full of bitterness and reluctance, she still chose to yield and be understanding. She would rather sleep alone than see him suffer in silence.

Li Xuanzhi gazed at her quietly for a long time, the melancholy in his eyes gradually fading, leaving behind endless helplessness and heartache.

He understood her thoughts perfectly.

It's not that she doesn't love him, nor that she's distant. It's precisely because she loves him so deeply and is so grateful that she considers him in everything and makes concessions for him in every situation.

Li Xuanzhi slowly leaned down, gently placing his hands on her shoulders with a tender yet firm touch, his gaze fixed intently on her.

"Do you think I've been keeping watch over you every day out of resentment and forbearance?"

Pei Qingyuan felt a slight tingling in her nose and nodded gently.

"Isn't that right? You sit alone by your pillow every night, unable to sleep all night long."

Li Xuanzhi sighed softly, his voice filled with helplessness and tenderness, as he gently stroked her shoulder with his fingertips.