The playboy county magistrate

"The peace locks in this temple are handcrafted by generations of old craftsmen, blessed with scriptures by the presiding monk, and imbued with incense, making them the best at warding off evil and bringing good fortune. I specially fasted and prayed beforehand, just for our little grandson."

As she spoke, Zhang gently opened the wooden box.

Inside the box, lined with dark red velvet, lay a warm, smooth silver lock. The lock itself was polished to a fine finish, with rounded edges.

The front is engraved with the four characters "岁岁平安" (Peace and Safety Every Year) in a dignified and simple style, with steady and powerful strokes. The back is engraved with intricate prayer texts, each word devout. The lock is connected to both sides by bright red woven ropes, giving it a festive look.

Pei Qingyuan gazed at the peace lock, a warm feeling flowing through her heart.

"I'm sorry to have troubled you again, Mother."

"No effort required, not at all."

Zhang smiled as she picked up the silver lock and examined it closely, her eyes filled with loving kindness.

"Praying for my daughter-in-law and my grandson is what I most want to do. I ask for nothing else but that you have a smooth delivery, that the baby be born healthy, and that you live a life free from illness and disaster, filled with peace and joy."

Li Xuanzhi's gaze fell on the simple and dignified peace lock, a gentle smile spreading across his eyes, and he said softly, "I will surely sense my mother's feelings."

He reached out and gently took the silver lock; it felt cool and smooth to the touch. The weight of the lock itself was not just its weight, but also the deep love a mother held for her son.

He lowered his gaze to Pei Qingyuan's protruding belly, his voice low and gentle as he slowly spoke:

"Little one, look how much your grandmother loves you. I prayed for a peace and safety lock for you so early on. You must grow up to be a good girl and protect your mother and grandmother."

As soon as she finished speaking, she felt two gentle fetal movements in her abdomen.

"Look! It's moving again!" Zhang's eyes lit up with joy, and she smiled broadly.

"This child is so sensible; he knew we were all waiting for him, and he responded so quickly!"

Pei Qingyuan smiled, her eyes softening as she gently stroked her lower abdomen. "You're such a good, obedient child."

Li Xuanzhi held the peace lock, his fingertips gently stroking the four characters "Peace and Safety Every Year".

"When you are born, your father will personally hang this peace lock around your neck."

Zhang nodded repeatedly, giving detailed instructions.

"This lock is very spiritual. We will put it on the child on his one-month birthday. It will lock in peace, good fortune, longevity, a smooth life, and protection from all illnesses."

As she spoke, she went on and on about the details of today's prayers.

"I prayed to all the Buddhas in the temple, praying for Qingyuan's safe and smooth delivery, for the child's health and happiness, and for our family to be harmonious and reunited every year. With the incense burning brightly and our wishes sincere, the Buddha will surely protect us."

"With Mother and Xuanzhi here, my child and I will definitely be alright," Pei Qingyuan said softly.

Li Xuanzhi carefully placed the peace lock back into the wooden box and put it away neatly. He looked up at Zhang Shi and said gently:

"Mother, you've worked so hard. Please sit down and rest, and have some breakfast."

"I'm not tired, I'm happy, and my whole body feels light."

Zhang waved her hand, her smile undiminished. "As long as you are all well and the child is safe and sound, I am at ease every day."

After breakfast, Li Xuanzhi helped Pei Qingyuan stroll slowly in the garden.

On the way back, we happened to see the butler leading several craftsmen carrying wood, paint and soft furnishings, walking in an orderly fashion towards the empty courtyard on the east side of the backyard.

Seeing this, Pei Qingyuan glanced sideways, a hint of doubt in her eyes, and asked softly:

"Is this for renovations? That small courtyard on the east side has been vacant for a long time, never inhabited. Why is it suddenly being renovated?"

Li Xuanzhi held her hand steadily, slowed his pace, and answered softly with a gentle smile on his lips.

"It was my order. That little courtyard has excellent lighting, is well-ventilated and dry. The location is quiet and sheltered from the wind, far away from the servants coming and going from the outer courtyard, making it the most peaceful and tranquil place. I specially prepared it for the children to live in in the future."

She had never heard him mention this matter and was completely unaware that he had already made careful plans in advance. Even the courtyard where the child would live in the future had been meticulously prepared and carefully renovated.

"You've already made all the arrangements." She smiled.

Li Xuanzhi looked down at her with a smile, "Get everything ready as soon as possible, air it out, and let the moisture from the wood and paint evaporate. It'll be just right to move in a while after the baby is born. Babies are delicate and most susceptible to dampness and odors, so we can't be careless in the slightest."

As they spoke, the two of them slowly walked to the gate of the east courtyard.

The courtyard, which had been vacant for a long time, has now been completely transformed.

The weeds in the courtyard were completely cleared away, and the bluestone floor was washed until it was clean and shiny. The moss in the corners of the walls was removed, and the beams and pillars under the eaves were carefully polished again. They were then painted with an elegant light wood-colored varnish, making them look exceptionally clean and refined.

Several lush bamboo and magnolia trees were transplanted into the courtyard, their gentle growth adding to the elegant and pleasing appearance.

When the master and his wife arrived, the craftsmen stopped their work, bowed, and paid their respects.

The butler quickly stepped forward to reply, his attitude respectful.

"Reporting to Your Excellency and Madam, the main renovation of the courtyard is complete. The walls and floors inside the house have been polished smooth, and all the paint used is odorless and harmless natural paint. The wooden bed and small table and chairs are all made of carefully selected high-quality cork, which was aired out for several months in advance to remove any odors and is completely free of moisture. Only the soft furnishings and a few scattered decorations remain, which will be completed in a few days."

Li Xuanzhi nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping across the entire courtyard, carefully examining every detail, and solemnly instructed:

"All the edges and corners inside the house must be polished smooth, leaving no sharp points. The paths in the yard must be flat and slip-resistant. The artificial rockery should be removed for the time being, as children will be more susceptible to bumps and falls when they learn to walk and play."

He was thoughtful and meticulous, always prioritizing the child's safety in everything he did, leaving no room for oversight.

When others furnish their children's yards, they often prioritize aesthetics and decoration. But he, while valuing both aesthetics and safety, places even greater emphasis on safety.

"Yes, sir! I will immediately instruct the craftsmen to make the necessary changes and arrange everything in accordance with your instructions!"

The butler quickly agreed and wrote everything down.

"This is too elaborate," Pei Qingyuan murmured, her eyes gentle and tender. "It's just a newborn child; there's no need for such meticulous arrangements. We can add more later."

Li Xuanzhi turned to look at her, and gently raised his hand to tuck the stray hairs that had been ruffled by the wind behind her temples.

"My wife and children naturally deserve the very best."

"He will learn to walk, play, read, and grow up here. This little courtyard is the first place he enters the world. It's easy to add things gradually in the future, but major changes will eventually disturb his rest."

Just then, Zhang came slowly over, carrying a basket of dried, soft mugwort and angelica, and greeted them with a smile from afar.

"You two have come at just the right time. I was just thinking of coming over to see how the decorations are going."

She walked to the two of them, looking at the newly renovated courtyard, her eyes beaming with joy.

"This courtyard is clean, bright, quiet, and elegant. My little grandson will surely be healthy and well if he moves in here."

As she spoke, she raised the bamboo basket in her hand and explained gently.