The playboy county magistrate

"The baby didn't fuss." Pei Qingyuan smiled gently, her eyes filled with the joy of becoming a mother for the first time. "She's really well-behaved, not at all troublesome."

"He's a good child who cares about his mother." Li Xuanzhi chuckled softly, gently placing his palm on the outside of the swaddling clothes. "I suppose he knows how hard you've worked."

As the two whispered among themselves, Zhang's soft footsteps came from outside the door. She was careful not to disturb the peace and quiet inside, her steps were extremely slow and light.

The door was gently pushed open, and Madam Zhang entered the room carrying a bowl of warm, nourishing porridge that she had prepared early in the morning. Her eyes radiated joy and affection. She smiled and said…

"Awake? Did you sleep well last night?"

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

Madam Zhang hurried to the bedside, set down the food bowl, and first bent down to carefully examine her grandson's sleeping face. Seeing the child's rosy complexion and peaceful, sound sleep, she instantly smiled, her eyes relaxing. She nodded repeatedly.

"Good, good, you're sleeping so soundly. You're in good health; you're a blessed person."

Then she looked at Pei Qingyuan, carefully examined her complexion, and gently gave her some advice.

"The worst thing to do after childbirth is to overexert yourself. You absolutely must not get up or move around today. Stay in bed and rest so that your blood and energy can be replenished quickly and your body can recover well."

"I remember everything." Pei Qingyuan nodded gently.

As Zhang tucked the blankets around the two of them, she smiled and spoke.

"The baby's third-day celebration is in two days. I gave the order last night that the household has prepared mugwort and auspicious fruits. We will give our little grandson a proper third-day celebration then."

The third-day washing ceremony is the first ritual performed for a newborn child, specifically to wash away the dust of the world and pray for a smooth new life. It is a joyous occasion that every family values ​​highly.

Pei Qingyuan felt a warmth in her heart upon hearing this and said softly, "Mother is so thoughtful in everything she does, always considering the child's needs."

"It's my own grandson, so naturally I care about everything he does." Madam Zhang smiled and waved her hand, her eyes full of affection.

"Not only the third-day celebration, but also the full-month celebration and the 100-day celebration, I started preparing well in advance, taking it one step at a time. I want every happy occasion for our child to be lively and fulfilling."

Upon hearing this, Li Xuanzhi looked up at Zhang Shi and spoke gently.

"There's no need for extravagance. Qingyuan is still recuperating, and it's not advisable for the mansion to be too noisy. Keep it simple; the important thing is to pray for the child's safety and well-being."

"I know what's appropriate," Madam Zhang nodded knowingly and agreed with a smile. "I've already given the instructions; it won't be a big celebration. Just a lively family gathering, with a few close relatives and friends invited to the mansion to witness the ceremony."

As they were talking, a maidservant outside quietly announced that gifts and blessings from colleagues and relatives in the court had arrived.

Last night, the joyous news of the birth of a new baby in the Li family quietly spread, and officials and relatives all offered their congratulations. They sent tonics, swaddling clothes, festive decorations, and warming medicinal herbs, each a thoughtful gift.

The housekeeper meticulously inventoried, organized, and categorized the items, recording them in a register.

Pei Qingyuan leaned against the soft pillows, quietly listening to her mother-in-law and husband make the next arrangements, her gaze always fixed on the baby in the swaddling clothes.

"Do you want to hold him?" Li Xuanzhi asked softly, noticing the lingering look in her eyes. He carefully lifted the swaddled baby and gently placed him in her arms.

Pei Qingyuan quickly raised her hand and gently caught it. The small ball landed in her arms, light and soft.

Perhaps sensing his mother's presence, the little one, who had been fast asleep, stirred slightly.

He nuzzled her head slightly, still keeping his eyes closed, and nestled obediently in her arms.

In that instant, the bond of blood struck deep into my heart.

Pei Qingyuan's eyes overflowed with tenderness as she softly murmured, "My good child."

The newborn is three days old.

After several days of fine weather, the sky was especially clear and bright today. The morning glow spread across the sky, and its warm light bathed the entire Li residence.

The mansion was spotless inside and out, with bright red wedding ribbons hanging under the eaves and exquisite lanterns adorning the corridors. Everywhere was decorated with a festive and elegant touch, brimming with the vibrant joy of welcoming the new year and bestowing blessings.

A special altar was set up in the warm pavilion of the main hall, with a gilded bronze basin placed in the center.

The basin is smooth and translucent, wrapped with bright red silk, hence the name "encircled basin." It symbolizes a year of fulfillment and good fortune surrounding one.

Beside the basin are arranged vermilion platters, one of which is filled with red-dyed auspicious eggs, peanuts, red dates, longans, and chestnuts, symbolizing lasting good fortune.

A plate of newly folded soft cloth, plain-colored yarn, delicate scissors, and slightly cool tea are all essential items for the third-day-after-birth ceremony.

After daybreak, invited relatives, friends, and female elders arrived one after another.

Remembering Li Xuanzhi's instructions, Zhang did not hold a grand banquet, but she was still very happy.

This ensured the dignity of the baby's third-day celebration without disturbing Pei Qingyuan, who was resting quietly in the inner quarters.

A group of female relatives, dressed in auspicious attire, entered the mansion carrying gifts such as gold and silver lockets.

Their laughter was soft and their steps were graceful. They entered the hall in an orderly fashion to watch the ceremony, without the slightest noise or disorder.

"Congratulations, Madam! Congratulations, Lord Li! The young master's good health and well-being are a great blessing to the entire household!"

"I've heard that the young master is very well-behaved and gentle, and doesn't cause trouble for his mother. Such good fortune is rare indeed!"

With a smile in her eyes, Madam Zhang greeted the guests with composure, displaying both kindness and propriety.

"Thank you all for coming from afar to support us. Today we are performing a ritual to cleanse our grandson of impurities and bring him good fortune. We hope to share in your blessings and thank you all for your kindness."

Inside the warm pavilion, Pei Qingyuan quietly leaned against soft pillows to rest, her complexion much rosier than the day before.

She didn't need to get up to socialize; she could simply stay in her room and listen to the gentle laughter coming from the outer hall, feeling extremely comfortable.

As the auspicious hour approached, the old woman beside Zhang bowed her head respectfully:

"Madam, the auspicious time has arrived. We may now invite the young master to perform the third-day-old ritual."

Li Xuanzhi immediately went into the inner room, carefully bent down, and gently picked up the baby in swaddling clothes.

Pei Qingyuan gently stroked the child's cheek, her eyes filled with tenderness, and softly instructed:

Be careful, be gentle, don't startle him.

"Don't worry, Madam. I have handled countless baby showers, so I will make sure everything is done properly."

The Empress specially invited Granny Quanfu, who was in charge of performing the third-day-after-birth ceremony for the royal children, to come in with Li Xuanzhi. Upon hearing this, she smiled and responded.

As the child's grandmother, Zhang was the first to step forward and personally light three sticks of incense before the altar. She bowed solemnly in worship, her expression devout and dignified.

As the smoke rose in wisps, she whispered a prayer.

"The Li family's Sun clan prays that their grandson will be free from all impurities, possess a healthy body, a pure heart, and live a peaceful and prosperous life, free from disasters and hardships."

She bowed respectfully three times, and as she stood up, she turned to look at her infant grandson, her eyes overflowing with tenderness.

Grandma Quanfu slowly poured the brewed mugwort and locust broth into a gilded copper basin. The water was at a comfortable temperature, and wisps of fragrant steam filled the air.

Then, in order of seniority and age, led by Zhang, close female relatives and elders stepped forward one by one, each scooping a spoonful of clean water into the basin.

Then casually add red dates, peanuts, chestnuts, longans, or small copper coins and finely polished silver ornaments.

May you enjoy abundant blessings and longevity, and peace and health year after year!

"Early wisdom and understanding bring lasting blessings and prosperity!"

May your life be smooth sailing, and may you have no worries about food and clothing!

……

Auspicious blessings rang out one after another, and the festive atmosphere grew even stronger.

The crowd added basins in an orderly fashion, all sincerely praying for the newborn's well-being and good fortune.