The playboy county magistrate

Grandma Quanfu brought over some slightly cooled tea, dipped a clean, soft cloth in it, and gently dabbed a small amount onto the newborn's delicate lips, wiping them with extreme gentleness.

This is a crucial part of the third-day washing ceremony, symbolizing the purification of one's tongue and the attainment of upright speech throughout life, free from gossip and trouble.

The little one seemed to sense the slightly cool touch, and smacked its lips a couple of times. It remained fast asleep with its eyes closed, so docile that it drew soft sighs of admiration from the family and friends in the room.

"This child has such a good temperament; despite all this ritual, he didn't make a fuss at all."

"Born calm and well-behaved, he will surely grow up to be a dignified, generous, and blessed child."

Grandma Quanfu has cared for many children, but she has never seen any as well-behaved and sensible as Li Xuanzhi's children.

At this moment, her gaze softened further, and her movements were skillful and gentle as she steadily supported the child's tender head, neck, and back.

Carefully unwrapping the soft swaddling clothes, gently placing the tiny body on the warm soup, and carefully wiping the skin all over.

Mugwort dispels cold, locust branches bring good fortune, green onions bring intelligence, and old ginger prolongs life.

Every wipe is done with method, and every step is imbued with blessing.

As Grandma Quanfu gently washed the baby, she recited the auspicious third-day bath rhyme aloud. The words were auspicious and the meaning was profound.

"Wash your hair first, and you'll have no worries about wealth."

"Wash your hands after washing them, and wealth will flow in year after year."

"Wash yourself again, and you will be free from all diseases."

"Wash away all filth and enter the world with purity. May you enjoy lasting blessings, good health, and peace of mind."

She moved gently, carefully washing her eyebrows, eyes, hands, feet, and body.

The child remained soundly asleep, only occasionally raising a hand or kicking a leg slightly, looking innocent and adorable.

Li Xuanzhi stood to one side, his gaze fixed on the child, his eyes filled with the tenderness and expectations of a father.

Pei Qingyuan lay on the couch in the inner room, quietly watching the auspicious ceremony in the hall through the curtains, listening to the auspicious blessings filling the room. A warm feeling welled up in her heart, and her eyes always held a smile.

The hardships of ten months of pregnancy and the pain of childbirth are transformed into fulfillment and sweetness at this moment.

After the bath, Granny Quanfu took out a specially made soft wooden comb and gently combed the baby's fine, soft hair, her movements as light and gentle as clouds brushing against the silk. As she combed, she uttered auspicious words:

"One comb to the end, peace and good fortune abound. Two combs, smooth hair, wisdom, understanding, and a pure heart. Three combs, added blessings and prosperity, a life free of worries, peace year after year."

The fine, soft baby hair was neatly combed, making the child's face appear even more rosy and fair, with well-defined features.

Grandma Quanfu smiled and took a round, red-dyed auspicious egg, holding it steadily in her palm. She gently rolled it over the child's forehead, eyebrows, eyes, hands, feet, chest, and abdomen, offering a soft blessing.

"May the joy of a rolling egg bring good fortune, warding off calamities. May you enjoy complete health, free from all illnesses. May your eyes and brows be clear, and may you live a carefree life year after year."

The round, auspicious red egg, rolling around the body, symbolizes the removal of disasters and illnesses and the retention of good fortune.

After the entire ceremony was completed, Grandma Quanfu took a clean, soft cloth and gently wiped the child's skin dry. She then changed the child into brand-new, soft clothes that had been prepared beforehand and carefully wrapped the baby back in soft swaddling clothes.

The bronze basin was then slowly lifted and tilted slightly. The remaining water was lightly sprinkled, symbolizing the dissipation of impurities and the permanent arrival of new blessings, thus completing the ceremony.

"Congratulations, Madam! Congratulations, Lord Li! The auspicious ceremony has been successfully completed; the young master is truly blessed!"

The room was filled with smiling relatives and friends offering their congratulations, creating a joyful atmosphere.

Ms. Zhang smiled broadly, her eyes relaxed, and she nodded repeatedly in thanks.

"Thanks to your blessings, my grandson will surely live a peaceful and prosperous life every year."

Li Xuanzhi stepped forward and steadily took the child from Granny Quanfu's hands, holding him in his arms.

Looking down at the docile and obedient little figure in the swaddling clothes, his eyes overflowed with tenderness.

He turned and slowly walked into the inner room, gently handing the child to Pei Qingyuan's side.

"The ceremony is complete." He leaned down and whispered softly, his voice gentle and tender. "Our child, cleansed of all impurities and filled with blessings, will live a life of integrity, peace, and prosperity from now on."

Pei Qingyuan turned her head to look at her side, her eyes glistening with gentle tears, and murmured softly:

"That's wonderful, may you have peace and joy every year."

The little one seemed to understand his parents' expectations, and gently rubbed against the swaddling clothes with his eyes closed.

……

As close relatives and friends gathered in the hall, chatting and laughing to celebrate the arrival of a son in the Li family, a servant rushed in, his expression respectful yet somewhat hurried, and loudly announced:

"Madam! His Majesty and the Empress are arriving in person; their carriages will be arriving at the gates soon!"

The moment those words were spoken, the entire hall erupted in uproar.

No one expected that the Emperor and Empress would personally visit the residence of their subject to celebrate the birth of the child.

In an instant, the laughter and chatter that had been filling the air ceased. Everyone rose to their feet, their expressions solemn, their eyes filled with awe and deep emotion.

Zhang was startled and immediately straightened her clothes, her expression solemn and respectful.

"Quickly sweep the imperial road, set up an altar and burn incense. The entire household, follow me to welcome His Majesty!"

The servants in the mansion performed their duties efficiently and in an orderly manner, with no one daring to dawdle in the slightest.

In an instant, the gates of the mansion swung open, revealing the spotless, orderly bluestone imperial road. A high incense table was set up in the central courtyard, its delicate fragrance rising in a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

Inside the warm chamber, Pei Qingyuan heard the news and instinctively tried to get up, but was gently pressed down by Li Xuanzhi beside her.

"Don't move." Li Xuanzhi's palm firmly pressed on her shoulder. "You are weak after childbirth, so there's no need for you to go through the formalities. My mother and I will go to greet the Emperor. His Majesty and the Empress are always kind and generous, so they certainly won't be harsh."

Pei Qingyuan nodded slightly. "Be careful and don't be impolite."

"Don't worry." Li Xuanzhi bent down and gently brushed her hair. He then looked down at the baby sleeping peacefully in the swaddling clothes, his eyes tender. "I'll go greet you and return soon."

After speaking, he turned and strode out. His steps were steady and composed, showing no sign of panic.

Outside the mansion gate, the imperial carriage slowly came to a stop.

The emperor, dressed in a bright yellow casual robe, appeared less imposing and awe-inspiring than in the imperial court. His imposing presence had softened, replaced by a more gentle demeanor.

The Empress was dressed in a palace gown with flowing cloud and phoenix patterns. Her makeup was gentle and dignified, her demeanor was graceful and noble, and her eyes were always filled with a gentle smile.

The accompanying entourage was simple and orderly, understated yet exuding imperial majesty.

Li Xuanzhi, along with his mother Zhang, relatives, and guests, all paid their respects.

"Welcome, Your Majesty! Welcome, Your Majesty the Empress! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!"

The emperor raised his hand in a gesture of support, "Rise! There is no court ceremony between the emperor and his subjects today, only a joyous banquet for relatives and friends. There is no need for such formalities."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Everyone stood up in unison, their expressions still respectful.

The Empress's gaze swept over the festive decorations, and she spoke with a smile.

"Having heard that the Li family's son is well-behaved and healthy, Your Majesty and I have been thinking of him for a long time. Today, we have come here specifically to offer our congratulations and share in the Li family's good fortune."

Zhang hurriedly stepped forward, bowed, and replied, her eyes full of respect and joy.

"It is an honor for the Li family that Your Majesty and the Empress have graced our humble abode with your presence.

The emperor slowly stepped into the palace, his gaze sweeping over the courtyard adorned with red silk and filled with festive cheer. He nodded slightly at the orderly arrangement of the surroundings.

He then looked at Li Xuanzhi beside him and teased him with a smile.

"I live in the deep palace all day long, so it's rare for me to see such a view."