The playboy county magistrate

The group moved to the banquet hall in the central hall.

Lady Zhang had already ordered people to prepare the banquet in advance, and the main seat in the main hall was set up again for the emperor and empress to sit in.

Seats were arranged on both sides, with court officials who had rushed over upon learning of the Emperor and Empress's arrival on the left.

On the right are the guests and close relatives invited for this third-day celebration.

There was a clear hierarchy and distinction between elders and juniors. The seating arrangement was orderly and proper, with no errors whatsoever.

The table was laden with a dazzling array of delicacies, all of which were meticulously prepared.

The dishes are a balanced mix of meat and vegetables, served both hot and cold. A full range of sweet soups, desserts, and fresh fruits are available. Each dish carries auspicious connotations, reflecting the joyous wish for the arrival of a new family member.

After the Emperor and Empress were seated, everyone else took their places in turn. The hall was quiet, yet the joy and honor in their eyes were unmistakable.

For the emperor to personally attend a banquet at a subject's home is an unparalleled favor and the greatest recognition of Li Xuanzhi.

The emperor picked up the jade cup in front of him, his gaze sweeping across the room before finally settling on Li Xuanzhi, and spoke in a loud voice.

"Today, I drink this celebratory cup with all my ministers. To celebrate the birth of the Li family's son, and to wish Minister Li and his family a happy and prosperous life! May the young child be healthy and carefree, and may his blessings be everlasting. May the Li family prosper year after year, may the ruler and his ministers be of one mind, and may the nation and its people live in peace!"

The amber-colored wine is poured into a glass, its aroma rich and mellow.

Everyone raised their glasses in a toast, their faces beaming with genuine joy. The originally solemn banquet instantly became lively and vibrant.

The Empress picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and looked tenderly at Lady Zhang beside her, chatting casually about everyday matters.

"The old lady has worked hard all her life, managing the household well and raising her children skillfully. Xuanzhi has shouldered great responsibilities at a young age and is upright and loyal. Now, with the arrival of her adorable son, she will surely enjoy a long and happy life, and fully experience the joys of family life."

Zhang quickly stood up to express her gratitude, her smile sincere.

"Thanks to Your Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress's blessings, I only wish that my child will be safe and healthy, and that he will grow up to be like Xuanzhi, a person who serves the country and its people and shares the burdens of the nation."

During the banquet, the officials also stood up to offer their congratulations, with auspicious words coming one after another.

"Congratulations, Lord Li, on the birth of your son! His future is bright!"

"This young man is destined for greatness!"

Some people were even more direct in their flattery, praising several people in a single sentence.

"The Emperor and Empress have personally bestowed their blessings; your child's life is blessed with unparalleled good fortune!"

The emperor chatted idly during the banquet, not asking about official court matters.

He chatted with a group of veteran officials about the past, lamenting the changes of time, and then gave Li Xuanzhi some detailed instructions.

"Your wife went through a difficult childbirth, so you must take good care of her and provide meticulous support. Do not let her suffer any hardship. Your young child is still very young, so raise him with care. May he be safe, healthy, and of good character; that would be the best outcome."

"Your Majesty's teachings will be remembered by your humble servant," Li Xuanzhi bowed and replied.

The Empress, thinking of the mother and son who were resting quietly in their private quarters, inquired about them gently during the meal.

"How is Qingyuan's postpartum recovery going? Has Lin'er been behaving well lately?"

Li Xuanzhi replied softly, his eyes revealing tenderness.

"Your Majesty, my wife has been well cared for and is having a smooth pregnancy with no discomfort. The baby sleeps peacefully day and night, never cries or fusses, and is extremely well-behaved."

The Empress smiled and nodded upon hearing this, "A virtuous person will surely have virtuous offspring; this is a blessing."

As the banquet progressed, the atmosphere became increasingly harmonious.

The emperor and empress set aside their imperial dignity and joined in the festivities with their ministers. Friends, relatives, and court officials all relaxed their formalities and offered their sincere congratulations.

The hall was filled with laughter and the aroma of delicious food, bringing the joyous occasion of the Li family's new addition to the family to its climax.

It has both the solemnity and elegance of a royal banquet and the warmth and comfort of an ordinary family dinner.

After several rounds of wine and five courses of food, the emperor was greatly pleased and raised his cup once more.

"May this joyous banquet end in celebration! May Li Jialin live a life of integrity and peace. May all officials and their families enjoy good health and prosperity year after year!"

Everyone raised their glasses in unison, and a joyful atmosphere enveloped the entire Li residence.

As the banquet drew to a close, the Emperor and Empress, understanding that Pei Qingyuan needed to rest, did not wish to linger and disturb her.

As the imperial carriage drove out of the palace gates, the area gradually returned to quiet.

The guests and relatives who had been crowding the central hall rose to say goodbye. Each person wore a lingering look of envy, their steps still carrying the emotion of having witnessed such imperial favor. Before leaving, they couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

"I am fortunate to have personally witnessed an emperor attending a banquet at the home of a subject. Such an honor is rare indeed."

"Lord Li is loyal to the emperor and devoted to public service, and is upright and self-disciplined. The Li family has a kind and pure family tradition. Such great favor is always a reward for virtue, and it is not untrue."

"The young master was blessed by the Emperor and Empress at birth, so he will surely have great fortune in the future. When I get back, I must carefully instruct my pregnant daughters-in-law that if they give birth to a daughter, they must raise her well."

It goes without saying what they're up to; those who know, know.

Laughter and idle chatter drifted away on the breeze outside the mansion, the guests had all departed, and the hustle and bustle had subsided. Only the lingering joy remained, quietly lingering among the pavilions, terraces, flowers, and trees.

The servants in the manor methodically cleared away the banquet, removing the tables and tableware. They neatly arranged the scattered colorful decorations and red silks, and swept the courtyard and corridors.

The movements were slow and orderly, without making a sound, for fear of disturbing the mother and child who were resting quietly in the inner room.

After seeing off the last group of guests, Zhang stood in the empty central hall, gazing at the fluttering wedding ribbons still hanging under the eaves, and remained motionless for a long time.

His usually calm and composed eyes were now brimming with endless emotions, and his eyes were slightly red.

Li Xuanzhi walked slowly to her side. "Mother, go back inside and rest. Standing in the cold wind for too long will harm your health."

Zhang slowly turned around, looking at her son's tall and steady figure, and sighed softly, her smile gentle yet bittersweet.

"I have lived most of my life and have seen the glory of countless noble families, but I have never seen His Majesty and Empress personally condescend to attend the celebratory banquet for the birth of a child of their subject."

She raised her hand to brush away the dust from her sleeve, her eyes filled with satisfaction.

"Go to the warm pavilion and keep Qingyuan and the child company. After all the commotion today, she must be feeling a little uneasy."

Li Xuanzhi nodded slightly, turned around and walked straight to the warm pavilion in the backyard.

Pei Qingyuan leaned against the soft pillows, her face, without any makeup, was even more radiant and fair than before.

The grand scene of the Emperor's arrival, which had filled the mansion with noise just moments before, was nothing more than a few scattered sounds heard through the curtain, not disturbing her mind in the slightest.

She lowered her eyes, gazing intently at the sleeping child in her arms, her eyes filled with an unyielding tenderness. All the world's splendor and glory could not compare to this small, warm, and soft bundle of flesh in her embrace.

"Have they all dispersed?" Hearing footsteps, Pei Qingyuan spoke softly without looking up.

Li Xuanzhi walked to the edge of the bed and sat down, leaning over to gently tuck the brocade quilt that had slipped down her back, his voice low and gentle.

"Yes, the guests have all left, the Emperor has returned to the palace, and it is now quiet outside."

Pei Qingyuan then looked up at him, a faint smile in her eyes.

"You must have had a hard day, dealing with the imperial family's authority while also entertaining guests and relatives. It must have been exhausting."

"It's not hard work." Li Xuanzhi raised his hand and gently stroked the back of her slightly cool hand with his fingertips.

"Being able to stay by your side, mother and child, makes all the hard work and troubles worthwhile and brings me great joy."

He leaned closer, his gaze falling on the swaddling clothes, carefully examining the child's peaceful sleeping face.

The little one was still fast asleep, his soft, fluffy black baby hair framing his face. His features were delicate and rounded, with youthful, well-defined eyebrows and eyes.

The tiny limbs were curled up peacefully in the soft swaddling clothes, quiet and docile beyond belief.