The playboy county magistrate

Li Xuanzhi personally carried An'er out of the hall to greet the guests.

The little child was wrapped in a brand-new brocade swaddle, a silver lock gleaming around his neck and a brightly colored rope around his wrist. He was held securely and calmly in his father's arms.

He stared blankly at the guests with his dark, clear eyes. He wasn't shy or fussy; he would occasionally babble softly and wave his little hands slightly, making him all the more endearing.

The guests were delighted and murmured their praises.

"At such a young age, he is so dignified and composed. He will surely grow up to be a person of upright character and extraordinary demeanor."

"His eyebrows and eyes are just like Lord Li's, and his demeanor is just like his wife's. He truly embodies the best qualities of both his parents."

"Lord Li is loyal and upright, his wife is virtuous and gentle, and the matriarch is kind and benevolent. The Li family is a family that has accumulated good deeds, and the young master is born with a face of great fortune. He will surely become a pillar of the family and bring glory to the clan!"

Li Xuanzhi raised his hand in return, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness."

Just as everyone was taking their seats and the banquet was about to begin, the sound of gongs clearing the way suddenly came from outside the mansion.

The laughter and chatter suddenly ceased, and everyone's expressions turned serious as they all looked up at the gate of the mansion.

The butler strode into the hall, his expression respectful and excited, his voice trembling.

"Your Excellency! His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived in person on behalf of His Majesty and the Empress to attend the baby's one-month celebration banquet! The imperial carriage has arrived at the gate!"

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

Leaving aside the grandeur of Li Xuanzhi's wedding, it was a common occurrence for the son of a prominent family to receive congratulatory gifts from the royal family, with the emperor and empress sometimes attending in person.

But even when Li Xuanzhi's son was still in Pei Qingyuan's womb, the palace showered him with gifts. After his birth, he was even more favored, with the emperor and empress making a special trip to offer their blessings at his third-day celebration.

I thought that since the baby's third-day celebration had already taken place, the full-month celebration wouldn't be coming. But unexpectedly, the Emperor and Empress weren't coming; instead, they sent the Crown Prince.

Despite the teacher-student relationship, isn't this favor a bit too much?

Everyone was incredibly envious.

Those who had served in the imperial court for decades were particularly distraught. Several noblewomen, in particular, deeply regretted their past decisions, wondering why they had instinctively refused the idea of ​​becoming in-laws with the Li family.

Although Li Xuanzhi made it clear that he would not marry into powerful and influential families, not all aristocratic families were secretly corrupt.

If their daughters had married into the family back then, they would be the ones enjoying such a prestigious life now. Their families would also be proud and carry themselves with confidence.

Regardless of the circumstances, the guests who had been chatting leisurely just moments before all stood up instantly, their expressions solemn and respectful. No one dared to show the slightest disrespect, and their eyes were filled with shock and envy.

Outside the mansion gate, the scene was grand and imposing.

The imperial guards of the Eastern Palace lined up on both sides, while the eunuchs stood respectfully with their hands at their sides.

The Crown Prince wore a bright yellow brocade robe, embroidered with gold thread and flowing cloud patterns, and a jade belt around his waist.

The young crown prince possessed an innate air of authority and noble bearing.

Li Xuanzhi, along with Zhang and Pei, all the guests and servants of the household, bowed deeply in greeting.

"Your Highness, we respectfully welcome you! May Your Highness live a thousand years!"

The Crown Prince raised his hand in a gesture of support, his voice clear and gentle, resounding throughout the front of the mansion.

"Rise, my lords. Today is a joyous occasion for the Li family as they celebrate the full moon of their newborn son. The Emperor and Empress Dowager, mindful of Lord Li's loyalty and diligence and his wife's virtue, have specially ordered me, Your Highness, to attend the banquet on their behalf, to share in the joy and celebrate the perfect birth of their child."

"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Highness!" Everyone stood up in unison, their expressions becoming even more respectful.

The Crown Prince slowly stepped into the Li residence, his gaze sweeping over the festive furnishings throughout the hall. His eyes were smiling, and his demeanor was humble yet dignified.

"My father and mother were just saying the other day that the teacher's child was born with good fortune and a gentle nature. Today is the auspicious day of his full moon, and I have come to offer my congratulations on his behalf, and also to see what my future confidant looks like."

Zhang bowed respectfully in response, his tone earnest and courteous.

"It is an honor for the Li family to have Your Majesty and the Empress keep in mind, and for His Highness the Crown Prince to grace our humble abode with his presence."

The Crown Prince quickly waved his hand with a smile, "Madam, you flatter me. After all, the Li residence is also a home for me outside the palace. No matter what, my master and mistress will surely leave me a courtyard, won't they?"

That's true. The courtyard where the Crown Prince lived in the Li family's residence was always empty, ready for him to stay at any time.

Although the Crown Prince is now being personally instructed by the Emperor in the palace, he still sets aside a few days each month to come to the Li residence to be instructed by Li Xuanzhi.

Many of the court officials who came to celebrate, drawn by the news, were not as well-informed about the Li family's plans as the Crown Prince.

Upon entering the hall and taking their seats, the Crown Prince insisted on sitting next to Li Xuanzhi.

The guests watched as the master and apprentice defered to each other, no one daring to offer a suggestion, much less take a seat first.

They all stood respectfully with their hands at their sides, their expressions solemn and reverent, their eyes filled with envy for the Li family's honor.

An older, senior official, his eyes gleaming, looked at Li Xuanzhi with a rather ingratiating expression and said with a smile:

"Since ancient times, for a subject's family banquet to receive the Emperor's presence was an unprecedented honor. The Emperor and Empress personally attended the baby's third-day celebration, and the Crown Prince personally attended the full moon celebration by imperial decree. The Li family's imperial favor is so enduring, it is truly unparalleled throughout history!"

Someone pursed their lips and muttered a low "sycophant," then immediately changed their expression and smiled as they echoed the sentiment.

Everyone chimed in, praising the Li family's favor and good fortune.

Li Youan, still in his swaddling clothes, was held firmly in his father's arms, his dark eyes gazing innocently at the Crown Prince. His little head tilted slightly, looking incredibly adorable.

The Crown Prince raised his hand, signaling the eunuch to present the imperial congratulatory gifts.

"By imperial decree of the Emperor and Empress Dowager, Li Youan is hereby granted twenty bolts of brocade, a pair of warm jade pieces, a pair of imperial jade ruyi scepters, and a number of nourishing treasures. May Li Youan enjoy peace and prosperity year after year, a bright future, and long life."

Li Xuanzhi, along with his mother and wife, bowed deeply to express their gratitude, displaying impeccable manners.

"Your Majesty and Her Majesty, I kowtow to express my gratitude for your great kindness and Your Highness's congratulations."

Halfway through the banquet, the Crown Prince, mindful that his teacher's wife needed to rest, did not wish to linger and disturb her.

When Li Youan turned one month old, it marked the end of Li Xuanzhi's leisurely life of staying at home with his wife and children.

……

At dawn, the bluestone path in front of the Li residence was covered with cool morning dew.

Li Xuanzhi boarded the carriage, its wheels gently rolling over the bluestone as it headed towards the imperial city.

During this period, the heavy responsibilities of the court were temporarily in the hands of the cabinet ministers. Without anyone to restrain or control them, they gradually developed a lax and negligent attitude, as well as a tendency to shirk responsibility and procrastinate.

As soon as Li Xuanzhi arrived at the cabinet office, he saw many officials looking tired, whispering to each other, and appearing listless.

Li Xuanzhi stepped in slowly, his steps steady and powerful.

His gaze swept across the entire room indifferently, his eyes cold and calm, seemingly indifferent, yet exuding an imposing aura.

The officials, who had been chatting idly and looking relaxed, instantly fell silent, heads bowed and expressions serious. Their backs straightened instinctively, no longer daring to relax even slightly. The room became eerily quiet; you could hear a pin drop.

Several cabinet officials felt a growing sense of unease, but they forced themselves to remain calm, each lowering their eyes and holding their breath, not daring to look directly ahead.