The playboy county magistrate

Shen Cong, an official who also received a transfer notice but was clearly not senior enough, frowned.

"But he is now deeply favored by the Emperor, who has completely delegated power to him, allowing him to reform the cabinet. What can we do now? Any slight movement will only increase our punishment."

"The fact that we can't do it openly doesn't mean there's absolutely no way out."

One of the most senior former cabinet secretaries, and the first to speak, had a sinister glint in his eyes, and his voice grew increasingly low.

"His career is going smoothly now, and he is the most influential person in the court. He seems to be invincible, but the higher the position, the more likely he is to make mistakes."

"While the officials appeared respectful, many secretly harbored resentment. It's just that no one dared to be the first to speak out."

Liao Wenyuan, the only official who was not removed from the cabinet but was still kept for observation, had his eyes light up instantly.

"What do you mean, brother?"

The person in charge slowly narrowed his eyes, the twilight falling on his dark brows, all about scheming.

"We will lie low for now and conceal our brilliance. We will feign repentance and diligence while secretly uniting with a group of officials who are dissatisfied with him, looking for evidence against him for neglecting his duties."

"He punishes us for trivial matters today, but we will use official matters to check and balance him in the future. The power struggle in the court can never last long if one is simply strict and impartial."

Shen Cong and Liao Wenyuan exchanged a glance, both seeing wavering and ruthlessness in each other's eyes.

They knew that they had no chance of shaking Li Xuanzhi in the slightest.

However, if everyone sticks together and accumulates strength over time, they may find an opportunity to avenge today's humiliation and reclaim their future.

"Okay." Shen Cong gritted his teeth and nodded in agreement.

Liao Wenyuan responded in a deep voice, "Wait patiently for the right opportunity, and act accordingly."

The three whispered their secrets and quietly reached an understanding in the deep twilight.

Meanwhile, Li Xuanzhi had already returned home.

Pei Qingyuan was holding An'er, sitting on a soft couch by the window, gently combing the child's soft baby hair in the afterglow of the setting sun.

The little one was becoming increasingly lively and obedient, nestled nestled in his mother's arms, his dark eyes blinking. Hearing footsteps, he immediately turned his head towards the courtyard gate. His soft little head swayed slightly, as if he recognized his father returning home.

"You're back?" Pei Qingyuan looked up and smiled gently. "You must be exhausted today. You look much more haggard than when you left this morning."

Li Xuanzhi slowly stepped forward and bent down to sit beside the couch. He carefully took the child into his arms, his movements practiced and gentle. He was completely different from the stern and impartial person he had been during the day.

The soft, small bundle in his arms, the warm and tender touch against his heart, the gentle, even breath brushing against his clothes, instantly soothed the fatigue and anger of the day.

"Not tired." He looked down at the innocent and obedient child in his arms, a gentle smile spreading across his lips.

"Seeing you all when I get home makes all my fatigue disappear."

"You're such a chatterbox." Pei Qingyuan shook her head and chuckled, then stood up and walked outside.

"Stay with An'er for a while. I haven't cooked in a long time, and I'm a bit rusty."

……

After Li Xuanzhi's reprimand yesterday, the atmosphere in the cabinet has changed drastically.

As dawn broke, officials from all departments arrived at their posts and began working diligently at their desks, each fulfilling their duties.

Although Zhou Huai'an and Shen Cong were transferred from the cabinet to other departments by Li Xuanzhi, they, like Liao Wenyuan, arrived at their posts exceptionally early today.

The three men completely lost their hostility, replacing it with a respectful, repentant, diligent, and pragmatic demeanor.

Not only was his expression upright and solemn, but he also kept his head down and eyes lowered when discussing matters with his colleagues, showing great propriety in his actions.

It can be said that he deliberately showed a willingness to correct his mistakes and perform his duties diligently, without showing any trace of his previous laxity and slackness.

Those around them were unaware of the secret plot the three had conspired against the previous day. Seeing the change in the three, they assumed that Li Xuanzhi's punishment had been effective and that the three had truly realized their mistakes and repented.

They all secretly admired Li Xuanzhi's skillful management and effective discipline. Only the three of them knew in their hearts that this diligence was all a pretense of obedience, a ploy to lull everyone and Li Xuanzhi into a false sense of security, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Half past Chen Shi (7-9 AM), Li Xuanzhi slowly stepped into the inner cabinet.

Upon hearing this, all the officials in the pavilion raised their eyes and bowed. "Greetings, Lord Li."

Li Xuanzhi nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping lightly over the entire room.

"Official business must be completed quickly. Documents for today should be delivered on the same day. There should be no backlog or omissions."

As soon as he finished speaking, the person in charge who had been targeted yesterday stood up first, holding a roll of local livelihood files, and slowly stepped forward with a bow.

His demeanor was respectful and humble, and his manners were impeccable, showing no trace of the arrogance and laxity that he once displayed with his seniority.

"My lord, I learned a great deal from your instruction yesterday and am deeply aware of my dereliction of duty. This morning I sorted through the backlog of files and compiled the spring plowing reports for Jiangnan. I have checked them three times and found no errors or omissions. I am now presenting them to you for your review."

He bowed his head, his tone was sincere, and his eyes were full of obedience, as if he had truly turned over a new leaf.

Shen Cong followed closely behind, carrying the Ministry of Revenue's account books, while Liao Wenyuan carried the Ministry of Works' repair receipts, and they all stepped forward to present their reports.

Both men were upright in expression and respectful in their words. Every sentence expressed their remorse and repentance, and every word demonstrated their diligence in performing their duties.

"I was confused yesterday, but today I have corrected the accounts item by item and verified them repeatedly. There was absolutely no perfunctory work."

"The Ministry of Works has recently reviewed all its policies and orders, checked the schedule, materials, and manpower one by one, and ensured timely delivery without any delay."

The three men took turns presenting their reports, and their diligent demeanor impressed the other officials, who felt that the three had completely reformed themselves. They increasingly recognized Li Xuanzhi's abilities and the effectiveness of his reforms.

Li Xuanzhi, sitting upright at his desk, had a slightly cool look in his eyes, but his mind was as clear as a mirror.

He had seen countless people and was well aware of the treacherous nature of human hearts.

How could the resentment and unwillingness in the eyes of the three people yesterday have completely disappeared overnight?

A day of punishment may deter their actions, but it cannot appease their hearts. Such a complete transformation into obedience and diligence is too deliberate and too abnormal.

Li Xuanzhi remained expressionless, his demeanor still cool and composed, showing no sign of doubt. He simply raised his hand and accepted the three files. He spoke calmly:

"It's good to admit your mistakes and correct them, and to do your job well. Now that it has been checked properly, I will take a closer look."

"Yes, Your Highness, I will remember your teachings and will diligently perform my duties from now on, and will never dare to repeat my mistakes."

The three bowed in unison, their posture becoming increasingly humble and respectful. A flash of ruthlessness flickered in their eyes as they lowered their heads.

They assumed that Li Xuanzhi was overwhelmed with official duties, having just finished clearing up a month's worth of accumulated problems yesterday, and with even more complicated files and official business today, he would certainly not have time to carefully review every word and sentence.

If they overlook even the slightest oversight, their subtle flaws will inevitably be overlooked. Then they can seize the opportunity to launch an attack, deflect blame, and spread rumors to subtly criticize Li Xuanzhi for being strict and incompetent. Even he himself is someone who makes mistakes in judging matters, yet he uses high standards to strictly criticize others.

The three bowed and stepped aside, waiting quietly.

Li Xuanzhi lowered his eyes and hunched over the desk, his fingertips slowly turning the pages of the case file.

I read each page carefully, verifying each line meticulously. Seemingly casual, yet every word resonated deeply, every detail carefully considered.