The playboy county magistrate

The emperor gently stroked the paper with his fingertips, his eyes showing no emotion whatsoever.

People generally believe that emperors collect beauties out of lust. Little do they know that in their eyes, these stunning beauties presented as tribute from all directions are never mere objects of romantic pleasure. Rather, they are probing weapons handed over by various states, pawns in a game of power where each nation wants to take a bite out of their Great Yong.

"The four nations have different hearts and different plans. They appear to be united in an alliance, but in reality, they each harbor their own ulterior motives and distrust one another. Their hearts are so loosely connected that, although they seem as solid as an iron barrel, they are actually the easiest to break apart."

The chief eunuch bowed deeply and whispered:

"Your Majesty is wise. Just now, the Crown Prince and Minister Li left the palace and returned to their residences. Minister Li also sent a secret message through someone, saying that various countries have secretly formed an alliance and earnestly request Your Majesty to guard against Japan and keep the four directions in check."

Upon hearing this, a hint of approval flashed in the emperor's eyes.

Of all the officials in the court, only Li Xuanzhi could see the farthest and understand the most clearly.

Others only see the submission of the various states and are wary of open conflict and provocations. As long as these do not occur, they assume they are safe. Only Li Xuanzhi sees the lurking danger.

"Li Xuanzhi is meticulous and thorough in his planning, and the Crown Prince is becoming increasingly capable. With one minister and one heir, he combines strength and gentleness, and is adept at both offense and defense. This is a blessing for me, and also a blessing for the Great Yong Dynasty."

The emperor slowly put down the secret report and gave his orders in a deep voice.

"By imperial decree, the palace eunuchs are to be even more vigilant in monitoring the four palaces. The movements, comings and goings, and preferences of the beauties must be recorded and reported. At least one report must be submitted daily, without any omissions."

"Furthermore, send a message to the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Rites, instructing them to strictly investigate border trade and maritime routes. Guard against foreign powers using the guise of beauties and trade to spy on military equipment, transmit intelligence, and sow discord."

"This servant obeys the decree!" The chief eunuch bowed and accepted the order, then immediately withdrew to relay the decree.

The next day, when it was fully light, the sun was high in the sky.

An imperial decree was issued, ordering a grand banquet to be held at Chunhua Terrace at noon to reward the envoys from all directions who had come to pay homage. Beauties from vassal states were summoned to the palace to attend the banquet and serve the guests.

The imperial decree spread throughout the four palaces, subtly tightening the tension in everyone's hearts.

This was the first time that beauties from various countries had truly appeared together in public, facing the emperor and the entire court, after entering the palace.

The chess game I secretly plotted and analyzed behind closed doors last night is finally about to be brought to the table today. On the surface, it's an elegant banquet; behind the scenes, it's a fierce battle of wits and strategy.

Chunhua Terrace is built by the water, with spacious pavilions and terraces. Chrysanthemums are in full bloom all around, and the fragrance of osmanthus permeates the courtyard. Gilded palace lanterns hang under the eaves, and a troupe of elegant musicians stands on both sides, with a full complement of string and wind instruments.

Officials were seated according to their rank, with the Three Dukes, Nine Ministers, and the cabinet ministers of the Six Ministries sitting on the east and west sides.

After several court reforms, the atmosphere in the court and among the people became upright, and no one dared to be frivolous or dissolute. Even in elegant banquets, people remained courteous, composed, and self-restrained.

The envoys from all the countries attended the banquet and sat in the secondary seats in the outer corridor. They maintained a facade of respect and humility, chatting and laughing with each other, creating an atmosphere of harmony.

But deep in their eyes, there was a hidden scrutiny and observation.

The secret alliance made at the post station last night still echoes in my ears. Today, we will see if our pawns sent to the palace can break through the imperial court and gain an advantage for our respective countries.

Li Xuanzhi, ranked first among all officials, was dressed in an elegant and dignified court robe, his posture upright and jade-like, sitting quietly on the right side below the main seat.

His fingertips lightly rested on the edge of the table, his expression calm, his eyes clear. He appeared to be sitting idly, listening to the wind and quietly observing the banquet. In reality, he had noticed every micro-expression and subtle movement of everyone in the room.

The Crown Prince sat upright on the left side of the main seat, his brows and eyes serene and calm.

Unlike other members of the imperial family and nobles who indulged in sensual pleasures and idle chatter, he constantly observed the surroundings, subtly learning from Li Xuanzhi. He remained calm and collected, yet possessed a keen understanding of the overall situation.

At the end of the Si hour (9-11 AM), the emperor arrived at Chunhua Terrace.

The twelve-symbol dragon robe, bathed in the autumn sun, exuded majesty and boundless grandeur.

The emperor sat down on the central throne, his gaze sweeping over the guests with an air of quiet authority.

The clamor in the hall instantly subsided, the elegant music paused, and no one dared to speak loudly.

"Today, the autumn light is just right, and guests from all over the world have gathered. This small banquet is held to set aside court regulations and border affairs, so that we may simply enjoy the magnificent autumn scenery together."

The emperor's voice was calm and gentle, seemingly relaxed and casual, yet it subtly concealed the bottom line of rules and regulations. He set the tone in advance to prevent anyone from taking the opportunity to discuss state affairs or make rash requests.

The officials and envoys from various countries bowed in unison, their voices echoing throughout the court: "Your Majesty is wise and sagacious."

After the ceremony, elegant music began again. Soft and melodious, it drifted through the courtyard.

The eunuch bowed and relayed the order, summoning beauties from all directions to come up on stage to serve at the banquet.

A moment later, beauties from the four countries, each exuding their own unique charm, took their places on the stage.

At first glance, the women were dressed in vibrant colors, each with their own unique charm. All the officials and soldiers present narrowed their eyes slightly, secretly praising her as truly a beauty.

The first to join were the five women from southern Xinjiang.

Meixi led the other four people forward slowly. She was wearing a light green gauze palace dress with delicate white waves embroidered on the hem. She was elegant and beautiful, without any bright colors.

They wore no heavy makeup or elaborate adornments; their eyebrows and eyes exuded gentleness and softness.

Her steps were light and slow, and her posture was graceful as she curtsied. With lowered eyes and humble demeanor, she was respectful and courteous, without the slightest hint of arrogance or seeking favor.

Meixi bowed her head, her voice sweet and clear, her manner perfectly measured.

"A woman from the southern border pays her respects to Your Majesty, wishing you good health and a prosperous and lasting reign."

Many veteran officials nodded slightly, feeling a sense of goodwill.

If a woman from a vassal state is too flamboyant, she will inevitably be criticized for being sycophantic and bewitching the ruler. Such a gentle, sensible, elegant, and well-mannered person is the most pleasing to the eye.

Following them were the three women from the northern desert.

Ulan wore a long, silver-white brocade dress with a jade belt around her waist, looking neat and dashing. Her posture was upright and ramrod straight, her back remaining ramrod straight even when she bowed. She lacked the usual gentle humility of a woman, giving off a graceful and dignified air.

"I have an audience with Your Majesty."

Ulan's voice is clear and crisp, each word ringing out with a unique heroic spirit.

She raised her eyes to look straight ahead, her gaze clear and open. She was neither intimidated by imperial power nor shy away from the emperor's countenance. She upheld the proper etiquette of her vassal state while maintaining the spirit of her tribe.

This attitude is completely different from the docile nature of southern Xinjiang.

The military officers all showed their approval, admiring this frank and heroic spirit.

Among the civil officials, several had already frowned, secretly feeling that the women of the northern deserts were untamed and too sharp-edged.

A faint glint flashed in Li Xuanzhi's eyes, and he understood.

People from the northern deserts are mostly of fierce temperament and cannot hide their ambitions. Their advantage lies in their openness, while their disadvantage lies in their inability to be patient and restrained.

Such a display of sharp edges in public, while seemingly eye-catching, is actually most likely to arouse the emperor's suspicion. Being rigid without flexibility is most easily broken.

The arrival of the third group of six women from the Western Regions instantly brightened the atmosphere of the entire courtyard.

Qiluo led the group out slowly, wearing a crimson Western Region dance dress, the hem adorned with delicate gold patterns. It swayed gently with her steps, dazzling and captivating.

The six women were exquisitely made up, with alluring features. Their eyes sparkled with a captivating charm, exuding a strong exotic allure.

Every frown and smile exudes a captivating charm; she was born to be a superb dancer in the world of romance.

Qi Luo slightly bent her knees, her voice melodious and enchanting, seemingly filled with boundless tenderness.

"This humble woman from the Western Regions is honored by Your Majesty's summons. I have the privilege of attending the banquet and wish to perform a dance for Your Majesty to celebrate the peace and prosperity of all nations and the eternal tranquility of this golden age."

The emperor's gaze swept over them indifferently, his expression remaining calm and unchanging. He simply nodded slightly, "Agreed."