The playboy county magistrate

Gu Pan'er concealed all the turmoil in her eyes and stepped forward. Shedding the aloofness of a subordinate official, she stood upright and poised, walking straight to Li Xuanzhi.

Tang Zheng stood to one side, keenly noticing the change in her expression, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Liu Yunrou also raised her eyes and looked at this female advisor who was always rational, insightful, aloof and self-possessed, and understood in her heart.

Gu Pan'er slowly curtsied, "This humble woman, Gu Pan'er, also wishes to become your concubine and serve you, my lord. I humbly request your acceptance."

Even Magistrate Cao was unsettled.

Who is Gu Pan'er?

She is intelligent and insightful, always aloof and self-possessed, disdainful of clinging to the powerful and wealthy, and indifferent to worldly glory. She is currently the only female advisor in the entire Northern State who is respected by everyone.

Such a proud and talented woman was willing to set aside her pride and ask to become a concubine.

A hint of surprise flashed across Li Xuanzhi's eyes as he spoke softly:

"Pan'er, do you know what you mean by what you're saying?"

"You are highly talented and exceptionally intelligent. You could have established yourself on your own merits and had a bright and promising future. There is no need for you to stoop so low."

Li Xuanzhi was aware of Gu Pan'er's feelings, but he valued her talent and was unwilling to force her to do anything.

He always regarded her as a colleague who could work alongside him and a strategist who could help him plan and strategize.

I never intended for her to lower her status, be confined to the inner quarters, or be bound by personal feelings.

Gu Pan'er slowly raised her eyes, her gaze showing no confusion or grievance.

"This humble woman understands."

"But fame and future prospects are not as important to a common woman as a moment of peace of mind for you, sir."

"At first it was admiration, then it was affection. Over time, the feelings deepened and became deeply rooted."

"Miss Liu is willing to abandon her life of hardship to serve you, and so am I. I do not seek high position, nor fame, nor favor. I only ask to be your concubine, and with the rest of my life and meager talents, to serve you by your side, never to leave you."

Liu Yunrou seeks a bright future and peace of mind for the rest of her life.

Gu Pan'er sought companionship through thick and thin, someone who could offer her wisdom and support.

Li Xuanzhi rubbed his temples, never expecting such a gain today.

Not only did they take in one concubine, but they now have another one.

But each of them had their own beauty and unique characteristics, and he was young and vigorous, at the age when he was fond of beautiful women, so he really couldn't bear to give them up.

Well, since I've already traveled through time, I should at least do something that people of this era should do.

In later generations, it's difficult to even find a wife. Here, it's perfectly fine to take two concubines to serve you tenderly and enjoy yourself, isn't it?

"Since that's how it is, then so be it. Just one thing: my inner quarters must not be chaotic. If the two of you cannot coexist peacefully, then both of you will return to where you came from. Do you understand?"

Li Xuanzhi had witnessed women fighting over a man, so he knew that women's fighting power should not be underestimated.

He didn't want to spend the whole day busy with important matters and then not even have a moment to rest at home.

Li Xuanzhi, feeling dizzy, took the two women back to the back residence of the government office in a carriage. Just as they arrived and were about to arrange rooms for the two women, a constable rushed in from outside.

"Your Excellency, there is someone outside the yamen claiming to be a relative of your mother's family, requesting an audience with you."

Upon hearing this, Li Xuanzhi slightly raised his eyes, a hint of surprise flashing across them.

Pingzhou is far from the capital, and ordinary relatives would never travel such a long distance there without careful consideration. It must be the uncle my mother mentioned when we returned to the capital.

Although he had a general idea in mind, Li Xuanzhi still asked in a low voice just to be on the safe side.

"Who could you possibly be?"

"The visitor claimed to be your third uncle, sir, and was accompanied by a group of followers, carriages, and supplies. There was also a young girl with him, who said she was your cousin."

My third uncle has always been quick-witted and good at business.

As the son of an official, he had no interest in poetry and books. Instead, he traveled all over the country at a young age to engage in business. He was the most insightful and capable elder in his maternal family.

My cousin Zhang Wanqing is the most talented businesswoman in my third uncle's family. She is intelligent, quick-witted, and charming.

Over the years, he has never been confined to the inner quarters, but instead has followed his third uncle to roam everywhere.

Li Xuanzhi and his cousin had not seen each other for at least ten years.

"Please come to the front hall to receive our guests," Li Xuanzhi instructed casually, then rose and moved to the front hall.

Liu Yunrou and Gu Pan'er exchanged a glance, then stood up in tacit agreement and quietly followed.

A moment later, two figures followed the constables into the front hall.

The middle-aged man at the head of the group was dressed in a brocade robe. He had a kind and shrewd face, and his eyes and brows had the shrewdness and cunning characteristic of a businessman.

With a steady gait and an impressive demeanor, he was none other than Li Xuanzhi's third maternal uncle.

Behind him followed a young girl, dressed in a light green silk dress, with bright, lively eyes, fair skin, and a delicate figure.

Her almond-shaped eyes were bright and sparkling, full of vitality and spirit; it was Zhang Wanqing.

"Good nephew!" The third uncle's face lit up as soon as he saw Li Xuanzhi. He quickly stepped forward, his tone warm and sincere.

"You are now a wise and capable minister, truly a promising young man!"

Zhang Wanqing followed behind, secretly raising her eyes to sized up her cousin.

The handsome young man I remember is now tall and upright. Dressed in an official robe, his brows and eyes are calm and deep, exuding a commanding presence that makes him even more extraordinary than the rumors suggest.

She secretly admired him, her eyes revealing an undisguised closeness and respect.

"Third Uncle, you must be tired from your journey. Cousin, you've come from afar and must be exhausted from your travels. Please sit down and rest."

Li Xuanzhi was kind and gentle, and even more humble and polite to his maternal elders, gesturing for tea to be served and for them to sit down.

Once everyone was seated, teacups were served.

The third uncle didn't mince words; he took a sip of hot tea and stated directly the purpose of his long journey.

"My dear nephew, your third uncle has traveled a long way to Pingzhou. Firstly, it has been a long time since we last met, and I came here specifically to visit you, to see how you are doing, and if you need anything."

"Secondly, I've heard that Pingzhou's new policies have been implemented, and everything is thriving. The atmosphere is open and business opportunities abound. That's why I've come here to settle down, do business, and expand my business."

My third uncle's eyes were open and honest. "In the past, local families monopolized local commerce, and the heavy taxes and levies made it difficult for ordinary merchants to survive. Even the best business opportunities could not be realized."

"I've traveled all over the country, and I've never seen such a stable, fair, and prosperous place. Naturally, I want to seize the opportunity and come here to settle down and start a business."

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Xuanzhi's eyes lit up, and he understood.

Besides implementing the equal distribution of land and tax exemptions, pacifying the people, and purging corruption among officials, the most crucial aspect of his new policies was opening up commerce and revitalizing the local economy.

For centuries, powerful clans and local gentry had dominated the region, not only seizing land and exploiting the people, but also monopolizing commerce, controlling essential commodities like salt, cloth, grain, and iron, arbitrarily raising prices, and hoarding goods. They drained local resources, leading to widespread poverty and economic depression.

Now that trade restrictions have been lifted, it is the perfect time to attract investment, develop businesses, and replenish local treasuries.

However, Pingzhou has been closed off for a long time, and merchants from other places dare not enter the market rashly, while local merchants have weak foundations and limited vision.

My third uncle has been deeply involved in business for many years, possesses substantial financial resources, extensive channels, and a good reputation.

Since it's an elder from their own family, it's absolutely trustworthy.

This trip to do business and develop industries is like a godsend, a godsend arriving just when you're sleepy.