In the Northern Song Dynasty, he started by marrying the eighth daughter of the Su family.

……

On the last day of the winter solstice, news from Shen Kuo finally arrived. He brought Lü Huiqing and Zhang Huaimin with him to Han Zhi's house—

"What!" Han Zhi was so shocked upon hearing the news that he stood up immediately. "Doctor Wang has agreed to your marriage proposal?"

Shen Kuo nodded, and Su Zhen, Lü Huiqing, and Zhang Huaimin, who were sitting around him, were also very pleased. Lü Huiqing patted him on the shoulder and said:

"Congratulations, Brother Shen!"

"Congratulations, Brother Shen," Zhang Huaimin said, offering his congratulations as well.

Su Zhen smiled slightly and said, "This is indeed a blessing for Young Master Shen. However, Madam Wang has not yet come of age, and it will be around the end of the month. Young Master Shen will have to wait a while longer."

But when this matter was mentioned, Shen Kuo's face suddenly darkened. Su Zhen was startled and covered her mouth slightly, asking, "Did I say something wrong?"

Shen Kuo sighed and said, "My dear friends, I'm leaving tomorrow..."

Everyone was stunned. They knew he would leave after the winter solstice, but no one would have guessed that he would leave immediately after the winter solstice.

"Isn't it too hasty?" Han Zhi asked at this moment, because in his mind, it would be best if Shen Kuo could marry the woman before leaving.

Shen Kuo, however, said, "But that won't do. My father will be going to take up his post in Mingzhou next year. The positions there have been vacant for too long, and we can't leave them without officials in charge."

"Then what about your upcoming imperial examination? You've been studying here for quite some time now, and the imperial examination is just around the corner..." Lü Huiqing and Zhang Huaimin also looked reluctant to part with you.

Shen Kuo sighed and said, "I can only finalize my engagement with Qian'er and get her back... I guess I'll have to wait until my term ends. During this time, Qian'er will probably have to suffer."

Han Zhi frowned and said, "Can't it be like me and Ba Niang?"

Shen Kuo shook his head and said, "I also wish I could be like Brother Han and Lady Su. It's just a matter of writing a letter to the Emperor, and he certainly won't refuse. It's just that Qian'er is seriously ill and can't travel far."

Su Zhen and Han Zhi exchanged a glance, both seeing the same regret in each other's eyes. Su Zhen pondered for a moment: "Have you sent the betrothal gifts? If not, you should hurry and send them in the next day or two."

"If we don't hurry, the engagement may be null and void once Mr. Shen returns."

In the Song Dynasty, the engagement process was only truly complete once the betrothal gifts were sent. All that remained was to wait for the wedding and the procession to begin.

Shen Kuo quickly replied, "It hasn't been sent yet, but I will prepare it today and send it over when I leave tomorrow."

Han Zhi and Su Zhen nodded, then asked, "Does Madam Wang know that you are leaving? I think she doesn't know yet?"

“She found out. I had already told her when we were looking at blind dates. She said... she was willing to wait for me.”

Zhang Huaimin sighed and said, "That's true. I never imagined that Brother Shen would become a husband in just a few days."

Han Zhi asked, "Brother Shen, what time do you plan to leave tomorrow? Will you depart early in the morning?"

Shen Kuo shook his head and said, "No, we'll go this afternoon. We need to deliver the betrothal gifts, so let's leave together."

“Then we’ll go with you; it’s out of brotherly affection,” Lü Huiqing said.

Shen Kuo smiled and said, "Alright, you can also help me send a betrothal gift. I'll treat you to a drink."

......

The following afternoon, Shen Kuo, dressed in a blue robe, stood tall and straight, but looked somewhat forlorn. He was accompanied by Lü Huiqing, Zhang Huaimin, and Han Zhi, all of whom had solemn expressions.

Several carts followed behind them, carrying chests filled with betrothal gifts, including exquisite silks, precious jewelry, and a wooden goose carving symbolizing good fortune. The group slowly walked towards Doctor Wang's house, their steps feeling as heavy as a thousand pounds.

Upon arriving at Doctor Wang's house, Shen Kuo and the others behind him exchanged glances, then took a deep breath and stepped forward to knock on the door.

The door opened slightly, and Wang Yaochen, the Right Grand Counselor, came out to greet them, nodding slightly upon seeing them. Shen Kuo bowed respectfully and said, "Uncle, I have come today to deliver betrothal gifts and to bid you farewell."

Wang Yaochen nodded slightly, and after seeing Han Zhi, he said, "You must be Han Zhi?"

"Exactly."

She looked at him intently for a moment, then bowed and said, "Thank you for taking my daughter in and caring for her all this time."

Han Zhi bowed and said, "I dare not, this is what I should do."

"Did she have fun?" Wang Yaochen asked again.

"Very happy."

"That's good."

Wang Qian had already heard from her servants and emerged from her inner room. Just as she had that day, she wore a plain silk dress, her face rosy and her beauty captivating. A gold hairpin adorned her hair, and her bright, clear eyes gazed gently at Shen Kuo.

The two, who had been deeply in love, suddenly found themselves speechless. Only the servants carried the betrothal gifts into the main hall and arranged them neatly.

After a long silence, Wang Qian stepped forward, took out a silk handkerchief, and handed it to Shen Kuo. She said, "This is my blood-stained handkerchief, embroidered with brocade in red thread, which I present to you, my lord. I only ask that you will not reject it, and that upon seeing this blood-stained handkerchief, you will remember my memory for a moment."

Shen Kuo stepped forward, gently took the silk handkerchief, his eyes filled with apology and reluctance: "Qian'er, I..."

However, before she could speak, she choked up. Wang Qian smiled slightly and said, "My lord, there's no need for further words. I already know what you're thinking. Go in peace. I will wait for you here, no matter how long it takes."

"I will not marry you if you do not return."

Shen Kuo gently pulled her close, and after a long gaze, Wang Qian finally offered her a kiss. Along with those departing lips, a faint tear remained.

"Qian'er, wait for me."

"I have been waiting all along."

Wang Qian then raised her sleeve, revealing a section of her slender arm with a fresh red mark of virginity. Upon seeing this, Shen Kuo was overwhelmed with emotion and burst into tears.

"Qian'er, you..."

"I did it willingly," Wang Qian smiled slightly.

Su Zhen was also somewhat moved at this moment, and said, "Madam Wang is actually willing to have the virginity mark applied!"

Han Zhi frowned slightly and said, "But this would restrict her and make her vulnerable to being wronged."

"What do you mean by this, my lord?" Su Zhen frowned slightly and said, "This 'virginity mark' is used to test chastity, to protect the Queen..."

But before she could finish speaking, Han Zhi raised his index finger and gently covered her lips, smiling as he said, "I know, but I think it's still necessary to tell them both later, and to explain separately. Otherwise, there will be endless misunderstandings later on."

Su Zhen was also puzzled at this moment, but after seeing his shrewd look, he didn't say anything more.

After all the betrothal gifts were moved in, Shen Kuo and Wang Qian reluctantly parted ways.

After leaving Wang Yaochen's house, Shen Kuo, Han Zhi, and the others arrived at a small wine stall on the street.

Shen Kuo then went over, bought a pot of wine, raised his cup, and smiled slightly, saying, "After this drink today, I wonder when we can meet again."

Having said that, he drank it all in one gulp. Lü Huiqing and the others also raised their cups and drank the wine in their cups.

After finishing his drink, Shen Kuo stood up, bowed solemnly, and said, "It's getting late, I should set off. My brothers, I will remember your friendship of many days. Farewell, may we meet again someday."

Han Zhi and the others stepped forward and patted Shen Kuo on the shoulder, bidding him farewell with the most sincere words: "Brother Shen, take care on your journey. When you return, we will definitely have a big drink together!"

"In youth, parting was still a welcome occasion; in old age, however, I fear to compose farewell poems. Gazing southward, I see no wild geese in sight. Look, even plum blossoms seem to convey my longing."

The journey through this boundless land is far from over. Elders, there's no need to weep as you watch the banners flutter. When will we meet again? Remember, on the tenth day of the spring month, when lanterns are lit.