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

......

Ma Anshun's full moon celebration was relatively simple. The entire Fuping Marquis's mansion enjoyed a delicious meal before the celebration ended.

Han Zhi and Su Zhen were still arranging for the servants to clear the tables when Zhou Miao'an came over and said, "Now that our in-laws have arrived and the banquet is over, let's make arrangements for them to go to the imperial residence first?"

“Yeah, that’s true…” Han Zhi slapped his forehead. “After all that commotion, I almost forgot about it.”

After saying that, Han Zhi led Su Zhen to the Su family members who were still resting. As the daughter, Su Zhen was the one who spoke first: "Master, Mother."

Madam Cheng smiled slightly and said, "What's wrong, Eighth Sister? Are you tired?"

She also felt sorry for her daughter, so she reached out and pulled Su Zhen to her side, wanting her to sit down and rest for a while. But Su Zhen smiled slightly and shook her head, saying:

"Mother, don't worry, I'm not tired."

Su Xun, however, seemed to sense something and asked with a smile, "Does Eighth Sister have something to say?"

Su Zhen gently took Madam Cheng's hand, nodded, and said softly, "Mother, it's like this. The Emperor previously bestowed a house upon my husband. Now that you've arrived in the capital, there are no spare rooms at home, so it's not appropriate for you to stay at an inn."

"My husband is thinking of having you move to that house. It's spacious and quiet there, much more comfortable than an inn. Plus, there are maids and servants to help you take care of things, so it won't be too much trouble."

Su Zhen was clever enough to simply say it was Han Zhi's idea, thus exonerating herself. It wasn't that she wanted to steal credit from Han Zhi, but rather that she was afraid her mother might still harbor some resentment towards him.

Madam Cheng nodded and smiled, "My dear son-in-law, you are very thoughtful."

But Su Xun stroked his beard and asked, "But this is, after all, a residence bestowed by the Emperor. Wouldn't it be a bit disrespectful to let us move in like this?"

Han Zhi was slightly taken aback, but then understood Su Xun's concerns. He smiled gently and said, "Father-in-law, you may not know this, but the government bestowed this residence so that the family could have a comfortable place to live. Besides, you two have traveled a long way to the capital; if you stayed in an inn, wouldn't that be too much of a burden on me?"

"If I don't say it, I'm afraid even Eighth Sister will be upset with me."

After saying that, he gave that "signature" goofy smile.

Han Zhi's endearing, simple-minded appearance reminded Su Xun of his younger self, and a smile crept onto his face.

"You little rascal, you sure know how to use Eighth Sister to intimidate me." He turned to look at Madam Cheng, "Wife, what do you say?"

Madam Cheng smiled, put down her teacup, and said, "What my good son-in-law says makes sense. If we refuse again, it would seem like we're being too distant."

Han Zhi and Su Zhen breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this, and then said, "In that case, we will make the arrangements. Please come with us, Father-in-law and Mother-in-law."

"Please." Su Xun also stood up, took Han Zhi's hand very kindly, and said, "Please lead the way, my good son-in-law. Since you took Ba Niang to the capital, I have been alone at home and there is no one to discuss scholarship with."

"The reason I've come to the capital this time is to discuss the path of learning with you. I want to see how much real talent you, the young man whom His Majesty has personally selected as the top scholar, truly possess."

Han Zhi appeared flattered and quickly replied, "It is an honor that my father-in-law is willing to discuss scholarship with me. Father-in-law—please."

"please!"

To be honest, he clearly liked Han Zhi, his son-in-law, more than Madam Cheng. Perhaps it was because he felt that Su Zhen shouldn't have married Cheng Zhicai; or perhaps it was because Han Zhi's "On the Six States" impressed him with its timeless wisdom.

For some reason, when Su Xun saw the line, "Use the lands offered to Qin to reward the strategists of the world, and treat the extraordinary talents of the world with the same loyalty to Qin," he felt a deep sense of familiarity and warmth.

How could someone think the same way I do?

Could this be the legendary soulmate?

......

As the group left the Marquis of Fuping's residence, a carriage was already waiting at the gate. Han Zhixian carefully helped Su Zhen into the carriage, then turned to help Su Xun and Madam Cheng.

Sitting in the carriage, Su Shi and Su Zhe sat down next to Su Zhen with great curiosity. Su Zhe sniffed and asked, "Brother, I heard from Madam Zhou that you are expecting double happiness. Is that true?"

“Of course,” Su Zhen said with a smile, helping Su Zhe up. “Otherwise, why would your sister’s belly be so big?”

Su Shi's eyes widened, his face full of curiosity, and he eagerly asked, "Brother, could you feel their movements inside your belly? Did they sound like little fish swimming or little birds fluttering?"

Su Zhen gently patted Su Shi's hand and laughed, "It's said that it was kicked, how could it be like a fish swimming or a bird pouncing? This is already considered mild. If you want to know, go and see for yourself, my sister can't figure it out."

After Han Zhi got into the car, Su Zhen changed his expression again, tapped Su Shi on the head, and said, "Your brother-in-law is here, quickly make room for him."

Seeing his brother's favoritism, Su Shi pouted in grievance. Although he looked aggrieved, he still obediently moved aside to make room for Han Zhi.

The carriage moved slowly forward. Su Zhen leaned against Han Zhi, looking out at the bustling streets of Kyoto. About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Ma Ping's voice came from outside, saying:

"My lord, my wife, we've arrived at the house."

Han Zhi first peeked out to confirm they had arrived at their destination, then got out of the carriage and carefully helped Su Zhen. Su Xun and Madam Cheng also stepped out of the carriage with the help of servants.

Looking up, I saw the same house without a plaque.

As everyone crossed the threshold, a sandalwood scent wafted towards them. Su Shi and Su Zhe had already disappeared from sight. Madam Cheng was now standing at the front, looking around and calling out Su Shi and Su Zhe's names.

Su Xun smiled and said, "Good son-in-law, please don't take offense. Shi'er and Zhe'er are still quite mischievous. I'm just afraid that they might ruin the Emperor's favor."

Han Zhi quickly waved his hand, a gentle smile on his face, and said respectfully, "Father-in-law, you flatter me. Brother Shi and Brother Zhe are lively and adorable. Having them in the manor only adds to the atmosphere. How can you blame them?"

Su Zhen, on the other hand, said, "My lord, do not worry, I have a solution."

Han Zhi and Su Xun turned their attention to Su Zhen. Su Xun immediately understood, while Han Zhi got goosebumps.

"Shi'er! You damn Shudao Mountain! Stop leading your little brother around causing trouble! Come out now! Otherwise, I'll get angry!" Su Zhen, supporting his belly and leaning against Han Zhi's arm, shouted.

"one!"