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

Bao Zheng?

Upon hearing the name, Han Zhi immediately bowed and clasped his hands in greeting to Bao Zheng. Even Su Zhen's initial displeasure vanished, replaced by respect, and he too returned the bow, offering his greetings.

"Student Han Zhi greets Master Bao here."

"This humble servant is Su Zhen, may Lord Bao enjoy boundless blessings."

Bao Zheng smiled, reached out and gently helped Han Zhi up, saying, "Young Master Han, I just answered your question. But you haven't answered my question yet."

“Yes,” Han Zhi nodded and said, “Actually, to find out whether this child was born to that beggar, we only need to find out a few things.”

Bao Zheng also showed some interest and asked, "Which matters?"

"First, we should find their registered address. The fact that they are begging with their pregnant wives at this time must be due to an unexpected event. We should go to their registered address and ask the government for their birth charts."

"Secondly, go to their former residence and inquire about their situation. Confirm their identities, their previous living conditions, and when they started begging and left home."

"Thirdly, find out when they were diagnosed with pregnancy, whether it was before or after they started begging."

"Fourth, we can observe their words and actions later, and ask them some questions to see if there are any contradictions."

"Once we figure these issues out, isn't it easy to investigate this matter?" Han Zhi said, adding, "But this is all just theoretical. If there are any mistakes, please forgive me, Mr. Bao."

Bao Zheng was very satisfied with the answer. He then asked, "But what if the child has already been born? How will Lord Han prove that the child is his?"

"Is the man virtuous? Is the wife faithful?" Han Zhi asked these questions, which startled Bao Zheng.

Bao Zheng then asked, "What does this mean?"

“A good husband and a loyal wife, the child naturally belongs to them,” Han Zhi said. “If you want more conclusive evidence, then go and find out where they are registered. First, check if the two are husband and wife, and then find out when the child was born.”

"Confirm the child's age and the official birth record, and then check if there were any children born before. Once this is verified, the matter can be finalized."

Bao Zheng pondered for a moment, then suddenly raised his hand, bowed to Han Shi, and said, "Young Master Han's method is excellent. Your words have relieved me of some of my worries."

Han Zhi also helped Bao Zheng up and said, "Master Bao, these are just my theoretical discussions, they shouldn't be taken seriously."

"Whether it's true or not, I'll only know after I try it!" Bao Zheng said. "I've been troubled by something lately, but with Han Langjun's method, it might just be the solution."

"Mr. Bao is too kind."

Bao Zheng's eyes flickered, and he suddenly noticed the jade bracelet on Su Zhen's wrist, frowning slightly. After a moment's thought, he pointed to the bracelet and asked, "Where did you get that bracelet?"

Su Zhen lowered her head, looked at the bracelet on her wrist, and replied, "Uncle Bao, this was given to me by my mother-in-law before my husband and I went to the capital. She said it was to discipline my husband."

"Your mother-in-law?" Bao Zheng looked at Han Zhi again and asked, "Are you the son of the Earl of Fuping?"

Han Zhi nodded and said, "That's right."

Bao Zheng then understood and laughed, "I wondered why he resembled that old friend so much; it turns out he is also the son of that old friend."

Han Zhi and Su Zhen were taken aback. After exchanging a glance, the former asked, "Does Master Bao know my lord?"

“I know you, but I know your mother more than anyone else,” Bao Zheng said with a smile. “Your mother was once a beautiful woman in Bianjing, and she came from an extraordinary family. She was the daughter of Zhou Qi, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites.”

"When I went to Beijing back then, I was fortunate enough to meet your mother and we had some acquaintance."

Han Zhi was taken aback; he had never heard his mother mention his maternal grandfather before.

"This... my mother didn't tell me these things," he said.

Bao Zheng also said, "That's normal. Your mother hadn't even reached marriageable age when Vice Minister Zhou passed away. After observing the mourning period, she married you, and you went to Meishan together."

"Years have passed, and although I've forgotten what your mother looks like, I still remember some of the bracelet she loved most. I wonder how your parents are doing these days?"

"Thanks to Mr. Bao's concern, my parents are in good health."

Bao Zheng smiled, stroked his beard, and said, "I am an old acquaintance of your parents. I can help you out when you come to the capital this time."

"Since you are new to the capital and do not know anyone there yet, you should be welcomed with a feast. Would you do me the honor of coming to my home? I can host a welcome banquet for you."

Han Zhi and Su Zhen were both surprised, but soon Han Zhi said, "My wife is suffering from dizziness and is new to the area. She still needs to prepare some things, so I'm afraid she can't go today."

“It’s alright, it’s alright. Who told you that the welcome banquet has to be today? I’ll invite you over tomorrow, or you can come to the banquet whenever you’re free, how about that?” Bao Zheng said without insisting.

Seeing this, Han Zhi realized it would be impolite to refuse any longer. So he agreed: "Tomorrow then. It's still early, and we can take care of things at home quickly."

Upon hearing this, Bao Zheng asked with suspicion, "Are you planning to buy a new house?"

"No, Your Excellency once had a residence bestowed by the Emperor, where my wife also lived."

"That's good. This way, I'll save myself some trouble. I'll send someone to find you tomorrow."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Bao."

"In that case, I still have some things to take care of. Tomorrow is the first ten days of the month, so I will wait for you at home, Young Master Han."

Han Zhi nodded, and together with Su Zhen, watched Bao Zheng leave. Just then, they saw the beggar from earlier, who was following behind Yue Ping, supporting his wife as they walked towards them.

The two looked like they had just given themselves a quick wash, but they still looked much cleaner. As soon as they saw Han Zhi, they wanted to come up and kowtow to him, but Han Zhi stopped them.

"Don't kneel. You're not a beggar anymore."

The man then said with a sob in his voice, "My benefactor, I have no way to repay you."

"What do you mean by 'I have no way to repay you'?" Han Zhi laughed. "From now on, you'll pull my chariot. How can that not be repaying a debt of gratitude?"

"Yes! Yes! I will definitely try my best!"

The man didn't know what to say at this point, so he could only support his wife and try to comfort her.

Han Zhi looked at the two of them and said, "Get in the car. You can sit outside and familiarize yourselves with the way home."

"Yes."

After taking one last look at them, Han Zhi helped Su Zhen into the carriage.