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

That day, Han Zhi lay on his bed in his room, while Yue Ping, along with several maids, tidied up the room. After all, it had been said that their young master would be getting married soon.

At that moment, a woman's voice came from outside: "Zhi'er?"

It was Han Zhou Shi. Han Zhi got out of bed and went outside to greet Zhou Han Shi.

"Zhi'er, the results of the divination I sent two days ago are back," Han Zhoushi said with a smile, holding a large red invitation card in her hand.

Han Zhi nodded and asked, "What was the result?"

“Of course it’s auspicious!” said Han Zhoushi. “My son has such good taste; he can find a good wife just by looking at her on the street.”

"Then I will do as previously agreed and go to present the betrothal gifts later."

Han Zhou waved her hand and said, "Why do you need to go personally? I've already arranged people for you. They're all trustworthy employees in the family. You just need to arrange things with them."

"It is ultimately my son's marriage, so it's best to go in person. If anything goes wrong, it will be easier to resolve it in court," Han Zhi said.

Seeing his expression, Han Zhou thought for a moment and then nodded, agreeing to his choice. Without saying much, she led him to the courtyard and pointed to the various boxes on the ground.

"Here are gold and silver jewelry, silk, tea, fruit, pastries, meat, wine, and so on, plus a couple of bolts of cloth, a goose, wine, tea, and snacks."

"Besides that, I also had someone fetch Su Ba Niang's ruler to make several beautiful outfits for you, Zhi'er. Your wedding dresses are also being sewn at the fabric shop."

Since it's a wedding, the more dowry the better, so the other person feels valued. Otherwise, it might lead to arguments.

Immediately afterwards, Han Zhou took out a letter from her sleeve—a detailed note. It listed all the assets of her entire Fuping Marquisate, including her family residence and all her farmland.

The entire note was quite thick, and it was all written by the master of the house, Han Zhuo, himself.

After everything was ready, Han Zhi said goodbye to Han Zhou Shi and then led his people away to the Su family.

......

This time, Najib was again sent by a matchmaker to deliver the message, while Han himself and the motorcade behind him waited at the entrance.

Before long, the matchmaker brought out Su Xun and Madam Cheng.

Upon seeing the man, Han Zhi bowed and addressed Su Xun, saying, "Father-in-law, I have come today to deliver a formal invitation and betrothal gifts."

"Okay."

Su Xun accepted the two invitations from Han Zhi, while Madam Cheng also handed over her own family's invitation. He glanced at both invitations only symbolically. Han Zhi, a good young man raised under the red flag, didn't place much importance on such matters.

As for Su Xun, they were all aware of the strength of the Fuping Marquis family.

“Eighth Sister is also preparing her own things and cannot see Lord Han at the moment. Please forgive her,” Su Xun said.

Han Zhi smiled and shook his head, indicating his understanding: "It's alright. I was just trying to finalize the wedding date today. I wonder if Master Su has any auspicious dates in mind?"

Su Xun and Madam Cheng exchanged a glance, and the latter said, "The closest one is in half a month. I wonder if Lord Han has any thoughts on this?"

"Since it was proposed by my mother-in-law, I naturally have no objection."

Upon seeing this, Su Xun said, "Then let's set the wedding date for the fourth day of the ninth month, which is half a month from now."

No one objected, and the wedding date was set. At this point, Han Zhi had his men move the belongings into the Su family home. Su Xun took this opportunity to say:

"Master Han, you must be tired today. Why don't you come into my humble abode for a chat and a cup of tea to rest?"

Han Zhi nodded and said, "I had heard before that my father-in-law had studied the gains and losses of the past and present, and I have long wanted to discuss this with him."

Su Xun blushed and said, "Master Han, you flatter me. You are most likely the top scholar in the provincial examination, while I am old and still have no official rank. How can I discuss this with you?"

The two talked as they walked toward the main hall, while Madam Cheng went to fetch some return gifts.

......

Su Zhen was sitting in his room, needle and thread in his hand, embroidering silk. At this moment, the young Su Shi ran in, seemingly having something to say.

"What's wrong?" Su Zhen looked up at Su Shi, still somewhat puzzled. "Didn't the master ask you to study today?"

“My brother-in-law has arrived. He’s here today to deliver the betrothal gifts, and it looks like he’s brought quite a lot,” Su Shi said. “My father has to entertain my brother-in-law, so he hasn’t been paying attention to my studies.”

Su Zhen paused for a moment, then put down her needlework and went to her dressing table, rummaging through it. Finally, she took out a silk handkerchief, opened it to check its appearance, and then walked out with it.

Upon arriving at the front hall, before even entering, they could hear Han Zhi and Su Xun talking:

“Father-in-law, let’s just talk about these six states. If the six states had helped each other and defended their territories, Qin might not have been able to unify the country. There are even cases where one could have won without bribing Qin, so why insist on entrusting the task to them?”

“What you say makes sense. Qi did not bribe Qin because it did not maintain good relations with the other five states. As for Zhao and Yan, their rulers were wise, but they later used the wrong strategies and generals, which led to the destruction of their states and the ruin of their families.”

"If Lord Han has such thoughts, then I, an old man, am truly lacking in knowledge and ability."

"I dare not accept such praise. Madam Su's talent far surpasses mine. To have reached such a level, it must be due to my father-in-law's guidance."

"Eighth Sister was intelligent from a young age and loved reading poetry and books. I'm afraid this has nothing to do with me."

As they talked, the two men burst into laughter. After hearing this, Su Zhen felt a greater appreciation for Han Zhi.

She slowly walked out and came to the front of the hall, bowing to Su Xun and Han Shi in turn, saying, "My lord, Lord Han."

Han Zhi quickly stood up and bowed to Su Zhen, saying, "Madam Su."

"I never imagined that Master Han not only has a deep understanding of poetry, but also possesses insights into matters of the past and present," Su Zhen said with a slight smile.

"You flatter me, Madam Su. I only have a slight understanding of her."

At this moment, Madam Cheng, along with the servants of the Marquis of Fuping's mansion, brought some things and placed them in front of Han Zhi.

"Master Han, this is just a small token of our appreciation. We hope you won't find it offensive," said Madam Cheng.

"Don't dare."

Han Zhi shook his head, then looked at the items: gauze, ribbons, printed silk, pen holders, etc. At this moment, Su Zhen also handed the silk handkerchief in her hand to Han Zhi.

Han Zhi initially didn't react much to the return gift, but that changed when he saw the contents:

"Fine smoke rises, gently curling, the dim light of the red candle illuminates her jade-like face. Her talent and learning are unparalleled, her heart is tireless, her books are like brocade, her diligent dreams are not far away."

The moonlight is like water, its radiance bright; yet the fan is half-closed, awaiting your gaze. A shadow falls through the gauze, exquisite words uttered, a blush rises on her cheeks, and her thoughts swirl like clouds.