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

Han Zhi had just hung his poem on the wooden board when it immediately attracted a lot of attention.

Zhao Xiangxiang, Chen Shishi, and Xu Dongdong also arrived at the front. After composing herself, she began reading Han Zhi's poem. After finishing, she said with some delight:

"See? I told you so. When it comes to talent, you don't need those obscene words to write it."

Chen Shishi sighed helplessly, admitting that her poem "Joy Day and Night" was indeed quite good. Compared to Liu Yong's poems, it lacked their eroticism. It was subtle and restrained, its transition from sorrow to joy conveying a sense of enlightenment.

"Stop talking. Whether it's good or bad, that Master Liu is a guest. How can you be so disrespectful?" She gently pinched Zhao Xiangxiang and said.

At this moment, a curious guest asked, "Sir, why did you compose this poem? Is it also so that you can meet with the three most beautiful courtesans?"

"Sir, is it inappropriate to act like this in front of your beloved wife?"

If that person had spoken in a crowd, it wouldn't have been so bad, but he was standing right in front of Han Zhi and Su Zhen. Su Zhen's temper flared up, and regardless of where they were, she wanted to argue with him.

But at this moment, Zhao Xiangxiang came out: "My lord, I invited Master Han."

"Everyone says that Liu Yong is the most romantic man, and his poems are full of charm. But I think that his lyrics are too vulgar. If we are talking about charm and talent, then it is Han Yu who is more suitable."

The first part of this sentence was not only meant to help Han Zhi out of a difficult situation, but also to address Liu Yong. The second part, however, clearly tells everyone that he dislikes Liu Yong's poems and, even more so, dislikes Liu Yong as a person.

Now, all the guests cast meaningful glances at Liu Yong, but he remained calm, seemingly used to it.

Then another guest asked, "What do you think of these two poems, Madam Chen and Madam Xu?"

Xu Dongdong didn't know why Zhao Xiangxiang had such a strong opinion about Liu Yong. But out of fairness and impartiality, she pointed to Han Zhi's poem and said:

"While Liu Gongren's poems are good, they are indeed somewhat too erotic and glaring. Han Gongren's poem, on the other hand, is more restrained and uses imagery to express his feelings, making it slightly better."

Chen Shishi nodded in agreement: "I agree as well. Han Guanren's affair is more romantic. Under the flowers and the moon, isn't that romantic too?"

Zhao Xiangxiang became smug and said, "See? I told you, it's not just these lewd and obscene songs that count as talent!"

The guests observed the couple's poems one last time before leaving to continue their drinking. Zhao Xiangxiang, however, pulled Han Zhi aside and said:

"Thank you for helping me out of this predicament today, Master Han. I will pay for the wine today on your behalf."

Han Zhi withdrew his hand and said, "I'm afraid that won't work, Madam Zhao."

Zhao Xiangxiang frowned slightly and said, "Why? Does Master Han look down on me? You helped me solve a problem today, which is a huge favor. If I don't sit down and have a drink, I'm afraid my reputation as the top courtesan will become worthless."

Han Zhi still refused, saying, "This is still not possible. Today I was originally going to accompany my wife to tour Bianjing. I came here to help Lady Zhao only to repay the kindness of lending her clothes this morning."

"You've never even worn these clothes, why should you care about such small favors? Rather, it's something that none of you can match today, that you're invited to this banquet by me," Zhao Xiangxiang said.

"Besides, the one who lent the clothes to you today was my good sister, not me."

Han Zhi said, "Actually, I feel that this competition should not have happened in the first place."

Zhao Xiangxiang was now somewhat displeased and asked in return, "What does Master Han mean by this?"

Han Zhi said, "Just as my wife said, the way of poetry is inherently diverse, and it is a vehicle for expressing one's feelings, not an object for competition."

"My poems tend to be more restrained and subtle. Liu Yong's poems, on the other hand, are more open. After all, people have different experiences. I am still young and have a happy family. I have not experienced the ups and downs that Liu Yong did, so I cannot express my feelings as romantically as he did."

"On the contrary, unlike me, Mr. Liu has not had everything go smoothly and naturally, and he is not as reserved as I am. Just by looking at the style of his poetry, Madam Zhao should be able to tell that Mr. Liu and I are actually from two different worlds."

Zhao Xiangxiang retorted, "Why don't I see him like Li Bai, who, though down on his luck, was still romantic and unrestrained? Instead, he spends all his time writing those filthy things. No wonder he earned the title of 'composing lyrics by imperial decree'?"

"Master Liu is inherently a romantic and unrestrained person. Although he has spent many years in brothels, the women there have provided him with inspiration and a source of creative ideas. This is what shaped his poetic style, rather than his own dissolute nature," Han Zhi advised.

Seeing that even the helpers she had brought were defending Liu Yong, whom she looked down upon, Zhao Xiangxiang was even more displeased. Chen Shishi then approached, smiling as she greeted Han Zhi.

"May Lord Han be blessed. And this gentleman is...?"

Han Zhi quickly introduced, "This is my wife, surnamed Su. And this lady, surnamed Chen, is the kind lady who lent me her clothes this morning."

"May Lady Su be blessed with good fortune."

"May Lady Chen be blessed." Su Zhen replied politely, "Thank you for lending my husband his clothes today, Lady Chen."

"No need for thanks." Chen Shishi shook her head and said, "Now that you two are here, why don't you let my sister lead you to a good seat and have some tea?"

Han Zhi shook his head, repeating the same excuse as before: "I still need to take my wife to explore Bianjing, so I can't stay any longer."

Unlike Zhao Xiangxiang, Chen Shishi immediately pulled Han Zhi to a private room on the second floor and said, "This private room belongs to me. Since you're here, why don't you stay and have some food and drink?"

Han Zhi quickly shook his head and even hid behind Su Zhen. Seeing his reaction, Chen Shishi said, "Don't worry, Mr. Han. What Xiangxiang promised earlier still stands. I'll pay for the wine today. I wouldn't dare trouble you two to spend the money."

At this moment, Han Zhi felt a cold sweat pour down his back and subconsciously looked at Su Zhen. The latter looked calm, and it was unclear whether he was angry or not.

He swallowed hard, about to refuse, but Su Zhen sat down first, saying, "Since that's the case, why should you refuse, sir? Please come and sit down."

Only then did he dare to sit down, and Chen Shishi smiled and said, "Please wait here, I will go and get you some tea."

After saying that, she left with Zhao Xiangxiang. At this moment, Han Zhi reached out and cautiously pulled Su Zhen, tentatively calling out, "Eighth Sister?"

"My lord? What's wrong?" Su Zhen's expression was normal, but it was precisely this normalcy that made him even more frightened.

"Isn't Eighth Sister angry?" Han Zhi asked, looking at her.

Su Zhen shrugged and said, "Why would I be angry? Do you think I'm afraid you'll be deceived by those two sisters?"

"But doesn't Eighth Sister dislike me coming to places like this?"

“This is what you deserve, sir. You helped them, so it’s only right that they return the favor,” Su Zhen said.

"Moreover, can't you tell, sir, that these three courtesans don't like that Master Liu? If you don't keep them here, they might go and keep that Master Liu company."

However, Han Zhi was still somewhat uneasy, so Su Zhen said, "I'm here with you now, my lord. If you do something out of line, then we'll see."

"Your Excellency has been busy traveling, studying, and managing household affairs recently. This is a good opportunity for you to relax."

Han Zhi was quite surprised—how could his wife be so open-minded? Was she having a relapse?

Thinking about it, he reached out and touched Su Zhen's forehead...