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

Su Zhen was right next to Han Zhi, initially still in his arms. But as Han Zhi's movements became more and more intense, she consciously got out of his embrace and squatted down to the side.

In no time, Han Zhi had shaped a snowman into a rough form, but he had nothing to decorate it with. He thought for a moment, then went back to his room, took two small pebbles from a flowerpot, and used them as eyes.

Now it's done.

"How is it, Eighth Sister? Is it pretty?" Han Zhi clapped his hands, but before he could wipe them clean, Su Zhen gently wiped his hands with a handkerchief.

While wiping, she said, "It's naturally beautiful, small and exquisite, quite charming."

"Compared to my Eighth Aunt, she's far inferior," Han Zhi said with a smile as he leaned closer.

Su Zhen brushed Han Zhi's face with a handkerchief and said coquettishly, "Why does my husband only compare me to the snowman? Why not compare me to Madam Chen of Pingluan Tower? It makes it seem like in your heart, I can only be compared to this little snowman."

"That can't compare. My Eighth Sister is the most beautiful, isn't she?" Han Zhi then gave Su Zhen another cheeky kiss.

Su Zhen smiled and tapped him with her finger, then said, "You shameless rascal."

"It's getting late. If we don't go find Lady Wang and Young Master Shen soon, something bad might happen."

"That's true, let's go out and take a look."

Han Zhi nodded, then tried to stand up. But because he had been squatting for too long, and because the ground was covered in snow and slippery, he lost his footing and almost fell backward.

Su Zhen quickly realized what was happening and tried to reach out to pull him up. However, she didn't have Han Zhi's physique, and when she reached out, she fell down herself and ended up lying on top of Han Zhi.

"Ouch..."

Su Zhen's little nose bumped into Han Zhi's chest, and she immediately felt a little uncomfortable. She quickly got up and rubbed her nose.

After the massage had become more comfortable, she looked up and happened to meet Han Zhi's gaze. Suddenly, she had a strange, inexplicable feeling, and then…

"Ah sneeze~"

Han Zhi's eyes lit up: "Even when she sneezes, Ba Niang is beautiful."

Su Zhen blushed and quickly got up from Han Zhi, not forgetting to help Han Zhi up as well:

"He fell to the ground and didn't even get up, all he did was make fun of me."

Han Zhi chuckled twice, brushed the snow off his clothes, and said, "Let's go then."

"Ow! Ow!"

Just then, Xiao Hei suddenly ran in. Su Zhen wanted to pick it up, but Han Zhi took the initiative and picked Xiao Hei up first.

Then came his usual trick, feigning fierceness as he said, "My wife and I are going on a romantic date! You little brat, are you trying to steal my wife?!"

"Woooo..."

Seeing Han Zhi's silly look as he argued with the dog, he laughed and said, "Alright, my lord, why bother arguing with a dog?"

As she spoke, she picked up Xiao Hei and said, "My lord forbids it, but I insist on taking Xiao Hei with me."

"Take it or leave it." Han Zhi waved his hand dismissively, then went back into the house, fetched a cloak for Su Zhen, and draped it over her shoulders.

"Alright, alright, let's go. I'll buy a big meat bun for Eighth Sister." Han Zhi then took Su Zhen's hand and walked outside.

Wang Qian and Shen Kuo walked around the entire Jinming Pond, slowly completing a full circle.

Halfway around, he suddenly heard Han Zhi's voice: "Brother Shen! Lady Wang!"

He and Wang Qian turned around and saw Han Zhi leading Su Zhen towards them. One of them used one hand to feed the other a large meat bun, while the other held the little white dog.

When Wang Qian saw them, she wanted to greet them:

"Master Shen! Lady Wang!"

As Han Zhi walked over, he asked with a smile, "What a coincidence, Brother Shen? You also want to stroll around here."

"It was Lady Wang who wanted to come here for a visit. She originally planned to watch the naval drills, but unfortunately it's winter now and the pond is frozen over, so she can't see them," Shen Kuo said.

Han Zhi nodded and said, "It's rather deserted, there's hardly anyone here..."

"Has Lord Han ever seen the Golden Bright Pond in the summer? I've heard it's very interesting, and the scenery is exceptionally beautiful," Wang Qian asked.

Han Zhi shook his head, and Su Zhen answered for him: "My husband and I arrived in Bianjing in November. It had already snowed by then, so we hadn't seen each other."

"That's such a pity." Upon hearing this, Wang Qian's face flashed with regret. "I heard from you, sir, that in the summer, Jinming Pond is bustling with dragon boat races, colorful flags fluttering, and crowds on both banks. It's such a lively place."

Shen Kuo picked up the thread, saying, "Although I haven't seen it with my own eyes, I imagine the scene must have been extremely spectacular. But winter has its own charm, and this snow scene has a unique flavor."

Han Zhi laughed and said, "Brother Shen is absolutely right, each has its own merits. Speaking of which, did Brother Shen and Lady Wang gain anything from their visit today?"

Wang Qian sighed softly and said, "I wouldn't call it a gain, but seeing what Jinming Pond looks like with my own eyes is better than not seeing it at all..."

Su Zhen said, "Don't worry, Madam Wang, isn't this a perfect opportunity? Seven days after the winter solstice, we might be able to take a good look at other things."

"Lady Su is right."

As they walked on, Xiao Hei snuggled excitedly in Su Zhen's arms. Han Zhi would occasionally feed Su Zhen a meat bun, and the sweet atmosphere between the two drew envious glances from Wang Qian standing nearby.

After walking around for a while, Wang Qian felt unwell because of the cold weather and the chilly wind. She then took out a handkerchief and started coughing.

Wang Qian's cough gradually became more rapid. She gripped her handkerchief tightly, trying to suppress her discomfort so that others wouldn't notice.

However, a few scorching red spots still managed to quietly stain the pristine white handkerchief. Startled, she quickly folded the handkerchief and hid it deep in her sleeve, but her face turned ashen.

Shen Kuo noticed Wang Qian's change and asked with concern, "Madam Wang, are you feeling unwell? Should I take you home?"

Wang Qian forced a smile, shook her head, and said softly, "It's nothing, just a slight cold, it's nothing serious."

Su Zhen also cast a worried glance and said, "If you're not feeling well, we should head back as soon as possible. The medicine has already been prepared at our residence by now. The snow scenery at Jinming Pond is beautiful, but it can't outweigh your health."

Upon hearing this, Han Zhi also said, "That's true, Madam Wang, you shouldn't be stubborn."

Wang Qian could only nod and say, "I'll have to trouble you all."

"It's nothing, nothing. Ba Niang and I came by carriage. We'll be back quickly, and we won't be discovered," Han Zhi said.

But as he was speaking, Xiao Hei suddenly perched on Su Zhen's shoulder and barked a few times behind him.

Han Zhi and the others could only turn around to look, but what they saw immediately gave them goosebumps—

"Run quickly!"