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

Today, Han Zhi specially asked the cook to prepare a hot pot, which was then placed directly in the main hall.

The small copper pot that was originally used by Han Zhi and Su Zhen was replaced with a larger one, which was filled with all kinds of meat and vegetables.

Even though there were only six people in the main hall, the four young men did not act like scholars at all, and directly grabbed the food from the pot to eat.

"Let me tell you, Brother Han, your cooking method may seem a bit lazy, but it's really delicious." Lü Huiqing stood up and scooped up a mouthful of meat with one chopstick.

"This way of eating is incredibly delicious; how often in the world can one taste it!" Zhang Huaimin said as he picked up some food.

Shen Kuo also said, "I will go back and study how this is eaten, and then eat it every day!"

Han Zhi was also busy using his chopsticks to scoop up meat and vegetables and put them into the small bowl he shared with Su Zhen.

She whispered to Su Zhen, "Eat slowly, Eighth Sister. I'll get you more if you're not full."

Then on the other side: "Stop fighting! Stop fighting! If you keep fighting, there won't be any soup left!"

In contrast, Su Zhen and Wang Qian remained quiet, occasionally watching Han Zhi and the others fight over the meat, and sometimes even letting out a laugh.

……

After finishing their meal, Han Zhi, following Lü Huiqing's advice, took Wang Qian and prepared to go out.

However, when they were leaving, Han Zhi and the others had some wicked intentions and actually all got into Lü Huiqing's carriage. Shen Kuo was about to step forward when Han Zhi and the others pushed him off the carriage.

Shen Kuo was completely bewildered, because only Wang Qian was in Han Zhi's carriage, while he and Su Zhen were in Lü Huiqing's carriage.

At this moment, Han Zhi spoke up, saying, "Brother Shen, this carriage is already full. Why don't you go to the back and sit with Lady Wang?"

Shen Kuo was taken aback and said, "But there's only Lady Wang in the carriage. Wouldn't it be against the rules for me to ride in with her?"

"How is it against the rules?" Lü Huiqing frowned slightly. "This is not about whether it's against the rules or not. This is our plan to take Lady Wang out for a trip!"

"Plan? But what does that have to do with me having to ride with you?" Shen Kuo was still puzzled.

Zhang Huaimin explained, "We just said that we wanted to pretend that Lady Wang wasn't here. Now, in the eyes of outsiders, Lady Wang isn't on that carriage."

“But if a carriage is empty, wouldn’t that arouse suspicion? Our relationship with Madam Wang is not very close, and Brother Han and Madam Su are husband and wife. The only one who can ride together is Brother Shen.”

Shen Kuo was momentarily stunned, staring blankly at them. Lü Huiqing explained, "If you don't go and get on that carriage, we'll be suspected, and if we are suspected, then Lady Wang will be in danger."

"I......"

Shen Kuo blushed, finally nodded, and said, "I understand, I'll go now."

The group watched as Shen Kuo climbed into the carriage where Wang Qian was, and then they set off together towards Qingfeng Pavilion.

They arrived at Qingfeng Pavilion without incident. Their carriage didn't stop at the main gate, but instead bypassed it and went around to the back entrance.

After alighting from the carriage, the group quickly entered Qingfeng Pavilion. A servant was already waiting at the back door. Upon seeing Lü Huiqing, he said:

"Young Master Lü, the shopkeeper has given instructions that you and your friends should rest in the small pavilion in the East Garden."

Lü Huiqing nodded, then took out a piece of silver and casually tossed it into his hand, saying, "I understand. Your manager shouldn't have told anyone about our itinerary, right?"

"Don't worry, Young Master Lü, it's not like that."

"That's good," Lü Huiqing waved her hand, looked around, and then said, "Take us to the small pavilion."

"Yes, everyone, this way please."

The servant then led the way, and Han Zhi, somewhat curious, asked, "Brother Huiqing, I never expected you to have such influence in a place like this?"

Lü Huiqing smiled and said, "It's nothing. It's just that the shopkeeper is familiar with me, so I have some special privileges."

The group entered the East Garden Pavilion of Qingfeng Pavilion, a rather elegantly furnished place. Outside the window was a verdant bamboo grove, where a gentle breeze rustled the bamboo leaves, bringing a touch of coolness and tranquility. Inside, several soft couches and tea tables were set with exquisite tea sets and seasonal fruits, creating a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere.

"This place is really nice," Han Zhi exclaimed, pulling Su Zhen to sit down on a soft couch, and then gesturing for Wang Qian to sit down and rest as well. "Brother Huiqing really knows how to find a place."

Lü Huiqing smiled slightly and explained, "I discovered this place by chance. I found the environment pleasant and often come here to relieve my boredom. The manager knows we are regulars and always reserves the best private room for me."

Zhang Huaimin looked around and nodded in approval: "It is indeed a good place. Qingfeng Pavilion is a quiet place."

Wang Qian was seated by the window, where sunlight filtered through the bamboo leaves, casting a soft golden glow on her. She tilted her head slightly, gazing tenderly at the bamboo grove outside the window, her eyes filled with curiosity.

Shen Kuo was still squeezed to sit next to Wang Qian, looking somewhat reserved, but seeing Wang Qian's serene appearance, he didn't know what to say for a moment.

He coughed lightly, trying to start a conversation: "Madam Wang, have you ever been here before?"

But as soon as he said it, he felt stupid. Fortunately, Wang Qian didn't care, and just shook her head gently, her voice soft: "Never, this is the first time."

"If you have the chance in the future, you should come here more often. The scenery and atmosphere here are indeed very suitable for a quiet person like Madam Wang." Shen Kuo said, unconsciously revealing a gentle smile.

Seeing this, Han Zhi joked, "Brother Shen is being unusually considerate today. He's usually such a gentleman to us. It seems our great talent Shen has a shy side too."

His words made everyone laugh, and the atmosphere eased a bit.

At this moment, the servant brought over several plates of freshly made pastries and placed them on the tea table, saying, "Gentlemen and ladies, please have some pastries. If you need anything else, please let me know."

"Thank you for your trouble," Lü Huiqing replied politely. After the servant left, she invited everyone to enjoy the snacks.

Han Zhi then picked up a pastry, brought it to Su Zhen's lips, and fed her a bite. Su Zhen ate it and felt it was quite good, nodding and saying, "Young Master Lü is quite the connoisseur; this pastry tastes excellent."

"Indeed, it's a rare opportunity to sit with such a beautiful woman. It's one of the greatest joys in life." Shen Kuo picked up a cup of tea, but for some reason his gaze fell on Wang Qian, who was sitting to the side.

Wang Qian was seen with her head down, carefully sipping her tea. Her expression was very focused and gentle, while the woods behind her became merely a backdrop.

Seemingly noticing Shen Kuo's words, he said, "Madam Su is indeed a beautiful woman, a true beauty."

Han Zhi said, "He praised my Eighth Madam before, so this time he's probably praising Madam Wang."

Wang Qian felt Shen Kuo's gaze and suddenly realized what he meant. She smiled slightly and said, "Young Master Shen, you flatter me. How could I, with my humble appearance, dare to accept such praise?"

Seeing this, Han Zhi teased, "Oh dear, why can't you see, Madam Wang, that Brother Shen has fallen for you? But it's true, Madam Wang is indeed a rare beauty. If Brother Shen is interested, perhaps..."

But before he could finish speaking, Su Zhen pinched him and said, "You shameless rascal, how can you be so shameless at a time like this? Shut up! Instead of using your tongue, you should praise me."

Everyone laughed at her words, and Wang Qian's cheeks flushed slightly as she lowered her head and remained silent.