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

"How could I not praise Eighth Sister? It's mainly because Eighth Sister knows that your husband is not very learned and has a lot of knowledge to spare for the whole family. I really can't think of any words to praise Eighth Sister, can I?"

Han Zhi quickly replied, his "survival instinct" prompting another burst of laughter.

Su Zhen reached out and poked Han Zhi's head, laughing and scolding, "If you had even half of that eloquence, my lord, you could have accomplished so much."

At this moment, Wang Qian also said softly, "It seems that Han Guanren and Su Niangzi have a very good relationship, which is truly enviable."

Wang Qian's words carried a hint of genuine envy. Upon hearing this, Han Zhi scratched his head sheepishly and chuckled:

"Not at all, it was just a playful argument between husband and wife. We apologize for making you laugh, Madam Wang."

Su Zhen covered her mouth and chuckled, her eyes sparkling with happiness. She continued Han Zhi's words, "Yes, Madam Wang, the most important thing for a couple in this world is to understand and cherish each other. The days will pass by amidst the bickering."

“In ordinary times, it’s just about keeping you company and showing consideration. Although you can be witty at times, you are also very thoughtful. I’m just doing my duty as a wife, taking care of household chores and looking after you.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Qian nodded slightly, her head bowed, her eyes still filled with envy.

"The affection between Mr. Han and Mrs. Su is truly rare. I grew up in a secluded household, and what I saw and heard was mostly about formalities and family matters. Although my parents at home treated each other with respect, they lacked this kind of warmth."

Seeing this, Su Zhen gently comforted her, saying, "Madam Wang, there's no need to be like this. You will surely find a suitable husband in the future, and you will live in harmony with him. With your talent and beauty, you must have many admirers. It's just a matter of fate."

Lu Huiqing chimed in, "What Lady Su says is absolutely right. Lady Wang is gentle and virtuous. If any fortunate person were to have her, they would surely cherish her and protect her with utmost care."

Wang Qian gently shook her head: "I hope so. But in this world, marriage is all determined by fate, and we women can only wait for our families to make arrangements."

Su Zhen gently patted the back of her hand and comforted her, "Madam Wang, there's no need to worry. Fate comes naturally and unexpectedly. Just like my husband and I, we never expected to have such a bond."

"At first, I was just scolding my younger brother at the door of my house, but my husband, that nemesis, saw it. The next day, he came to propose marriage, and before I knew it, I had become his woman."

As she spoke, she glared at Han Zhi.

"So, Madam Wang, there's no need to be so sad. Who knows, one day you'll meet a good man. At that time, the two of you might even be more affectionate than we are."

Lu Huiqing started talking again, seemingly implying something, "Indeed, that person might be in our little courtyard right now. Quietly watching us talk, like a thief."

Wang Qian was taken aback, then subconsciously looked out the window. Her mind was a beat slow to process what they meant, but she quickly realized what they were talking about. She subconsciously and discreetly glanced at Shen Kuo.

The latter seemed lost in thought, as if he hadn't heard him speak for a long time. Noticing Wang Qian's gaze, he turned around and gave a somewhat goofy smile.

"My lord! What are you looking at!"

Suddenly, for some unknown reason, Su Zhen spoke, drawing the attention of Wang Qian and Shen Kuo. All three young men were looking out the window...

Now there should actually be two, because Han Zhi turned his head back.

"I wasn't looking at anything, I just like to stare at the sky and daydream." Han Zhi scratched his head and gave a silly smile.

Why does it look somewhat similar to Shen Kuo's expression just now?

Lu Huiqing smiled and said, "Madam Su, please don't be angry. We just find the surrounding environment peaceful and serene, so we've been gazing at the sky in a daze. It would be a waste of such a beautiful scene if we didn't do something."

"Then what are your thoughts, Brother Huiqing?"

Lu Huiqing smiled slightly, a sly glint in her eyes, and suggested, "Since we are gathered here today, how about we have an impromptu poetry and chess match?"

"Brother Han claims to be owing a bushel of literature, so let's see just how much this so-called 'owing' actually is."

Upon hearing this, Su Zhen covered her mouth and said, "This time, I agree with what Lord Lü said."

Upon hearing this, Han Zhi's face fell, and he said, "Brother Huiqing, aren't you making things difficult for me? I was just joking, how could I take it seriously?"

Zhang Huaimin also said, "So that means what you just said was a lie? Your literary talent is actually higher than that of Dengtiange?"

"Understood! Someone! Bring paper and pen, Brother Han goes first!" Lü Huiqing immediately started the commotion.

Han Zhi inwardly groaned, but soon enough, paper and pen were placed in front of him.

"Would you like to try it together, Madam Wang?"

Shen Kuo seemed to be awakened at this moment, nodding slightly with a hint of expectation in his eyes.

Seeing everyone's high spirits, Wang Qian was also infected by their enthusiasm and said softly, "Although I am not very knowledgeable, I am willing to give it a try. Perhaps I can take this opportunity to learn something."

Lü Huiqing clapped her hands and laughed, "Since that's the case, how about we each compose a poem on a given topic?"

After hearing this, Su Zhen said, "Then I'll set the question, shall I?"

No one objected, and then Su Zhen said, "Since the first poem is from an official, let's use 'Remembering Qin'e' as the title and write a poem."

Han Zhi's hand trembled slightly upon hearing the name of the poem title—

"Remembering Qin'e" is a very difficult ci poem title to write, with a complex style and variations in "level rhyme" and "oblique rhyme". Furthermore, it's said that the original melody is lost, making it even more challenging to compose.

"Brother Han, why don't you hurry up and start writing?"

Lü Huiqing also laughed, speaking as if adding fuel to the fire.

Han Zhi was now in a dilemma, scratching his head and racking his brains for a while. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, as if he had thought of something, and he began to write:

"The west wind is fierce, wild geese cry in the frosty morning moon. The frosty morning moon, the sound of horses' hooves is broken, and the sound of trumpets is choked."

The road ahead is long and arduous, but we stride forward anew. Anew we begin, the mountains stretch like a vast sea, the setting sun like blood.

Su Zhen took the paper and read it aloud softly. Then he asked, "Gentlemen, what do you think of this poem?"

Wang Qian suddenly frowned, then looked puzzled. She tilted her head slightly and began to think.

Zhang Huaimin pondered the poem carefully and said, "The desolate scene of the west wind howling, wild geese crying in the sky, frost flowers covering the ground, and the moon hanging high in the morning is truly tragic. Looking at the whole poem, the first stanza describes the scenery, and the second stanza expresses the feelings. The scenery contains feelings, and the feelings contain scenery."

"The first stanza is somber, the second passionate, the contrast between the two is striking, the structure is truly unique. Just this kind of spirit alone far surpasses ours! Is this what they mean by 'owing a bushel'?" Lü Huiqing said with a laugh and a curse.

"Brother Han, you dare to lie! Punish yourself with a cup of tea!" He poured Han Zhi another cup of tea.

Han Zhi chuckled twice and said, "You flatter me, you flatter me."

Wang Qian then asked, "I wonder what title you, Master Han, intend to give this poem?"

Loushan Pass!

Han Zhi answered without hesitation.