Han Zhi gazed at the verses written on the silk handkerchief, then stole a glance at Su Zhen, who was chatting with her family members. He had no choice but to instruct first:
"Yueping, take the servants and pack up the return gifts from my father-in-law and mother-in-law, and load them onto the carriage."
"Yes, Master."
"And one more thing," Han Zhi called out to her again, "remember to handle them with care, and make sure nothing gets damaged."
"Yes."
Han Zhi kept his voice low, but because the main hall of Su Xun's residence was somewhat small, he was still overheard.
Su Xun asked with a smile, "Is Official Han leaving already?"
"I dare not overstay my welcome. Besides, as the wedding is approaching, it is hardly proper to spend too much time in the company of Lady Su," Han Zhi replied.
Su Xun nodded understandingly and said, "Banniang, go and see Official Han off. If there is anything you wish to say, it will be easier with just the two of you."
Su Zhen nodded, then turned to Han Zhi, extended a hand to lead the way, and said, "This way, Official Han."
Yueping and the other servants had already withdrawn, and Su Xun and Madam Cheng tactfully turned and left. Now, the space between the main hall and the entrance belonged entirely to the two of them.
"Lady Su..."
"Since our marriage has already been decided, there is no need to be so formal. My family and those who know me all call me Banniang; Official Han may do the same," Su Zhen said.
"Banniang, these verses on the handkerchief..." Han Zhi raised his hand uncertainly, pointing at the silk handkerchief and then at himself.
Su Zhen smiled slightly and said, "They are indeed a gift for Official Han."
Slightly surprised, Han Zhi picked up the silk handkerchief again and re-read the verses on it. Su Zhen continued, "Since Official Han is to be my future husband, it is only natural that I should make some inquiries about your character."
Hearing this, Han Zhi simply stopped looking at the handkerchief and said, "I am all ears."
"You are talented, Official Han, yet you constantly hide your light and never display your abilities. While this is a good thing, I believe it shows a certain indolence on your part," Su Zhen said with a smile.
"Just yesterday, I hid behind the door and watched you compose poetry. Though there was a touch of sorrow in it, it also possessed a heroic spirit. Such a contradiction left me puzzled."
"If you are indeed growing lazy, I hope to offer you some words of encouragement. If not, let it serve as a warning, and I hope you will not take offense."
Han Zhi hurriedly bowed, cupped his hands, and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Banniang. I will keep it in mind."
Su Zhen smiled, helped Han Zhi up, and said, "These are merely my personal observations; there is no need for you to be so formal."
"Other men have plenty of friends, but as you know, Banniang, I rarely go out and don't have many acquaintances. I'm afraid you might find life rather dull once you move over," Han Zhi said, scratching his head.
"We will find our way," Su Zhen smiled faintly as she led Han Zhi to the entrance. "We may have no friends in Meishan, but I shall accompany you to the capital for the imperial examinations in due course. We will make friends then."
Han Zhi looked over the convoy to ensure everything was ready, then turned back and saluted, "Thank you for your guidance today, Banniang."
"You flatter me. I only hope you do not think me overly presumptuous."
Su Zhen stood where she was, watching as Han Zhi boarded the carriage. He turned back, and the two exchanged a brief, polite gesture before Han Zhi ducked into the carriage and the procession departed.
Seeing that Han Zhi had gone some distance away, Su Xun and Madam Cheng came out. Su Xun asked:
"Banniang, this Official Han possesses remarkable literary talent. What do you think of him?"
"He is modest in manner, meticulous in his dealings, and retains a heroic spirit..." Su Zhen said, "However, this is only our third meeting, and everything I have heard and know comes from the accounts of others, so it is difficult for your daughter to pass judgment."
...
When Han Zhi returned home, he set about instructing his servants to unload the baggage. Madam Han Zhou walked over holding a post, and seeing Han Zhi, she asked with a smile, "Zhi'er, you're back?"
"Yes."
Madam Han Zhou promptly handed the post to Han Zhi and said, "These are the items we'll need for your wedding. Have a look and see if anything needs to be changed."
Han Zhi shook his head and replied, "I know nothing of these matters, so I leave everything entirely to Mother's arrangements."
"And the sedan chair? How many bearers should it have?"
"Since I am marrying a young lady of a distinguished family, she must enter through the main gate. Naturally, it must be an eight-bearer sedan chair," Han Zhi said while directing the servants. "It's just that time is pressing, with the date set for the fourth of the ninth month. I wonder if everything can be ready by then."
Madam Han Zhou tapped the post with a smile and said, "Our family is a peerage after all; how could we fail to prepare it? You can rest easy, Zhi'er."
Han Zhi nodded. Once he confirmed that the return gifts from the Su Family had all been properly stored, he said to Madam Han Zhou, "Mother, I leave all matters concerning the wedding entirely in your hands. I must go back and attend to other preparations."
"Go on, then."
After parting from Madam Han Zhou, he returned to his room. Taking out the silk handkerchief from his lapel, he placed it on the desk and fell into deep thought.
He sat there in silence, staring at the intricate design on the handkerchief with a deeply furrowed brow. The handkerchief was painted with lotus flowers in vivid colors, rendered with exquisite detail.
The poem meant to encourage him was written in the blank space originally left for inscriptions.
As Han Zhi looked at the handkerchief, he heard his door open. He looked up to see Yueping entering to serve tea.
"Master, have some tea."
"Thank you." Han Zhi took the cup, then called out as Yueping turned to leave, "Yueping, wait a moment."
"Yes, Master. What are your instructions?"
Han Zhi took a sip of tea and asked, "How many years have you been with me?"
"Answering the Master, it has been thirteen years."
Yueping was the daughter of a household servant, naturally quiet, clever, and efficient. Madam Zhou Han, seeing that the two were of similar age, had assigned Yueping to Han Zhi as his personal maid.
"Well... having been with me for so long, what kind of person do you think I am?"
Holding the tray, Yueping thought carefully for a moment before replying, "You are very talented, modest, and gentle in temperament..."
"Stop, stop, stop!" Han Zhi waved his hand to interrupt her and said, "Never mind. Let me ask you straight—am I a bit... lazy?"
"Um..." Yueping froze for a second, her cheeks flushing as she wondered whether she should answer such a question.
At that moment, Han Zhi understood. After all, as the saying goes:
A young girl's blush speaks louder than a thousand words.
"All right, I get it. I really am a bit lazy." Han Zhi slapped a hand to his forehead, looking thoroughly devastated.
Thinking that Han Zhi was angry, Yueping hurriedly said, "Master, that is not what Yueping meant."
"I didn't say that's what you meant; I can see it clearly enough myself." Holding Su Zhen's silk handkerchief, Han Zhi gave a wry smile. "Is my laziness really that obvious?"
Yueping nodded instinctively, then shook her head.