Han Zhi was startled. Only then did he remember that Su Zhen was still standing right beside him, and he hurriedly and awkwardly tucked the brush and paper behind his back once again.
"This maidservant thinks this one is quite nice," Su Zhen said once more. "Yet this poem combines both the urging of the bride and the lowering of the fan. I wonder, is it meant for the urging of the bride, or for the lowering of the fan?"
"I have no idea." Han Zhi chuckled at that moment, and then handed the piece of paper with the poem on it straight into Su Zhen's hands.
"I wrote this poorly, so please forgive me."
Holding the paper in her hands, Su Zhen cradled it carefully, not forgetting to blow gently upon it to make the ink dry faster. Seeing how deeply she cherished it, Han Zhi scratched his head in sheepish embarrassment.
"Compared to that piece, 'Nothingness transforms into being, sensing all things through spring and autumn,' this one naturally cannot compare," Su Zhen said with a smile. "Though I must say, I happen to prefer that piece much more."
"Since Banniang likes it, then that is truly wonderful indeed!" Han Zhi clapped his hands and laughed.
Amused by his antics, Su Zhen gave a light cough, composed her expression, and said, "However, lovely though this ci poetry is, it still lacks a colophon."
Han Zhi paused, then hurriedly asked, "Then in Banniang's view, how should it be inscribed?"
After a brief moment of thought, Su Zhen picked up the brush and wrote two lines of delicate script on the paper: "In the Ballad of West Zhou lies the longing of mutual lovesick hearts, blowing dreams into poetry to present unto my lord."
When she finished, she set the brush down and looked at Han Zhi with a smile. He took the paper and examined it closely, seeing the graceful handwriting and catching the lingering fragrance of the ink, which stirred his heart deeply.
He raised his head to look at Su Zhen, and said softly, "My thanks to Banniang for bestowing this title. This poem shall be named Ballad of West Zhou—it is exceptionally fitting."
Han Zhi smiled and nodded—after all, this ci poem of his, which had come from who knows where, was originally titled Ballad of West Zhou anyway.
Yet at a time like this, it was necessary to flatter Su Zhen just a little: "As expected of Banniang, to be able to come up with such a title."
"Save the flattery," Su Zhen's cheeks flushed slightly. "If your talent, Official Han, could be even half as formidable as your flattery, you wouldn't be limited to just that single Ballad of West Zhou."
"Then... then should I try a little harder? And perhaps write a South Wind Ode next?"
Amused by his teasing, Su Zhen remarked, "This ci is breathtakingly stunning; its phrasing is pure, romantic, and wildly imaginative, possessing a marvelous and fantastical quality. I fear that for a hundred years, none shall surpass it."
"This poem was written precisely for that obscure, ethereal, and elusive Peach Blossom Spring. If you, Official Han, were to compose another ordinary piece, wouldn't it ruin this very mood?"
Left with no other choice, Han Zhi nodded and said, "Since that is the case, I suppose I won't write it then."
Su Zhen offered a noncommittal response just as young Su Shi came bounding out, standing by his elder sister's side as he said, "Elder Sister, there are still some arrangements to be made at home. Sir said that if you have the time, you should go and take a look."
"Very well." Su Zhen nodded, stood up, and said to Han Zhi, "Official Han, there are still matters at home that have not been properly arranged, so I shall take my leave."
Han Zhi rose along with her and said, "Then I shall see you tomorrow."
Watching his earnest expression, Su Zhen gave a gentle nod, then followed Su Shi straight through the front gates.
Han Zhi stood at the doorway for a short while before turning around and walking toward his own home.
...
He had no idea how long he had been gone, but by now the house seemed to be bustling with activity, with lanterns and colorful silk ribbons hung everywhere.
He crossed the front courtyard, followed the winding covered walkways, and finally arrived in front of his own room. By now, the entire room had been nearly put in order, with only a few maidservants still carrying things inside.
He glanced at the window frames all around; large double-happiness characters had been pasted onto every single one of them. He instinctively started to walk inside, only to be blocked by a maidservant who said:
"Official Han, the nuptial chamber is currently being decorated inside. You are not permitted to enter today."
Hearing this, Han Zhi had no choice but to turn around. He looked around his surroundings, but failed to catch sight of Yueping anywhere. With no other option, he walked outside by himself, found a clean spot, sat down, and began to space out.
Yet before he could even properly zone out, Yueping's voice drifted over: "Master! Master!"
He looked over and saw Yueping running toward him, clutching a deep cyan robe in her hands with a beaming smile on her face. Seeing her in such high spirits, the corners of Han Zhi's mouth ticked upward slightly as he asked:
"What is it?"
"Reporting to Master, your wedding attire is finished. Have a look, Master—isn't it simply wonderful?" Yueping was a bit shorter than Han Zhi, so she could only hold the robe aloft, displaying it right before him.
Han Zhi stood up and took the robe from Yueping's hands. The garment was a deep cyan overall, embroidered with exquisite patterns in golden thread, while the collar and cuffs were trimmed with black piping, giving it an even more solemn and dignified air.
"It's quite handsome. Thank you all for your hard work," Han Zhi said to Yueping.
"As long as Master likes it," Yueping said with a smile. "All the preparations for the wedding are practically finished, and we are just waiting to welcome the bride tomorrow!"
"Oh, and another thing! Master [Master here refers to Master Su] went to the market in person these past two days and bought a fine jujube-red horse, saying it's for you to ride tomorrow when you go to welcome the bride."
"Mm." Han Zhi carefully put the wedding attire away, at which point Yueping chimed in once more:
"Just now, Yueping caught a glimpse of the bride's wedding attire as well. It is exceptionally gorgeous and stunning. Tomorrow, when you stand beside the bride, it will surely be the most magnificent sight!"
"Save the flattery," Han Zhi scolded her with a smile.
Yueping chuckled twice before saying, "Master, your original room is still being warmed for the night, so you will have to rest in another room this evening. Please follow Yueping this way."
...
After finishing dinner, he strolled once again toward the front of his wedding chamber. The ancients attached great importance to all matters concerning marriage; right now, his nuptial chamber was guarded by two maidservants from the Su Family, and absolutely no one was allowed inside.
He stood at a distance and looked at his room, fully illuminated from inside and out, and even before the wedding had begun, he could already feel the festive atmosphere.
After lingering for a couple more glances, he returned by himself to the front of his "temporary room." Lights had already been lit inside, casting a reddish glow outward through the paper windows.
He pulled open the door and stepped inside. Yueping was already waiting within the room, having placed a wine pitcher and a single wine cup upon the table.
"Yueping, what is this..." Han Zhi asked, looking puzzled as he pointed toward the wine on the table.
"Reporting to Master, this was arranged by Master," Yueping explained. "Tomorrow is the joyous day of your wedding, Young Master, so tonight he thought he would let you relax just a little."
Looking at the wine on the table, Han Zhi felt a chuckle coming on, and couldn't help muttering playfully: "Sir really something else—he just gives me a pitcher of wine without a single snack to go with it. Drinking it all by itself is dreadfully boring."
Hearing this, Yueping had no idea how to respond, so she simply offered a bow and turned to leave.
Left entirely alone in the room, Han Zhi walked over to a door and pulled it open, letting the cool night breeze drift in.
"A bachelor's last night, a bachelor's last night... truly left as a single man..."
He picked up the wine pitcher and took a casual sip.