The teacup shattered on the ground with a crash, porcelain shards flying.

"Ha, a wild goose hunter all my life, who knew I'd be pecked by a sparrow today..."

Inside a room on the side of the boat, the atmosphere was tense. The slightly noisy voices of the crowd drifted from not far away. Lou Jinlin sat in a chair, watching the hand that had thrown the teacup. After a long silence, he chuckled.

On one side of the room, Lou Shuheng leaned against a bamboo chair, while the Lou family's physician applied medicine to his wounds. The door was tightly closed, and the only other people in the room were Lou Shuwan and her husband, Song Zhiqian. Some of the Lou family's relatives and younger generation were waiting outside the door. They had clearly heard the sound of the teacup breaking, but Lou Jinlin didn't care.

Earlier, in the main hall, when Su Tan'er had made such a strong declaration, the Lou family's rebuttals had been ineffective. In contrast to the initial seriousness and the expectations of the crowd, the whole situation seemed to have ended anticlimactically, shifting abruptly in another direction. After Qian Xiwen and Mu Bochang expressed their views, Lu Tuizhi, who initially seemed to be leaning towards helping the Lou family convict Ning Liheng, didn't hesitate much either. He then began to set the tone for the whole affair.

Lou Shuheng's action was intended for a just cause, but it was somewhat reckless. The scholars were indignant about it, and their sense of justice was commendable, but they were also impulsive. As for Ning Yi's side, although his emotions were admirable, holding hands in public was also somewhat improper. Moreover, he had used excessive force in the fight and wasn't humble enough...

Once Lu Tuizhi said these words, any other descriptions were merely decorative embellishments. Afterwards, Ning Yi took the initiative to apologize. Among those who were beaten, two were students of Mu Bochang. Mu Bochang got angry, and they hurriedly stood up and showed humility. Once a crack appeared in a group, even if the others were angry, there was nothing they could do. Next, Su Tan'er hypocritically said that the Su family would bear the cost of everyone's treatment.

Lu Tuizhi seemed to be assigning blame equally, but it was impossible to convict anyone. Since no one could be convicted, it was still a gathering. Although there were other things to be said, so many people were injured that Lu Tuizhi asked the physicians to treat them first. Lou Jinlin had the physician say that Lou Shuheng's injuries were serious. He asked for a room to rest temporarily, and then the pent-up anger finally exploded.

At this point, who was right and who was wrong didn't matter to him. The Su family was just an outsider, but they had given him a heavy slap in the face in such an occasion. Even Qian Xiwen and Mu Bochang were standing against him. These things couldn't be easily forgotten.

Lou Shuheng was still muttering "bitch" over there, not loudly, but it was clearly audible in the room. Lou Jinlin glanced at his son, then turned to look at his daughter, "I, the Lou family, cannot let today's events rest. Shuwan, no matter what you think, you are not allowed to associate with that Su Tan'er in the future. I want to ask you, after the fight below the boat, were you at the scene?"

"Yes." Lou Shuwan nodded. She thought her father was going to blame her for mediating at the time, but Lou Jinlin didn't ask about that.

"At that time, everyone was fighting, saying that Ning Liheng was having an affair with the maid. When you came forward, Su Tan'er had already arrived, right?"

"Yes."

"She didn't say anything at the time?"

"Um..." Nodding for the third time, Lou Shuwan was a little puzzled and looked at her father.

Lou Jinlin leaned back in his chair and turned to look at Lou Shuheng.

"That woman understood the reason for the fight at that time. From her appearance, to getting on the boat, to the whole process, she said almost nothing. You thought she was disappointed, even I thought so. But if she had the intention, she could have told everyone about the relationship between the maid and Ning Yi when she appeared below the boat. Why do you think she didn't say it?"

Lou Shuheng blinked, thought for a moment, and realized, "She... is actually faking it, right? She didn't marry that maid to Ning Yi at all. So she didn't say it below, and she only figured out on the boat that only by doing this can she save her husband?"

Lou Jinlin clenched his fist on the coffee table, turned his head to look at his son. His fist almost smashed into the coffee table. After a long while, he restrained himself and gently put it down, saying word by word, "What are you thinking about? Lou Shuheng?" With a slight suffocation, Lou Jinlin roared, "Are you so infatuated with that woman!? When did this happen!?"

"Wh-what... No, no..."

"Heh, that woman figured it out from the beginning. The matter couldn't be resolved below. If she had said below that the maid had already been betrothed to Ning Liheng as a concubine, when she got to the boat, everyone would definitely not believe it! She was waiting for the later speech from the beginning! Heh, Shuwan said earlier about sending a box of silkworms, but in the end, I still underestimated her. In terms of scheming, you siblings are inferior to her. Shuwan, this is the reason I told you not to contact her anymore, lest you be used by her without even knowing it!"

Her father's words were stern, and Lou Shuwan could only lower her head in silence. But after a moment, Lou Jinlin smiled, "Well, it's good. I heard that the sons of the Su family are useless, but a powerful woman has emerged..."

"But Father, now Qian Xiwen and Mu Bochang are on their side, and it was Qian Xiwen who sent the invitation. Their relationship..."

"It doesn't matter." Lou Jinlin waved his hand, "This time, we were unprepared and things were rushed. Qian Xiwen can disregard my Lou family's position. He was just doing a favor. Once my Lou family's attitude is firm, he knows the situation. How much can he bear for that Ning Liheng? I won't talk about this today. You go out first. I'll be over soon..."

He signaled to his daughter and son-in-law. Lou Shuwan and Song Zhiqian left together. On the way, Lou Shuwan's expression was calm, and it was unknown what she was thinking. Song Zhiqian was also preoccupied, thinking deeply. In fact, he was thinking about what Su Tan'er had said earlier. He had never thought that there was a couple in the world who lived such a life because of a marriage of convenience.

They arrived at the hall. Many people were adjusting the order of their seats. In front of the hall, many people had already applied medicine and were talking in groups. Those things that had happened before, if calculated according to the region, the people of Hangzhou had not gained any advantage. Inevitably, some people felt resentment, but Tang Xiuxuan was saying to everyone, "A man should be broad-minded and correct his mistakes. Although everyone was injured this time, they were indeed too reckless and unclear about the situation. The men of Hangzhou have the spirit of Hangzhou and shouldn't take it to heart." With these old men coming forward, the situation was quickly alleviated.

Some people even went forward and said to Ning Yi, "It was indeed my recklessness in this matter. I apologize to Brother Ning for this. Brother Ning, don't take it to heart."

Ning Yi returned the salute and said, "It was my excessive force in this matter. Brother, why do you blame yourself?"

"Alas, although I was injured, it was my fault. But to be honest, Brother Ning, I also punched Brother Ning twice just now. For Brother Ning, it was an unprovoked disaster. In the end, it was my mistake." That person said. The two smiled and buried the hatchet, harmonious and happy.

In fact, most of those who dared to do this were not afraid of the Lou family's power and had some background. Such a statement could gain some reputation. Afterwards, some people talked about the affection between Ning Yi and his wife, and about Ning Yi's poetic talent and reputation. At this time, Ning Yi's hand had also been bandaged. He only heard Qian Xiwen speaking with a smile.

"...To be honest, although I have read poetry and books for many years and have seen many things, I still have a somewhat contemptuous view of men marrying into families. Only today, seeing Liheng's matter, I have to change some ideas. Liheng, to have such a wife, what more can a husband ask for? You must cherish it."

Ning Yi nodded in agreement, and Su Tan'er smiled and bowed, expressing her gratitude for the old man's praise, "In fact, to be able to marry Ning Lang is Tan'er's good fortune."

Qian Xiwen nodded with a smile, "The two of you are deeply in love, and you will surely be talked about by others in the future. It is also a blessing for each other, and you should cherish each other. However, today's events are really regrettable. Liheng, the matter of a man marrying into a family is ultimately limited by worldly eyes. Today you can explain it clearly, but in the future, you will inevitably be looked down upon and misunderstood. I think that since you two are so deeply in love, it doesn't matter whether you marry into the family or marry a wife. I think, why not take this opportunity to change the marriage contract? Although there are not many precedents, I think it is possible. Today, there is Governor Lu, and there are me, Old Mu, Old Tang, and others. I am willing to be a matchmaker. You can change your relationship to a man marrying a woman. The woman should release the marriage contract, and then three matchmakers and six proofs are just a formality. I believe your marriage will definitely be praised and spread, and in the future, there will be less trouble. Liheng has talent and ambition and is a man who can do great things. In this way, there will be fewer obstacles..."

After he said this, there was some silence around him, and others were watching the couple's reaction. In fact, if Qin Siwon were present, he would definitely praise Qian Xiwen for knowing his mind and being decisive.

For Qin Siwon, seeing Ning Yi's talent but always keeping his status as a son-in-law was always a concern for him. He didn't write Ning Yi's son-in-law status on his letter to Qian Xiwen, because he thought that he could give Ning Yi some pressure through Qian Xiwen. Of course, Qin Siwon didn't expect Qian Xiwen to change Ning Yi, a stubborn person. This was also a mind like a joke. A major purpose of Qian Xiwen's invitation to Ning Yi this time was to find out what his marriage was all about. At this time, he wanted to correct the identity of the couple in the trend. It is worthy of being a friend of Qin Siwon and others.

Perhaps even the slight silence around was an illusion, because almost as soon as Qian Xiwen finished speaking, Su Tan'er had bowed her head, "In this way, this concubine thanks all the adults and listens to Old Qian and you all."

Qian Xiwen laughed happily above, and everyone else laughed happily too. Lou Shuwan and others were watching this development from behind. In fact, there was also a slight smile on Ning Yi's face. He turned his head to look at his wife beside him. At this time, Su Tan'er lowered her head, and her appearance could not be seen clearly, but on the side of her face covered by hair, there was a crescent moon-like obedient smile.

"Then... thank you, Old Qian."

Ning Yi cupped his hands, and everyone was listening to him, thinking that this was done, but then, Ning Yi sighed, "However, the Ning family was down and out that year, with bare walls and barely enough to eat. Only the Su family extended a helping hand. Liheng... or therefore decided to marry into the family. I don't care about this marriage status. The current Su family also doesn't despise me because of this status. If I change it rashly, it would embarrass many people for no reason. In my opinion, thank Old Qian for this, but let's maintain the status quo."

Qian Xiwen frowned and looked at Ning Yi sternly. Ning Yi just cupped his hands and smiled. In fact, this matter was simple, but it was also complicated. There were officials such as the Hangzhou governor and Confucian scholars such as Qian Xiwen. They wanted to be matchmakers and witnesses, and to make some things reasonable, but it was just a simple matter. However, customs and etiquette also had their rules. Once the identities of the two were changed, the marriage contract would be changed, and the three matchmakers and six proofs would be made again. Even if everything was the same, the changed was still changed.

In Hangzhou, for a while, perhaps no one would speak, or perhaps Qian Xiwen and others would operate it so that people would talk about it with great interest. However, in terms of etiquette, it was ultimately equivalent to the son-in-law leaving the household and becoming independent, and then getting married to Su Tan'er for the second time.

Even if it was the same marriage, how would the Su family see it when they returned to Jiangning, and how would others discuss Su Tan'er? It was inevitable that there would be some strange words. In fact, in this whole scene, he was the one who got all the benefits, and Su Tan'er was the one who did all the failures and contributions. This was the key to the matter.

He didn't care about these benefits from the bottom of his heart, and those contributions—he knew Su Tan'er's character. Women in this era didn't have much to fight for and truly own. No matter how much she liked him, no matter how happy she smiled, she actually cared about those things, so why bother?

In fact, he also had pride in his heart. With the status of a son-in-law, it might be inconvenient to do many things, but anyway, he didn't want to do many things now. And for his pride, even if he was a son-in-law, it wouldn't be difficult for him to do anything. He didn't care at all, and he was even conceited about it. If it made his family unhappy because of this matter, then he wouldn't do it. It was not important at all.

Qian Xiwen looked for a while and laughed. His words were still gentle, "Hehe, Liheng is considerate of gratitude. This is worthy of praise. However, with the name of a son-in-law, it is ultimately a bit restrictive to do things. A man should have lofty aspirations, and Liheng is talented and can be called both civil and military. Does he not want to serve the country in the future? Moreover, with the identity of a son-in-law, it is difficult to continue the Ning family's incense... For these things, I believe Tan'er is also clear."

These two paragraphs were sharp and contained a hint of sarcasm. Ning Yi still smiled and replied, "In fact, Tan'er and I have already discussed that in the future, we will have children, one to inherit the Su family's business and the other to inherit the Ning family's incense. This is not difficult..."

He said it easily, but he still refused. Su Tan'er was about to cry for the previous rejection, but she also knew that she was really offending people like this. She quickly tugged at Ning Yi's sleeve and said with a smile, "Actually... actually, he, he cares too much about this concubine... Um, but Ning Lang has decided to go to the capital soon, and this matter has also been agreed with Grandpa Qin's family. He is too stubborn. These things, this concubine... this concubine will persuade him later, Grandpa Qian, don't, don't blame him, and Governor Lu, Grandpa Mu..."

She was firm and self-reliant before, but at this time, she made a confused woman image for her husband. Qian Xiwen couldn't help but laugh loudly, and he couldn't be angry for a while. He just thought that Ning Yi was really stubborn for this wife, and there was really true love between the two. He waved his hand and said, "Okay, okay, since you are going to the capital soon, let Qin Xiang handle this matter. This old man will not be annoying."

Among others, only Lu Tuizhi knew a little about Ning Yi's relationship with Qin Siwon. The other people listened to Su Tan'er talking about going to the capital with Grandpa Qin, and they were still wondering who Grandpa Qin was. When they heard Qian Xiwen say this, they were all horrified and couldn't believe that Ning Yi actually had this relationship.

Lu Tuizhi had previously heard Qian Yu mention that Ning Yi was related to Qin Siwon, but he didn't know what the relationship was. He thought that it was probably not a very deep connection, otherwise, why would he just go south with his wife to do business when Qin Xiang went to the capital? At this time, he was also taken aback and raised his positioning of Ning Yi in his heart. Then he laughed a few times to smooth things over, and said again, "I heard earlier that Liheng is the first talent in Jiangning. I have also heard the *Shui Diao Ge Tou* and *Qing Yu An* and other poems and songs. It is really wonderful. I didn't expect it to be written by Liheng..."

Ning Yi didn't write poems or songs when he came to Hangzhou, and others' knowledge of this was not clear. The most profound thing was that he had beaten dozens of people below just now. At this time, Lu Tuizhi spoke, and everyone became interested. They only heard Lu Tuizhi say, "Since Liheng has been in Hangzhou for two months and there are no good works, that's not right. Why not write a poem and compare it with my Hangzhou talents?"

After he said this, everyone laughed and was a little curious. Ning Yi thought about it and smiled. Lu Tuizhi said to everyone present, "Today's gathering is also a poetry meeting. It is right to write poetry. It was not good for everyone to fight just now. In my opinion, my Hangzhou talents should be broad-minded, but for the matter just now, they have to find their way back. Everyone might as well show their skills and let Liheng see the power of my Hangzhou students. In my own selfish heart, everyone should ridicule him a lot."

Everyone laughed. Lu Tuizhi continued, "However, in order to avoid everyone still being concerned about the matter just now, and use this matter as the subject, the best thing for our competition today is not to use this place as the subject. Having been in Hangzhou for two months, Liheng must have some feelings about Hangzhou. Everyone is also from Hangzhou. Why not write something more grand, taking my Hangzhou as the subject? How do you feel about that?"

The matter just now made the emotions a little stiff. Lu Tuizhi's actions at this time were still a bit particular. It was relatively easy to write a bigger topic, which would be easy to mobilize the atmosphere. Most of the Hangzhou talents who had lived in Hangzhou for a long time would have some materials, and there would also be excellent works. It was easy to break the topic for both sides. For Ning Yi, it was also a favor. Anyway, everyone had poems and songs. When they compared and discussed them, they would not be bad, and it would be able to mobilize the atmosphere.

After he said this, everyone nodded and looked at Ning Yi in front of the hall. Lou Shuwan knew that Ning Yi was talented, but she had never seen him write poems, so she was still curious. Su Tan'er had never seen him participate in such a formal literary gathering, so she turned to look at him. She saw him smile and nodded happily, "Okay, bring paper and pen."

This was probably the most straightforward time he had written poetry in public. Everyone whispered, "He must have done it before." "Let's see how it is." The topic was big, and anyway, they had stock, all of which were excellent. Some people laughed, "I have mine too, let's compare it." Then someone offered paper and pen, a total of four or five copies. Many people were watching at this time, waiting for the shot later.

Rice paper was spread out, Su Tan'er ground the ink, and Ning Yi picked up the brush. The people who were interested in this gathered into several groups in front of them for a time, and some people leaned over to inquire. Lou Shuwan had seen Ning Yi's violence, but had never seen his poetic talent, so she also leaned over to watch. Soon after, Ning Yi put down his brush on the round table and wrote down the words.

The crowd was silent. People in the distance who had not gone over to join in the fun looked up curiously at the changes in the matter. At a certain moment, someone quietly read a name. The name spread out in a moment, to other tables, and to other people who wrote poems and songs, so that they would know each other. The name was three words: "Watching the Tide of the Sea..."

"Watching the Tide of the Sea." "Watching the Tide of the Sea..." "It's called Watching the Tide of the Sea." "There's Watching the Tide of the Sea over there..."

Watching the Tide of the Sea, Watching the Tide of the Sea, Watching the Tide of the Sea, Watching the Tide of the Sea, Watching the Tide of the Sea...

"Watching the Tide of the Sea? What is that?"

Someone asked softly.