Xiao Song, though quite forceful in handling cases, was more gentle and tactful in his interactions with colleagues. This was why, despite his reputation as "Chang'an's Ghost Who Brings Gloom" among the public, the court officials had a rather favorable opinion of him.
When Ran Yan entered the hall, He Sizheng stood with his hands clasped behind his back by the eastern wall, appreciating the calligraphy and paintings.
It was a red plum painting drawn by Xiao Song. Reportedly, after hearing Ran Yan's red plum poem, he woke from a dream laughing, unable to sleep, and then painted to pass the time. At that time, the two were not yet married.
After their marriage, Xiao Song insisted on hanging this painting in the hall. Seeing that her poem was not included, Ran Yan agreed to it.
"For He Sizheng to have awaited my presence, I have truly been rude," said Ran Yan with a slight bow.
