Chapter 618: Chapter 618

After Lin Xiao, Zhang Boxin, and Zhou Liyu entered the Capital City for garrison duties, Lin Xiao quickly took over military reform. Since Xie Xun had led a royal expedition, the administration of military affairs had been left unattended. Initially, it was planned to wait for Xie Xun’s return to resume, but now Lin Xiao took charge, extending the reforms originally implemented by the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry to the entirety of the Capital City.

With this army, the reforms progressed smoothly and encountered almost no obstacles. Land reforms began to unfold gradually in the Capital City and its surrounding territories. Eight cities in succession completed their transitions; although a few disturbances arose, they did not result in major casualties. Noble families in the Capital City, as long as they surrendered and accepted the new policies, were treated equally across the board.

After Fang Lingjun returned, Fengyu spent nearly every day with her and Princess Xue Lan. Mrs. Fang went out of her way to organize a riding and archery banquet, inviting young masters and noble ladies from various families to join and play together.

After the establishment of the new dynasty, it had been a long time since anyone in the Capital City hosted a riding and archery banquet. In previous autumns, prominent families in the Capital would take turns organizing polo gatherings, riding and archery competitions, and similar events. However, this year such banquets had been suspended due to the war, until news of victory from Jiangnan brought relief to the noble families in the city. Gradually, they began organizing smaller-scale gatherings.

Mrs. Fang spearheaded efforts to organize a large riding and archery banquet. The attendees included the young masters, noble ladies, and wives of prominent families. Although the city had recently undergone significant upheaval, the spirits of the youth were largely unaffected due to the victorious battles. The banquet was lively and bustling. The Feng Family had its own private viewing platform; Fengyu sat on the platform and chose not to participate in the competition, while Fang Lingjun and Princess Xue Lan joined in.

Princess Xue Lan participated alongside Zhang Boxi, while Fang Lingjun continued to team up with Zhang Boxin. Fengyu couldn’t help but reminisce about the days of past riding and archery banquets shared between her and Xie Xun.

Who would have thought that back then they were like water and fire? If not for their fear of the Soul Suppressing Pearl, they would have killed each other to settle things once and for all. And yet, now they were a pair of lovers deeply in love with each other.

If Xie Xun were here, he would have undoubtedly been the star of the riding and archery banquet.

Alas, now that he was emperor, it seemed unlikely he could indulge in the unrestrained thrill of competing with his courtiers as he once did.

On the field, Zhang Boxin and Fang Lingjun were far ahead of the others.

Princess Xue Lan’s riding and archery skills lagged behind Fang Lingjun’s, and even Zhang Boxi’s exceptional performance couldn’t compensate for their average score. She felt somewhat awkward and ashamed, but Zhang Boxi reassured her with a smile, saying, "Riding and archery is just for fun; it’s not about winning. Relax, don’t pressure yourself."

"You’re not angry?" Princess Xue Lan asked, recalling how, once before, when she teamed up with her elder brother and didn’t score well, her brother became furious.

"What’s there to be angry about? As long as you’re enjoying yourself, that’s all that matters!" Zhang Boxi flashed a charming smile, twirled the feathered arrow in his hand, and shot another arrow. This one missed its target entirely. "See? Even I don’t hit every shot," he said. Thıs content belongs to N()velFire.net

Princess Xue Lan knew Zhang Boxi was just trying to cheer her up. She had seen his skilled archery before; whether shooting while galloping or standing still, his accuracy was impeccable.

"Cousin, you really go to great lengths to coax the Commandery Princess! Shooting like that—you couldn’t have hit the target even with your eyes closed!" Zhang Boxin teased from nearby. "We’ve competed in archery since we were kids. Why don’t you ever let me win for once?"

"Shut up! Go away!" Zhang Boxi retorted.

Princess Xue Lan, embarrassed by her thin skin, flushed crimson.

Fang Lingjun rode over on horseback, wielding a longbow to playfully strike Zhang Boxin. "Why are you stirring up trouble? Are you Xue Lan? Why would he let you win?"

"Fang Lingjun, that hurts! You’re so rough—better watch out, or you’ll struggle to find a husband!"

"Mind your own business!"

The group laughed and joked together. On the viewing platform, Mrs. Fang watched Fang Lingjun and Zhang Boxin chasing each other playfully, a smile tugging at her lips. Sitting to her right, the Marchioness asked, "What do you think of that boy Zhang Boxin?"

Zhang Boxin’s reputation wasn’t as favorable as Zhang Boxi’s. He had even once egged on his parents to divorce—such unconventional behavior made him unpopular among the elders. Mrs. Fang’s impression of Zhang Boxin was lukewarm as well, though Fang Lingjun had grown up playing alongside him. Over more than ten years, they seemed to have encountered little conflict. Their camaraderie didn’t appear to carry the spark of romance, but it definitely resembled a bond strong enough to risk their lives for each other.

If some romantic feelings could be nurtured between them, it wouldn’t be a bad match. However, Mrs. Fang felt unimpressed by the chaotic state of Zhang Boxin’s family.

"The children of the Zhang Family are all good kids," the Marchioness remarked, having long forgotten how she once disapproved of Zhang Boxi. In fact, she had nearly argued with the Marquis An Yuan over the marriage arrangement between Princess Xue Lan and Zhang Boxi.

Fengyu’s platform was to the left of theirs. Seeing Mrs. Fang’s attention fixated on events in the field, Fengyu could tell she was forming an idea.

It did seem like a promising prospect.

However, Junjun—Fang Lingjun—appeared emotionally indifferent, viewing Zhang Boxin solely as a brother figure, while Zhang Boxin himself didn’t seem particularly interested in Junjun romantically either. If they were truly to enter into marriage, neither party might agree to it.

Princess Xue Lan and Zhang Boxi, on the other hand, seemed to be fostering some mutual affection, which brought joy to Fengyu.

The noble ladies who had once opposed them were now unusually subdued, and no one dared to cause them trouble anymore!