Chapter 622: Chapter 622

Although Fengyu lost, she enjoyed herself thoroughly. Fang Lingjun, as usual, kept feeding her the ball, making her experience very pleasant. Whenever they played together before, Fang Lingjun always passed the ball to her, fearing she wouldn’t catch it. This made Fengyu’s gaming experience the best among them. After their two teams stepped down, Fengyu, Fang Lingjun, and Princess Xue Lan went to freshen up and change clothes.

Princess Xue Lan was aware that today was about finding a suitable husband for Fang Lingjun. The Marchioness had mentioned it to her back home. She teased Fang Lingjun in a coy manner, "Junjun, have you taken a liking to any gentleman?"

Fengyu joked, "She’s looking for someone just like her brother."

"Then you’re destined to live alone forever."

After all, men like Fang Chuning were rare—perhaps Xie Xun being the sole exception. Xie Xun had long since given his heart to someone else. The young men in the capital, untouched by the trials of the battlefield, lacked his commanding presence.

"Lin Xiao, Zhang Boxin, and Zhou Liyu are quite good candidates," Princess Xue Lan recalled. None of these three were currently betrothed. Ever since they returned to the capital, matchmakers had been flocking to their doors. They’d already caught the attention of the noble ladies, and families with eligible daughters were eager to wed them. Zhang Boxin and Zhou Liyu were particularly popular.

Lin Xiao boasted the highest military merit and rank among them and was favored by the new emperor, though his family background was a hindrance. Still, he was a prized match. Princess Xue Lan remarked, "My cousin is fourteen this year, still underage, and my second uncle is already looking to marry her into the Zhang Family. He even sent someone to inquire about it. However, Mrs. Zhang thought my cousin was too young and hoped the engagement could be finalized now, but the wedding held next year or the year after that."

"Zhang Boxin with your cousin..." Fang Lingjun had met Xue Lan’s cousin before. The young girl was small and scrawny, and now she was already being discussed for marriage.

Zhang Boxin wasn’t fond at all of the frail and delicate type of girl. He preferred companions who could drink and gamble with him, shoot arrows, or ride horses.

Fengyu chuckled lightly, "My aunt originally wanted to arrange a marriage for Feng Ling. Before they returned to the capital, she had been eyeing various prominent families. Now, she’s also considering Zhang Boxin."

"Why is Zhang Boxin so popular?" Fang Lingjun was baffled. "Back then, Zhang Boxin was just Lin Xiao’s sidekick, yet his marriage prospects now outshine Lin Xiao’s!"

"The Zhang Family is the most prosperous and accomplished among all noble clans. The younger generation in the Lin Family only has Lin Helin. Meanwhile, the Zhang Family has Zhang Boju in the Cabinet, Zhang Boxi at the royal court, and Zhang Boxin now a favorite in the emperor’s palace. With three generations of wealth and power guaranteed, who wouldn’t want to marry into the Zhang Family? The noble ladies who once dismissed Zhang Boxin are now wringing their hands in regret," Fang Lingjun commented with a hint of parental pride.

Once neglected like an unpolished gem, Zhang Boxin was now highly sought after—every Zhang Family daughter, without exception, had lucrative marriage proposals in front of them.

"Is your Feng Ling also interested in Zhang Boxin?" Princess Xue Lan asked.

"It’s my aunt who’s interested. Feng Ling doesn’t care about such things—she follows her parents’ wishes."

"Such fierce competition." Princess Xue Lan, having stayed in the capital for several years now, was well-acquainted with the city’s younger generation. She believed that if Fang Lingjun were seeking a husband, Zhang Boxin, Lin Xiao, or Zhou Liyu would all be excellent matches.

Fang Lingjun herself was indifferent. After the three finished freshening up, they retreated to the secluded bamboo grove in the rear courtyard to sip tea and whisper secrets. The maids stood at a respectful distance—the winding path ensured no outsiders would intrude.

"Ayu..." Princess Xue Lan hesitated. Seeing the serene surroundings with only the cold breeze rustling through the bamboo leaves, she lowered her voice. "Have you heard that Lin Family’s Second Miss, Lin Yunong, is still unwed?"

"Lin Yunong?" Fengyu had only a faint impression of Lin Yunong. She had seen her once after returning to the capital at Xiangguo Temple. Lin Yunong had always been aloof. Even years ago at banquet gatherings, she didn’t actively engage with the others. Fengyu felt they belonged to different circles. However, her impression of Lin Yushu was very favorable. "What about her? I just saw her earlier at the stands. She didn’t join in to play with us."

Fang Lingjun’s expression turned subtle. She cradled her teacup without uttering a word. Fengyu immediately caught on—Fang Lingjun’s demeanor indicated she had gossip but wasn’t willing to share.

"Whether it’s the Lin sons or daughters, engagements in their family always seem to happen rather late."

"Lin Yunong is different. She was nearly betrothed to my second brother two years ago—they almost settled it, but she ultimately refused. The details were never shared with us, but the wedding kept getting delayed repeatedly," Princess Xue Lan whispered softly. "That night, I overheard my elder brother and second brother chatting over drinks. They let it slip that Lin Yunong is infatuated with the emperor. Supposedly, she rejected the proposal for his sake. Now, with her marriage unconfirmed, there’s a strong chance she’ll enter the palace as a consort." ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ NoveI~Fire.net

Princess Xue Lan and Fang Lingjun cautiously watched Fengyu’s expression, fearing she might grow angry. Attempting to calm her, Fang Lingjun said, "This is all hearsay; I didn’t tell you earlier because I didn’t want to upset you."

"Lin Yunong likes Zhixu?" Fengyu raised an eyebrow. "Well, she’s got good taste."

Princess Xue Lan, "..."

"What’s wrong with you? Aren’t you mad?"

"Why would I be?" Fengyu’s mood remained lighthearted, with no trace of annoyance. "Good things are seen and admired by all. They’re not blind—liking Zhixu is perfectly reasonable. Back then, even when my sister and brother-in-law’s engagement was official, half the unmarried young ladies in the capital still fancied him. Liking someone is a personal choice; I can’t control that."

"What if the Lin Family sends her to the palace to compete with you for favor? You do realize the Lin Family is a noble lineage known for producing countless Empresses."

"Both University Scholar Lin and Lin Helin are clever men—they won’t send her to the palace," Fengyu replied coolly. "Even if I didn’t trust Zhixu—let’s say beauty fades, and affection diminishes—Zhixu will always respect me. Even if one day ambition corrupts, he would never dismiss the wealth I manage. In the harem, anyone seeking to challenge me must consider this: if her dowry is lighter than mine, Zhixu wouldn’t even take a second look."