Chapter 507: Chapter 507: Master of Mounted Archery

"Really?"

"Of course, each of them can hit a willow leaf from a hundred paces."

Upon hearing this, the Second Prince was clearly astonished.

He thought of how he was full of pride after just hitting the target a few times.

Instantly, he realized there are always people better than oneself, stronger hills beyond the mountains.

Immediately, his competitive spirit was ignited.

For him, practicing horseback archery was once for health reasons.

But now, he had a new goal.

And that was to compete with the young princes of the Fourth Prince Mansion!

So what if they’re young, he was not one to easily admit defeat.

The excitement in his demeanor also got the Fourth Prince and the Crown Prince all riled up.

Though the two of them didn’t yet understand what the autumn hunt was.

But the admiration for strength is universal.

So they clapped their hands, insisting on learning horseback archery, and wanting to join the autumn hunt.

Seeing this, Lin Wanyi couldn’t help but feel a headache.

The Fourth Prince was better, as he was nearly three years old.

Lin Wanyi was already thinking of finding a riding and archery teacher to guide him.

But now, what worried her most was the Crown Prince.

With his unruly nature, if he really started to learn horseback archery, he would definitely get hurt frequently.

As his mother, she naturally feared for his suffering.

But without experiencing pain, he wouldn’t learn.

Therefore, she was quite troubled at heart.

Lin Xingzhi rarely spent time with these princes, but seeing the scene, he burst into hearty laughter.

He waved to the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince and then spoke.

"I have been resting at home these days, and have some free time. If the two princes don’t mind, I could be your introductory teacher, how about that?"

Lin Xingzhi’s level in riding and archery wasn’t the best, but it wasn’t bad either.

Most importantly, he had the patience, and it was sufficient for him to initiate the two young princes.

The two children immediately looked excitedly at Lin Wanyi.

They eagerly asked.

"Mother Consort, Mother Consort, is it okay? Can Uncle teach us?"

Listening to this, Lin Wanyi thought it was a good idea.

So she thought, it wouldn’t take much time, just an hour in the palace every day for them to practice together, and that would be enough.

Once they had a solid foundation, she could then find a better horseback archery tutor to teach them.

They could then learn faster.

Most importantly, with her brother Lin Xingzhi around, she could be completely at ease.

Everyone hearing this idea thought it was good too.

Otherwise, sitting idly at home every day, he might just get bored to exhaustion.

So Lin Wanyi said directly.

"I’ll go talk to Your Majesty about this matter, there should be no problem."

Hearing this, the Fourth Prince and the Crown Prince hugged each other joyfully.

The joyous atmosphere spread to everyone present.

Just as they were celebrating, footsteps were heard from outside again.

It sounded like quite a few people.

Lin Xingzhi looked up at the sky, it was about time for lunch.

Soon, they heard a eunuch announcing from outside the door.

"The Emperor arrives, Fourth Prince arrives, Fourth Prince Consort arrives, Old Marquis of the Rongchang Marquis Mansion arrives, Mr. Zeng, Commander Feng arrives."

He recited a long list.

But the ones entering were more than just these.

The Emperor led the way, followed by the Fourth Prince and his consort.

The only one from Rongchang Marquis Mansion was an old marquis, making them seem a bit sparse.

Mr. Zeng brought his wife and son, Zeng Konghou, into the palace.

Feng Jichun also brought his wife into the palace.

The Dou family’s presence was the most lively.

The retired Old Master Dou led his son, daughter-in-law, grandson, and granddaughter-in-law into the palace.

So, counting before and after, there were about a dozen or twenty people.

As they surged in, the once spacious side hall was now quite crowded.

"We commoners greet the Emperor, greet the Fourth Prince, greet the Fourth Prince Consort, greet the Old Marquis, greet Mr. Zeng, greet Vice Commander Feng."

A large group greeted in unison.

Such an orderly arrival made the birthday banquet exceptionally lively.

Heading the procession was naturally Lin Wanyi.

But the Emperor quickly raised his hand and said.

"Today is a family banquet, no need for such formalities."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

The Emperor specifically walked to Lin Wanyi, helping her stand.

What seemed like a very ordinary gesture, appeared to everyone as evidence of their assumptions.

Indeed, this Imperial Concubine was favored above all in the harem.

The Fourth Prince and his wife had many ties with them, so their glances at Lin Wanyi were filled with joy.

As for the others, except for Mrs. Feng and Old Master Dou of the Dou family, and Dong Qiuyue.

Most of them were meeting Lin Wanyi for the first time.

Their impression of her was only based on rumors outside.

But seeing her now, her looks and demeanor were truly extraordinary.

Especially Mr. Zeng, who not only noticed Lin Wanyi but also the large family behind her.

Ever since his son Zeng Konghou became the Crown Prince’s study companion.

The Zeng family had been on the same boat with the Crown Prince and the Imperial Concubine.

Seeing the situation now, everything seemed good.

But if anything were to happen, he would have to ensure the safety of the Zeng family.

His cautiousness naturally caught Lin Muzhi’s attention.

When they exchanged glances, they both gained a mutual respect.

Mr. Zeng hadn’t expected the Lin family to have such a person.

Indeed, Prime Minister Lin’s bloodline was remarkable.

But words were not to be spoken plainly, so he smiled faintly.

Although Lin Muzhi was young, his mind was sharp.

Seeing Mr. Zeng’s smile, he responded with a similar expression.

Noticing the calm demeanor of Zeng Konghou then reassured him greatly.

Choosing him as a study companion for the Crown Prince was most fitting.

Such talent would suppress the Crown Prince’s temperament, guiding him at every turn, ensuring he wouldn’t become arrogant.

This was a good thing.

In the front, the Emperor and others did not notice the exchange between Mr. Zeng and Lin Muzhi.

After some pleasantries, they took their seats.

The Emperor, Lin Wanyi, the Fourth Prince, the Fourth Prince Consort, and the Old Marquis of Rongchang Marquis Mansion sat at the main table.

Old Master Dong and his wife with the main Lin family at one table, the remaining Dong family members at another.

The Dou family took one table, while the Feng and Zeng families shared another.

The children had a table to themselves.

The Crown Prince and the Third Princess were the stars of today, with all eyes on them.

The Third Princess handled the attention with calmness.

But the Crown Prince was very excited.

He could be lively even on his own.

Not to mention, when surrounded by people.

Lin Wanyi could even imagine him growing up, locking shoulders with good pals, cups clinking, boisterously drinking.

This made her chuckle a bit.

Once everyone settled down, the dishes and drinks quickly made their appearance on the tables.

With the Emperor at the head, it was natural for him to speak first.

"Today is the birthday of the Crown Prince and the Third Princess, and with everyone here to celebrate, I am very pleased. A humble cup of wine, thank you all."

The Emperor’s tone did not come from the exalted position of an Emperor.

Rather, it was like that of a loving father, hence his words were filled with emotion.

Everyone was first a subject, then a kin.

The etiquette could not be abandoned.

Hurriedly, they stood and loudly addressed the Emperor.

"We commoners dare not accept."

Subsequently, those who could drink drained their cups in one go.

Those who couldn’t drink used a cup of clear water instead.