Chapter 326: Fighting over One Guy

Actually, the emperor and empress dowager were not really part of Zhang Fei’s promotional design. Relying on the emperor and empress dowager for publicity wouldn’t be very meaningful – if football was going to develop, it still had to depend on the masses.

The most important gimmick was the Imperial Guards versus the General Police Bureau.

Now the Three Military Divisions were united in their hatred, because the Police Bureau had indeed weakened many privileges of the Imperial Guards. The Three Military Divisions had hundreds of thousands of troops – if they became agitated, would there be any lack of publicity?

Of course, football was already the most popular sport of the day, so this new-style football naturally aroused many people’s curiosity.

There were also the substantial prize money, especially one hundred strings for each goal scored – this was truly exciting.

If hundreds of goals were scored, all the money raised by the charity would probably be donated.

After the venue renovations were completed, they finally calculated the ticket numbers.

Only two super VIP sections were left – those with roofs. One was for the imperial family, including the emperor’s close attendants, and the other was for noble ladies. As for ordinary ministers, they could only be allocated a section with some relatively comfortable chairs.

Besides these, there were over eleven hundred tickets remaining.

After all, the venue had been doubled in size.

However, over six hundred tickets were given away as gifts.

Although Fan Yong, Chen Maoqian and others were very annoying, they still had to be given what was due, since they needed to give these tickets to some old clients. If these tickets couldn’t be provided, those people would really turn hostile.

Zhang Fei didn’t give tickets to old clients – he took out one hundred tickets to reward hardworking and excellent employees. The General Police Bureau was also given some tickets to reward outstanding police officers.

For sale, only three hundred tickets were sold.

This wasn’t to make money, but just to let everyone experience advance ticket sales.

Because current football matches all required payment at the gate, not advance ticket sales. With the Authentic Books Store available, issuing tickets wouldn’t be a big problem.

Of course, this could bring the Authentic Books Store a stable income, and they would definitely cooperate long-term.

To help with spectator experience, the thoughtful Zhang Fei also published the new football rules in a special issue of the News Gazette.

But it was still hard to understand just by reading text.

What were free kicks, corner kicks, penalty kicks – these were impossible to imagine.

But this also aroused everyone’s curiosity.

Fortunately, as the weather was getting colder, Zhang Fei didn’t dare delay too long. The match date was set for the third day after tickets went on sale.

Today was match day.

By 11.15 am, long queues could be seen in front of the stadium gates.

Upon entering, everyone’s first impression was exactly the same!

“Wow, what a huge stadium!”

Doubling the size gave quite a visual impact!

“What’s so special about that? With eleven players on each side, it’s not really that big.”

“That’s true.”

“Are those goal posts on both sides?”

“They must be!”

“Could it be that shooting the ball into those goals counts as scoring?”

“Should be, there’s nothing else to shoot at on the field!”

“Such big goals – even a blind person could stumble into them!”

“Yes! These goals are way too big.”

Just having this big stadium here already generated tremendous discussion.

Even Grand Empress Dowager Cao, who had just arrived at the stadium, was shocked by the field.

“Your Majesty! Why is this field so big?”

Empress Dowager Cao asked Zhao Xu in complete bewilderment.

Emperor Zhao Xu had been discussing new policies with Wang Anshi every day recently and hadn’t paid much attention to this matter. When asked, he knew nothing and quickly said: “Your grandson doesn’t know either, but don’t worry – your grandson will find someone knowledgeable.”

With that, he instructed his attendants: “Quickly go find that Zhang San.”

“Yes.”

However, what Zhao Xu didn’t know was that Zhang Fei was not at the stadium at this time, but in a back alley north of Xiang-guo Temple, conspiring with a young man about something.

“How much did we collect?”

“This time we collected over thirty-five hundred strings in total.”

Hong Qi said this, and seeing Zhang Fei’s expressionless face, quickly explained: “Brother San, although we collected far less this time than when you fought that lawsuit, the number of people placing bets increased seven or eight times.”

Zhang Fei smiled and said: “This is all within my expectations, and it’s actually a good thing. If we want to promote football and make it last long-term, the number of people is key, not courting those few wealthy gentry.”

The large amounts from the last lawsuit were because Zhang Fei had angered all the high officials in court at that time. Their families had plenty of money, easily betting hundreds of strings at a time, so that one case earned over twenty thousand strings.

But this time the attraction was focused on the Three Military Divisions, which held broader appeal. The number of people placing bets increased seven or eight times, but the amounts decreased by seven or eight times.

Hong Qi continued: “Brother San, although we set the odds with the Imperial Guards giving half a ball to the police, the people betting on the Imperial Guards outnumber those betting on the police by four to one.”

Zhang Fei asked: “What do you think is the reason for this?”

Hong Qi seemed somewhat nervous. After thinking for a while, he said: “I think it’s because the Three Military Divisions have more people.”

Zhang Fei smiled.

Hong Qi quickly asked: “Brother San, am I wrong?”

Zhang Fei said: “That’s only a secondary reason. The main reason is that more people dislike the police. The police bureau was just established recently, and traffic violations alone have reached over three hundred cases. How could that be popular? And those common people who truly benefit from their protection don’t have much money to bet with.”

Hong Qi suddenly understood. “Brother San, I get it now.”

Zhang Fei further instructed Hong Qi: “Football matches will exist long-term. You can’t limit your vision to these small immediate profits. We’re developing for the long haul. You must carefully study the odds calculation methods I gave you, and thoroughly research each team.”

Hong Qi nodded: “Since Brother San thinks so highly of me, I will work twice as hard and won’t disappoint you.”

Football betting definitely had to be established. Otherwise, where would the charity’s revenue come from? This was the big money maker. Of course, Zhang Fei didn’t want to keep these profits for himself – he couldn’t spend that much money anyway. He knew that establishing this charity was for future strategic positioning.

Moreover, Zhang Fei knew that football betting could better promote football development.

Buying into the game made watching more exciting.

Wang Anshi also came to the stadium today to show support. He wasn’t particularly interested in this, but came entirely to support Zhang Fei, since Zhang Fei had helped him considerably.

Upon entering the stadium and seeing it was packed with people and buzzing with noise, he couldn’t help saying: “If I had known so many people would come, I wouldn’t have come.”

Before he finished speaking, he heard someone behind him say: “Exactly. Now that you have so many talented people around you, why would you care about one small pen-in-cap?”

Wang Anshi turned around and chuckled: “I didn’t expect you to be interested in football too.”

Sima Guang smiled slightly: “How about we kick the ball around sometime?”

As scholar-officials, they would naturally know how to kick a ball or two.

Wang Anshi’s expression shifted: “How about this – let’s have a competition. Whoever loses has to give Zhang San to the other party.”

Sima Guang gave him a disdainful look: “Zhang San is a person, not an object. How he be handed around? Besides, Zhang San’s talents are clearly more suited to my judicial reforms. I’m determined to get him.”

Wang Anshi snorted: “Zhang San’s relationship with me is much better than his relationship with you. You won’t succeed.”

“Then we’ll just wait and see.”

“Fine, we’ll wait and see.”

The two men, each with their own schemes, walked up the steps toward the viewing stands above.

Suddenly hearing laughter from the stands below, Wang Anshi was slightly startled: “Sima Guang, did we go the wrong way?”

Only then did Sima Guang look around, immediately spotting the large pavilion in the center. He said to Wang Anshi with double meaning: “Your eyes really don’t see clearly.”

With that, he chose a small path toward the central stands.

“Hey! You were clearly the one walking in front.”

Wang Anshi glared at Sima Guang with annoyance, but then secretly smiled to himself. Sima Junshi indeed hadn’t given up on Zhang San. It seemed Zhang San’s plan was already half successful.

He didn’t follow Sima Guang down the small path, but instead went straight up the steps, walking along the uppermost corridor toward the central stands.

While passing the women’s seating area, he heard laughter: “Sister Qian, when will you introduce us to Zhang San?”

Wang Anshi was amused, thinking to himself: So it’s not just Sima Guang and I competing for this Zhang San!

He didn’t linger and walked straight ahead.

Inside the stands.

Xu Zhiqian looked at her group of sisters and asked in puzzlement, “Why do you all want to meet Zhang San?”

“That’s because… pfft because we’ve always thought Sister Qian would never be able to marry. Hehe!”

“You all…!”

“Sister Qian, don’t misunderstand. What I mean is, there’s no man who could tame you, Sister Qian.”

“Hehehe!”

“You bunch of little rascals…!”

Xu Zhiqian sneered coldly, “Fine! I’ll call Zhang San over in a moment. When that happens, you’d better not act like mutes and be too scared to speak.”

However, in the locker room behind, the atmosphere was truly tense and murderous, like the eve of a great battle.

“Commander Wang!”

When the players saw Wang Chao enter the room, they immediately stood up.

Wang Chao swept his gaze across them, nodded, and said, “Remember, if you can beat them by a hundred goals, absolutely don’t settle for ninety-nine. You must thoroughly humiliate them and vent our anger.”

“Yes!”

The players responded in unison.

For them, it was truly a mixture of pain and joy. They had never received such attention in their lives, and there were generous bonuses, but the pressure was also enormous. All of the Three Military Divisions supported them, including the Cao family’s stronghold, the imperial guard infantry.

The opposing police team originally had no pressure, but since their opponents were taking it so seriously, they too began to feel nervous.

Cao Ping also came to the locker room. As soon as he entered, Cao Dongdong said, “Father, what are you doing here?”

“How dare you speak to me like that!” Cao Ping glared with both eyes. “As the Police Commissioner, I’ve come to boost morale. Do I need your permission, you little brat?”

Cao Dongdong said seriously, “Father, we’re discussing tactics right now. Please don’t disturb us. If we lose, don’t blame me.”

Cao Ping asked in puzzlement, “Don’t you even have time for your father to say a few words?”

“No!”

Cao Dongdong replied with complete seriousness.

“Fine then, I won’t disturb you. Play well later! I’m leaving now!”

Cao Ping left dejectedly. Once the door closed, he gritted his teeth and said, “You little brat, how dare you speak to me like that! If you don’t win this game, you’ll be in for it.”

Since Cao Dongdong was the police team’s ace player, Cao Ping really didn’t dare provoke his son at this moment. If he didn’t play well, everything would be ruined!

He then went up to the VIP seating area. As the capital’s foremost imperial relative by marriage, he naturally sat with the Emperor and Grand Empress Dowager.

What Cao Ping hadn’t expected was that besides Palace Commander Song Shouyue, Commander of the Cavalry Wang Chao, and other military officials, there were quite a few civil officials present, including the two State Councilors Sima Guang and Wang Anshi.

“Commissioner Cao, you’ve come at just the right time. Have you seen Zhang San?”

Emperor Zhao Xu asked.

Cao Ping was stunned and replied, “No, I haven’t. Why is Your Majesty so eager to find Zhang San?”

Zhao Xu said anxiously, “This is such a spectacle, but the Grand Empress Dowager doesn’t quite understand it, so I wanted to find Zhang San to ask about it.”

When Cao Ping heard it was his aunt’s request, he immediately said, “Your Majesty, please rest assured. I’ll go find that little rascal right away.”

“No need! No need!”

Empress Dowager Cao waved her hand. “I was just asking casually. His Majesty is being too nervous. Let’s watch for a while first.”

Cao Ping nodded, also wondering where that boy Zhang San had run off to.

Wang Anshi suddenly turned his eyes and said, “Your Majesty, speaking of this Zhang San, I have a favor to ask.”

Zhao Xu asked, “What is it?”

Wang Anshi said, “I hope to recommend Zhang San to the Reform Planning Commission to assist me in formulating new policies.”

Empress Dowager Cao glanced at Wang Anshi and secretly shook her head. Reform was such a major matter, yet he wanted to find a pen-in-cap. It seemed this Wang Anshi was truly as the rumors said—unorthodox and rebellious. Academician Sima was much better!

Just as this thought emerged, Sima Guang suddenly said, “Your Majesty, I believe Zhang San’s talents would be more suitable for my judicial reforms.”

Hmm?

Empress Dowager Cao couldn’t help but look at Sima Guang in surprise.

Vice Minister of Rites Fan Zhen said, “Academician Sima speaks reasonably. Zhang San understands the law and has unique insights into the judicial system. The imperial court should make full use of everyone’s talents.”

As Sima Guang’s close friend, he naturally supported him.

The group of conservative officials first felt somewhat surprised, but then quickly realized what was happening.

That’s right!

After fighting with young Zhang San for so long without being able to destroy him, why not recruit him and use his methods against Wang Anshi?

The officials who usually cursed Zhang Fei now also nodded one after another, supporting Sima Guang.

Lu Huiqing laughed and said, “It seems you all don’t understand Zhang San very well. I have a good relationship with Zhang San, and while his unique insights into law are indeed true, his financial management methods are even more astonishing. I heard that the foundations of the police bureau’s finances were all established by Zhang San. Commissioner Cao, am I wrong?”

Cao Ping said awkwardly, “Zhang San did indeed help a great deal.”

Lu Huiqing said, “Both of these qualities are exactly what our Reform Planning Commission needs. To make the best use of everyone’s talents, Zhang San should come to our Reform Planning Commission.”

Sima Guang couldn’t be bothered to argue with him and said to Emperor Zhao Xu, “I won’t hide it from Your Majesty – in my public security, procuratorate, and judicial court system, Zhang San has actually made outstanding contributions. According to Xu Zun, the procuratorate was conceived by Zhang San. Last time when Su Shi and Fan Chunren made mistakes, I was at home reflecting on my errors, learning from painful experience. Without Zhang San’s assistance, I’m afraid I would have made many more blunders.

As for their Reform Planning Commission, could it be that without Zhang San, they cannot carry out their reforms?”

Wang Anshi said in shock, “Could it be that without Zhang San, your judicial reform cannot proceed?”

“Exactly so,” said Sima Guang.

Wang Anshi looked at Sima Guang with frustration. “Sima Guang, you really are too…!”

He secretly glanced at Empress Dowager Cao, then muttered quietly, “Despicable.”

How utterly dishonorable!

For the sake of Zhang San, had he no shame left?

Emperor Zhao Xu felt proud inside – he had discovered this talent earlier than any of them – but on the surface he wore a helpless smile. “Previously, quite a few officials recommended Zhang San for government service, but as far as I know, Zhang San doesn’t seem very willing to enter the court as an official.”

“…!”

Everyone fell silent.

Empress Dowager Cao watched these two men arguing with flushed faces over a mere pen-in-cap, and the key point was that Zhang San wasn’t even appreciative of their efforts. She couldn’t help but chuckle and say, “I really want to meet this Zhang San now.”