Chapter 329: Charity Match (Part 3)

Wang Chao, who had not yet recovered, suddenly stood up again. Looking at the dozen or so players crowded in the penalty area, he couldn’t help but ask, “How is it another free kick?”

“Oh, this is a corner kick.”

Zhang Fei said, “The possibility of scoring directly from this kind of corner kick isn’t great, but the threat is still considerable.”

Aiyo!

When would this ever end!

Wang Chao was about to cry.

Clearly, he had previously equated this new-style football with old football. As long as one’s skills were superior, it was usually very difficult to lose.

The United Cloud Society had dominated the championship for years.

The Imperial Guards had much stronger overall ability. Wang Chao thought that as long as he controlled Cao Dongdong and Ma Xiaoyi, it would be overwhelming. Yet on the field they held no advantage at all, and had even conceded the first goal.

He never would have thought that this football also required acting skills.

What the hell!

Sima Guang stroked his beard. “This football really does have some intricacies!”

Wang Anshi nodded. “Indeed! Whether attacking, defending, or with free kicks and corner kicks, the players’ positioning is very particular. It doesn’t rely on brute force to win.”

Having said this, the two men looked at each other, then snorted and turned their heads away simultaneously.

Seeing this, Zhao Xu shook his head slightly.

The Police Bureau had earned their first corner kick since the match began.

Although the entire audience didn’t understand what a corner kick was, seeing the Police Bureau’s players packed in front of the Imperial Guards’ goal, everyone knew the situation wasn’t good. Many people had already stood up.

They prayed this ball wouldn’t go in!

Cao Dongdong took the corner kick, sending it directly toward the goal.

The ball was still in flight when wails of despair already rang out.

After all, this was their first time watching football, and the nightmare of that free kick hadn’t yet passed.

It was the near post.

Again it was that dark-faced young man who used his body to squeeze away the Police Bureau player at the near post and kicked it out with a big clearance.

“Good!”

The spectator stands immediately erupted in excited cheers.

But it wasn’t over yet.

An Imperial Guards midfielder intercepted the ball with his chest, then immediately followed with an overhead kick, accurately passing the ball to the right winger.

After all, they all came from old football and were accustomed to keeping the ball in the air. Moreover, they didn’t consider this fancy play – in that situation, the overhead kick was simply the fastest way to get the ball out.

One touch!

Two touches!

Passed directly to the striker’s feet in front of goal.

A powerful shot.

Into the net!

This entire attacking sequence was truly flowing like clouds and water, pleasing to the eye.

The audience immediately went wild.

“Goal! Goal!”

“Excellent!”

“Beautiful goal!”

“That attack was so sharp!”

Even Zhao Xu couldn’t help but sigh, “This football truly has a unique beauty!”

This time even Empress Dowager Cao nodded in agreement.

It was truly dazzling.

Too fast!

From defense to attack, it happened in an instant.

Hearing the emperor’s praise, Wang Chao became completely excited. “Well done! Great play! Commissioner Cao, we were just being polite before.”

Cao Ping felt quite dejected.

Zhang Fei said awkwardly, “Commander Wang, don’t get excited yet. It was offside – the goal doesn’t count.”

“Offside?”

Almost everyone said in unison.

“Yes!”

Zhang Fei nodded. “Look, the linesman over there has raised his flag.”

He immediately explained offside once more.

Empress Dowager Cao nodded. “So that’s what offside is.”

She had read the newspaper, but still couldn’t quite understand offside. Combined with the match, she was beginning to grasp it somewhat.

What a roller coaster of emotions!

Cao Ping burst into laughter. “So it was all excitement for nothing!”

“What kind of ridiculous rule is this?”

Wang Chao shouted angrily at Zhang Fei, “You’re clearly favoring the Police Bureau.”

As the match progressed, both Emperor Zhao Xu and Empress Dowager Cao gradually became accustomed to such crude language, since the cursing outside was even worse.

Zhang Fei remained calm. “Commander Wang, please calm your anger. Something that applies to both sides is called a rule.”

Just as Wang Chao was about to argue further, deafening boos suddenly came from outside.

It turned out the audience had noticed that no lantern had been hung on the red and black flagged board on the east side.

They also realized this goal probably didn’t count.

Some who had read the newspaper began showing off by explaining to those around them.

Brother, this is called offside.

Don’t understand?

Let me explain it to you.

Suddenly falling from heaven to hell, regardless of whether it was offside or not, booing the referee was the right thing to do.

Even the female spectators in the women’s section were quite displeased, and they had all stood up at the entrance.

“Hmph! Such a beautiful goal, why shouldn’t it count?”

“Exactly, that referee is too biased toward the Police Bureau team.”

“What bias toward the Police Bureau team? In the first goal, Young Master Cao was even kicked, and the referee didn’t call that either.”

“How dare you say that! The young master just pretended to be injured and deceived them out of a goal.”

Xu Zhiqian sat alone in the pavilion, tilting her head as she watched the sisters arguing with flushed faces, a trace of confusion showing in her beautiful eyes.

Why?

When she first watched them practice, she had found it quite boring!

Why were all these people acting as if they were possessed?

However, she was probably the only completely calm spectator in the venue, because she was mainly observing the audience’s reactions and hadn’t fully immersed herself in the match.

People like Chen Maoqian and Fan Yong had already completely fallen in with Ma Tianhao’s lead, having long since cast aside any thoughts of the charity.

However, this offside call officially kicked off the Imperial Guards’ massive offensive.

They launched a furious bombardment in front of the Police Bureau’s goal.

But the Police Bureau team, relying on their goalkeeper’s and goalposts’ miraculous performance, managed not to concede.

The spectators who had just been complaining that the goal was too big now felt it was too small – if it were just one foot wider, the Imperial Guards might have already taken the lead.

How infuriating!

They had shouted themselves hoarse!

Suddenly, the tide turned. A mistake in the Imperial Guards’ front field left only two defenders against two attackers in their half, and unfortunately, the attackers were Cao Dongdong and Ma Xiaoyi.

Cao Ping, who had been holding back for over a quarter-hour, excitedly stood up and moved to the entrance to cheer for Cao Dongdong, who was sprinting at high speed.

Wang Chao covered his face with both hands, not daring to watch.

Empress Dowager Cao said urgently, “Ping’er, you’re blocking your aunt.”

“Oh!”

Cao Ping simply went to stand outside.

“Come back quickly!”

“Get back!” the Imperial Guards’ captain shouted nervously.

The entire team desperately rushed back, but it was too late.

Cao Dongdong made a feint in front of the penalty area, got past his nemesis the dark-faced young man, and took a shot.

Bang!

Another defender cleared it away.

The entire venue erupted in commotion.

Wang Anshi couldn’t help but sigh, “That was really close.”

Emperor Zhao Xu also nodded, “If Cao Dongdong had passed just then, that goal would have been certain!”

Sima Guang stroked his beard and chuckled, “This football becomes more and more interesting the more you watch.”

Hearing their wistful voices, Wang Chao finally dared to open his eyes. He breathed a long sigh of relief, covering his forehead as he said, “These rascals are deliberately trying to torture me.”

Ma Xiaoyi looked at the empty goal in front of him, then at Cao Dongdong, and said excitedly, “Big brother, why didn’t you pass to me?”

Cao Dongdong was stunned. Only then did he notice Ma Xiaoyi. In that moment, he had only had eyes for the goal. He coughed and said, “You were offside.”

Ma Xiaoyi jumped right in front of Cao Dongdong. “I was watching the whole time, how could I be offside? If you had passed to me just then, that goal would have been certain! Oh, now I finally understand why you wanted to play midfield – midfielders get the ball the most, and whenever there’s a chance, you simply won’t pass.”

Caught out, Cao Dongdong said defensively, “Didn’t big brother pass one to you earlier? You missed it yourself, who else can you blame?”

“Hmph!”

Ma Xiaoyi lifted his chin.

Cao Dongdong quickly consoled him, “Little Ma, I really didn’t see you this time. You need to call out so big brother can notice you.”

Just then, a whistle blew, interrupting their argument.

But this whistle blast frightened everyone!

“Is it over?”

“Did we lose?”

Emperor Zhao Xu asked the same question, “Is the match finished?”

Zhang Fei replied, “In response to Your Majesty, this is halftime. There’s still the second half.”

Emperor Zhao Xu nodded, “Indeed, playing like this is certainly exhausting.”

Empress Dowager Cao looked at the heavily panting Cao Ping and Wang Chao and laughed, “Even watching is tiring!”

“Haha!”

Everyone burst into laughter.

Wang Anshi smiled at Zhang Fei, “Zhang San, this new style of football is truly full of passion!”

This time no one had the nerve to object.

The old football matches had never been this exhausting for spectators – after just one half, everyone was worn out. Those with weak hearts really couldn’t handle watching this!

“Thank you for the praise, Academician Wang,” Zhang Fei said.

Cao Ping suddenly had a thought and asked, “Zhang San, is this new football only for charity matches?”

Zhang Fei immediately understood and replied, “Our charity will invest a large amount of money to host these football competitions.”

Empress Dowager Cao asked puzzledly, “Isn’t your charity’s money supposed to be used for charity?”

Zhang Fei said, “In response to the Empress Dowager, every penny of the charity is used for charity, but in order to help more people and provide long-term assistance to people in difficulty, we also plan to use part of the money for business, taking out part of the profits each year for charity.”

Fan Zhen suddenly said, “But I’ve heard that your charity is used to help the wealthy avoid taxes.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere immediately became somewhat tense.

Zhang Fei explained, “This gentleman is mistaken. The money we donated this year is dozens of times more than what would be taxed on our land, and most of it was donated to the government. If it were for tax avoidance, wouldn’t those merchants be fools?”

Empress Dowager Cao asked in surprise, “Donated to the government?”

Zhang Fei nodded, “Yes, our charity has a special project called research and development donations. This concept comes from the idea that it’s better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish. We hope the government can develop better farming tools to help people cultivate land, and help the police develop specialized weapons that won’t cause serious injuries to civilians.”

Cao Ping immediately said, “Aunt, this is true. Not long ago, the charity donated two thousand strings to our police force – one thousand strings to help some poorer neighborhoods dig ditches and wells, and another thousand strings for developing specialized police weapons to avoid unnecessary harm to civilians during law enforcement while also protecting the police themselves.”

Empress Dowager Cao nodded and smiled, “Everyone understands the principle that it’s better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish, but doing charity based on this concept is truly a first. It does sound quite reasonable.”

Facts speak louder than words – when people contribute so much money, saying they’re avoiding taxes is just nonsense.

Zhang Sheng suddenly questioned, “Even if you donated more this year, who can guarantee that all your money is used for charity?”

Zhang Fei smiled, “Our accounts are completely open, and we welcome the imperial court to audit our books annually. As a pen-in-cap, I don’t value promises much – I value rules more. A thousand promises aren’t worth establishing one sound system.”

Sima Guang immediately said, “You can’t say that. If everyone valued promises, there wouldn’t be so many disputes.”

Zhang Fei said sheepishly, “Then we pen-in-caps would have nothing to eat.”

“…?”

Sima Guang was immediately stunned.

Emperor Zhao Xu laughed heartily, “You are quite honest!”

Zhang Fei immediately said to Zhao Xu, “Your Majesty, speaking of this football competition, I have a win-win plan with the Three Military Divisions.”

Zhao Xu asked, “What plan?”

Zhang Fei said, “Converting some training grounds into football fields!”

“How can this work?”

Wang Anshi immediately said, “Military neglect and decline would endanger the nation – how can this be done so casually?”

Zhang Fei pointed to the field below, “Does Academician Wang think soldiers cannot train on this field? We can arrange the venue according to the Imperial Guard’s training to ensure it won’t delay their training, while the Three Military Divisions can earn a substantial venue rental fee.”

Wang Chao was quite tempted by this!

Wang Anshi immediately did a complete about-face, “This could work.”

Sima Guang immediately looked down on him, “Wang Anshi, have you been blinded by money?”

Wang Anshi said, “Didn’t you hear? They will ensure it won’t delay Imperial Guard training, and if we can still earn some military funds, what’s wrong with that? I’m not as stubborn as you.”

Anyone else saying this would be one thing, but you, Wang Anshi, calling me stubborn! Sima Guang was furious.

Seeing that the two were about to argue again, Zhao Xu quickly said, “Discuss this matter with the Three Military Divisions first.”

“Yes!”

Zhang Fei bowed respectfully, then added, “Actually, the Three Military Divisions could also form football teams to participate in competitions – this way they might earn even more money.”

Fan Zhen was quite displeased upon hearing this. “The Imperial Guard is meant for fighting wars, not for making money for the state.”

Zhang Fei said in surprise, “Is that so?”

Fan Zhen looked puzzled. “What’s with that expression?”

Zhang Fei said sheepishly, “Perhaps I saw wrong. Some time ago, I think I saw some Imperial Guards making handicrafts to sell for money.”

“…?”

Fan Zhen’s face turned red with embarrassment.

The four main armies did indeed train daily, but those auxiliary troops – if they didn’t do some handicraft work, how would they support their families?

The stand fell into silence.

Should they really bring this young man into the imperial court?

Good heavens!

Who knew what he might say next.

Cao Ping looked around and said, “Why hasn’t the match started yet?”

Zhang Fei quickly replied, “I estimate it will be soon.”

Cao Ping glared at him. “You, shut your mouth.”

You really don’t know how to make conversation.

Could such things be said openly?

But as the second half began, the atmosphere in the pavilion eased slightly.

“Imperial Guards!”

“Imperial Guards!”

“Imperial Guards!”

At the start of the second half, the audience chanted in unison.

They had never supported the Police Bureau team to begin with, and with Cao Dongdong’s arrogance, they desperately hoped to see the Imperial Guards turn the tide.

Wang Chao said to Cao Ping, “Listen, listen! Those who follow the righteous path have much support, while those who follow the unrighteous path have little support!”

Cao Ping laughed. “The people often sympathize with the underdog.”

As he spoke, he glanced at the single lantern in front of the blue and white flag – just that one lamp, extremely conspicuous.

However, shortly after the match resumed, Cao Ping could no longer laugh.

Two Imperial Guards players were closely marking Cao Dongdong while strengthening their midfield interceptions.

“You two birds, why are you like my family’s dogs? Can’t you go mark someone else?”

After a long while, Cao Dongdong hadn’t touched the ball even once and immediately became frantic.

The dark-faced young man chuckled. “Do the young master’s dogs run behind their owner?”

“You!”

While speaking, his teammate had already passed the ball over.

The two players immediately sandwiched Cao Dongdong.

Cao Dongdong struggled desperately. Having practiced martial arts for years, his strength was quite considerable.

The dark-faced young man suddenly hooked his foot backward.

Ouch!

Cao Dongdong immediately fell backward, but since the move was quite concealed, the referee didn’t see it.

Another defender smoothly intercepted the ball and passed it to the left winger.

The left winger accelerated, got past one player, and crossed again.

Having calmed down, the Imperial Guards realized that their wingers’ speed and headers were their strengths.

Four tall midfielders and forwards leaped high, completely dominating the air.

This time the goalkeeper and goalpost truly did their best.

The ball finally hit the net.

The field fell silent.

Those who didn’t understand the rules all looked toward the linesman.

Offside or not?

As the main referee pointed toward the center circle and the Imperial Guards players celebrated, the audience finally confirmed that a goal had been scored.

It exploded!

The entire Football City completely exploded.

The audience, who had been holding back for a half and a half, let out hoarse roars.

“Young Master Cao, I just won’t shut up – what can you do about it?”

“You can’t even stand steady, what are you doing playing football? Go back and play with women!”

“Haha!”

Many spectators hurled insults at Cao Dongdong.

Cao Dongdong had no mood to deal with them and chased after the referee to complain, until he received a yellow card and finally settled down.

Then there was another round of mocking laughter from the sidelines.

“Goal! Finally a goal!”

Wang Chao slapped the table, tears glistening in his eyes, then provocatively said to Cao Ping, “Commissioner Cao, laugh! Go ahead and laugh! I’ll show you who the real underdog is.”

Cao Ping snorted. “What are you so proud of? It’s just a tie now. We’ll see.”

“Fine, we’ll see.” Though Wang Chao didn’t fully understand, he could clearly see the situation – the Imperial Guards obviously had the upper hand on the field.

This was indeed the case.

In their previous shots, the Imperial Guards had been somewhat impetuous due to excessive pressure, but now that they had equalized, they played with much more composure.

Before long, the Imperial Guards mounted another attack – again the winger broke through, again a cross!

Another header found the net.

From behind to tied to ahead.

Thrilling!

So thrilling!

The spectators’ voices were completely hoarse.

What was fatal was that the players on the police team’s side showed dejected expressions on their faces.

They were neither as fast nor as tall as their opponents.

How were they supposed to play like this!

Even Empress Dowager Cao could see that the situation had turned unfavorable, saying, “There’s still quite a gap in strength between the two teams!”

Emperor Zhao Xu also nodded slightly.

Wang Chao winked at Cao Ping.

Cao Ping snorted, “You sent two people specifically to mark my son – what kind of skill is that?”

Cao Dongdong was the core player. If he couldn’t get the ball, Ma Xiaoyi couldn’t get it either, so there was no way to attack!

Wang Chao drifted over to Zhang Fei nearby, “Zhang San, please explain the rules to Commissioner Cao.”

Zhang Fei nodded with a smile, “This is allowed, of course.”

Cao Ping snorted angrily.

“Brother, this can’t go on like this!”

Ma Xiaoyi came to Cao Dongdong’s side, “Let’s go back to Brother San’s formation.”

Cao Dongdong said, “We’re already behind – how can we choose to defend? That would be the end.”

Ma Xiaoyi said, “Then what do we do? You can’t even get the ball!”

Cao Dongdong was like an ant on a hot pan, “Don’t worry about me, I’ll find a way to break free. When I do, I’ll pass directly to you – you’d better score!”

Ma Xiaoyi said, “With two marking you, how will you break free?”

Cao Dongdong said excitedly, “I told you not to worry about it.”

Having reached this point, Cao Dongdong was getting anxious because he knew what kind of abuse he would face if they lost.

Ma Xiaoyi nodded, “As long as you can get the ball to my feet, I’ll definitely score.”

However, saying it was easy, but playing it was another matter entirely.

Cao Dongdong kept moving back and forth to break free, finally getting the ball. Seeing the two opposing players closing in on him again, he immediately used his old trick, instantly falling to the ground and rolling around.

However, this time the referee paid him no attention, and the ball was stolen away.

Cao Dongdong acted for a long time, but even his teammates were busy defending and could only silently get back up.

“Haha, Young Master Cao, you still want to fool people.”

“What a clown.”

Mocking voices came from the spectator stands again.

Actually, the police team’s formation had changed, but they were forced into a defensive formation, unable to attack and could only be pressed back.

The Imperial Guards’ side was riding high with momentum, and the cheering from the sidelines grew louder and louder.

This provided endless motivation for the Imperial Guards’ players.

Their attacks became even more fierce, creating dangerous situations in front of the opponents’ goal several times.

The game had Cao Ping clasping his hands together, praying to Buddha for protection.

Although the Imperial Guards didn’t score again, as time passed, the match was nearing its end.

Cao Dongdong was already standing in place, hands on his knees, gasping heavily. Whenever his side got the ball, he desperately tried to break free without properly managing his stamina, leading to severe exhaustion.

What to do?

Cao Dongdong gasped heavily. Now he had only one thought in his mind: get the ball and pass it to Ma Xiaoyi.

“Young Master!”

Suddenly he heard a shout.

He saw one of his team’s players finally wrestle the ball away and kick it directly toward him.

Because only Cao Dongdong’s skills could break through.

Even when he was being double-marked, they could only pass to Cao Dongdong.

The two defensive players immediately closed in on him.

There was no way to get the ball!

Cao Dongdong suddenly had a flash of inspiration and pointed toward the high platform, “Oh my! His Majesty has come out!”

His Majesty!

What did the emperor represent in ancient times!

The two defensive players were startled and turned to look. There was no emperor there at all. By the time they realized it, Cao Dongdong had already received the ball and kicked it more than ten meters away. With no defense ahead, he sprinted desperately.

“What are you doing? Stop him quickly!”

The Imperial Guards’ captain shouted urgently.

Now it was the Imperial Guards’ turn to panic.

“No way!”

Wang Chao nervously stood up.

Cao Ping clasped his hands together, pleading desperately: “Buddha protect us! Buddha protect us! It must go in! It must go in!”

Emperor Zhao Xu and Empress Dowager Cao also stood up and came outside the pavilion.

Even those scholar-officials who had previously scoffed at this also hurried outside.

Needless to say, the spectators all rose to their feet.

However, Cao Dongdong’s stamina was severely depleted, and soon the two defensive players caught up with him.

But he had only just crossed midfield – there was still a long way to the penalty area. Cao Dongdong had no choice but to take a desperate gamble, sending a long pass directly to Ma Xiaoyi up front. Using all his remaining strength, he shouted: “Little Ma!”

But Ma Xiaoyi was also being closely marked by a defensive player. They practiced together every day and knew each other inside and out.

In desperation, Ma Xiaoyi suddenly threw a hidden elbow into his opponent’s abdomen. This kid really knew martial arts, and that elbow strike packed considerable force – it nearly made his opponent vomit.

Only then did Ma Xiaoyi create some space, steadily receiving the ball before charging toward the penalty area alone.

The Police Bureau players had stopped running and just watched Ma Xiaoyi from a distance.

“Xiaoyi! You must score!”

Ma Tianhao jumped out of the spectator stands and stood on the sideline, cheering for his son.

The right-back quickly moved to intercept, and the previous marker also gave chase.

But Ma Xiaoyi made a sharp change of direction at high speed, causing the defensive player in front to fall straight down from his momentum. Only the goalkeeper remained.

Wang Chao, standing outside the pavilion, also dropped to his knees.

The entire venue fell silent.

Ma Xiaoyi in the penalty area raised his foot to shoot, and the goalkeeper immediately dove toward him.

But unexpectedly, Ma Xiaoyi suddenly flicked the ball with his foot, going right past the goalkeeper. Facing the goal that was now close at hand and completely empty, Ma Xiaoyi delivered a powerful shot, blasting straight through the opponent’s goal.

“Ah! Xiaoyi! Beautiful goal!”

“It’s in! It’s in!”

The two fathers acted like excited children – one on the sideline, one on the platform – dancing with joy.

“Little Ma!”

Cao Dongdong was in tears, mouth wide open as he rushed forward and tackled Ma Xiaoyi to the ground, nearly biting him in excitement.

The other Police Bureau players also piled on.

Meanwhile, the Imperial Guards players all looked dejected. The dark-faced young man covered his face and cursed: “That scoundrel is despicable, actually using His Majesty to deceive me.”

Many players suddenly realized they had been the ones leading – why had they launched such an all-out attack?

However, this was competition.

There were no do-overs.

Watching this scene, Zhang Fei smiled slightly and murmured to himself: “I certainly didn’t teach them that.”

At that moment, the whistle sounded.

Wang Chao exclaimed excitedly: “Why is it over? We haven’t determined a winner yet!”

Empress Dowager Cao also said: “The rules seemed to mention overtime and something called penalty kicks.”

Zhang Fei immediately replied: “In response to the Empress Dowager, this is only a charity match, so there is no overtime or penalty kicks. This was agreed upon beforehand.”

Cao Ping breathed a long sigh of relief.

If they had to play overtime, things would really be dire!

Emperor Zhao Xu laughed: “A draw is quite good too. It was already very exciting – this is the most thrilling match I have ever seen.”