Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 993 - 83: Simple and Direct

Even though the football game couldn't take place at Zhao Yao’s Personal Guard Cuju Field, a spacious Cuju Field lies to the south of Swamp Prefecture, capable of holding tens of thousands of onlookers.

The whole Cuju Field resembles a massive bowl, where the central low area serves as the pitch for the football game, encircled by seating for the audience.

The playing field for the football match has been carefully covered with soft earth, ensuring that players who tumble won't suffer severe harm. Zhao Yao had initially intended to mimic his dream world's setup by planting grass on the Cuju Field, yet that grass wasn't commonplace; it was unique turf. Neither in Great Zhou nor in foreign lands did such turf exist, forcing him to abandon the idea of using grass for the surface.

This particular football match is free of charge and accessible to everyone, with no need for tickets; whether future events will follow suit remains unknown. Thus, from early morning, residents of Swamp Prefecture, along with merchants from abroad and visiting foreign officials, flocked to the Cuju Field, packing the surrounding stands to the brim.

Individuals who couldn't secure a seat simply plopped down on the ground or lingered standing close by.

Zhao Yao had assumed that the inaugural football match in Swamp Prefecture wouldn't draw a huge crowd, yet the site turned out to be jam-packed beyond expectation. He promptly sent out troops and security personnel to keep things in check around the Cuju Field. What started as a bustling, disordered throng swiftly transformed into a scene of perfect discipline, thanks to the vigilant oversight of the stern, unbiased guards on patrol, free from any hint of chaos.

The crowd spotted guards gripping swords that gleamed with a chilling edge; no one dared to misbehave. They knew full well that those blades weren't just for show—they were lethal in earnest. Not long ago, a troublemaker in the trading district had been swiftly executed by the patrolling soldiers' swords, his head severed clean from his body.

Although the game hadn't kicked off yet, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Even prior to the players' entrance, discussions were already in full swing among the attendees.

Uncle Gao, seated next to He Lianfang, gazed around in wide-eyed wonder. He spotted four towering signs positioned around the Cuju Field, each bearing four bold, standout characters smack in the middle: 'Shen’s Restaurant.' Beneath those prominent letters ran a line of somewhat smaller text, featuring Shen’s Restaurant’s motto—'Shen’s Restaurant, Yangzhou City’s largest restaurant, where you can taste all Jiangnan delicacies.'

Zhao Yao had urged Boss Shen to craft catchier slogans, but Boss Shen preferred keeping it plain and direct; this approach let folks instantly grasp the culinary delights available at Shen’s Restaurant. An overly fancy slogan might not hit the mark as well.

In the midst of the four prominent signs dangled a vivid red banner, inscribed with the identical motto in gleaming gold lettering.

Be it the four grand signs or the banner itself, they caught the eye effortlessly, ensuring that match-goers spotted them right away.

Earlier, Uncle Gao had pondered how Zhao Yao intended to promote Boss Shen's business, but now, beholding the four massive signs and banners, he stood stunned.

'Is this His Highness's idea of advertising?' He found it hard to fathom such a basic and bold method, 'Just putting up four big signs and draping a couple of banners, and pocketing fifty taels of gold? Doesn't this cash come way too easily?'

He Lianfang shot a look at the doubtful Uncle Gao and inquired, 'Doesn't it grab attention?'

Uncle Gao gave a small nod, 'It grabs attention, grabs it a lot.' He'd already overheard numerous folks chatting about 'Shen’s Restaurant.'

'Grabbing attention leads to solid promotion results,' He Lianfang remarked calmly, 'The proprietor of Shen’s Restaurant will surely be delighted.'

'I never imagined it'd be so straightforward.' This fell short of his expectations.

'Simplicity often proves most effective.' He Lianfang eyed the audience, where plenty were gesturing toward the four large signs, chatting animatedly, 'At this point, every single person here for the match has learned about Shen’s Restaurant.'

Uncle Gao let out a genuine sigh of admiration, 'His Highness is nothing short of a genius.'

'Take another careful look.'

Right then, Uncle Gao observed numerous folks lugging items as they wandered through the stands, apparently peddling wares.

As Uncle Gao marveled at the sight, Tong Xi drew near, clutching some products.

'Tong Xi, what's this about?'

'Mr. Gao, this servant is hawking merchandise.' Tong Xi eagerly pitched his items to Uncle Gao, 'Mr. Gao, care for some sweets? We have an assortment of flavors, each one utterly tasty.'

Uncle Gao thought Tong Xi's endeavor rather entertaining, 'Did His Highness instruct you to do the selling?'

'His Highness hoped this servant could feel the thrill of earning through sales; this servant is having a grand time with it.'

'Is this His Highness's notion of a business opportunity?'