Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 994 - 83: Simple and Direct (Part 2)

Tong Xi was a bit puzzled and replied, “It probably is.”

Uncle Gao purchased a little pouch of sweets from Tong Xi, followed by a small pack of treats from someone else.

“General, it looks like all the vendors here belong to the Dark Guard Camp.” A few faces rang a bell, and Uncle Gao spotted them immediately. “Could this be His Highness’s method to have them watch over things?”

He Lianfang gave a nod and explained, “It allows them to earn some extra silver.”

“His Highness truly thought of this idea.” Uncle Gao observed numerous folks erecting booths around the spectator areas, hawking various wares. Snacks, beverages, playthings... an assortment of goods was on offer. “This represents the commercial potential His Highness uncovered within the Cuju Field.”

“Indeed, at present, everyone vending in the Cuju Field works for Prince Han,” He Lianfang stated. “Once the football game concludes, plenty will approach Prince Han to acquire vending spaces.”

“So many spectators are here for the game. Hawking items in this spot ought to bring in good profits,” Uncle Gao remarked, noting how thronged the booths were with buyers. “His Highness’s flair for commerce is... remarkably sharp.”

He Lianfang didn’t bother fixing Uncle Gao’s odd choice of terms and simply said, “He has always excelled in trade matters.”

“Coming up with countless ways to profit from a single game is genuinely impressive,” Uncle Gao mused inwardly, aware that he’d never have conceived of such ideas himself.

Not just Uncle Gao stood in awe; distant traders and outsiders were yet again stunned by Prince Han’s commercial genius. Prior to reaching Swamp Prefecture, they viewed themselves as top merchants in their regions, perhaps even worldwide. Yet, once in Swamp Prefecture, they saw how insignificant they were next to Prince Han. Their own ventures seemed utterly lackluster by contrast.

Throughout their stay in Swamp Prefecture, Prince Han had schooled them time and again. Even focusing solely on today’s football event, they never foresaw such lucrative opportunities inside it. Back home, they held football games as well, but never crafted similar trading strategies.

Their journey to Swamp Prefecture proved highly educational. Beyond the earnings from this stint, merely witnessing Prince Han’s enterprises convinced them that the visit was absolutely valuable.

Zhao Yao, still en route to the Cuju Field, had no idea about the traders’ fresh respect for him.

Soon after, Zhao Yao arrived at the Cuju Field alongside the visiting envoys.

As soon as the crowd caught sight of Prince Han, they offered salutes at once: “Hail Prince Han, may Your Highness reign eternally!”

In the course of the trade fair’s days, residents and visitors alike had grown profoundly respectful and reverent toward Zhao Yao, the Prince Han.

Zhao Yao lifted his hand to bid all to stand, then guided the foreign envoys to their places.

Rather than sitting right away, he positioned himself at the center of the Cuju Field.

The bustling Cuju Field, once filled with clamor, fell into deep silence.

Prior to the football contest, Zhao Yao, serving as host and planner, was bound to deliver an opening address. He greeted all to enjoy the game, touched on football’s advantages such as cooperation and amicable interactions, outlined the sport’s regulations along with rewards for the leading three squads post-event, and ended by echoing the familiar phrase: friendship above all, rivalry in second place.

Once Zhao Yao wrapped up his remarks, he permitted the competing football squads to step onto the pitch.

Similar to the dragon boat event, ten squads joined the football tournament. Zhao Yao offered a quick overview of the ten groups to the spectators before urging them to strive fiercely.

Boosted by Prince Han’s words, both the ten squads and the onlookers brimmed with enthusiasm.

With Zhao Yao settled in his chair, the official entered the playing area. A sharp, extended whistle pierced the air, signaling the start of the contest.

For the opening bout today, the Annan Team faced off against Prince Han’s Personal Guard.

The game kicked off, and spectators erupted in roars for their favored sides. The vibe turned intensely fervent in no time.

All those there experienced the magnetic pull of football firsthand.

Zhao Yao swelled with pride: witnessing a football match live ensures one becomes enamored with the sport—that’s its allure.

That morning featured just a single game, with two others scheduled for later.

The Annan squad, hastily assembled, obviously couldn’t rival Prince Han’s Personal Guard. Still, as visitors, they encountered a considerate foe in Prince Han’s Personal Guard, who held back their full effort. As expected, Prince Han’s Personal Guard emerged victorious.

Having observed the game, the foreign envoys shifted their views on football. They deemed the matches exceedingly engaging and resolved to develop strong teams of their own moving forward. Their loss today would have felt far less honorable without the restraint shown by Prince Han’s Personal Guard.

Following the morning’s game, Zhao Yao needed to handle affairs at the Han Prince Mansion and thus couldn’t dine with the overseas visitors, so he suggested they wander Swamp Prefecture to sample local foods independently.

While the match unfolded, Zheng Cheng sought out Zhao Yao to announce their breakthrough in creating the cannon.

Back at the Han Prince Mansion, Zhao Yao requested a full briefing from Zheng Cheng.

Over this stretch, Zheng Cheng had secluded himself in the North Mountain workshops alongside artisans, delving into cannon production. Despite multiple setbacks, they achieved success the day before. Yet, with the trade fair in full swing and foreigners still present, they refrained from trials. The cannon’s might was enormous, and any test would trigger a massive blast, alerting both residents and outsiders. It had to remain secret from them.

“Success demands a test; otherwise, it’s unproven.” Zhao Yao itched to trial the cannon, but the timing was off—they’d hold off until after the trade fair wrapped up.

“You speak wisely, Your Highness.” Convinced of triumph this round, they couldn’t resist informing His Highness of the progress.

“Your efforts over these months have been tireless; relax well in the coming days. Once the fair concludes, we’ll conduct the trials.”

“Understood, Your Highness.”

“After the trials prove out, we’ll press on with rubber development together.” Developing rubber proves quite challenging, alas.

“Fear not, Your Highness; preparations are in place.”

Zhao Yao conversed further with Zheng Cheng before directing Tong Xi to summon Zheng Qian, intending a meal with the siblings.

Zheng Qian bore news for Zhao Yao, “Your Highness, my father desires a trip to Swamp Prefecture.”

“Grand Commandant Zheng?” Zhao Yao kept his composure steady, “Grand Commandant Zheng may certainly come to Swamp Prefecture.”