2484 The competition begins
The princess of Nan Lin turned to look at first Prince Tian Tian.
“I’ll go with you guys tomorrow! Although I don’t care much about it, I still want to see what you and general Shi will choose. Three people together is better than two, right?” Eldest Prince Tian Tian said.
“That’s fine. Go to General Shi’s courtyard after breakfast tomorrow morning! I’m going shopping with the princesses of the West.” The princess of Nan Lin didn’t care if he went or not, she just reminded him not to waste time.
After she finished speaking, she took her leave.
The smile on first Prince Tian Tian’s face disappeared immediately. He narrowed his eyes and looked at the door.
Hmph, Long Zhu ‘er, don’t think I don’t know what you’re thinking. You can’t get what you want by relying on those Western princesses.
“Men!” First Prince Tian Tian called someone in.
His attendant immediately came in.
……
On the 11th of July, the Civil and martial arts competition between the great Zhou and the surrounding 11 countries began.
Gu shouxin listened to Cai Xiaolian’s suggestion and arranged for the competition to be held outside the palace. Not only could the imperial family and officials watch, but if the commoners were lucky, they could also watch.
The venue was temporarily set up, with a competition stage and audience seats. The competition stage was in the middle, and the audience seats were around it.
The arena was huge. Those who were further away from the middle stage might not be able to see it clearly, but they could still see the shadows.
Of course, there were also guards at the exits, and one could not enter without a pass.
For example, officials of third rank and above could bring their families in to watch for free, but other people had to buy tickets to enter.
There was no shortage of rich people in the capital. When the rich merchants around the capital heard the news, they had already asked people to buy tickets.
At the same time, all kinds of snacks and desserts from Cai Xiaolian’s subordinates were also placed at several entrances. After entering, everyone could buy some food and bring it with them. Of course, if they didn’t like these snacks, they could bring their own things.
Cai Xiaolian and Gu Nian had already discussed it and agreed that they would definitely need an ice drink. Therefore, from the start of the competition, they had prepared a large amount of ice to ensure that there was no shortage of it.
As for the fruits, uncle Gu had already asked the servants to prepare them.
Anyway, this time, the Gu family would make a big profit. Of course, they would also pay a sum of silver to the Ministry of Rites and Yamen. No one would suffer a loss.
This was a new model in the capital and even in the entire great Zhou. Everyone was more curious. Even if they didn’t have the money to buy tickets, they would gather outside the venue to wait for the news Inside and chat with the stalls outside.
With a large fan in each hand, they fanned themselves and chatted. Even if it was summer, it felt pretty good.
The competition was divided into three days. The first and second days were the martial arts competition, and the third day was the cultural competition.
At seven in the morning, an official from the Ministry of Rites appeared in the middle of the stage with a large box. Beside him was a burly man from the Ministry of War. He explained the rules again in a strong voice, letting those who had bought tickets in know.
Then, the princes and princesses from the various countries went up to the arena together.
The great Zhou sent out Gu Xin and the ninth Prince, as well as nanlin, dongzhe, and Jia Cang. Other than first Prince Tian Tian, the princess of nanlin, and general Shi mu, the representative of the princess was the attendant of first Prince Tian Tian. She was a calm and steady woman who looked rough. Yes, she looked a little like a man, but she was indeed a woman, as tall as first Prince Tian Tian.