Chapter 94 Polo Match
With the alliance established, the two countries became allies, and the tense atmosphere in the hall completely dissipated.
The Emperor was overjoyed and immediately instructed Li Yuanzhao to treat Princess Chizun well.
But Princess Chizun said, "I have long heard that polo is very popular in Daqi. Recently, the soldiers and nobles in the Tubo army have also been quite fond of this skill and often form teams to compete. Since I have come to Daqi, I would like to have a match with the masters of Daqi."
Upon hearing this, Li Yuanzhao's lips curled into a knowing smile.
"Since Princess Chizun is in the mood, Great Qi will certainly accompany her."
This is certainly not just a small polo match; besides being a contest of skills, it also represents a competition of national strength and momentum between two countries.
Regardless of which side loses, it will damage the country's reputation if word gets out.
Moreover, the Great Qi is fighting on its own territory; if it loses, it will only be more humiliating.
On the surface, the emperor told Li Yuanzhao, "You can handle this matter as you see fit," but behind his back, he was still very determined.
They even released Li Yuanyou for this game.
Everyone in the capital knows that although His Highness Prince Cheng has no achievements in politics or military affairs, he is an expert in cockfighting and dog racing.
His polo skills are among the best in Beijing, and he leads his Royal Polo Team to victory at the tournament every year.
On the day of the match, the Royal Polo Stadium was already packed with people, as lively as a temple fair.
The stands on the east and west sides of the stadium were basically packed with officials and young masters and ladies from all over the capital.
Even the flat ground or the area outside the low wall at the edge of the field was packed with people.
Ordinary people in Kyoto carried stools, trying to grab a good spot to watch from the crowd.
Although the soldiers on duty had to maintain order, they couldn't help but frequently glance at the field.
The attendants of each family shuttled back and forth, busy serving tea and water to their masters, and also inquiring about the situation of the two teams.
Some vendors even pushed their carts through the crowd, loudly hawking their wares.
"Freshly baked sesame cakes! Sweet candied fruit! Thirst-quenching plum drink..."
The sheer number of people was so overwhelming that it seemed as if half of Kyoto's population had flocked here just to watch this "battle of the two nations" in a polo match.
In the main grandstand in the center of the venue, Li Yuanzhao, dressed in a black riding outfit with gold brocade, sat side by side with Princess Chizun, who was dressed in a moon-white Hu-style outfit, in the highest position.
The two spoke in hushed tones from time to time, and seemed to get along quite well.
Not far below, Li Yuanshu sat amidst a group of imperial relatives, his gaze involuntarily falling on Li Yuanzhao, his feelings a complex mix.
She was still immersed in the fear of being sent to Tibet for a marriage alliance, but who would have thought that it was Li Yuanzhao who saved her.
The world can be quite ironic at times.
She thought her mother, who loved her the most, would push her into the desolate lands without hesitation for the sake of her brother.
Li Yuanzhao, who was originally full of hostility towards her, saved her when she was at her most desperate.
Li Yuanshu looked at Li Yuanzhao in the main seat. Even his languid posture exuded an imposing aura, and even the casual gesture of raising his hand to drink tea revealed an air of complete control.
She knew very well that Li Yuanzhao's refusal to marry into the royal family was not for her sake.
Perhaps it was for the sake of the Great Qi's reputation, perhaps to demonstrate their power and status, or perhaps simply because they disdained exchanging a "princess" for peace.
Therefore, it's impossible for her to change her attitude towards her because of this.
The only thing this incident made her truly understand was the weight of the word "power".
My elder brother is unreliable, my mother is unreliable, and my father is even more unreliable...
Only someone like Li Yuanzhao, who wielded immense power and stood in the imperial court, would be so powerful that no one dared to mention "marriage alliance" in front of her, and no one would dare to treat her as a pawn to be manipulated at will.
Thinking of this, the confusion in Li Yuanshu's eyes gradually faded, replaced by a hint of barely perceptible ambition.
Just then, the crowd suddenly fell silent, followed by a burst of enthusiastic cheers.
The polo teams from both sides have entered the field.
The Daqi team rode in first.
The leader was Li Yuanyou, followed by Shen Churong and eight other noblemen.
Everyone was dressed in red riding attire, riding black steeds, and lined up in a neat queue.
From afar, their dashing figure made the ladies in the stands clap and cheer.
When Li Yuanyou saw Li Yuanzhao on the stage, his face instantly lit up with a smile. Ignoring the stares of others, he raised his hand high to greet him, his loud voice carrying across half the stadium.
"Royal sister! Look at me! Look at me!!"
Come to think of it, he hasn't seen his elder sister for almost two months.
In today's game, we must do our best and win back our elder sister's honor.
Although Shen Churong was not as flamboyant as Li Yuanyou, he quietly straightened his back.
He was determined to perform well in this competition and impress the princess.
Meeting Yangjin's curious gaze, Li Yuanzhao introduced himself, "I am Li Yuanyou. I have no other skills, but I am very good at playing polo. I hope the princess will forgive my poor performance."
Yangjin then glanced at the remaining Daqi team members and said bluntly, "Your Highness, if I may be so bold, I have a feeling that you may not be able to win today's match."
Upon hearing this, Li Yuanzhao smiled faintly, "Victory and defeat are common occurrences in war, and besides, today is merely a friendly exchange, so friendship comes first."
Yangjin looked at her calm and composed demeanor, a smile playing on his lips, and said nothing more.
The Tibetan team followed closely behind, riding into the arena.
All ten Tibetan team members were dressed in light, practical blue outfits with wide cowhide belts around their waists.
What's even more striking is their riding posture; sitting on their horses, their backs are straight as pine trees, and their eyes are sharp as eagles.
They are clearly seasoned veterans who have been competing in teams for many years, and not a team hastily put together.
The people in the stands began to whisper among themselves.
"This Tibetan team looks tough to deal with!"
"Yes, judging from their posture, they definitely came prepared!"
"Can the Second Prince and his men win?"
"Of course we can win. They're just a bunch of barbarians. What's there to lose?"
Just then, a clear voice rang out.
"The auspicious time has arrived!"
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Lin Xue'an, dressed in official robes, standing in the center of the venue, facing the imperial platform and the entire audience, loudly announcing the rules of the competition.
Because of his outstanding performance in receiving the Tibetan envoys, he has been promoted by the Emperor to the rank of Assistant Minister of State Ceremonies, a sixth-rank official.
The important task of hosting this match fell on his shoulders.
After introducing both teams, he announced loudly, "Your Highness, please begin the competition—"
As soon as he finished speaking, two servants came forward carrying a golden platter covered with bright yellow silk, on which was placed a vermilion polo ball.
Li Yuanzhao slowly stood up, picked up the polo ball from the golden tray, glanced over the two teams of players who were waiting in the wings, and then lightly tossed the polo ball to the center of the field.
"Thump!"
The moment the polo ball landed, both teams immediately sprinted towards it.
The cheers and shouts from the stands erupted instantly, sweeping across the entire stadium like a tidal wave.
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