"Why are you cutting?? I use my brain, why would I need to use so much force?"
Cao Cao ignored the disdain of those around him and walked aside with a calm expression.
Although the selection process for weightlifting competitions is not as intense as that for sprinting, it is still incredibly exciting.
The onlookers, watching the strong young men lift one stone weight after another, were shocked but also generously offered their cheers and praise.
The competition between the Imperial Academy and the three other academies was also extremely fierce. Everyone was fighting tooth and nail for the rewards and the honor of being personally awarded by the Emperor.
Most importantly, after the initial competition, the participants discovered the charm of competitive sports, striving to break through their own limitations, surpass others, and prove themselves.
Watching the boys compete on the training field, the onlookers felt as if they were on the field themselves, shouting and yelling to vent their emotions.
The selection competition lasted for two full hours, and the cheers from the audience continued from the beginning to the end.
The cheers from the Imperial Guard, the Imperial Academy, and the three other academies echoed back and forth, resounding throughout Luoyang. All the onlookers were immersed in a sea of excitement, passion, and joy.
At this moment, people's feelings changed from the initial novelty and excitement to a kind of enjoyment, an enjoyment that many people have never experienced in their lives.
People are easily influenced. Just like when people go to watch a football match, when a goal is scored and tens of thousands of people cheer at the same time, anyone can't help but get excited and shout along with the crowd, enjoying this joy and excitement, regardless of whether they understand football or not.
This kind of enjoyment is what's most captivating.
As the first day of selections came to an end, the crowds who had come to watch left the training ground with a mix of reluctance and excitement.
The sports meet became the biggest topic of conversation. After being discussed and publicized by tens of thousands of onlookers, in just half a day, almost everyone in Luoyang, from high-ranking officials and the elderly to peddlers and young children, knew about it.
Looking around, the first thing people say when they meet someone they know on the street is about the selection competition and sports meet.
Those who went to watch spoke with great enthusiasm and passion, while those who hadn't seen it before were also aroused with curiosity.
With the Detective Division fanning the flames, the sports meet reached an unprecedented level of popularity, becoming a fashion trend. People who didn't understand the sports meet or the competition were embarrassed to talk to others.
At the same time, Liu Hong also sent people to Nanyang, Chenliu, Yingchuan and other surrounding counties to spread the news about the current situation in Luoyang.
After five days of publicity and promotion, coupled with Liu Hong's behind-the-scenes encouragement, more and more people are flocking to the Imperial Guard Camp, the Imperial Academy, and the three colleges of engineering, agriculture, and medicine to watch the selection competition every day.
Upon hearing this, people from the surrounding counties and prefectures also flocked to Luoyang with great curiosity, eager to witness the lively scene.
Throughout history, nothing has ever stopped the people's love of watching a spectacle.
Meanwhile, after discussions between Liu Hong and Chen Fan, in order to attract the participation of all officials in the preparation of the sports meet, the emperor, together with the highest-ranking officials and the three highest officials, issued an edict to all officials.
Whether it's this Luoyang Games or the upcoming "Royal Games," the Royal Merchants will allocate 10% of their profits to the officials as rewards; the more they earn, the more they will receive.
This imperial edict was like a bombshell, exciting all the officials. At this moment, they put aside their prejudices and discussions and began to support and participate in the preparation of the games.
Deyang Palace.
"That's good. It seems the people really enjoy this sports meet!"
Upon hearing Jian Shuo's report about the bustling situation in Luoyang, Liu Hong smiled broadly.
"How are things going with the Grand Tutor and the Minister of Works?"
"Your Majesty, the Grand Tutor and the Minister of Works have begun urging the Royal Merchants to expand the construction of the West Garden sports field as much as possible."
Meanwhile, the officials discussed the matter and concluded that since the people enjoyed the games so much, they could confidently and boldly hold the subsequent "Royal Games" on a grand scale!
Furthermore, the imperial court has already issued orders to all prefectures and counties to select athletes, and officials have begun discussing the preparations and venue construction for the royal games!
Liu Hong nodded, "Hehe~ Good, it's rare for officials to be so proactive and enthusiastic in handling affairs. It seems money really works!"
Tell them that the Royal Games are open to all, and anyone between the ages of twelve and thirty can participate!
As for the preparation and construction of the various competition venues, let the Royal Trading Company take care of that!
"Your Majesty, the court has already communicated with the Royal Merchant Guild!"
"Oh? That's good!!"
Liu Hong paused for a moment, then continued:
"Also, immediately inform Lü Qiang and Zhao Zhong to prepare for the expansion of the restaurant and inn. Make sure to stock up on all kinds of goods; there will be a lot of people coming to Luoyang, so we can't miss this opportunity to make money!"
Jian Shuo respectfully reported, "Your Majesty, Attendant Zhao and Attendant Lü have already begun preparations!"
"Hmm, not bad! Hehe~ Finally, I don't have to worry about everything anymore!!"
Upon hearing Jian Shuo's report, Liu Hong nodded in satisfaction. Now, his subordinates were proactively taking action and handling things in an orderly manner, which made Liu Hong feel a sense of relief.
Then Liu Hong looked at Jian Shuo and asked:
"By the way... have you finished preparing for the Cuju (ancient Chinese football) event that I asked you to do?"
"Your Majesty, as you requested, we have had a ball made by wrapping it inside and out in sheepskin. We have also selected thirty strong and skilled eunuchs from the palace who are proficient in Cuju (ancient Chinese football), and they have begun training the ball according to the rules set by Your Majesty!"
"Oh? How's their training going?"
Liu Hong's expression shifted, and he looked at Jian Shuo with curiosity. He hadn't expected that so many people in the palace alone would like Cuju (ancient Chinese football). This was truly a huge surprise.
"Your Majesty, those people have been training on the Nangong court for more than three days now."
The rules His Majesty set were extremely simple and brutal, and now those little brats have completely accepted them, abandoning all their previous useless tricks. They're incredibly fierce when it comes to grabbing the ball!
Then, Jian Shuo excitedly described the training situation of the violent football to Liu Hong in detail.
"Really? Hahaha~, interesting! Okay, okay, let's go take a look together!!"
Upon hearing Jian Shuo's description, Liu Hong couldn't help but laugh out loud. Why did this training sound like rugby from later generations?
This piqued Liu Hong's interest greatly, and he then walked towards the Southern Palace, surrounded by a group of guards.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
