tallest building

Chapter 133 Competing to Offer Birthday Greetings

Before they knew it, it was King Zhao's birthday.

The Prince Zhao's mansion was even more lively than the Lantern Festival.

Almost all the high-ranking officials and noble families in the capital came to offer their birthday wishes, and officials from other places who could not attend in person also sent their representatives.

Even the imperial palace sent many people to deliver numerous imperial gifts on the orders of the emperor and empress.

Gong Chang'an and the other little devils, sandwiched among the adults, looked around and broadened their horizons.

"Well? I told you, if you want to see true wealth, you have to come here," Qiao Ziyu whispered to Gong Chang'an. "It's truly dazzling."

"What's wrong with that?" Xu Mang curled his lip. "If the heir of the Prince of Zhao succeeds to the throne in the future, he can be allowed to be the retired emperor a hundred years later!"

"Shut your mouth! How can you say such things?!" Qiao Ziyu quickly covered his mouth.

“Where did I lie? Everyone knows this.” Xu Mang slapped his hand away and said defiantly, “I just can’t stand your timid and cautious ways.”

"Ziyu is doing this for your own good, and you really can't say things like that carelessly." Gong Chang'an also solemnly warned Xu Mang, "Even if everyone knows it, you still have to avoid it. Otherwise, why would you be so cautious? Let alone this, even if it's a father and son, in the history books, if the crown prince has even the slightest thought of being eager to succeed to the throne, he will be regarded as a thorn in the emperor's side."

Gong Chang'an was the most respected among the children. Even if Xu Mang didn't listen to Qiao Ziyu, he still listened to Gong Chang'an.

So he hung his head and said, "Fine, I won't say anything."

“Good brother,” Gong Chang’an said affectionately, putting his arm around him. “We know you’re a straightforward and outspoken person, so there’s nothing between us that’s off-putting. We can talk about anything. But there are bound to be a lot of people around here, so we’re reminding you, Ziyu, to protect you.”

"Later, we'll make a good impression at the birthday banquet, and let the capital know we're someone important."

These words cheered Xu Mang up again, and he raised his face and said, "That's exactly right! We haven't been training for nothing these past few days."

"Young men, don't wander off. Come this way with me," the steward of the Duke of Qiao's mansion hurriedly approached and said to the young masters.

Then they were led to the backyard of the Prince Zhao's residence.

There's a huge football field here, surrounded by stands.

The area was now decorated with flowers and had been covered with many pergolas.

"Look at that pavilion, that must be the liquor. Goodness, there's quite a lot," Feng Tianzhu said, pointing to the pavilion not far away.

"Goodness, these things must be worth tens of thousands of taels of silver." Qiao Ziyu clicked his tongue and said, "I heard that several other places, just like ours, sent us football teams this year!"

“We’re just standing here anyway, so why don’t we go off the field and stretch our muscles?” Gong Chang’an said.

He spotted Song Xiang in the crowd earlier. He was dressed in a short outfit, and there were several other people dressed similarly next to him, chatting idly under the willow tree with their hands on their hips. It seemed that they would also be playing the longevity ball game later.

King Zhao loved Cuju (ancient Chinese football), to the point of obsession. He kept some Cuju masters in his own residence, and whenever he had free time, he would watch others play. If the mood struck him, he would also join in.

Several children skipped and hopped onto the Cuju field, initially attracting no attention; they were simply seen as mischievous children.

However, Song Xiang still spotted Gong Chang'an, and his eyes narrowed slightly. He thought to himself, "This brat actually came today. It's a pity Ma Daguang didn't do his job well last time and failed to kill him."

Before long, Duke Qiao and his entourage arrived with King Zhao. Among the people following behind them, several stood out, namely the Kunlun slaves brought by Duke Qiao's mansion.

They were completely black, with frighteningly large and muscular builds. They wore embroidered robes with their arms draped over their shoulders, and every step they took seemed to crush the bricks beneath their feet.

"Oh my, look at these black iron towers! Who would dare to challenge them?! If you accidentally get kicked, you might vomit blood!"

"Not entirely. These people are too clumsy, which inevitably makes them less agile. Cuju (ancient Chinese football) requires skillful use of force, not just strength and height to win."

Many people were talking about it.

King Zhao laughed and said, "It seems my birthday this year will be more lively than in previous years. Pass down my message: everyone who participates will be rewarded."

Then Duke Qiao said, "Your Excellency, the people you brought are the most eye-catching. Why don't you let them go first?"

"Your Highness, I brought more than just them," Duke Qiao said, beckoning to his son.

Qiao Ziyu and the others rushed forward and bowed to King Zhao.

"Hey, whose children are these?" King Zhao couldn't help but laugh as he looked at the group of seven- or eight-year-old children. "They are all handsome and adorable."

Duke Qiao then introduced them one by one, and said, "My son and his friends wish to offer birthday gifts to Your Highness. Although our gifts are not worthy of such high honors, I brought them along because of their sincere intentions."

"Very good, very good, truly remarkable." King Zhao stroked his beard and nodded. "I wonder how they will offer their birthday greetings?"

"Your Highness, the boys also love playing Cuju (ancient Chinese football). Knowing that Your Highness enjoys this sport, they wanted to show off their skills with the ball and bring a smile to Your Highness and all the guests," Gong Chang'an said, clasping his hands in greeting.

“You are a child of the Gong family,” King Zhao had already noticed Gong Chang’an among the many children. “It’s truly a blessing from Heaven that Gong Er could give birth to a child like you!”

"Your Highness flatters me. Sons always resemble their mothers more." Gong Chang'an, taking advantage of being a child, spoke without restraint.

Everyone was amused by his words, and King Zhao said, "Very good, you can go up now. Don't be shy or nervous, you will all be rewarded later."

In fact, everyone, including King Zhao, felt that these children couldn't possibly have any great abilities. However, since children offering birthday wishes was an auspicious event, it would be good for them to go up and warm up the atmosphere first.

Gong Chang'an and the others then took off their outer garments, revealing short jackets underneath, and covered their hair tightly with embroidered headscarves. They all wore the same style and pattern, making them look very spirited and cute.

Then, one person carried a ball onto the field, formed a formation, and got into position. Gong Chang'an took the lead and gave a shout. Several people then tossed the ball up, caught it with their right leg, tossed it again, and then placed it on their heads.

"Wow, these guys are really good." People outside the arena started praising them.

Then the children kept changing their tricks, among them Gong Chang'an was the most skilled. The ball seemed to be stuck to his body, and he tossed it up and down as he dodged and weaved.

One moment he's doing a handstand, the next a fish tail swing, and he can even do somersaults, somersaults, somersaults, and somersaults with a whip kick – truly a master of divination.

Not to mention others, even the King of Zhao was mesmerized by the sight.