tallest building

Chapter 134 Enemy Meets

King Zhao couldn't help but praise, "What a promising young man! He's only seven or eight years old now. When he grows up, won't he become the number one Cuju (ancient Chinese football) master in the capital?"

King Zhao had certainly seen these skills of Gong Chang'an before; Song Xiang and others were capable of doing the same.

However, Gong Chang'an's advantage lies in his young age, which is remarkable enough.

Not to mention that people like Song Xiang are far from reaching this level at his age, even if you searched the capital city now, you wouldn't find a second person like him.

Upon hearing the prince's words, everyone immediately began to praise him.

Gong Chang'an, however, seemed not to hear and remained focused on demonstrating his skills.

The other people surrounded him, doing rather ordinary things.

They had long known that Gong Chang'an was the main attraction, and they were all just supporting characters.

However, no one was jealous of Gong Chang'an, after all, he was truly capable, and he was always willing to teach them.

However, they couldn't endure too much hardship; they would only practice when they felt like it, unlike Gong Chang'an, who would dedicate one or two hours almost every day to training.

Song Xiang stared at Gong Chang'an in the crowd, his eyes practically spitting fire. Seeing him reminded him of his sister's pitiful death, and he really wanted to kick Gong Chang'an to death.

The cheers from the crowd brought him back to his senses. By this time, Gong Chang'an and the other children had finished their performance, carried their leather balls off the stage, and went to pay their respects to King Zhao.

King Zhao beamed with joy, took Gong Chang'an's hand and said, "I never expected you to have such abilities at such a young age. Very good, very good! You can come to my residence to play often in the future."

These words might not seem like much if they came from anyone else, but this was the powerful King Zhao, someone many people would love to curry favor with but couldn't.

As a result, many people secretly envied Gong Chang'an's good fortune.

However, Gong Chang'an did not show any flattery, although he did look happy: "Thank you for your appreciation, Your Highness. We will definitely come to bother you often."

"No need to thank me! Guards, bring the reward!" King Zhao waved his hand and ordered his men to bring up the prize.

Several servants from the Prince Zhao's residence brought up plates filled with golden melon seeds.

"One plate for each person, don't think it's too little," King Zhao said with a smile.

Looking at these chubby-cheeked little boys, he couldn't help but think of his own children. How wonderful it would be if he had a group of such sturdy sons!
The eldest son was sent to the palace and raised under the Empress's care, while the younger son was frail and sickly, and they dared not let him out in this weather for fear of him catching a cold.

Each of the children received a plate of golden melon seeds. They were not short of money, but they were still very happy to receive this prize, as it was a lucky charm.

Only Gong Chang'an refused to accept it.

The King of Zhao couldn't help but ask him, "Why don't you want it? Is it because there isn't enough? Guards! Bring him another plate."

Logically speaking, since Gong Chang'an contributed the most to the performance, it's only right that he be rewarded more.

“Your Highness, it’s not that I think it’s too little,” Gong Chang’an said. “I came here today for the South Pearl Golden Pagoda.” “What did you say?” Prince Zhao was very surprised to hear his words. “That South Pearl Golden Pagoda is not something that just anyone can get.”

The South Sea Pearl Pagodas they were talking about were made of pure gold and inlaid with precious South Sea pearls at the top. There were eight of them, each more than a foot tall.

It was specially commissioned by the King of Zhao as a reward for the winning Cuju team.

"I know, so I humbly request Your Highness to allow me to participate and have a competition," said Gong Chang'an.

“Child, it’s good that you have such ambition, but let me tell you, adults and children are ultimately different. You are still too young.” King Zhao cherished Gong Chang’an’s talent, so he kindly advised him.

But Gong Chang'an said, "So that Your Highness may know, although these Kunlun slaves of the Duke of Qiao's mansion are tall and strong, they are actually only so-so at playing Cuju. If they were to play against a master, they would be defeated in just a few rounds."

We children, though we were quite skilled at playing Cuju (ancient Chinese football), were at a disadvantage because of our short stature and limited strength.

So we discussed it and decided that we could join forces with the Kunlun slaves to form a team and compete against the people in the Prince's mansion. I wonder if Your Highness would approve?

"This...this style of kicking I have never seen before," King Zhao laughed. "It sounds quite interesting."

"Your Highness, we've been practicing in secret for a month now, please let us go on stage!" Qiao Ziyu said, "I don't want this plate of golden melon seeds anymore."

"Hey, this is what you deserve, take it all. Since you want to go on stage, then give it a try! Let us all see something new." King Zhao was in a good mood and, without much thought, agreed to the children's request.

Upon hearing this, Song Xiang's teammates exclaimed, "What kind of playing style is this? Who are we competing against?"

As they spoke, the children had already climbed onto Kunlun slave's shoulders, and everyone understood.

These burly Kunlun slaves carried several children, who then directed their actions.

"This is truly the first time I've seen football played like this," everyone laughed. "Interesting, very interesting."

Song Xiang couldn't help but sneer inwardly. He looked at Gong Chang'an riding on the shoulders of the Kunlun slave and thought to himself, "This brat is really fearless. I'll make you fall off and break your neck in a bit!"
Gong Chang'an met his gaze without fear, a cold smile creeping onto his lips.

He knew that if he went on stage today, Song Xiang would definitely find a way to harm him. Because Song Xiang hated him so much that he wished he would die in front of him immediately.

“Those Kunlun slaves are as strong as livestock, we need to have some supplies on hand.” Song Xiang lowered his voice and said to the others, “If they get the upper hand this time, we won’t have a place in the Zhao Prince’s mansion anymore. If the Zhao Prince doesn’t like us, everyone else in the capital will laugh at us.”

“Brother Song, you’re right. We’ve been brave for half our lives, we can’t let this happen and become a laughing stock.” Someone chimed in, “We can use our hidden strength in our hands and feet later.”

"But we still need to be careful! After all, they're carrying the young masters of various families on their shoulders. It wouldn't look good if anyone got hurt." Some people were more cautious.

"Don't worry, the other kids are all good-for-nothings. Only the Gong family's kids have some brains. Once we get up there, we'll figure out a way to get him down first." Song Xiang deliberately put on a relaxed tone. "We'll just deal with the Kunlun slave he's riding. Once the Kunlun slave is crippled, he'll naturally behave himself."

He said that, but that wasn't what he really meant.

The football field is like a battlefield. Once the two sides are fighting, who will care about anything else? Even if something really happens, King Zhao will still be there to protect us!
He simply said it was an accidental injury, and that it shouldn't have cost him his life.

Besides, it's worth enduring some punishment to avenge his sister.