Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 132 A Glimpse into the World of Polo Matches: The Strongest 5v5 Lineup! (Bonus Chapter 4 for Monthly Tickets)

Fragrant grasses cover the fields, soft grasses sway in the gentle breeze.

Jiang Zhao, Su Zhe, Han Jiayan, Gu Tingye, Wang Shao, Sheng Changbai, Zhao Shiyi, Zhao Shiqian, Zhao Zhong, Zhao Shicheng, and Zhao Ceying stood with their hands behind their backs.

The conflict caused by a gold hairpin was merely a trivial incident for the group of people.

Ultimately, apart from Sheng Changbai, who had already passed the examination to become a probationary official, the remaining ten had all had some experience as officials, either having tried governing a region or leading soldiers.

Even those of mediocre talent like Zhao Shiyi, Zhao Shiqian, Zhao Zhong, and Zhao Shicheng had lived on the frontier for a full three years, and the conflicts they witnessed and heard about were often large-scale events.

Having experienced or witnessed even greater conflicts, one's perspective and outlook will naturally broaden considerably.

To be fair, it was just a minor conflict caused by a gold hairpin, and it's really not worth paying too much attention to.

Of course, this applies to those who have served as officials.

For women, or even spoiled young men who frequented the inner quarters of their homes, there was usually nothing to talk about, so the conflict caused by the gold hairpin was certainly worth discussing at length.

"Howl!"

A series of high-pitched, long cries drew attention.

Ten sturdy, chestnut-colored horses, led by their servants, slowly walked onto the pasture.

Some officials' wives and noblewomen who were resting at the pavilion watched this scene and were shocked.

Could it be?

With just a thought, many officials' wives and noblewomen rose and looked up.

"Changbai, you shall take charge of the planning." Gu Tingye laughed heartily and casually led a chestnut horse to its hind legs.

Sheng Changbai spent most of his time studying and rarely rode horses, so he didn't know how to play polo.

"Go ahead," Jiang Zhao patted his brother-in-law.

It's definitely a pity that he can't play.

However, with this polo lineup, not just anyone can strategize.

Sheng Changbai nodded and strode towards the colorful flags fluttering in the wind.

Polo originated in Persia and Tibet, and became very popular during the Tang Dynasty.

Today, the rules are very fair and comprehensive.

In polo, players are divided into two sides and use mallets to hit the ball. A single hit on the target counts as one point.

One side typically consists of anywhere from two to more than ten people.

The polo club has 24 flags, or 24 tokens. If one side hits the target, they can plant one of the flags.

Once the specially made incense stick has burned out, the team with the most flags wins.

If both sides have the same flag, it is a draw.

"Come!"

As he spoke, Jiang Zhao led a fine horse to its side.

In an instant, the grassland erupted in cheers!
The young Grand Secretary wants to play polo!
Who can fight against the young Grand Secretary? The answer is self-evident.

This kind of lineup playing polo is really rare!

The last time polo was played at this level was when the Empress Dowager watched a polo match at Jinming Pond.

In fact, Emperor Taizu, Emperor Taizong, and the emperor all had a fondness for playing polo.

However, compared to Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong, the emperor's martial virtue was relatively weak, and he often focused on watching rather than actually playing polo.

Among the civil officials who served in various positions, Wen Yanbo and Zhang Fangping also had a habit of playing polo.

However, since assuming high positions, the two have rarely been involved in public affairs.

In addition, the military general Di Qing also had a fondness for playing polo.

Of course, in terms of power and influence, Di Qing might not be able to compare with the Junior Grand Secretary.

Therefore, since the emperor ascended the throne, it has been quite rare to see officials of the third rank or above playing polo.

The last time was at least ten years ago.

Nowadays, the sight of someone like the young Grand Secretary playing polo is sure to get people's blood pumping.

“Five men on the left, five men on the right,” Gu Tingye called out, shaking a jar of wooden sticks in his hand. “Come on, come on.”

朋, also means team.

Historical records often mention "competitions between teams," which refers to dividing into left and right teams.

On the polo field, drums and music resounded, their sound echoing through the sky.

The cheers grew louder and louder, making the blood of the group boil and inexplicably excited.

"Draw lots," Gu Tingye called out.

As a prodigal son who had turned over a new leaf, he was very familiar with the rules of the polo field.

Ten people drew lots in succession.

Jiang Zhao, Gu Tingye, Zhao Ceying, Zhao Zhong, and Su Zhe are the five members of Zuo Peng.

Han Jiayan, Wang Shao, Zhao Shiyi, Zhao Shiqian, and Zhao Shicheng were the five members of the Right Fellowship.

"Howl!"

"Howl!"

Ten people got on the horse one after another.

The ten horses, specially selected for polo, are very docile and do not resist being ridden by strangers.

Apart from Jiang Zhao, the nine people stood facing each other.

Jiang Zhao pulled on the reins and slowly walked to the very center.

"Snapped!"

With a swing of the club, the polo ball flew out.

"drive!"

"drive!"

Gu Tingye and Wang Shao, both skilled in martial arts, rode their horses at full speed, vying to wield their polo mallets. Thus, the polo match began.

The long shouts were endless.

Long Pavilion.

Thirty or forty wives and noblewomen of officials watched intently as polo was played.

The organizer, Madam Wu, had her energy somewhat scattered.

As the organizer, she had to keep a close eye on the situation on the field and couldn't just focus on the polo match.

After all, as the organizer, her primary focus was on "organizing" rather than "participating".

If Kim Myung Chi Polo Club wants to last, it must pay attention to the overall situation on the field and avoid any mistakes that could damage its reputation.

"what?"

At that fleeting glance, Madam Wu's expression changed slightly.

At the edge of the stadium, Liang Han, the son, was chatting and laughing with a girl holding a flower fan.

However, from her perspective, she could not see the girl's appearance.

Judging solely from her figure, she is absolutely a beauty.

"Go and fetch him here." Madam Wu summoned her maid, her face stern.

It's perfectly acceptable for someone to flirt with women occasionally.

How can one be so dissolute in front of everyone at a polo match?

"Yes." The maid bowed and was about to leave when Madam Wu coughed.

Turning around, he saw Madam Wu beckoning.

In just a moment, Madam Wu's attitude changed.

Nothing more than the girl holding the flower fan turning her head, and Madam Wu saw what the girl with the flower fan looked like.

She has excellent looks!

However, this is not the point.

The key point is that she had met that girl.

The younger sister of Lady Sheng, the Lady of Nanyang County!

This alone was enough to change her attitude.

After all, the young Grand Secretary easily supported Gu Tingye and Wang Shao, two powerful figures.

Gu Tingye needs no introduction; he is already a representative figure among the younger generation of noble scions.

Wang Shao was a representative of those who "abandoned their pens for arms," ​​and was granted the title of Earl, seemingly a figure who could expect to wear a purple robe.

if
In that instant, Madam Wu's mind was filled with countless thoughts.

The young Grand Secretary was able to support Gu Tingye and Wang Shao, and he could also support Liang Han!
Even the young Grand Secretary didn't need to take action.

If there's even the slightest connection, Gu Tingye and Wang Shao will make the arrangements.

Is this a stroke of good fortune, and the Yongchang Earl's Mansion is about to prosper?
"Madam?" The maid returned, somewhat puzzled.

"Alright, tell him not to be presumptuous and to pay attention to his manners and etiquette," Madam Wu solemnly instructed.

The maid nodded and hurried over.

On the other side, Sheng Hualan's expression changed slightly, and she called her personal maid: "Call Fourth Sister over."

The maid nodded and hurried over.

"The incense sticks have burned out."

"Zuo Peng has ten moves; Zuo Peng wins!"

A colorful flag was planted, and Sheng Changbai struck a gong and drum, announcing the news.

Twenty-four colorful flags, representing twenty-four different items.

In theory, the side that wins thirteen chips is the winner.

However, a stick of specially made incense only burns for half an hour.

Hitting thirteen chips in a quarter of an hour is no easy feat.

Generally, the game ends when all the incense sticks are used up, and the player with the most flags wins.

"How much is the right-hand man?" Zhao Shiyi, son of the Prince of Yan, wiped his sweat and asked.

The feeling of being the center of attention is just so exhilarating.

In the past, if he played for half an hour, he would definitely be exhausted.

This time, he played for half an hour, still full of energy and not yet satisfied.

“Seven rounds,” Sheng Changbai replied.

"Let's have another round!" Zhao Shiyi shouted, looking at the remaining people.

"Come!"

"Come!"

"Come!"

The group nodded in agreement.

Apart from Jiang Zhao, who had the experience of being adored by a thousand people, none of the others had this feeling.

Even Gu Tingye and Wang Shao, who had led troops for a long time, were no exception.

After all, the praise of the soldiers is different from the cheers of the onlookers.

"boom!"

Sheng Changbai struck a gong and drum.

"start!"

(End of this chapter)