I'll steal Gao Qiu's life and lead the Song Dynasty to prosperity.

The football field at Yichun Garden was located on a wide grassy area beside Jinming Pond.

On the east and west sides, a bamboo pole three zhang high was erected, with an exquisite rattan net hanging between the poles, leaving a round hole about one foot square in the center.

This is the "Fengliu Eye," the goal of Cuju (ancient Chinese football) in the Song Dynasty.

Colorful ropes had already been put up around the area, and servants were busy setting up couches, tables, and preparing refreshing drinks outside the ropes.

When Zhao Mingcheng followed Zhao Ji into the arena, both teams were already basically formed.

The two teams are the Duanwang Team and the Jianwang Team.

According to the Song Dynasty's "Zhuqiu" custom, each team consists of seven people: the ball leader (forward), the main flank (midfielder), the deputy flank (midfielder), the left net (defender), the right net (guard), and the scattered players, each with their own duties.

Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) was naturally the leader, while Zhao Mingcheng's position was fixed at the center with a smile and a pointed finger from Emperor Huizong.

"Mingcheng has exquisite footwork and quick running speed, making him perfect for this transitional position."

As Zhao Ji removed his outer robe, revealing a tight-fitting outfit with narrow sleeves underneath, he smiled at an older member of the imperial clan beside him.

"Sanlang, you'd better be careful today, lest our talented scholar from the Imperial Academy steal your thunder."

The young man called "Sanlang" was Zhao Xiaoyi from the Jianwang team. He was a descendant of King Yiduanxian and a nephew of Zhao Ji.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xiaoyi laughed heartily and patted Zhao Mingcheng on the shoulder.

"Since you praise me so highly, I must learn from you. Brother Mingcheng, please go easy on me on the field later."

"Your Highness is too kind. I still have much to learn from you all."

As Zhao Mingcheng answered, Prince Jian, Zhao Si, also entered the room.

Zhao Si had already changed into a black Cuju uniform and was serving as the deputy captain in the team. He was currently stretching his wrists and said to Zhao Ji.

"Winning or losing today is minor; having fun is paramount. Do you all understand the rules? The ball must be placed three times; the first to reach three times wins. The ball must not touch the ground; violating this rule results in a point deduction. Eleventh Brother, what do you say?"

"I'll listen to my thirteenth brother."

"Zhuqiu" is quite different from modern football, and is more like a combination of volleyball and shuttlecock: the two players stand on the other side of the net and hit the ball with their head, shoulders, back, knees, feet and other parts of their bodies to make the ball pass through the "eye" in the center of the net.

In the game of Zhuqiu, the ball must not touch the ground; if it does, a point is lost.

Zhao Mingcheng took a deep breath and walked to his own half of the court.

His team of seven included himself, Zhao Ji, two members of the imperial clan, and three professional polo players from the Prince Duan's residence.

On the opposite side was Zhao Si, who was accompanied by Zhao Xiaoyi, three of his family's tutors, and two imperial students.

"Snap!"

With the sound of a gong, the competition began.

The game begins with the Jane Wang team serving.

A player tossed the ball high into the air, took a step forward with his right cue, stopped the ball with his chest, and then turned sideways to push it with his knee.

The ball arced through the air and flew steadily toward the net.

Zhao Xiaoyi, the deputy, was already waiting there. Without stopping the ball, he jumped up and shot it towards Fengliuyan with a beautiful "double-kick"!

"Bravo!" Cheers erupted from the sidelines.

However, Zhao Ji's team reacted extremely quickly on the left side of the net. He stepped forward and narrowly blocked the ball back with his forehead.

The ball flew towards the direction where Zhao Mingcheng was.

"Mingcheng!" Zhao Ji shouted.

Zhao Mingcheng had already started.

To onlookers, the ball flew high and floated, making it difficult to handle.

Zhao Mingcheng, with his rich football experience, immediately judged the landing point, rushed two steps, and just before the ball was about to hit the ground, he suddenly twisted his body and gently cushioned it with his back.

The ball changed direction and obediently flew towards Zhao Ji.

"Mingcheng! That was a beautiful pass!"

"Well done, Mingcheng!"

"Ryuun Jushi!"...

Zhao Mingcheng's brilliant back pass drew cheers from the sidelines.

Zhao Ji's eyes lit up. He was already prepared to receive the ball, and seeing how comfortably it came to him, he immediately seized the opportunity.

He lightly touched the ground with his left foot, then whipped out his right leg, striking the bottom of the ball with the instep of his foot.

The ball whizzed past the net with a whoosh!

"Goal! Duanwang Team scores!"

The referee announced, and a small flag was planted on the rack for Zhao Ji's team.

As Zhao Ji landed, a blush of excitement spread across his face. He turned to look at Zhao Mingcheng, his eyes full of admiration.

"Mingcheng, your 'carrying the boat across' move was brilliant!"

"It was Your Highness's accurate shot."

Zhao Mingcheng's pass just now was actually a combination of "chest control" and "back pass" in modern football.

It was done discreetly, and to outsiders it was just a clever trick.

Despite losing the first move, Jianwang's team was not discouraged.

Prince Jian, Zhao Si, clapped his hands.

"Eleventh Brother, you're so cooperative! Again!"

The game continues.

The two players went back and forth, the ball flying around on both sides of the net, almost never touching the ground.

The game of Zhuqiu emphasizes teamwork and skill, with common techniques including "Turning the Tide" (a volley kick), "Buddha's Pearl" (heading the ball), and "Swallow Returns to Nest" (a soft lob).

Zhao Mingcheng observed carefully and found that the techniques of Cuju in the Song Dynasty were quite mature. However, due to the limitations of the rules, it focused more on skill than speed and power.

His greatest advantage is precisely his speed.

The second scoring opportunity came fifteen minutes later.

A powerful shot from Jianwang's team was blocked, and the ball flew high and far, heading straight for Zhao Mingcheng's back boundary.

Normally, players would wait for the ball to fall before handling it, but Zhao Mingcheng didn't even think about it and turned to chase after it.

He ran extremely fast.

His figure shot across the grass like an arrow released from a bow, leaving a blur.

A gasp rippled through the crowd; such speed was a rare sight on the elegant pitches of the stadium.

This is a supercar from the Song Dynasty, with a speed far exceeding that of a donkey cart.

Just as the ball was about to go out of bounds, Zhao Mingcheng arrived just in time. He didn't stop the ball, but instead twisted his waist and flicked it with the outside of his left foot!

As if guided by eyes, the ball flew diagonally across half the court and landed precisely in front of Zhao Ji at the net.

"My God... Mingcheng runs way too fast."

"He looks much faster than everyone else on the field."

"See? All those people are stunned."

The students on the sidelines were buzzing with discussion.

Emperor Huizong was also stunned for a moment.

But he was a master at this, and he reacted immediately, executing a "phoenix nod" (a shot with his forehead) that sent the ball into the net.

"The Prince Duan team has gained another advantage!"

Another small flag was planted.

Duanwang team leads 2-0.

"Mingcheng!" Zhao Ji strode over, grabbed Zhao Mingcheng's arm, his eyes gleaming. "Where did you learn that speed and that amazing skill? You're incredible!"

"The student watched too much Cuju (ancient Chinese football) and just made things up," Zhao Mingcheng said, chuckling as he panted. "He just thought that since the ball can't touch the ground, why not pass it before it does? Why wait for it to land?"

"Well said!" Zhao Ji was pleased to hear this. "Unconventional and adaptable! Sanlang, you'd better be careful, our Zheng Xie is someone who doesn't play by the rules!"

Zhao Xiaoyi wiped his sweat and smiled wryly.

"Uncle Duan, where did you find such a master? This running, this passing... Brother Mingcheng, your title of 'Flowing Cloud Scholar' is truly well-deserved."

Zhao Mingcheng repeatedly said he dared not.

He could sense that the atmosphere on the field had changed.

Initially, the Prince Jian's team treated them casually, as if they were just "playing along with the prince," but now they've become serious, with a hint of competition in their eyes.

That's exactly what he wanted.

The game continues.

The Jianwang team, with their skillful teamwork, soon pulled one back: Zhao Xiaoyi and Zhao Si executed a brilliant one-two pass, and Zhao Si scored with a shot.

Two to one.

Then, Jianwang's team took advantage of a chaotic scramble in front of Fengliu, and Zhao Xiaoyi scored on a rebound.

The score is tied at 2-2.

The crowd watching from the sidelines was already packed, with cheers and exclamations rising and falling.

Zhao Mingcheng's teammates are also getting into their stride. The left net player, who comes from the Duanwangfu, is extremely steady and has saved several dangerous shots.

The gong sounds again, and the decisive battle begins.

The ball flew back and forth between the two sides, and no goal could be scored for a long time.

Zhao Mingcheng's breathing quickened, and sweat soaked his temples, but his eyes remained fixed on the ball bouncing in the air.

it's time.

The opportunity arose after an opponent's attack was blocked.

The ball bounced towards the midfield, and Zhao Ji and Zhao Xiaoyi rushed towards the landing point at the same time, jumping almost simultaneously.

"Bang!"

A muffled thud, and their shoulders collided.

Zhao Ji stumbled, and the ball was headed away by Zhao Xiaoyi, flying towards Jian Wang's half of the field.

There, a player stood waiting for the ball to fall, preparing to launch an attack.

But Zhao Mingcheng made a move.

He moved like a leopard spotting its prey.

Zhao Mingcheng's figure tore through the air and instantly crossed the center line.

The opposing player, Sanli, clearly hadn't expected Zhao Mingcheng to arrive so quickly. In his haste, he tried to get the ball out of the way, but his movements were a beat too slow.

Zhao Mingcheng was already in front of them.

In the momentum of his sprint, he stepped forward with his left foot and lifted his right foot backward, his body like a fully drawn bow.

Then, to everyone's astonishment, he twisted his waist, swung his leg, and lashed the ball with the back of his right foot like a whip!

This shooting posture is comparable to Mbappe's in the 2022 World Cup final.

"Bang!"

A muffled thud.

The ball shot out like a cannonball, without arc or spin, just a straight white shadow.

It passed through the eye of the storm at a terrifying speed!

The entire room fell silent.

Everyone was stunned.

This includes Zhao Ji, Zhao Xiaoyi, and everyone watching from the sidelines.

That shot... was too fast, too straight, too powerful.

Unlike the delicate and fancy techniques commonly found in Tsubaki, it is a pure, violent, and devastating aesthetic of power.

Zhao Mingcheng stood there, his chest heaving violently.

He watched the ball roll away, then suddenly spread his arms, turned around, and started running along the sideline.

He ran very fast, the wind whistling past his ears.

He raised his right hand, his index finger pointing to the sky.

This was his usual celebration after scoring a crucial goal in his previous life, and he did it almost without thinking.

He ran half a lap before realizing something was wrong.

The field was deathly silent.

Everyone looked at him like he was a monster.

Zhao Mingcheng slowed down and finally stopped. He was panting and awkwardly lowered his arm.

Oh no, I got too caught up in it and forgot this is the Song Dynasty. These kinds of celebratory gestures don't exist back then...

"Hahahaha—"

A burst of laughter broke the silence.

Emperor Huizong laughed so hard he almost fell over, pointing at Zhao Mingcheng.

"Mingcheng! What... what kind of trick is this?"

"I...forgot myself for a moment, Your Highness," Zhao Mingcheng said awkwardly.

"It's alright, it's alright!" Zhao Ji strode over and patted his shoulder forcefully. "And what was the name of that shot just now?"

"The students just kicked it randomly; it hasn't been named yet," Zhao Mingcheng said.

He can't exactly call it "Carlos's Heavy Cannon," can he?

"How about we call it 'Flowing Cloud Arrow'?" Zhao Xiaoyi walked over, his eyes full of admiration.

"Swift as a shooting star, fast as lightning, Brother Mingcheng, I am truly impressed."

"Your Highness flatters me."

"Not at all, not at all." Zhao Ji put his arm around Zhao Mingcheng's shoulder and turned to the crowd.

"Gentlemen, does today's decisive battle still stand?"

The referee then seemed to realize something and shouted loudly.

"Duanwang Team scores! 3-2, victory!"

"good--!"

Cheers finally erupted as his classmates surrounded Zhao Mingcheng.

Li Guan patted his back excitedly.

"Brother Mingcheng, you are truly a master archer! I didn't even see it!"

"Just luck, nothing but luck."

As Zhao Mingcheng responded to the congratulations, he glanced at Zhao Ji out of the corner of his eye.

The Prince Duan was all smiles, chatting and laughing with Zhao Xiaoyi and the others, clearly in a very good mood.

When everyone returned to the sidelines, waiters had already served them warm towels and cool drinks.

Emperor Huizong took a glass of chilled plum drink, drank it all in one gulp, and sighed contentedly.

"That felt great! I haven't had this much fun playing!"

He turned to Zhao Mingcheng, the smile still lingering in his eyes.

"Mingcheng, your last shot was truly spectacular. But..." He paused, then asked curiously,

"What was with that running celebration you just did? This is the first time I've ever seen someone so unrestrained... so carefree."

In the Song Dynasty, celebrations for Cuju (ancient Chinese football) usually involved clapping and cheering. This was the first time Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) had ever seen someone celebrate by running around the field like Zhao Mingcheng.

Zhao Mingcheng cupped his hands in greeting.

"The students just felt that Cuju (ancient Chinese football) is a joyful sport, and if they scored a good goal, they should naturally celebrate joyfully."

"As the ancients said, 'When emotions stir within, they are expressed in words; when words are insufficient, one sighs; when sighs are insufficient, one sings; when singing is insufficient, one dances with hands and feet.' This student is... dancing with feet."

His words made everyone laugh.

Emperor Huizong clapped his hands in response.

"Brilliant! What a wonderful way to put it! Cuju (ancient Chinese football) is meant to be fun, why be so restrained? Mingcheng's words resonate deeply with me."

At this moment, Zhao Si also walked over and said with a smile.

"Eleventh Brother has really struck gold today. With Mingcheng's skills, not to mention the Imperial Academy, even the Cuju team in the Imperial Guards has few who can match him."

"Thirteenth Brother is right." Zhao Ji looked at Zhao Mingcheng, increasingly pleased with his appearance. "Mingcheng, how long have you been at the Imperial Academy?"

"Your Highness, I am in my third year at the Imperial Academy."

"Do you have any plans to enter officialdom in the future?"

Zhao Mingcheng felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that the real drama was about to begin.

"My knowledge is shallow, and I still need to hone it at the Imperial Academy. If I am fortunate enough to serve the court in the future, I will not let down what I have learned."

Emperor Huizong nodded, seemingly lost in thought.

He did not respond immediately, but instead took a jade pendant from the waiter and tied it around Zhao Mingcheng's waist.

The jade pendant was warm and translucent, engraved with cloud patterns, and was clearly an extraordinary piece.

"It is quite a coincidence that we met today. Consider this jade pendant a small gift. If you have some free time in the future, you are welcome to visit the Prince Duan's residence. I have some rubbings of ancient inscriptions in my collection, which you may enjoy together."

"Thank you for your generous gift, Your Highness." Zhao Mingcheng bowed and bowed, feeling a weight lifted from his heart.

It was already afternoon, and the crowd gradually dispersed. Zhao Mingcheng also bid farewell to his classmates from the Imperial Academy. As he walked out of Yichun Garden, he looked back once more.

Zhao Ji was still chatting and laughing with several members of the imperial clan, his figure standing out conspicuously in the twilight.

At this moment, Prince Duan is just a playful and cheerful young prince.

It is now the second year of Yuanfu, and it will not be until the first month of next year that Empress Dowager Xiang will issue an edict to establish Zhao Ji as the Crown Prince.

Then, next spring, Zhao Xu will pass away, and Zhao Ji will ascend the throne as Emperor Huizong of Song, a figure whose reputation is mixed with that of later generations.

I still have time to plan for the future.

Zhao Mingcheng touched the jade pendant given to him by Prince Duan at his waist; it was cool and smooth.