Chapter Twenty-Two: Organizing a Football League

As a prince, to claim you have no ambition—isn't that shameful? How can you answer to the ministers who wish to place their bets on you?

Emboldened by wine, Yang Xu flung his sleeve and left Zhao Yu behind in the tavern.

Liu Hei swiftly appeared at Zhao Yu's side and whispered, "Your Highness, shall I bring him back?"

Zhao Yu smiled faintly. "He'll come to me. By the way, how goes the task I assigned you?"

"As you instructed, I've found fifty skilled cuju players in the capital, ready to be recruited at any time."

"Excellent. Don't be stingy with silver. Make sure to move before others realize what's happening."

"Rest assured, Your Highness. I've already chosen the venue; all that's left is for you to name it and give the order to begin."

"Very well! Let's call it the World Football Hall!"

In this era, there was little awareness of property rights. By making the name of football resound throughout the Great Song, future generations would know its true origin lies in the Middle Kingdom.

Liu Hei's greatest virtue was his unquestioning obedience—whatever Zhao Yu commanded, he would carry out without hesitation or inquiry.

"Your Highness, there's another matter. Boss Jiang of the Canal Guild has sent you an invitation. Fat Tiger seeks your instructions—should you meet him?"

Bianliang was a city blessed with thriving water transport; much of the material from the south arrived via the canal, which was divided between official and private shipping. When government vessels proved insufficient, private boats were hired.

In such a context, the Canal Guild emerged. Though its members were mostly poor, their collective strength was formidable. Clearly, Boss Jiang had his eye on Zhao Yu's golden reputation.

Many local gangs in Bianliang had sent invitations, most of which Zhao Yu declined. His plan was simple: in the future, only his own men would be permitted to operate underground in the city, and no other factions would be tolerated.

But the waters were another matter; his influence did not reach there, and with so many land-based powers still unabsorbed, he could hardly extend his grasp to the river. Thus, this meeting was necessary.

He nodded. "Set a time for tomorrow evening. Yes—this place will do nicely."

Zhao Yu suddenly realized Yang Xu had chosen well; the small tavern, tucked away in a narrow alley, was the perfect spot for confidential discussions.

With his affairs arranged, Zhao Yu prepared to meet Li Yan to discuss the football league. He left a silver ingot and departed.

After seeing Zhao Yu off, Liu Hei returned and smiled at the shop boy. "Call your manager out."

Yang Xu staggered home to the west side of the city. As he opened the gate, he found the courtyard piled high with rice, flour, and other provisions. His wife, beaming, was busy inside with the maid.

Lady Xing greeted her husband warmly, seeing his confusion. "You keep secrets well, my dear. When did you start working at the Prince Yi's residence? You never told me. The prince just sent all this rice, flour, and cloth. When you see him tomorrow, make sure to thank him properly."

She already knew Yang Xu had left the Crown Prince's service. She had no say in her husband's choices, but life must go on. The rice jar had nearly run empty; she had been anxious, but now, at a critical juncture, her husband had found a generous employer. How could she not rejoice?

Scholars prided themselves on integrity. He hadn't yet pledged himself to Prince Yi, yet now this generous gesture arrived—was it an insult? He glared, about to protest.

A wife knows her husband best. Lady Xing, seeing his expression, guessed the truth.

Her face grew stern. "If you’re cold-hearted enough to watch your wife and child starve, then keep acting dignified. Otherwise, we'll return to my mother's house."

"Never mind what sort of man Prince Yi is. You've served the Crown Prince for years—has he ever shown concern for your family?"

With that, she swept her sleeve, called for the maid, abandoned the unfinished chores, and retreated to her room, closing the door behind her, clearly not intending to let Yang Xu in.

In all their years together, Yang Xu had rarely seen his wife so angry. Her final words struck him deeply.

Yang Xu was learned, but his temperament tended toward secrecy, and his advice to Zhao Huan was always of the shadowy sort.

But as Lady Xing said, after years in the Crown Prince's service, he had received little but his stipend. Zhao Huan had never shown real concern for his family. By comparison, character was revealed.

He stared at the piles in the courtyard for a long time, then abruptly turned and left.

In a private room at the Star-Picking Tower, Zhao Yu and Li Yan finally sat and raised their cups.

"Master Li, I truly wished to invite you to dine, but mundane affairs kept me busy until today. I hope you won't take offense."

Zhao Yu spoke apologetically. All the while, he had continued his secret investigation into Li Yan, discovering the location of his hidden wealth. When the time was right and the men were in place, he intended to strike.

"Your Highness is too courteous. I hardly deserve such honor," Li Yan replied, grinning from ear to ear. Though his words were modest, the broad smile gave away his delight.

A eunuch, however powerful, was still the emperor’s servant. To receive such respect from a prince was more than he could have hoped.

After a round of mutual compliments, Zhao Yu finally revealed his intent.

"Master Li, I've discovered a lucrative opportunity. They say wealth should be shared—do you have any interest?"

Eunuchs had little interest in anything but money. Moreover, Li Yan understood that Zhao Yu approached him because it was inconvenient to appear himself.

He nodded. "Your Highness’s ideas are always sound. If there’s any way I can assist, I’ll give my utmost."

"I’ve opened a cuju hall, planning to challenge every prefecture in the realm. We’ll set up betting houses around the matches. What do you think?"

"How can Your Highness ensure participants?"

"This won’t be an ordinary competition. The winners will receive generous prizes, along with titles like ‘Champion of the World’ or ‘Second in the World.’"

"To be honest, Master Li, I could handle this alone, but since we hit it off so well, I wanted to share. You needn’t invest anything. Just help with publicity at the right time, and you’ll receive a share of the profits. I’ve calculated—once the league starts, each match should earn you about ten thousand taels in dividends. With matches on the first and fifth of each month, you could earn sixty thousand taels per month."

Hearing the figure, Li Yan’s eyes sparkled. He knew there was no such thing as a free lunch; his proximity to the emperor was the reason Prince Yi sought his friendship.

The West City Land Office had brought Li Yan considerable income, but who ever resented having more silver? This required no public involvement—truly a windfall.

He nodded. "Then let me thank Your Highness in advance. I do have one suggestion: it would be wise to offer a share of the profits to the Imperial Treasury as well..."