Everyone is waiting for Lu Yao and Pan Yuanwu to come back.
Han Wenyuan and Cao Ping disliked each other, and although Cao Yi and Han Yonghe were both drinking tea, Lu Xu could clearly feel the anger between the two.
In order to ease the situation, Lu Xu looked at Han Yonghe and said, "Master Han, I wonder how Yun Yu is doing at home?"
Originally, Lu Xu wanted to break the silence of everyone by asking for help, but who would have thought that his words would open the fuse.
When Han Yonghe, who was drinking tea, heard this, he immediately put down the teacup in his hand, laughed a few times, and said: "I'm sorry to worry about you, my dear, but my daughter has been obsessed with "The Story of the Stone" written by her husband all day long at home. It can be said that she can't put it down. Do you think so?
No, Wenyuan."
After speaking, Han Yonghe winked at Han Wenyuan next to him.
Han Wenyuan immediately understood and echoed: "Yes, when Lu Yao came home before, he specially asked me to bring two chapters of the manuscript and give it to my sister to read. It made my sister not want to eat for a while, and she had to finish reading it.
It can be said that I really enjoy eating.”
These words were clearly meant for Cao Yi. In fact, Cao Han has been somewhat intoxicated in the Dream of Red Mansions written by Lu Yao in recent days. However, due to the unpleasantness he had with Lu Yao before, he wanted to find Lu Yao for help.
It is basically impossible to write the manuscript, not to mention that this Cao Han is a woman who pays great attention to face. Although Cao Guojiu feels sorry for his daughter, there is nothing he can do.
In desperation, I could only read the serialized "The Story of the Stone" from the newspaper every day. However, the newspaper was updated periodically. How could Lu Yao's manuscript come in time? Because Cao Han was so obsessed with it,
Cao Yi and Cao Ping had actually read a few chapters of the novel. Although they were not as obsessed with it as Cao Han, they felt that the plot and characters were indeed very popular. Even Cao Ping couldn't help but applaud.
.
The only shortcoming is that the update is too slow. In fact, this is not to blame Lu Yao. He can be said to be a busy man in Bianliang City. He has no time to copy books at home for an hour or two every day.
Woolen cloth.
Therefore, when Cao Yi heard that Han Yonghe said that his family could read the manuscript of "The Story of the Stone" at any time, he was really angry. However, even so, he could not lose his momentum, so he said: "Han
Sir, we are so lucky, but I think if I asked, Lu Yao would also send us a manuscript."
"That's not necessarily the case," Han Yonghe said, "My good son-in-law has many things to do every day. It already takes a lot of time to write a chapter of a novel. How can I have time to copy another one for you?
"
Cao You heard everyone talking about the Story of the Stone, and he had also heard Cao Han talk about it. However, after returning home, he came to the Lu Mansion non-stop, but he had never seen it. He secretly made up his mind at that moment, and he would definitely read it after returning home.
Look at how this stone story was written.
"Old man, didn't you just read two more chapters of the book? What's there to show off?" Cao You was thinking, but Cao Ping next to him couldn't control his hot temper and almost jumped up from his seat.
Finally, Cao Yiu pulled him down.
"Second Young Master, have you ever heard that a slight error can make a difference of a thousand miles?" Han Wenyuan replied calmly and with a smile.
Among the people present, Pan Wen had nothing to do with himself. He was more concerned about what his father and Lu Yao were talking about. Lu Xu, on the other hand, felt regretful in his heart. Why did he bother to talk about Han Yunyu?
There was a quarrel at home again.
At this moment, Uncle Fu walked into the main hall and said to Lu Xu: "Master, someone sent by the government is here."
Lu Xu looked at Uncle Fu, as if he was grasping at a life-saving straw, and said: "Please!"
After asking Lu Xu about the time of the party that day, the envoy told Lu Xu that the emperor would send someone to attend the party to discuss the Cuju competition. Of course, this person would not attend the dinner party held by these families.
Yes, Zhao Zhen also knew in his heart that if the people he sent to eat with them, these people would not be in the mood to eat. It would be better to let them chat among themselves for a while before letting his people pass.
It was already half past seven in the evening. An hour and a half had passed since everyone arrived at Lu Mansion, then had dinner and chatted. The messenger sent by Zhao Zhen finally arrived.
Lu Xu cleared his throat. He saw that the Cao family and the Han family were still arguing, so he said loudly: "Master Han, Master Cao, people sent by the government are here."
When Cao Yi and Han Yonghe heard this, they immediately stopped arguing. Pan Wen also reacted and asked softly: "Uncle Lu, has the official said who will be sent here today?"
Lu Xu also shook his head. Regarding this, he had asked Lu Yao before when he had a long talk, but even Lu Yao didn't know which minister Zhao Zhen would send over. In fact, Lu Yao initially felt that this event would be held.
This competition was something he worked hard for. Zhao Zhen probably wasn't very interested in this competition, so he didn't expect that Zhao Zhen would send someone here specially. But even so, Lu Yao felt that Zhao Zhen sent someone here.
People were just going through the motions, staying for a while and then leaving, so they didn't take it to heart, so in the end they didn't confirm with Zhao Zhen who was coming.
However, what Lu Yao didn't expect was that Zhao Zhen did not take this Cuju competition seriously at first, but when Lu Yao told him about the football lottery, Zhao Zhen immediately decided that this time the Royal Cuju Competition
The team must achieve good results, and finally put all the football lottery winnings into his own private treasury. This is Zhao Zhen's real purpose.
Regarding Pan Wen's question, Lu Xu, who knew nothing about it, shook his head and said: "The officials only said they would send someone over, but to be honest, I don't know who will be sent in the end. Even the officials at Lu Yao didn't know.
No notification.”
When Cao Yi and Han Yonghe heard this, they immediately stopped quarreling. After all, the envoy sent by the official was coming soon. If they lost their composure in front of the envoy, it would be bad if the matter was brought to the official.
"Master Han, let's put the controversy over "The Story of the Stone" aside for now. The official's envoy will be here soon. Let's discuss the business first." Cao Yi touched his beard and said.
Since the Cao family had given them a step, Han Yonghe was not polite and immediately said: "Master Cao is right. After all, we are gathered here today not for food or novels. Let's talk about business first.
"
"Speaking of which, Erlang Lu and Boss Pan haven't talked about it yet?" Cao You said while looking at the empty chair left for Pan Yuanwu.
At this moment, everyone heard a burst of hearty laughter coming from the backyard. It was not Pan Yuanwu who was laughing, but who was it.
Pan Yuanwu came to the hall and as soon as he sat down, he saw everyone looking at him in a very strange way. However, Pan Yuanwu was a rough man and would not care so much. He just turned to Pan Wen and said: "
Your friendship is really not in vain. After we settle this matter today, we can plan the future development of Fan Lou when we go back."
When Pan Wen saw this, he knew in his heart that his father and Lu Yao must have negotiated, and he felt relieved, so he told Pan Yuanwu that the official envoy was coming here soon.
Pan Yuanwu was focused on the construction of Fan Tower. After hearing what his son said, he realized the purpose of coming to the Lu Mansion today. He seemed a little out of control just now.
So Pan Yuanwu adjusted his sitting posture, put away his smile, and prepared to welcome the envoy sent by Zhao Zhen.
However, it was Lu Yao who came to the hall first.
It's funny, Lu Yao didn't know that the official envoy was about to come. After he finished talking with Pan Yuanwu, he came to the hall and saw everyone sitting upright with serious looks on their faces. Lu Yao was troubled, could these people do this?
The expression is for me to see?
He couldn't help but look at his father, Lu Xu. He didn't expect that Lu Xu also had such an expression, so Lu Yao quickly walked to his seat and sat down, asking, "Father, why does everyone have such an expression?"
Lu Xu said quickly: "The people sent by the government will be here soon. Of course they will do this. You should also restrain yourself and don't be impetuous."
It turned out that the people sent by the emperor had arrived. Lu Yao looked at the expressions of everyone present and felt it was funny. However, he still listened to his father's words and cooperated with them. He also pretended to be very serious and sat there.
Within two minutes, Forbes came in with someone.
This person walked into the hall and bowed to everyone. Lu Yao looked at the person. He should be about twenty-three or four years old. He was tall and tall, with a very burly figure and dark skin. Now,
He should be a fitness guru.
However, Lu Yao searched in his mind and didn't really have any impression of this person. Lu Yao has been famous for his good memory since he was a child. During the previous time he went to court, he was already sure of the person in the court.
The ministers most likely had a rough idea, but the envoy sent by Zhao Zhen in front of them was certain that he was not an official in the court.
Others present, the younger generation, Cao You, Cao Ping, Pan Wen, Han Wenyuan, and even his eldest brother Lu Hao, did not recognize the identity of the envoy. From their eyes, Lu Yao could see,
Their reaction to this messenger was the same as their own.
However, Cao Yi, Lu Xu, and Han Yonghe recognized this person at a glance.
"Hello, Mr. Lu, I am here to attend this gathering according to your Majesty's order." The envoy said to Lu Xu with a loud voice.
Lu Xu quickly smiled and said: "Master Wang, you are so polite. Please take a seat quickly. In fact, this gathering was brought about by Quan Zi. Regarding the competition, Lu Yao will tell you later."
The big man who was called "Master Wang" nodded and sat down.
Lu Yao saw that his father knew him, so he tilted his head and asked softly: "Who is this person?"
Unexpectedly, Mr. Wang was not only tall and powerful, but also had excellent hearing. He had already heard what Lu Yao and his father said, so he stood up and said, "Wang is the one who was rude. Everyone present should be polite."
For those who don’t know me, please introduce yourself. My name is Wang Da, and I am the captain of His Majesty’s Royal Cuju Team.”
"I see." Lu Yao smiled apologetically, but he already had a plan in mind.
Zhao Zhen actually directly sent the captain of the Royal Cuju Team to attend this party. It seemed that he was determined to win this game. In the final analysis, it was the huge benefits of the football lottery that moved Zhao Zhen. However,
This competition is private in nature. Even if the winning team gets the reward and reputation, there is no way to confiscate it. Therefore, once the Royal Cuju team wins, the bonus will be nothing more than entering Zhao Zhen's personal property from the national treasury.
It's just a pocket, what happened to the emperor? Now he has to fight for even this small amount of money.
However, Zhao Zhen's wishful thinking may be miscalculated this time. Even the Royal Cuju team will face a brand-new Cuju event. They may have certain innate advantages, but it is impossible to say that they can win the championship 100%.
Not an easy thing.
Lu Yao thought this and said to Wang Da: "It turns out to be Mr. Wang. I'm really sorry. I have never seen a Cuju performance, so I have no impression of you."
Wang Da is an open-minded person. He quickly smiled and waved his hands and said: "No, Master Lu is so polite. In fact, in the final analysis, I want to thank you. If you hadn't proposed holding this Cuju competition, I would
This team under my command, except for playing a few friendly matches and exhibition matches during holidays, other times they basically stay at home with nothing to do all day long.”
"Master Wang is so polite," Han Yonghe said with a smile, "Even if I have nothing to do all day long, I still beat my team to pieces in every exhibition match."
"Every time, we win by a narrow margin. Mr. Han, you don't have to be humble." Wang Da turned to look at Han Yonghe and said.
Cao Yi was not idle either. He seized every opportunity to ridicule Han Yonghe. When he saw that the visitor was Wang Da, he felt relieved, thinking that there were still some things he could say.
So Cao Yan said: "Master Wang, you don't have to be so humble. Everyone in Bianliang City knows that the team you have is the Royal Cuju Team. If you can still play well with a miscellaneous team, wouldn't it be a bad sign?
Mr. Han, there is no need to be discouraged. Isn’t it normal for the Royal Cuju team to beat a motley crew like you?"
After all, Wang Da was just a rough guy who played Cuju. How could he understand the meaning of Cao Yan's words? In his opinion, Cao Yan was praising his own Cuju team, so he immediately laughed.
However, these words sounded very harsh to Han Yonghe, but he could not find a reason to refute, so he could only keep smiling.
"I think you'd better get down to business quickly, otherwise the two families will quarrel again." Lu Xu reminded Lu Yao in a low voice.
Lu Yao also knew that it was getting late, so he stood up from his seat and said: "Since the people sent by His Majesty have arrived now, let's get straight to the point."
After speaking, Lu Yao ordered his people to bring up the game flow chart and the sketch of the stadium goals that he had prepared today, and handed them to everyone to circulate one by one.
Then, let them look at the picture and explain the rules to them in advance.
Fortunately, everyone understands that there are eight teams and a knockout format. Once they lose a game, they will be eliminated directly without any chance of resurrection.
"That is to say, from the first round to the finals, there will be a total of eight games, right?" Cao You asked, looking at the flow chart in his hand. Obviously, the Cao family's preparations for this later game will require more work.
It fell on the shoulders of brothers Cao You and Cao Ping.
In fact, not only the Cao family, but most of the preparations for the Han family should also be left to Han Wenyuan. As for Boss Pan, needless to say, now his mind is full of tomatoes and potatoes, plus
His original interest in this competition was all about the lottery, so the final job of organizing team training should be left to Pan Wen.
Therefore, the heads of families present tonight are actually somewhat of a commander-in-chief. Those who really want to compete in all aspects of this competition are actually the second generation of the family.
However, it is not good for the head of the family not to show up for such a royal gathering. What's more, when Lu Mansion is mentioned, Lu Yao's delicacies can be thought of. Who can refuse not to come and participate?
Facing Cao You's question, Lu Yao nodded and said: "That's good. Seven games, both from the viewing experience and the length of the process, is a relatively good choice. After all, it is the first game. We
What we have to do is use the shortest time to achieve the best results.”
"That's right." Lu Yao was a little surprised when he heard the voice. Who was speaking if it wasn't Pan Wen? However, when Lu Yao turned his head to look at Pan Wen, he saw Pan Wen's slightly naive expression.
Looking at myself.
This guy obviously doesn't know the reason for what he just said, he is just mindlessly supporting himself.
Lu Yao immediately understood the reason in the next second. When he told Pan Yuanwu just now, he expressed the hope that he could support the Cuju competition he held. It seems that Pan Yuanwu must have told Pan Wen just now, no matter what Lu Yao said
Whatever it is, Pan Wen has to express his support.
This made Lu Yao feel funny in his heart.
Cao Ping said: "But, we only have four teams here now, don't we need eight participating teams in total?"
As soon as Cao Ping finished speaking, Lu Yao immediately looked at Han Wenyuan. Han Wenyuan stood up with a smile and said, "About this, Mr. Cao doesn't have to worry. Boss Pan, Mr. Cao, and our family are all present.
It shouldn’t be difficult to find our friends in Bianliang City and ask them to organize a team to come out."
"But even so," Pan Wen said, "there will still be an empty team in the end."
Just as Wang Da was about to speak, Han Wenyuan continued: "Our Han family has decided to find two participating teams, so that we don't have to trouble Mr. Wang to find another team."
Wang Da immediately expressed his thanks and said, "In that case, I would like to thank you, Mr. Han."
In fact, before Wang Da came, Zhao Zhen had explained that if the three companies did not express their intention to find the other four teams at the meeting, he would have to take the initiative to let them find one team, and Wang Da himself would also have to do so.
Looking for a team is what troubles Wang Da the most.
If the team I found knew that it was going to compete with the Royal Cuju team led by Wang Da, who would dare to participate?
But fortunately, the Han family has now taken the initiative to find another team, so that this problem can be solved perfectly.
"Master Han is right," Lu Yao said, "and the team you are looking for will be your opponent in the first round of the competition. Everyone should pay attention to this."
The expressions of the several families were different. Wang Da looked at Han Wenyuan, and Han Wenyuan nodded slightly towards Wang Da. The two of them understood each other tacitly. There was no need for the Cao family to say more. Only Pan Wen was confused.
, Pan Yuanwu said helplessly that he would explain to him after returning home.
"As for the second round of competition, the four teams that have entered the second round will need to draw lots to determine their opponents." Lu Yao said.
"I remember, the officials will personally award financial rewards to the winning team." Pan Yuanwu asked.
"Yes, the winning team this time will receive a championship reward of 20,000 yuan, and the runner-up will also receive a reward of 10,000 yuan. In other words, everyone must first aim to enter the finals." Lu Yao looked at everyone,
said.
Twenty thousand guan may not be considered a big sum of money in the eyes of Lu Yao or Pan Yuanwu, but to the Cao family and the Han family, it is still quite attractive, and what they are more interested in is not the financial reward. If they can
If you come out on top in this Cuju competition, your career will be bright and promising.
"Besides the monetary reward, are there any other prizes?" Cao You asked with a deep look.
Lu Yaoxin said that the character of the eldest son of the Cao family was completely different from that of Cao Yi, Cao Ping and the eldest lady Cao Han. This man had a very deep mind and had very long-term thoughts.
Lu Yao continued: "Of course, the first competition is very critical. To put it simply, the value of the prizes received by the winning team this time is much higher than the tens of thousands of dollars."
The three families all became interested in the prize this time. Of course, they also knew that things are different now, and Lu Yao would not take tens of thousands of dollars seriously now.
"I wonder, what exactly is the prize?" Han Wenyuan looked at Lu Yao and said.
"Some people here should already know that a new thing will be born with the Cuju competition, called football lottery, which is a kind of lottery. The winning team of this Cuju competition will receive the football lottery for future Cuju competitions.
business authority."
As soon as these words came out, Pan Yuanwu and Pan Wen's eyes shone, but the others were indifferent. After all, this was the first time they heard the word football lottery.
Even Wang Da, who was sent by Zhao Zhen, was a little confused. This was naturally because Zhao Zhen had never mentioned this matter to him. His mission was to play well in the game, so the operation of the football lottery must have nothing to do with him.
