The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 302

"What do you know! If I were to take the stage again, I, Wang Kao, would make the disciples of Hongwen Academy suffer a humiliating defeat! I would make Master Xu Tian lose all face."

A person nearby came over and tried to mediate.

"That's enough, you two! The Master has already said that this match is a draw, so stop talking about Wang Kao like that and making your brother Wang feel bad."

As they spoke, the people from Bailu Academy left one after another, while the people from Hongwen Academy were pleasantly surprised.

"I never expected that Brother Yuan, who usually sleeps in class quietly and then pretends to be sick after class, would have such insightful views."

"I just never expected that Brother Xu, who has always been careless in his studies, would actually draw! It's truly unexpected!"

Yuan Lishu's eyes widened immediately: "Who are you insulting? I greatly admire Master Xu. I've heard Master Xu say those things just now! If you were in the same situation, wouldn't you be able to answer them? Besides, as the eldest grandson of the head of Chen County, it's not surprising that I would have some concerns and insights about people's livelihood."

"Li Shu has truly impressed us."

The crowd burst into laughter and dispersed.

Meanwhile, the teachers of Hongwen Academy and Bailu Academy gathered together.

Su Shichang said, "The first competition tested poetry and prose, which our Hongwen Academy narrowly won. The second competition tested national policy, and the two sides drew again. In that case, why not try something new!"

The teachers of Bailu Academy nodded repeatedly and said, "Our Bailu Academy proposes to test our skills in the third round of Cuju (ancient Chinese football), with friendship first and competition second."

Our Bailu Academy is simply a place for literary exchange and friendship; we don't really want to determine a winner or loser.

Su Shichang glanced at the scholars, then nodded and said, "Then the third game will be Cuju (ancient Chinese football)."

Upon receiving the news, the sons of the Zhu, Gu, and Zhang families in Wu County cheered with joy. Cuju (ancient Chinese football) was their strongest subject, but for the sake of Hongwen Academy, they would definitely practice diligently.

Otherwise, if they disgraced Master Xu, what face would they have left to remain at Hongwen Academy?

So after class, Zhang Yunlie and Gu Zhihuai went to the training ground to practice Cuju (ancient Chinese football).

Unexpectedly, they encountered disciples of Baima Academy here. Zhang Yunlie walked to Gu Zhihuai's side, then put his hand and elbow on Gu Zhihuai's shoulder and said, "You and I often come here to teach because we are afraid of bringing shame to Hongwen Academy, as well as Brother Zhu and Brother Lu."

"I heard that Brother Zhang, Brother Zhu, and Brother Lu haven't been feeling well these past few days. That's why the two of us have been practicing here every day." Gu Zhihuai whistled. "Not only that, but usually many classmates come to cheer us on. But look, not a single person from Bailu Academy is here to watch the competition. Are they so sure they'll win this time?"

The two then discussed how Chang'an had just experienced a heavy rain the day before, and the contestants from Bailu Academy were practicing Cuju (ancient Chinese football) in the rain, each ball flying through the eye of the wind, demonstrating their superb skills.

Gu Zhihuai walked over and immediately asked, "Brother, what's your name?"

But they saw the students of Bailu Academy looking coldly at Gu Zhihuai and Zhang Yunlie.

"Now that the clouds are gathering, let's have a friendly spar. If I defeat you from Hongwen Academy tomorrow, you will naturally know my name."

The three then played a game of Cuju (ancient Chinese football) in the rain.