Chapter 615: Offering Ceremony

In this way.

The procedures for Longyang Princess's public selection of a husband were finally settled.

The first stage: the Offering Ceremony.

The second stage: the Longyun Games.

The third stage, however, would involve Longyang Princess setting the questions herself to vet the participants. In reality, this was simply letting Longyang Princess make her own choice. Needless to say, it was known to all under heaven that Longyang Princess's heart was set on Governor Liu. Once it reached this stage, there was basically no need to compete.

Therefore.

To truly get one's hands on Longyang Princess, one had to win both rounds!

"Longyun Games?"

Seeing these rules, Tiemu Cheng also gave a small laugh.

Zhebie laughed heartily beside him: "We men of the Grassland are born with divine strength; who can compare to us? Just by relying on this bunch of weaklings from Longyan?"

The others also roared with laughter.

Wasn't this a freebie question?

Tiemu Cheng, however, smiled slightly: "The more I understand this Governor Liu, the more I feel that things are not that simple. Regardless of the Longyun Games for now, let's win the Offering Ceremony the day after tomorrow first!"

"Zhebie, go select one hundred Warriors and practice diligently according to the events listed here."

"Yes, Great Khan!"

"Young Master, how should we handle these Longyun Games?"

Over here, it was already afternoon by the time Liu Zheng woke up.

Since Jiang Xuan had left Jinghua, it was naturally his deputy, Shang Hua, who was in charge.

Liu Zheng yawned: "No need to prepare, just pick any one hundred people."

"Ah? Young Master, this..."

Shang Hua was startled.

The Eighteen Envoys over there, regardless of whether they felt they had a chance, were all preparing. They spent the day in a grand, bustling manner, screening talent and then training. After all, the preparation time was only half a month—that's right, the second stage, the Longyun Games, would be held in half a month. This was also proposed by Liu Zheng; on one hand, because these venues needed to be prepared urgently, and on the other, because he considered this a grand event he was offering to Longyang Princess, he still hoped to make it look decent. Half a month, to be honest, was still a bit rushed, but it was enough; it was just putting on a most primitive Sports Meet.

Liu Zheng smiled: "I said no need to prepare. Let the brothers continue to eat and drink as they please, and go to the brothels if they want, but remember, don't cause any trouble!"

"Got it!"

Shang Hua laughed and left.

The men of the Liangzhou Army had long since formed the habit that whatever the Young Master said, went.

The Qi tents outside the city were training in full swing. Behind the Wa Post House, it was the same shouting and cheering. The delegations of the other Envoys also began to sharpen their weapons at the last minute, hoping to shine.

People only noticed one thing.

This Liangzhou Army was just doing whatever they usually did.

People began to wonder.

What is Governor Liu trying to do?

Given up?

Become indifferent?

Suddenly.

People realized.

Right!

The Offering Ceremony is coming up soon!

This is the main event that should be the focus right now! Could it be that this Governor Liu has supreme confidence in the first round of competition?

That must be it!

If he wins the first round, the third round will definitely be his as well. Then the second round would appear insignificant!

Good!

So that was his calculation!

People began to look forward to it again.

"Longyun Games? Longyun Games? Hahahaha, good!"

"A good idea!"

Xie Tianyao was already laughing until he was doubled over.

Grand Eunuch Zhou also smiled from the side: "Emperor, this Governor Liu's mind is truly quite agile."

The outside world was spreading rumors that Gu Jin was the chief planner. But who was the one truly coming up with the ideas? How could Xie Tianyao not know?

"Indeed..."

Xie Tianyao chuckled: "This kid has some tricks up his sleeve... He spent quite a bit of gold and silver again, didn't he?"

Grand Eunuch Zhou nodded.

Xie Tianyao sighed slightly.

As the saying goes, the layman watches the spectacle, while the expert watches the method. A Longyun Games, what does this mean? It means that if these Longyun Games can be successfully held, it will surely set off a "sports" craze in the Longyan Dynasty. What were the people of Longyan like before? Their entertainment activities were just drinking and visiting brothels...

But if these Longyun Games were to be successfully organized?

Sports for all, exercise for all!

What would this mean? These sports were previously only available to the military! If they were to become entertainment for the whole population, it would mean that everyone would be a soldier! The physical fitness of the entire population would rise rapidly! For the Longyan Dynasty, this was absolutely a great thing.

What others saw was just the spectacle.

But someone like Xie Tianyao, who was an Emperor, saw the series of benefits that could be generated by an idea that this Governor Liu seemed to have plucked out of thin air.

Impressive.

This young man is truly impressive.

These past few days, many commoners have already begun tinkering with the events that have been announced—because the Longyun Games have stated that they will be held once every year! At that time, whether one is in the military, a craftsman, or a fisherman, regardless of rank or status, anyone can participate! In other words, this grand sporting event will be a gala that the entire populace can take part in! Everyone can come to win a Gold Medal, and everyone can participate to compete for a ranking!

Who doesn't want to make a name for themselves?

Who doesn't want to get ahead in life?

Who doesn't want to stand above the masses?

Isn't this exactly such an opportunity?

Four hundred million people in the Longyan Dynasty, a champion, that is a champion! A champion of whom there is only one!

And so.

Nationwide exercise, nationwide sports! I fear that as long as Prefect Liu is around, this wave will continue indefinitely!

Prefect Liu is just that strong.

The Longyun Games haven't even begun, yet this wind has already started to blow across the length and breadth of the land.

Once again.

Xie Tianyao feels both love and hate for this Liu Zheng.

"Shall we first see how the Offering Ceremony goes?"

Xie Tianyao laughed heartily.

Grand Eunuch Zhou nodded in agreement.

Two days later.

The Offering Ceremony finally began as scheduled, under the anticipation of everyone.

A public offering!

This has never happened in any previous dynasty.

People suddenly discovered a problem, which is that ever since this Prefect Liu entered Jinghua, the once high-and-mighty Longyan imperial court has become increasingly approachable. Every activity has started to integrate with the common folk. This seems to have happened imperceptibly, yet it makes people feel that they actually sincerely hope for such a Xie Tianyao to live for a hundred years...

The entire Jinghua, with its millions of people, was crowded together.

Early in the morning, they shouted "Long live" and surged toward the Zhuque High Tower in succession, whether near or far.

"Did you go for a run today? I was really impressive at the hundred-meter dash yesterday! I feel like I could go participate in the Longyun Games!"

"Pfft, you? If you've got the ability, go practice Swimming?"

"Hahahaha, don't even mention it, after practicing, I really feel refreshed!"

"Why am I feeling sore and achy?"

"Keep practicing!"

Along the way, people were having conversations just like this.

Today.

It is still a clear sky for ten thousand miles, without a single cloud.

People once again reminisced about that June snow brought by Liu Zheng.

However.

It seems that Xie Tianyao was also unwilling to make everyone wait that long, or perhaps he himself was also quite looking forward to this Offering Ceremony.

Early in the morning, accompanied by Zheng Fu, Xie Chan, and others, he ascended the Zhuque High Tower.

Everyone knelt down with a roar.

"Long live, long live, long, long live our Emperor!"

"Long live, long live, long, long live our Emperor!"

The Offering Ceremony, anticipated by ten thousand people, officially began!

Many people were expectant.

Many people were nervous.

Many people were apprehensive.

Who will the first Princess of their Longyan Dynasty end up with?