"I want my son to go too. I want to bring my family's servants. This is a rare opportunity."
Everyone rubbed their fists and palms, looking eager to give it a try.
It was as if they were the ones participating in the basketball competition.
Seeing this, Li Shimin was delighted.
The enthusiasm of the officials was a clear indication of the importance of this competition.
Seeing the endless noise in the imperial court, Xiao Guizi hurriedly shouted in a hoarse voice, "Everyone be quiet."
As soon as he finished speaking, the officials stopped arguing and returned to their seats.
At this moment, the dean of the Imperial College, Liu Hongwen, stepped forward and cupped his hands. "Your Majesty, I would like to lead the students of the Imperial College to participate in the competition. Your Majesty, please allow it."
Before Li Shimin could reply, the Hongwen Guan's dean, Ouyang Kai, also stepped forward. He cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I would like to lead the students of the Hongwen Guan to participate in the competition. Please allow it."
"Since you have such intentions, I will naturally allow it."
Li Shimin waved his hand and immediately agreed.
Seeing that everyone was so enthusiastic, he was overjoyed. How would he dare to reject?
When Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Gong saw this, they exchanged a look. Without saying anything, the two of them immediately understood each other.
They stepped forward one after another and cupped their hands. "Your Majesty, I would like to lead the soldiers to participate in the competition. Please allow it."
"Your Majesty, I would like to as well. Please allow it."
Following the lead of Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Gong, the generals standing at the side couldn't help but step forward to ask for permission.
"Your Majesty, I would like to lead my family to participate in the competition."
"Your Majesty, I would like to as well."
Actually, when Li Shimin said this, they already wanted to step forward. However, he beat them to it.
Now that there were two big shots stepping forward, they naturally couldn't back down.
Basketball could be said to be a national sport. Not only could it strengthen one's body, but most importantly, after the students of White Deer Academy graduated, they would be able to take Zhang Feng's documents and become officials in the Imperial Court or take up a position in the Ministry of Works.
This was a huge temptation for generals who relied on their military exploits to rise to the top.
Although they couldn't participate, they still had children at home. It was great to give their children a chance.
Of course, the generals weren't the only ones who had such thoughts. The civil officials also wanted to find a way out for their descendants. After all, White Deer College was approved by His Majesty.
Principal Zhang Feng's reputation was even more widespread. He was known as a prodigy, so there was no mistake in participating.
"Your Majesty, please allow me to participate in the basketball match."
"Your Majesty, this subject agrees."
His Highness's officials seemed to be united as they all asked for orders.
Li Shimin had a headache. He didn't expect there to be so many officials.
The reason why he had said it earlier was so that the officials would respond and step forward to represent him.
He didn't expect so many officials to appear at once. Almost all of them were asking for orders.
Other than a few stubborn old people, the main hall was filled with officials asking for orders. He felt like he was riding a tiger and couldn't get off.
However, this matter was beneficial to the country and the people. No matter what, he had to set an example.
So be it if there were more people. He believed that the kid could handle it.
He made up his mind, but his expression was still calm. "I understand what all of you are saying. I approve."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The officials bowed.
After the court session, the officials hurried back to prepare for the basketball match.
The military officials rushed to the barracks to select elite soldiers for training.
The civil officials started to select servants from their families to accompany the young master.
Even the Imperial Palace began to train. Li Shimin transferred many strong palace maids, and the Imperial Bodyguards circled out a large area in the Imperial Palace to begin training.
On the other hand, the main venue, White Deer College, wasn't idle either.
Ever since Zhang Feng returned, he started to prepare for the basketball match.
The people from the college also knew the importance of this basketball match. They took the initiative to bring everyone to the court to play. They were determined to win first place.
Just like that, the basketball match's reputation spread like wildfire. Now, the streets of Chang 'an were filled with news about the basketball match.
After a few days of preparation, the basketball match was about to start.
White Deer College basketball court.
The spectator seats were filled with people. Not only were there rich people, there were also many poor people.
They all heard the news and came to watch. They couldn't miss such a grand event.
There were also some high officials' children in the front row. Many of them didn't have the qualifications to participate and could only watch.
There were also children of the royal family, such as Li Zhi and Li Kuan. They were still young and could only raise their heads to look at everything in front of them.
Beside them was a big shot like Li Yuan. When he heard about the basketball match, he was the first to want to come.
Looking back at the court, Zhang Feng stood in the middle of the court. This time, he wasn't participating. He was the referee.
Because these people didn't know much about basketball, they needed him to guide them.
Zhang Feng gestured to the people on the court, indicating that they were starting to warm up.
The first match was between Cheng Yaojin's team and the Grand Scribe's team.
When they drew Cheng Yaojin's team, the Grand Scribe was about to cry.
Who didn't know that Cheng Yaojin was a famous scoundrel? Even if he lost, he could still say that he won.
Moreover, he had the identity of a duke. Who dared to offend him?
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