Chapter 249: Shareholding (End)

When the whistle blew, the game finally came to an end. The audience in the stands and even outside the stadium couldn't help but make noises of sadness or joy, and the atmosphere was very restless.

A referee trotted into the center of the court and shouted with his inner strength: "The second half will begin at 3:45 pm..."

Hearing that there was still some time before the second half, the audience in the stands who had not had time to have lunch cheered, and then simply had a quick meal in the restaurant outside the stadium, and then hurried back to the stadium to meet the deadline.

In the stands, Niu Zhiqian, He Guangtu, Zhang Hanlun, and Liu Suiyong all had red faces. Liu Suiyong, who was usually sullen, was arguing with Niu Zhiqian and the other two with his neck stiff: "Nonsense! The Red Team had good footwork and close coordination, but they only lost one and a half games. How can it be said that the Blue Team will definitely win?"

After saying that, he was still angry. He was anxious and patted his chest and said, "You idiot, you Niu Zhiqian can only play Cuju. What do you know about football? If you don't accept it, I'll bet another 10,000 strings of cash to compete with you!"

He is getting carried away.

Niu Zhiqian had always been the leader among the four. Seeing that he had secured victory, he could not afford to bow his head. He immediately forced a bet and did not forget to instigate He Guangtu and Zhang Hanlun to increase their bets.

He Guangtu looked at Liu Suiyong, hesitant to speak, but he also thought that the Blue Team, which was two goals ahead of the Red Team, would win, and he didn't want to waste his money like that, so he simply bet on the Blue Team.

As for Zhang Hanlun, in his eyes, money is more important than so-called brothers after all, so he doesn't care about so many things and just keeps on increasing the bet.

Liu Suiyong looked at the three men, smiled coldly, and immediately asked his servants to go back to the city to get the money.

Naturally, Niu, He and Zhang followed suit. After all, ten thousand strings of copper coins was not a small amount and it was extremely heavy. It would at least require a carriage to pull it, so they naturally could not carry so much on their bodies.

Wang Yanzhang was watching with great joy, stroking his beard. The four of them only watched one and a half games. Not to mention the previous game, they were already in a state of anxiety and anger. For this game, they all went out to place bets, and even to the point where they were betting on huge sums of money. Although there were reasons why football was really addictive, it was purely a dispute of personal feelings.

He laughed, stopped the servants, stepped forward and said with a smile: "My dear brothers, why do you have to do this? It's just a game. Don't hurt the harmony between brothers. Besides, with me here, why do you need to go back to the city to get money? So, today's gambling for you brothers will all be paid by me. But you all know that I am a rough warrior, I don't have much property in Bianjing, and my family wealth is definitely not as good as yours. How about this little money, just for fun?"

Hearing this, the four of them were stunned and a little at a loss, but since Wang Yanzhang had already spoken, and they were in high spirits, how could they refuse? They just clasped their fists and expressed their gratitude.

But immediately, several people were stunned again.

Because what Wang Yanzhang asked someone to bring was clearly just a thick stack of papers, not the golden copper coins as expected. From a distance, one could only see complicated patterns printed on it, but could not see the real thing.

Wang Yanzhang just grinned and gave each of them a stack. When they got the bills, although Niu Zhiqian and the others were still confused, they subconsciously looked at them and saw some patterns on the left and right. In the middle, there was a pattern of a round coin with a square hole outlined in light ink, and in the middle was written in ink: "Allow for five thousand coins", and below it there were small words explaining: This bill is for use on behalf of the coin bank. All the banknotes in the capital and other provinces will accept it.

There were seals on these words, with words on top of seals, and words on seals, in black and red. And on the right side of the bill, there was a semicircular pattern, which was also a seal, but half of it was missing. The serial numbers in between were also some symbols they couldn't understand, i.e. '1, 2, 3, 4...' and other jumbled numbers. It was obvious that other bills were needed to make up a complete seal.

The same principle applies to the tiger talisman, which requires both halves to be combined in order to be used.

Seeing that the four people were puzzled, Wang Yanzhang just grinned, patted their shoulders, and said, "This is what is issued by the ticket bank under your name. Hiss, that ticket bank, in layman's terms, is also a money house."

You should be able to see that once the football market is open, there is no way to stop the betting activities. However, the prince does not allow private betting, so he set up a unified gambling club to accept bets for each game. "

However, my brothers have just realized that small coins are fine, but if it is a large amount of money, more than ten or a hundred strings, it will be dozens of kilograms in weight. How can it be convenient? If there are many people betting, I am afraid that the copper coins piled up can form a small mountain. In addition to the inconvenience of transportation, it also wastes time. So, our Lord used this "money ticket". "

He pointed at the bills in the hands of several people and continued to explain: "You can see clearly that this bill is the face value of five strings of money. Outside this stadium, there is a 'Huitong Piaohang' of the Lord. This thing is a voucher. You can exchange one for five thousand copper coins. If you don't want to exchange it, you can keep it and exchange it in the city. However, there is only one store in the city for the time being."

As he spoke, he did not forget to signal a few people to look at a crowded tent under the stage. There were crowds of people there, and someone was shouting out the odds of the blue team and the red team in the second half. It was the 'bookmaker'.

There were bad guys holding knives standing guard on both sides of the tent. If they saw anyone being dishonest, they would arrest him directly. Not only would they revoke his gambling qualification and capital, they would also put him on the blacklist and would not be allowed to enter the stadium to watch the game from then on.

"Look, in the past half month, the regular customers have gotten used to it. All the big money has been converted into this banknote for betting. Few people use copper coins. If they lose, they don't care. If they win, they can use the banknotes in their hands to convert copper coins. However, most of these people use one-string coins. But you brothers are all extravagant people. You bet with a capital of ten thousand strings. It's not good for you to be stingy, right? Come on, fifty strings each. Let's play today first, so as not to hurt the harmony of our family."

None of them were stupid. They understood the purpose of the banknotes at this moment. They were actually delighted for a moment as it saved them the trouble of carrying the copper coins. At the same time, they all thanked Wang Yanzhang, which seemed to have greatly enhanced their relationship with each other.

However, He Guangtu paid more attention. He carefully observed the Yin-nourishing words on the banknote while touching the material of the thing with his hand. Then he asked, "Brother Wang, is this mulberry paper?"

The so-called mulberry paper is a special paper used to make official and private documents, certificates, documents, and books in this era. It is very expensive and of good quality, and only the rich can afford it. From this, we can see that even if you want to forge the banknotes, let alone the seals, it is difficult to forge. Just the papermaking, the use of paper, has eliminated half of the opponents.

Wang Yanzhang shook his head and waved his hands: "I don't know, but this banknote feels really comfortable to the touch..."

As he said that, he just sat down with a few people and said with a smile: "Let's not talk about this. Anyway, the Lord has guaranteed it. This thing is always credible. With such a big Anle Pavilion, I am not afraid that the Lord will not have the money to replace it. Come on, come on, the show is about to start, don't be distracted."

The excitement of the few people was high. They had received too many new things today. How could they dare to say that the champion marquis had no brains to buy property? While watching the game, they were even guessing what the so-called great wealth was.

Standing by, Yu Zhong watched Wang Yanzhang finally throw away the most important matter, nodded imperceptibly, and went up to the attic.

Three quarters of an hour later, the second half was over. No matter who won or lost, they all became excited when they heard Xiao Yan invite them to the attic for tea. They no longer had the hesitant look they had at the beginning. They just tidied their clothes, put the money they won in their arms, and went up to the attic with different moods.

As for Xiao Yan, they had only just attended the grand ceremony of victory tribute two months ago. Even if they had many thoughts in the past two months, the second generation of dandies like them were not qualified to represent their family on an equal footing with the dignified champion marquis.

However, this great happy event actually fell upon them. Even after seeing Xiao Yan in casual clothes with only a jade belt, they still felt dizzy.

"Greetings, sir. We came here in a hurry and didn't prepare any gifts. We are really embarrassed..."

At this time, the four of them were more reserved towards this young man who was obviously much younger than them than towards Wang Yanzhang. When they crossed their arms and saluted, the atmosphere became awkward. Unexpectedly, Xiao Yan was very friendly, with a faint smile on his face. He just raised his hand to help a few people up and said with a smile: "I and you are all warriors, why do we need to pay attention to these complicated etiquette? Here, I have prepared some herbal tea. I think you have shouted hoarse just now, so you can moisten your throat."

Seeing this scene, several people felt relieved, and then of course they were overjoyed. After sitting down one by one, they chatted for a while. They felt that this champion Hou Ji, who ordinary generals could not even meet, gave them face. He praised them with just a few words and made them very happy. They all felt like they had a close friend.

Niu Zhiqian even directly put on the highest etiquette among the playboys, the fat on his face trembled, and he smiled and said: "Your Excellency is really... I am a rough man, there is nothing to say, but it is hard to find a bosom friend. Your Excellency thinks highly of my brothers. One day, I will invite you to have a good time. No one can be more proficient than me, Niu San, in the big and small ways of Bianjing, which store has which characteristics, and which piece of land has what advantages!"

After hearing this, Xiao Yan just laughed and said, "Then I'll have to rely on Brother Niu's guidance."

The atmosphere in the field was very lively. Wang Yanzhang's occasional laughs caused several people to complain, saying how they should have known the good brother of the Wang family earlier, so that they would not have been looked down upon by so many people in Beijing.

Until the end, they were not stupid. Instead, they knew clearly that it would be best for them to clarify the final mystery. So Niu Zhiqian was still the representative. He patted his chest and said loudly: "Sir, you don't have to keep us in suspense. We have heard some of the rumors in the court. How could we not know? Since you think highly of us brothers, if you need any help, we will not hesitate. If we can help, we will definitely not be stingy with this ambiguity."

Xiao Yan smiled, put down the teacup in his hand, and said, "Things are not as troublesome as Brother Niu said, but I still need your help."

He ordered some tea and continued, "As you all know, I am an outsider. All my wealth and status are due to the grace of Your Majesty. Apart from that, I can only think of some business to run on my own. This football market is all my hard work. Most of my financial resources have been thrown into it, and I dare not not pay attention to it.

But since I have started this football market, I will inevitably hear about the reputations of some of my brothers in the Cuju field. After thinking about it, I decided to invite a few of them over. "

Niu Zhiqian and the others were about to ask questions, but Xiao Yan held his hand, signaling them not to speak, and then continued: "For business matters, the more prosperous the better, but as long as it is a business, it is inevitable that new things are needed to attract customers. Although my football is new, there are only four teams playing it. Although it won't lose its popularity for a while, the newness will eventually fade, so we have to prepare in advance."

In fact, at this point, the smartest of the four had already understood what was going on, but they still didn't interrupt and just listened quietly.

"You are all masters of Cuju, so you should be familiar with football. Once you are familiar with the rules and how to play, you can basically understand it by playing a game. My idea is to ask you brothers to find a way to create one or several teams, and together with my team, to create a big competition to select the best team, award it with a prize, and name it the 'King of Football'. How about co-hosting this competition and buying a share of it?"

After Xiao Yan finished speaking with a smile, everyone was suddenly stunned, and then their eyes couldn't stop shining and their breathing became heavier.

But Xiao Yan didn't wait for them to say anything, but continued to laugh: "However, Xiao also knows his own business. Although this property matter has nothing to do with the court, it is inevitable that it will make you feel difficult at this critical juncture. This matter is indeed not easy to decide. You can go back and think it over before discussing it. How about it?"

Sure enough, although these people were excited for a moment, they immediately suppressed their thoughts. Not to mention that it is impossible to invest in just one or two teams, the huge profits that this football market can bring can be foreseen by anyone who is not a fool.

It's only the beginning, but the nearby markets and towns have already become obsessed with it. Even nobles in Bian Jing have come out of the city for more than ten miles to see it. If it is really publicized, it will surely set off a new trend in the whole Bian Jing. By then, just a ticket will be enough to make a fortune. How can people not be excited?
With such huge profits, if one wants to invest, it is impossible to do so without bringing capital, and it is even more impossible to bypass one's own family. If Xiao Yan had no grudge against the Ghost King, they would have agreed to it on their own. However, such a big matter does need to be discussed with their own grandfather.

After a moment's hesitation, they tacitly agreed to accept this statement.

But at this moment, someone outside suddenly reported that Kang Huaiying and Yang Shihou's son came to visit.

While several people were still in a daze, Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes and smiled, and told Wang Yanzhang and Han Yanhui to entertain the four people. Then he stood up himself and went outside to meet the guests.

Seeing this scene, how could Niu Zhiqian and others not know that there might be a big change?

Seeing that the two men were most likely to compete with them for profit, they got anxious and stood up suddenly. Then they looked at each other and said in unison: "My Lord, what's there to think about? If you don't join, you're a fool! Let's join! Not to mention the team, if my Lord needs anything else, just tell him!"

Xiao Yan was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter and turned around.

Several people breathed a sigh of relief.

On the side, Han Yanhui and Wang Yanzhang looked at each other, hiding their smiles, and the former even walked out of the room, as if to get rid of the two latecomers.

However, when Han Yanhui came in again, there were actually two people following him, one was a fat scholar and the other was a Confucian scholar. They each held a stack of documents and just walked in.

Xiao Yan pointed at the fat scholar with a smile on his face and introduced him to the four people, "This is Tong Tuiguan from Kaifeng Prefecture. He just moved here from Caozhou this year."

Then, he pointed at the scholar and continued, "You should know this man. He is the Hanlin scholar, Zheng Jue, a scholar from the Kaifeng Prefecture."

Several people were still in a daze as they looked at the two people who came to greet them.

Xiao Yan smiled and said, "Since you brothers have decided to invest, this is of great importance. I have invited these two scholars from Kaifeng Prefecture to be witnesses. It is written in black and white, and it can be regarded as a binding force between you and me. No matter who violates the contract, even if it is me, I will file a lawsuit."

Several people were startled again, but raised their heads to look at the people in the room. The Tong Tui Guan was smiling, like a smiling tiger. The so-called Zheng Jue also said nothing. Then they looked at Xiao Yan...but they didn't dare to look.

It has come to this point, it would be impossible for several people to refuse, so they simply gritted their teeth, quickly read the words on the document, signed and sealed it, and finished it in one go.

Xiao Yan smiled casually, stood up and clasped his fists towards the few people.

"In this case, Xiao and all the brothers will advance and retreat together from now on, and we will obtain wealth and glory together."

"Haha." Niu Zhiqian and others, now that they had signed the document, there was no turning back, and they felt relieved. Their dandy temperament came out, and they didn't care about the consequences anymore. Of course, they just responded loudly.

"Stand by my side!"

(End of this chapter)