Mr. Carter and his son hurriedly went their separate ways as soon as they left the palace—one went to find the Minister of War to prepare for the emperor’s visit to watch the cuju match the next day, while the other rushed back to the academy to inform the headmaster about the emperor’s personal attendance.

As expected, this news caused a huge stir in the Imperial Academy. The headmaster shot to his feet, exclaiming, “The emperor himself is coming?”

The assistant instructors and lecturers gasped, supporting each other as they looked earnestly at the son of the Minister of Revenue, Eric Carter, all traces of their usual sternness and reserve gone.

Eric Carter was just as excited. “The emperor said he wants to watch our academy’s cuju match.”

The headmaster, a fifth-rank official, had only ever seen the emperor from afar. Now, upon hearing this news, a surge of joy filled his chest. He paced around the room with a beaming face, bursting into laughter from time to time, as if drunk with excitement.

The assistant instructors and lecturers had never seen the emperor in person. One of the lecturers, Zhong, was already over fifty years old and couldn’t help but shed tears, murmuring to those beside him, “I never thought I’d live to see the day I could meet the emperor.”

The assistant instructor tried to remain calm. “Headmaster, the four cuju teams in our academy were recruited rather casually—their skills vary. If we let them play as they are, it might spoil the emperor’s mood.”

The headmaster abruptly stopped in his tracks and nodded repeatedly. “Right, right. Then let’s quickly reorganize the four teams today and pick the best players. Hahaha, those boys will probably all rush forward when they hear the emperor is coming.”

Suddenly remembering something, the headmaster turned to ask Eric Carter, “Did the emperor say whether he would come incognito or with great fanfare?”

Eric Carter replied hesitantly, “The emperor didn’t say, but my father has already gone to see the Minister of War.”

The headmaster thought for a moment, stroked his beard, and nodded. He didn’t say much more to Eric Carter, only added, “You must play tomorrow. Rest well tonight and do your best to bring honor to our Imperial Academy tomorrow.”

Eric Carter replied firmly, “I will, sir!”

Just thinking about the emperor watching him play cuju tomorrow filled him with energy. He wished tomorrow would come sooner so he could show the emperor how skilled he was.

Author’s note:

【cpOwen Reed】

① Brain-candy feel-good story, alternate universe transmigration, don’t overthink, there are bugs

② Daily updates, new chapter every day at 6 PM

③ Early chapters are written as a “Mary Sue” with over-the-top drama, but there’s improvement after chapter 20

[Note: The protagonist is not Buddhist; in this chapter, his words are contrary to his true feelings. He hasn’t been Buddhist since chapter one—he’s been ambitious from the start.]

Chapter 2

There are two official academies in the capital: the Imperial Academy and the National Academy. That very night, news from the Imperial Academy somehow spread to the National Academy. The headmaster of the National Academy shamelessly sent a one-sided invitation for cooperation and also formed four cuju teams, planning to compete with the Imperial Academy in front of the emperor the next day.

What’s the fun in just playing among yourselves? Include us! Our students are tall and strong—excellent at playing ball!

When it comes to making things difficult for the Imperial Academy, the National Academy had it down to an art.

The next day, the emperor did indeed arrive. He wore ordinary clothes and sat upright in a pavilion draped with cloth. Though it was still chilly in early spring, none of the attendants or civil and military officials by his side dared let the emperor catch a chill.

Only the side of the pavilion facing the field was left open. Braziers were piled to one side. The match hadn’t started yet, but the area beside the field was already packed with commoners who had come after hearing the news.

These people were desperate for even a glimpse of the emperor.

The noise outside was deafening, and as the excitement grew, it seemed the sky would be torn apart. Some even climbed trees, hugging the trunks and craning their necks to look into the field.

The son of the Minister of Revenue, Eric Carter, clenched his fists so tightly they went numb. His chest felt tight with nerves, but after glancing at the pavilion where the emperor sat, his anxiety turned into a burning fighting spirit.

His good friend, the heir of the Marquis of Pingchang, was nervously talking to Eric Carter: “I think I’ve got a cramp in my calf.”

Eric Carter was startled. “Quick, massage it! The match is about to start—we have to play our best for the emperor!”

“It’s because I know the emperor is here that I’m so nervous,” the marquis’s heir said with a pained expression. “When my father heard I’d be playing for the emperor today, he woke me up before dawn to practice boxing and running. I’m exhausted.”

Eric Carter couldn’t help but laugh. He looked around anxiously. “You’re great at the ‘dragon tail sweep’—we can’t do without you.”

The marquis’s heir couldn’t help but look smug. He stretched his leg with effort, hissing, “Let me massage it first.”

Most of the cuju players on the field were boys who hadn’t yet come of age. Hearing the emperor was coming and seeing so many people watching, they were a bit stage-frightened, but excitement and enthusiasm prevailed.

“It’s still a bit cold out, but these boys aren’t afraid,” Brian Clark said, draped in a fox-fur cloak, the white fur framing his face. “Look, they’re all wearing thin shirts.”

Samuel Grant, concerned for the emperor, carefully warmed a pot of tea for him. “Once they start running, they’ll sweat, but then it’s easy to catch a chill. Still, they’re young—they can handle it.”

“Give the order: after the match, serve them a bowl of ginger soup right away. Tell the academy staff to keep an eye out—don’t let a small thing turn into a big problem.”

“Yes, sir.” Samuel Grant relayed the instructions.