Chapter 268 National fitness leads to craze
Zhao Yingluo sat next to the dragon chair, waving her jade hand lightly, and Wen Boyuan came in response.
Her eyes shone with wisdom, her lips parted slightly, and she spoke about the national fitness plan that had been brewing in her heart for a long time.
"General Wen, Gu intends to implement a national fitness program to improve the physical fitness and health of the people of the Song Dynasty. Gu thinks that this matter may start with running and set up different levels of running competitions, such as the thirty-foot dash, the three-hundred-foot dash, and the three-hundred-foot dash. Middle-distance running, and even three-thousand-foot long-distance running. In this way, we can not only train the people's physical fitness, but also select outstanding runners to win glory for our Song Dynasty."
After hearing this, Wen Boyuan's eyes flashed with surprise.
As the commander of the Forbidden Army, he was naturally well aware of the strictness of military training, but he never thought that there would be such a unique competition.
He pondered for a moment, nodded and praised: "Your Highness, this plan is very clever. Although the Imperial Guards are well-trained on a daily basis, they focus more on technical and tactical training and rarely involve such physical competitions. This move can not only inspire the people The enthusiasm for sports can also help find more talents among the people who are suitable for joining the army.”
Zhao Yingluo felt reassured when she saw Wen Boyuan's approval.
She knew that to implement this plan, she would need the support of the ministers at the court meeting.
So, at the court meeting the next day, she solemnly announced the idea of a national running championship.
"My dear friends," Zhao Yingluo's voice echoed in the court, "I would like to launch a national running championship to enhance the physical fitness and national strength of our people in the Song Dynasty. This event will be divided into county-level, state-level, and Tao-level There will be four levels of selection in the Song Dynasty finals, and the winner will be determined starting in March. It will go through three levels of selection: county, state, and road, and finally the finals will be held in the capital of the Song Dynasty.”
As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar in the court.
The courtiers looked at each other and talked about it. Although they have always admired the princess's wisdom and courage, this national fitness plan surprised them.
Above the court, a white-haired veteran with traces of time etched on his face bowed slightly, with a hint of confusion and worry in his tone: "Your Highness, I have something unclear. I am from the Song Dynasty. People work hard every day, and they are everywhere in the fields and in the streets and alleys. Their daily work is the best exercise for their bodies, so why do they need to use running to keep fit? "
Hearing this, Zhao Yingluo smiled softly, and her smile revealed a bit of wisdom and calmness: "What the boss said is absolutely true. The people of our Song Dynasty did work hard, and their bodies were also tempered. However, this The national running championship proposed by the palace is not designed for them.”
She paused and continued: "The people I am concerned about are those scholars, people from the market, the royal family and the children of powerful people. They are either immersed in studying hard, or they are pampered and lack physical exercise. If things go on like this, they will inevitably become weak and sick. I promote this The plan is to hope that they can get out of the study and the courtyard, participate in running competitions, and strengthen their bodies.”
After listening to Zhao Yingluo's explanation, the old minister frowned slightly, as if he still had doubts: "Your Highness, scholars should focus on reading. If these national fitness activities are held, how can they study with peace of mind?"
At this time, Wen Boyuan stood up and said in a loud voice: "What you said is wrong! If you don't have a strong body, how can you support the important task of studying and becoming an official? Only when you are healthy can you do better. Serving the Song Dynasty."
He paused and continued: "Furthermore, participating in running competitions does not mean giving up studying. On the contrary, such competitive fitness activities can inspire scholars' fighting spirit to win, allowing them to gain growth and confidence in the competition." This will be of great benefit to their studies and future career." Zhao Yingluo nodded in agreement: "What General Wen said is true. I also believe that as long as time and energy are arranged reasonably, there is no contradiction between studying and fitness. Moreover, by participating in national fitness activities, they can make more like-minded friends and broaden their horizons, which is much better than studying hard. "
She glanced at the ministers in the court and continued: "My dear friends, I am not implementing this plan on a whim but as a result of careful consideration. I hope that through the holding of the National Running Championship, I can stimulate the sports enthusiasm of the people of the Song Dynasty and improve their sports. Physical fitness. I hope you can give me your full support.”
As soon as Zhao Yingluo finished speaking, the court fell into a brief silence.
Although the courtiers still have doubts about her ideas, Her Royal Highness the Princess has always acted decisively and did not act according to common sense. They have become accustomed to it and no longer say anything.
However, at this moment, Left Prime Minister Lu Yihao stood up and raised a difficult question with a solemn expression.
"Your Highness Princess," Lu Yihao said in a deep voice, "Organizing such a national fitness competition will probably consume a huge amount of financial and material resources. Nowadays, the national treasury is not sufficient, so I am afraid it will be difficult to bear the expenses of this plan."
As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere in the court suddenly became tense.
The courtiers were whispering to each other and discussing. They all know that what Lu Yihao said is true. The financial resources of the national treasury are indeed limited, and it is indeed difficult to support such a large-scale event.
Zhao Yingluo was not moved at all. She smiled slightly, her lips parted slightly, and her tone revealed incomparable confidence: "What Mr. Zuo Xiang said is absolutely true. The financial resources of the national treasury are indeed limited. However, the expenditure required for this plan, I will take responsibility for it myself.”
She paused and continued: "Now my private property, Drunken Hibiscus Hotpot, is spread all over the country, and the business is booming; Dasong Bank also has branches in various states, and its financial resources are abundant. I am willing to allocate part of the money from my own property. Sponsor this program and do your part for the cause of national fitness.”
Hearing this, the courtiers above the court were shocked again.
They did not expect that Her Highness the Princess would be willing to support this project with her own money.
Their determination and courage impressed them immensely.
Zhao Yingluo glanced around the court and continued: "I have decided to set up generous bonuses for each level of competition to encourage more people to actively participate. The specific matters will be decided by the Privy Council. Zhu Shengfei and the Ministry of Civil Affairs are jointly responsible for this project. I believe that with their joint efforts, this project will be successful."
The edict of the National Fitness Plan spread quickly throughout all the states and counties of the Song Dynasty like a spring breeze, causing a sensation wherever it went. Kaifeng Prefecture, where the capital is located, was the first to respond and prepared for the competition in full swing.
Outside the city gate of Kaifeng Prefecture, the notice was surrounded by people who came to watch. They stood on tiptoes or stretched their necks to get a glimpse of the fresh notice. The literate people read the words on the notice aloud while watching. Every word seemed to be filled with magic, making the hearts of the people watching accelerate.
