As soon as Sun Tu said this, not only the others, but also Tong Guan, who was very deep in the city and usually kept his emotions and anger intangible, couldn't help but be a little surprised. This was the first time that someone had so directly refused his support. Could it be that the other party is using some trick of retreating to advance
Sun Tu also discovered the problem at this time, so he explained: "Forgive me, Taiwei. Although I am not talented, I still want to serve the court, but I really don't want to be an ordinary soldier in Guizhou. It's better to go back to Yuncheng." The county lived a life of poverty but was quite comfortable."
The Song Dynasty's emphasis on culture and restraint on military affairs was manifested in many aspects. One of the most serious ones was that they would tattoo the faces of ordinary soldiers, just like those who committed serious crimes and were sent to remote prisoners, so there was the saying that thieves were sent to the army. And this tattoo will stay with people for a lifetime, becoming an insult that can never be washed away. Even Di Qing, who finally became the deputy privy envoy, still has such a mark on his face even though he has made countless great contributions to the court.
Even though Sun Tu had the heart to serve his country, he couldn't accept leaving such a mark on his face, so he declined Tong Guan's offer immediately.
Tong Guan, who was still a little unhappy at first, couldn't help laughing and shook his head after hearing his explanation. Fang Qian smiled at the right time and said: "Sun Tu, you underestimate Tong Shuai's willingness to use you. Since we want to use you, we will naturally give you a good future. How can we let you just do a necessary job?" Where is Qiu Ba in front of me?"
"Come with me, sit down and talk." Tong Guan didn't want to be among too many people discussing this matter, so he turned and walked to the flower hall nearby. Sun Tu didn't hesitate and gave Tong Mu a look before following him.
Tong Guan sat down, and a servant brought him a drink - a very popular decoction made with various cooling or warming medicines - even Sun Tu and Fang Qian got a bowl. After taking a sip to moisten his throat, Tong Guancai smiled and said: "Sun Tu, with your ability, I will not let you start as a soldier. Instead, I want to get you an official position. Of course, it can only be a military attache. But , as long as you have a suitable assignment, you can serve the court regardless of whether you are civil or military, and you can have a chance to get ahead."
Among the many dynasties in history, the Song Dynasty was indeed a very strange existence in terms of official system, and was very different from other dynasties. Officials in the imperial court actually had two or three identities. One of them was the official, or the official who sent the records. This position represented the official's rank in the imperial court and the annual salary he could receive for it. But in fact, almost no official actually performs errands in this position.
The assignment he received was the official position he actually held, and the real power he held was also the basis for his political achievements and promotion. In fact, the number of people with official status inside and outside the imperial court far exceeded the number of dispatches. This was one of the reasons for the problem of redundant officials and personnel in the Song Dynasty.
In fact, the reason why the Song Dynasty came up with such a strange and complicated official system was related to the fact that the country itself was not upright. Because of his guilty conscience, he didn't have much trust in his subordinates and officials, and always wanted to decentralize power. This was true for military generals, but it was also similar for civilian officials. Because officials can be replaced at any time, even the emperor can replace him with an edict without having to find any reason.
And this time Tong Guan could also promise to find a job for Sun Tu, which was more difficult than helping him get an official position, although it was actually quite rare to get a high-ranking official position in the Song Dynasty.
It wasn't until he understood the weight of Tong Guan's words that Sun Tu was moved by them. He stood up solemnly and saluted and thanked Tong Guan: "Thank you, Commander Tong, for your cultivation and support. I will definitely live up to your expectations." After coming to this era for a few months, , he already understands how difficult it is to really become an official at this time, so naturally he will not let it go at this time.
When Tong Guan saw this, he smiled with satisfaction. This kid is quite smart and has quick reactions. He even quickly grasped what people around him called him and used the opportunity to call him that. But then, his expression became solemn: "But don't thank me too early. All I can do is give you a chance to become an official. As for whether you can leap over the dragon's gate, it still depends on your own ability. "
Seeing that Sun Tu was a little confused, Fang Qian explained on his behalf: "In February next year, there will be a shooting test in the Third Class Courtyard to promote some military generals who have made meritorious service in the border areas. By then, , Tong Shuai will recommend you to participate. If you can stand out, you can find a position as a ninth-grade military attache. However, there will be many competitors with you, and most of them are good soldiers. If you are better than If you can't help them, even if Tong Shuai wants to take care of you, he won't be able to do it."
The so-called shooting test in the palace, as the name suggests, is to display one's shooting skills and martial arts in front of the emperor. This is one of the few channels for military personnel to become officials in the Song Dynasty, which values civility over military affairs. And this is different from the imperial examination which takes place every three years and is always irregular.
In addition to those generals who were of humble origins but had made outstanding achievements in the military and were recommended by important ministers in the border areas, senior officials in the court, such as Tong Guan, could recommend candidates to the court.
Sun Tu was very confident about this. He believed that with his own martial arts and passable shooting skills, he should be able to pass this test.
"By the way, I heard what you said and read some books, right?" Fang Qian asked again.
Sun Tu could only say vaguely: "I am just a rough reader of writing."
"That's good. Maybe I'll ask you to write an article and ask questions. As long as you can't write all the words, it won't be a problem if you don't understand the arts and science." Obviously Fang Qian has been exposed to such things in the past, and he knows a lot about it. That was quite clear: "And riding, can you?"
This time, he asked Sun Tu. Although he had ridden horses in his previous life, he only did it for fun due to the limitations of the times. As for the Song Dynasty, the shortage of horses meant that he had almost no contact with horses. How could he have good riding skills
"Then you have to spend more time and practice more. The imperial shooting test is not only a test of school foot shooting, but also a test of mounted shooting."
Seeing Sun Tu's expression of embarrassment, Tong Guan smiled and said, "You will go to the stables later to ask for a horse. From now on, take more time to learn riding skills. Don't let me lose face." Since As he prepared to support Sun Tu, he naturally had to show his kindness. This is exactly the way people like them behave. As long as they really want to win over someone, they will definitely give them enough benefits, otherwise the power of the traitorous party will not be so great.
Sun Tu quickly thanked him again, and then said hesitantly: "But I still have a difficult problem."
"Come and listen." Fang Qian replied on Tong Guan's behalf.
"The reason why I came to Tokyo is that I accepted an errand from the county government. But as of today, the errand has not been settled yet." As he spoke, he briefly recounted his experience at the Ministry of Household Affairs.
"This is just a small matter. Tomorrow you can take my name card to the household department and get it done." Tong Guan said with a disapproving smile. This matter is indeed not worth mentioning to him. Compared with Come on, it would be more difficult to add Sun Tu's name to the list of shooting tests.
After this worry was resolved, Sun Tu finally felt at ease. After he resigned, a look of excitement immediately appeared on his face. He knew that his chance to make a comeback was finally coming. After all, his previous experiences had made him clearly feel the huge class differences in today's era, and whether he could become an official was really important.
In the flower hall, after seeing Sun Tu leaving, Fang Qian said with a smile: "This kid finally showed his thoughts. It seems that he is not really indifferent to fame and fortune, but he still wants something."
"Who in the world can truly have no desires or desires? If he really wants to have it, I'm afraid it's probably a lie. That's good for him. As long as he wants something, I can help him achieve it. When the time comes, He can naturally be used by me." Tong Guan said with a smile. He was obviously very satisfied with the result.
But soon, his smile gradually faded away, and a strange light shone in his eyes. The reason why he supports Sun Tu is that he values his talent and knowledge. More importantly, this person also has a use that cannot be said yet!