As soon as Sun Tu said this, not only other people, but also Tong Guan, who was extremely deep in the city and ordinary in his mood and mood, 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 making some trick of retreating into advance?

Sun Tu also discovered the problem at this time, so he explained: "Taiwei forgives his sins, although he is not talented, he also has the heart to serve the court, but he really doesn't want to be an ordinary soldier." It's better to go back to Yuncheng County to live that poor but comfortable life. ”

The Great Song Dynasty's emphasis on literature and military suppression was manifested in all aspects, one of which was very serious was to tattoo words on the faces of ordinary soldiers of the official army, just like those prisoners who committed serious crimes and were assigned to remote prisoners, so there was a saying that thieves were assigned to the army. And this tattoo will be like this for a lifetime, becoming an insult that can never be washed off, even Di Qing, who finally became the privy deputy envoy, even though he has made countless great contributions to the court, he still has such a mark on his face.

Even though Sun Tu had the heart to serve the country, he couldn't accept to leave such a mark on his face, so he politely refused Tong Guan's offer at the moment.

Tong Guan, who was still a little unhappy in his heart, couldn't help laughing and shook his head after hearing his explanation. And Fang Qian smiled at the right time: "Sun Tu, you are too underestimating Tong Shuai to use your heart, since we want to use you, we will naturally give you a good future, how can we let you only be a Qiu Ba who must be a face?" ”

"Come with me, sit down and talk." Tong Guan didn't want to discuss the matter with too many people, so he turned around and walked towards the flower hall on the side. Sun Tu didn't hesitate, so he gave Tong Mu a look, and then followed.

Tong Guan sat down, and his own house slave brought him a drink—a popular decoction made with various cool or warm medicines—and even Sun Tu and Fang Qian got a bowl. After taking a sip and moistening his throat, Tong Guancai smiled and said: "Sun Tu, with your ability, the old man will not let you start as a soldier, but wants to get you an official body, of course, it can only be a military attaché." However, as long as there is a suitable assignment, no matter how military can serve the imperial court, and there will be a chance to stand out. ”

Among the many dynasties in history, the Great Song Dynasty is indeed a rather strange existence, which is very different from other dynasties. In fact, the officials in the court themselves have two or three identities, one of which is the own official, or the official of the mail, this position represents the rank of the official in the court, and the annual income that can be obtained from it. But in fact, almost none of the officials really did this job.

And the dispatch he receives is the official position that this official is really in now, and the real power he holds, and it is also the fundamental reason why he can make political achievements and be promoted. In fact, there were far more people with official status inside and outside the court than there were sent to the court, which was one of the reasons for the problem of redundant officials and redundant personnel in the Great Song Dynasty.

In fact, the reason why the Great Song Dynasty came up with such a strange and complicated official system has a lot to do with the fact that he himself was not righteous. Because of his weak heart, he doesn't trust his subordinates and officials very much, and always thinks about decentralization, which is the case for military generals and civil officials. Because the dispatch of officials can be changed at any time, and even the Son of Heaven can replace him with an edict without any reason.

And this time, Tong Guan can also promise to give Sun Tumou a dispatch, which is more difficult than helping him get an official position, although the official position of the Great Song Dynasty is actually quite rare.

It wasn't until he understood the weight of Tong Guan's words that Sun Tu was moved, got up solemnly, and saluted Tong Guan and thanked him: "Thank you Tong Shuai for your support for the cultivation of the next place, and I will live up to my expectations." In the few months since he came to this era, he has understood how difficult it is to really become an official at this time, and he will naturally not let it go at this time.

Seeing this, Tong Guan smiled with satisfaction. This kid is still very smart, and he reacts quickly, and he even quickly grabbed what the people around him called him, and called him so. But then, he turned grim again: "But don't thank me too early, all the old man can do is give you a chance to become an official, as for whether you can jump into the dragon gate, it 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 Academy to promote some military generals who have made meritorious contributions in the border areas to become officials. When the time comes, Tong Shuai will recommend you to participate as well. If you can stand out from it, you can get a position as a military attaché of the ninth grade. However, there will be a lot of people competing with you at that time, and most of them are good players in the army, if you can't compare to them, then Tong Shuai will not be able to take care of you even if he has the heart to take care of you. ”

As the name suggests, the so-called archery test court is to show its own archery skills and martial arts in front of the emperor of heaven. This is one of the few channels in the Great Song Dynasty that emphasizes literature over military force. And this is also different from the imperial examination that occurs every three years, which is always irregular.

In addition to those generals who came from humble backgrounds but had made contributions in the army, so as to be promoted by important ministers in the border areas, senior officials in the court, such as Tong Guan, could recommend candidates to the imperial court.

In this regard, Sun Tu is very confident, he believes that with his own martial arts and his relatively good archery skills, he should be able to pass this test.

"By the way, I've read some books to listen to your conversation, right?" Fang Qian asked again.

Sun Tu could only say vaguely: "It's just rough and ink." ”

"That's good, maybe you'll be asked to write a strategy and ask questions, as long as you can't even write all the words, it's not a problem to be incomprehensible." Obviously, Fang Qian had never been exposed to such things in the past, and he was quite clear about the doorway: "There are also riding skills, do you know it?" ”

Now it's time to ask Sun Tu. Although he had ridden a horse in his previous life, he had fun because of the limitations of the times, and as for the Great Song Dynasty, the current situation of lack of horses made him almost never touch horses, so how could he have good riding skills?

"Then you'll have to put some thought into it. The shooting test court is not only a test of school foot shooting, but also a level of riding shooting. ”

Seeing Sun Tu's embarrassed face, Tong Guan smiled and said: "You go to the stable to ask for a horse later, and in the future, you will take more time to learn riding skills, but don't let the old man lose face." Since he is ready to carry Sun Tu, he naturally has to give enough kindness. This is also the style of these people, as long as they really want to win over someone, they will definitely give enough benefits, otherwise the traitorous party will not be so powerful.

Sun Tu hurriedly thanked him again, and then said with some hesitation: "But there is still a difficult matter in the future." ”

"Tell me about it." Fang Qian replied on behalf of Tong Guan.

"So to be able to come to Tokyo is to answer the prefectural government's errand. But to this day, this errand has not yet been settled. As he spoke, he briefly recounted what had happened to him in the household.

"It's just a small thing. Tomorrow, you can take my name card to the household department and get things done. Tong Guan smiled disapplausively, this matter is really not worth mentioning to him, compared to it, it is more difficult to add Sun Tu's name to the list of the shooting test palace.

After this matter was resolved, Sun Tu finally settled down. After retiring, his face immediately showed excitement, and he knew that his chance to turn over was finally coming. After all, his previous experience had made him clearly feel that the class difference in this era is huge, and whether he can become an official is too important.

And in the flower hall, after seeing Sun Tu leave, Fang Qian said with a smile: "This son still showed his mind after all. It seems that he is not really indifferent to fame and fortune, but he still has something to ask for. ”

"Who in the world can truly be desireless? If there is, I'm afraid that nine times out of ten it will be false. He is very good in this way, as long as he asks for something, the old man can help him achieve what he wants, and then he will naturally be able to use it for me. Tong Guan said with a smile. He was clearly pleased with the result.

Soon, however, his smile faded again, and there was a strange glint in his eyes. That's why he promoted Sun Tu, valuing his talent and knowledge, but more importantly, this person has a use that can't be said yet!