At the end of the Han Dynasty: a stingy husband from his hometown

Chapter 306 School Examination

On the desk.

Pang Tong put down the pen in his hand, moved his slightly stiff neck, then stood up and bowed slightly to Zhang Yun, saying: "Today's affairs have been handled, please check it out."

Immediately afterwards, Pang Tong carried the pile of official documents beside him to Zhang Yun's case.

Zhang Yun did not go to read the documents, but said with a little emotion: "Shi Yuan has been serving as a meritorious officer under my command for more than two years. I know your talents very well."

"Handling government affairs here has buried Shi Yuan's talent."

Pang Tong smiled slightly and said: "I have given you too much praise. If it were two years ago, I might still have this idea. Now after two years of training, I have seen many kinds of government affairs, and I know that there is no end to my knowledge. I will write this book Only when what you learn in high school is applied in practice can you truly train people.”

"I'm just grateful for your care over the past two years, so how can I feel that I'm underachieving?"

Pang Tong's words were not modest at all.

When he first became the meritorious official of Xiangyang County, although he had many ideas, his methods of handling government affairs were still quite immature, and he even made many mistakes.

It was Zhang Yun's very patient teaching that made Pang Tong's political ability improve by leaps and bounds, and he was naturally extremely grateful.

What's more, the meritorious officials of Xiangyang County may not seem to be of high rank, but they are in that kind of humble and powerful positions. Almost all matters of Xiangyang County, big and small, have to go through Pang Tong's hands.

You must know that in history, Pang Tong was promoted to the Nanjun meritorious service by Zhou Yu six years later.

Now, Pang Tong has taken this position six years earlier.

Moreover, after Zhou Qi moved the prefecture of Jingzhou to Xiangyang, he changed Nanjun to Xiangyang County. Although Pang Tong still served as a meritorious official here, there is no comparison in importance between the two.

Pang Tong now has such qualifications at a young age and has made outstanding achievements during his reign. His future is bound to be extremely bright.

Zhang Yun had a slight smile on his face.

But he suddenly asked: "Do you know, Shi Yuan, why I paid three visits to Pang Mansion and invited you to be the meritorious officer of Xiangyang County?"

When Pang Tong heard this, he was a little confused and said: "I don't know."

In fact, this is where Pang Tong was confused.

Pang Tong was only twenty-two years old at the time. Although he had some talent and reputation, there were countless outstanding people in Xiangyang. It was extremely difficult for Pang Tong, a young man, to become famous.

What's more, at that time, celebrities in Xiangyang had not yet begun to praise Pang Tong.

How could Zhang Yunyuan know Pang Tong's name and even come to invite him three times?

Although Pang Tong was confused at the time, Zhang Yun did not explain the reason. He only thought that the other party came to invite him repeatedly because of his family background.

Unexpectedly, two years later, Zhang Yun suddenly mentioned this point again.

Zhang Yun's face showed a look of reminiscence, and then he sighed quietly: "Speaking of it, Shi Yuan may not believe it. I had never heard of your reputation at the beginning. It was just because I was transferred by the lord to serve as the governor of Xiangyang County. I felt that my ability was insufficient, and I was afraid that I would not be able to win again. decline."

"My lord, however, insisted on letting me take on this position and recommended Shi Yuan. He said that Pang Tong has great talents, but he is too young and still needs to be polished and experienced."

"My lord asked me to recruit Shi Yuan to serve as a meritorious official in Xiangyang County. In this way, Shi Yuan can help me handle the government affairs of Xiangyang County, and he can also experience Shi Yuan."

When Pang Tong heard this, he couldn't help but stand on the spot, his face full of disbelief.

He had guessed many reasons at first, but he never thought that it was His Royal Highness the King of Chu who recommended him to Zhang Yun and gave him such a high evaluation.

In an instant, Pang Tong felt a strong desire to die for his confidant.

No wonder Pang Tong is like this.

He was born ugly and thought that his future career would be difficult, but he did not expect that at the age of only twenty-two, he would already be in an important position and be valued by the powerful King of Chu.

If he just received the attention of a county magistrate, or even a county guard, Pang Tong might not be so excited.

However, being able to gain the respect of His Highness the King of Chu while borrowing names is naturally different. Anyone will feel excited because of this trust and respect.

Zhang Yun stood up and walked to Pang Tong, patted him on the shoulder, and said earnestly: "Over the years, while handling government affairs, Shi Yuan has still studied military books and strategies diligently. It can be said that he has lofty aspirations."

"Talents will not be buried in the end. Please cherish your time as a meritorious officer here. If what I predict is true, you may be promoted by the lord soon."

As soon as Zhang Yun finished speaking, he saw a county official walking in quickly and said, "My lord has an order to summon you and Pang Gongcao to go to the palace to discuss matters."

When the two of them heard this, they both looked shocked.

Immediately afterwards, Zhang Yun couldn't help but burst out laughing and said, "Look, just after I said this, the Lord summoned us to go to the palace."

Zhou Qi did often call Zhang Yun to discuss matters before, but Pang Tong, as a meritorious official, was not qualified to participate in such meetings.

This time, Pang Tong was asked to come with him by name, and things were extraordinary.

Zhang Yun stepped forward and pulled Pang Tong, saying: "When we go to the palace, Shi Yuan should behave well and don't let the lord down!"

Prince Chu's Mansion.

Zhou Qi had already sent away several groups of people, so the matters discussed were all about the prince's arrangements.

The reason why he did not choose to gather everyone together to discuss matters was to hear what his subordinates had to say, lest some people did not tell the truth due to concerns.

Next, Zhou Qi was going to meet Zhang Yun and Pang Tong.

He specially trained Pang Tong for two years, and also secretly observed him during these years, and found that Pang Shiyuan was indeed worthy of the title of Feng Chu.

Of course, in this time and space, Pang Tong did not have such a name.

"My lord, Commander Zhang and Pang Gongcao are here."

Zhou Qi put down the documents in his hand and said to Dian Wei, "Let them come in."

Not long after, the two of them entered the palace together and saluted Zhou Qi.

Zhou Qi waved his hand and said, "No need to be polite."

He walked to Zhang Yun and said with a smile: "During this period, you have been handling the affairs of Xiangyang County more and more skillfully."

Zhang Yun smiled bitterly and said: "My lord, why do you need to ridicule me? Without the help of scholars, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to do so well."

Zhou Qi didn't say anything more, but focused on Pang Tong.

Pang Tong was short in stature and not handsome in face. Compared with Zhou Yu, Zhuge Liang, Lu Xun and other talented young people, he naturally looked unpopular.

However, after two years of secret observation, Zhou Qi liked Pang Tong very much.

Perhaps in many people's minds, Pang Tong is the kind of person who likes to talk and has a strong desire to express himself.

This is not the case. Perhaps because of his appearance, Pang Tong is relatively introverted and does not like to communicate with others. He even looks a bit simple and dull.

And compared to the sharpness and pride of other young talents, Pang Tong appears to be more calm and never belittles others.

No matter how he treats anyone, even if the other person has poor character or lacks ability, Pang Tong will not point out the shortcomings of others, but will try his best to pick out the good ones.

This also shows that Pang Tong has a high emotional intelligence.

Perhaps it is for this reason that Pang Tong in history obviously does not fit the image of a romantic celebrity in the eyes of the public, but he has many friends in Jingxiang and Soochow, and he has a very good reputation.

Of course, Pang Tong's character is not smooth, let alone flattery.

In matters of right and wrong, Pang Tong always sticks to his bottom line.

Just like when Liu Bei attacked Yizhou, it was Pang Tong who persuaded Liu Bei to do so. In the end, it was Pang Tong who gave Liu Bei the upper, middle and lower strategies. Only when Liu Bei chose the middle strategy could he plan to kill Yang Huai and Gao Pei, and then send his troops to attack directly. The journey to Chengdu was overwhelming, with continuous victories wherever it passed.

At this time, Liu Bei was very satisfied with his ambitions. He held a banquet in Fucheng for the soldiers, drinking, singing and dancing.

All the soldiers under his command were extremely happy because of the consecutive battles and victories. Only Pang Tong always maintained a calm mind.

When Liu Bei said to Pang Tong: "Is today's meeting a joy?"

However, Pang Tong changed his usual tact in being kind to others, and instead said bluntly: "It is not a benevolent soldier to attack a country for the sake of happiness."

Seeing this, many people may be confused.

Whether it was persuading to seize Yizhou or planning to kill Yang Huai and Gao Pei, it was all planned by Pang Tong. Why did he deny Liu Bei here?

In fact, Pang Tong was not denying Liu Bei here. Instead, he was warning the other party not to get carried away, and then gave others instructions.

As a minister, Pang Tong was not at fault for helping Liu Bei to seize Yizhou, but this matter was not very honorable. For both Liu Bei and Pang Tong, the reputation would not be good if it was revealed.

At this time, what is needed is to act in a low-key manner, rather than singing and dancing and getting carried away.

What's more, Liu Bei's reputation for benevolence and righteousness is known all over the world. If this picture of a villain succeeding was spread, wouldn't his reputation be ruined?

It was precisely after seeing through this that Pang Tong changed his usual tact and dismissed Pang Tong's elegance in public. In fact, he was secretly admonishing Liu Bei to keep a low profile.

Liu Bei, who was in high spirits, was naturally unhappy. He not only reprimanded Pang Tong, but even drove him outside.

Just after driving Pang Tong out, Liu Bei felt regretful and invited him back.

Pang Tong returned to the banquet and sat back in his original seat. He neither looked at Liu Bei nor apologized, but just ate and drank by himself.

Upon seeing this, Liu Bei asked: "We were arguing with each other just now, whose fault is it?"

This is a gift proposition.

If it were a flattering person, facing the monarch's aggressive questioning, he might be heartbroken, and then take the blame on himself to appease the monarch's anger.

If it were those upright people, they might refuse to admit their mistakes at this time, fight against the monarch to the end, and end up with a miserable end.

Pang Tong was different. He replied: "Both the king and his ministers are lost!"

This reflects Pang Tong's super high emotional intelligence.

This matter was originally Liu Bei's fault. Pang Tong not only had no moral fault, he also fulfilled his duty as a minister and warned the monarch frankly.

Here, Pang Tong said that both of them were at fault.

In this way, it not only gave Liu Bei face, but also maintained his bottom line as a courtier.

In fact, no one would have advised Liu Bei directly under such circumstances.

Even Zhuge Liang may not do this.

Compared with Pang Tong, Zhuge Liang was more thoughtful and cautious.

The more Zhou Qi looked at it, the more he felt that Pang Tong was pleasing to his eye, and then he asked: "The governor Zhang's words are all due to Shi Yuan, is that true?"

Pang Tong said: "I am a meritorious officer under your command, and everything I do is my duty. How can I talk about meritorious service?"

Zhou Qi couldn't help but nodded secretly when he heard this.

Pang Tong does have high emotional intelligence. Such an answer will not make people think that he is competing with Zhang Yun for credit, but it will give others a sense of humility, and he will not deny what he has done.

The smile on Zhou Qi's face got even bigger, and he motioned for the two of them to sit down and have tea. Then he turned to look at Pang Tong and asked, "Yizhou is a dangerous fortress, with fertile fields thousands of miles away. It is a land of abundance. I once held the position of shepherd in Yizhou, but after all I am in Xiangyang." , some are beyond our reach.”

"After much thought, I want to remove myself from the post of Yizhou Shepherd and replace it with someone else. I wonder what Shi Yuan thinks?"

When Pang Tong heard this, he couldn't help but straighten his body, knowing that His Highness the King of Chu was testing him.

Even Zhang Yun, who was beside him, leaned forward slightly, wanting to see how Pang Tong would answer.

As the first official to conquer Pang Tong, he could be regarded as acquainted with and supported him. If Pang Tong could rise to prominence in the future, not only would Zhang Yun gain more face, but he would also receive rewards from Pang Tong.

Therefore, Zhang Yun is also very willing that Pang Tong can be reused by the King of Chu.

Faced with such a question, Pang Tong did not dare to answer hastily. Instead, he frowned and pondered for a long time, then looked up at Zhou Qi and asked, "I wonder who the lord wants to appoint as the shepherd of Yizhou?"

Zhou Qi secretly thought that Pang Tong was really smart, and he immediately saw the key point of the matter.

Zhou Qi, however, was interested in comparing, and did not express his thoughts directly, but asked: "Who does Shi Yuan think can take on such responsibilities?"

Pang Tong said solemnly: "Yizhou is too important, and Yizhou Mu is too powerful. If someone else is entrusted, they can completely block the mountain roads, cut off traffic, and stand on their own."

"Therefore, in my humble opinion, it is best for my lord not to change others."

"If the Lord has made up his mind, only His Royal Highness can take on this important task."

The smile on Zhou Qi's face became even wider, and then he said deliberately: "Although Gu has this intention, the crown prince has not yet reached the crown. I am afraid that he is too young to take on the big responsibility."

When Pang Tong heard this, he couldn't help but feel enlightened, and then said: "My lord, when he was only seventeen years old, he killed the cruel official Wang Ji on the street, and then followed the captain of Sili into Luoyang, and his reputation spread far and wide."

"The prince has the same style as my lord in the past. He is now eighteen years old. With a little experience, he will definitely be able to be put to an important position."

"And there are many talented people under my lord's command. If you are worried that the prince is too young, just send talented people to assist you."

Zhou Qi couldn't help laughing when he heard this, then stared at Pang Tong with burning eyes and asked: "I know the talent of the scholar Yuan very well, would you like to follow the prince to Shu and help you?"

Even though Pang Tong had already guessed in his mind, he was a little surprised at this moment. Without any hesitation, he prostrated himself directly on the ground and said, "I don't dare to invite you!"

Zhou Qi stepped forward to help Pang Tong up, caressed his back and said, "I know that Shi Yuan is loyal, righteous and benevolent. The prince is young and energetic. If there is anything wrong with things, Shi Yuan should not condone it, but should speak out and advise him!"

(End of this chapter)