However, the pre-determined allocation of provincial tribute quotas is a very normal matter; in any prefecture or county, it is a trivial affair. If such opportunities for advancement are not given to the sons of powerful and noble families, could they possibly be given to those from humble backgrounds? Steven Bolton believed that Richard Martin would not be surprised by this.

He smiled and said, “Tomorrow’s provincial exam mainly tests foot archery and mounted archery. For foot archery, I think Brian Thompson won’t have much trouble, but performance in mounted archery on the spot is crucial. If he underperforms, he may not be able to secure a spot to go to the capital, even though I also admire his mounted archery skills.”

What Steven Bolton said made a lot of sense; indeed, on-the-spot performance is a key factor in mounted archery, leaving Richard Martin with no grounds to refute.

In fact, Richard Martin did not really want to get involved in the internal dealings of Shazhou; that was the Ministry of War’s business and had nothing to do with him. But if he were to write a letter of recommendation, it would concern his own interests.

After pondering for a moment, Richard Martin said, “Since I have agreed to write the recommendation letter, I naturally won’t go back on my word. However, for the person I recommend, I must see his mounted archery skills with my own eyes. Only if he meets my standards will I write it; otherwise, if His Majesty blames me, I, Richard Martin, cannot bear the responsibility. Do you understand, Commander Bolton?”

Chapter 006: Exchange of Interests

When Brian Thompson returned home, it was already dark. As soon as he entered the courtyard, his eldest sister Edward Thompson rushed over like the wind, grabbed him, and anxiously asked, “Brian, where did you go this afternoon? I was worried sick!”

“I was in a bad mood and went out for a walk.”

Edward Thompson had searched everywhere for her brother but couldn’t find him, so anxious that she hadn’t even eaten dinner. Now that Brian Thompson was finally back, she could finally relax.

She had intended to give him a good scolding, but upon hearing his words, all her anger vanished without a trace.

“Come here, Sister has something to say to you.”

Edward Thompson pulled her brother into the room to sit down. “Big Sister knows you’re troubled by what the family head said, but don’t be afraid. Who cares about the family head or not? Tomorrow, don’t yield to anyone. Our fate must be in our own hands; we must never be pitiful people who live at the mercy of others.”

It was rare for Sister to say such inspiring words. Brian Thompson didn’t know whether to feel moved or afraid, but for now, he didn’t want to mention having met Richard Martin, so he smiled and said, “Big Sister, don’t worry. I’ve already thought it through. Tomorrow, I definitely won’t back down.”

“That’s more like it.”

Edward Thompson felt truly relieved and decided to give her brother another encouragement. After thinking for a moment, she added, “After you finish the martial provincial exam tomorrow, Big Sister might give you a chance to go out for a bit.”

Brian Thompson was overjoyed. “Where to?”

“Where exactly, I can’t say for now. My only worry is that you’ve never been out before, so I’m not too comfortable letting you go alone.”

Brian Thompson quickly said, “Sister, don’t worry. I won’t be going alone.”

“I know, it’s just those few rascals you hang out with. But then again, if the four of you go together, I’ll actually feel at ease.”

Edward Thompson thought that her younger brother was growing up and should be given a chance to go out and gain some experience, so she agreed.

“Then it’s settled. Tomorrow I’ll prepare food and luggage for you all, and you’ll set off the day after tomorrow. But from now on, you’re not allowed to think about this anymore. For tomorrow’s provincial exam, you must do your best and win this honor for Sister.”

……

Shazhou is located on the frontier, bordering Tubo and the Turks, and is especially known for its martial spirit. In Dunhuang, families with slightly better means will have their children study literature and practice martial arts to strengthen their bodies and defend their homes.

Three years ago, the Great Tang established the martial imperial exam, and all prefectures and counties followed suit with their own provincial martial exams. Shazhou was no exception, but the Ministry of War only allocated three provincial tribute quotas to Shazhou each year. With such precious quotas, they were basically divided up by the major families of Shazhou every year.

This year, the situation was even more special. The Grand General of the Left Guard, Richard Martin, agreed to write a letter of recommendation to the Ministry of War. Richard Martin is now the top general of the Great Tang, holding extremely high status in the military. If he is willing to recommend someone to the Ministry of War, then the three provincial tribute scholars this time will have boundless prospects.

So as soon as Richard Martin agreed to recommend, the major families began fiercely competing for these three quotas. In the end, a compromise was reached: Steven Bolton took one quota for his son Michael Bolton.

The Suo family took one quota, because the main official in charge of this martial provincial exam was Peter Sullivan, who had just been appointed as Sima of Shazhou. The Suo family wanted to give it to their eldest grandson William Sullivan.

There was still one quota left, which by convention should be fairly contested by the scholars participating in the martial exam, serving as a fig leaf. But this time, both the The Thompson Family and the The Clark Family wanted this last quota.

In the end, it was decided that if the The Thompson Family could persuade the most likely champion, Brian Thompson, to give up competing, then the quota would go to the The Thompson Family. The The Clark Family, lacking sufficient influence, could only give up.

But today, the head of the Thompson clan, James Thompson, went to Brian Thompson’s home to persuade him to give up the provincial martial exam, but ran into trouble. The Thompson siblings firmly refused to give up, which put him in a difficult position.

At nightfall, James Thompson’s carriage slowly stopped in front of the Sullivan family’s main gate. The Sullivan family residence was located in the west of the city, consisting of the main residence and clan quarters.

The main residence covered fifty mu, making it the second largest mansion in Dunhuang County. The clan quarters housed over a hundred families, occupying more than half a street.

James Thompson had already sent a calling card in advance, so the Sullivan family was prepared. As soon as the carriage stopped, Mark Sullivan, who had been waiting on the steps at the main gate, hurried up to greet him. Mark Sullivan was the second son of the family head Kevin Sullivan, and the father of Helen Sullivan, one of the “Mosquito and Fly Duo.”

Mark Sullivan bowed to James Thompson as he stepped out of the carriage. “Welcome, County Duke Thompson, to our humble abode!”