Chapter 410: Internal divergence in the Ming Army

Through the Ming Army's unique channels, this news quickly reached Wang Hou and Jiang Jinshi.

After taking Chang'an, Jiang Jinshi did not rush to declare himself Emperor or sit in Chang'an, but returned to the rear to command the overall situation.

Now Chang'an and Tongguan face each other, and there are many eyes and ears around, so it is not a suitable "command center."

At this moment, on the desk in front of Jiang Jinshi, several secret reports from Chang'an were spread out. The one on top was the detailed record of Dou Wen's visit, written by Luo Feng himself.

Jiang Jinshi's gaze lingered for a long time on the lines: "Western Liang spread rumors, saying things like 'the bird is gone, the bow is hidden,' 'merit is not rewarded'... they have many criticisms regarding the... treatment of the various generals under the Ming King..."

And "even the nephews and descendants of the generals will have to take the same exams as the children of the poor in the future to have a path to advancement, which is... which is somewhat heartless, and I fear it will chill the hearts of the meritorious officials..."

His fingers tapped the table lightly, the rhythm steady, as he pondered the key points.

Wang Hou stood by with his hands hanging down. He had already read the secret report and was waiting for Jiang Jinshi's decision.

"Wang Hou! What do you think?"

After a long time, Jiang Jinshi finally spoke, his voice calm.

Wang Hou raised his head and responded: "Lord, Western Liang's scheme is extremely vicious.

It looks like alienation, but it actually points directly to the foundation of our Beijiang new policy, and is also testing our military morale.

Dou Wen is just a pawn that can be discarded at any time; behind him, Si Wushuang must be the one manipulating it.

General Luo's loyalty is evident; he reported it truthfully at the first opportunity, without the slightest concealment.

But... human hearts are unpredictable. Although Dou Wen's words were meant to provoke, they also spoke of some... facts.

Under the new policy, descendants of meritorious officials have no special treatment and must take the same exams as the children of the poor. This is indeed the biggest difference between our Beijiang and the previous dynasty, and even the promises made by Western Liang.

The generals in the army, even if they don't say it, inevitably have their own thoughts in their hearts."

Jiang Jinshi smiled slightly when he heard Wang Hou did not lie: "Not bad! What the new policy wants to break is exactly these old rules of 'shade' and 'hereditary,' and what it wants to establish is a new order of 'appointing people on their merits' and 'equal opportunity.'

This has touched the interests of too many people, not only the Guanzhong scholar-gentry, but I fear... it has also touched the thoughts of 'sealing wives and shading sons, blessing descendants' in the hearts of some old brothers who followed us through the fighting.

Luo Feng is alone, perhaps he doesn't feel it deeply, but what about Han Xiao, Bai Ting, Zhang Honghong, and the others?

And what about Mr. Xiao and Old Mr. Feng?"

Jiang Jinshi paused, a trace of coldness flashing in his eyes: "Western Liang has seen this point and wants to tear an opening here. Dou Wen's probing is just the beginning.

If Luo Feng had sternly refuted it at the time, or even arrested him, Western Liang would know that this path is temporarily impassable and would change to other targets or change strategies.

But Luo Feng was just non-committal and let him leave. This reaction, in the eyes of Western Liang and Dou Wen, will likely be interpreted as 'having doubts but not daring to speak,' or 'having the intention of waiting for a price.'"

A flash of light appeared in Wang Hou's eyes: "The Lord means... to use their own scheme against them?"

"Yes, use their own scheme against them."

Jiang Jinshi nodded and affirmed: "Western Liang wants to alienate and wants to open a gap from within us, so we will give them a 'gap' to see.

Let them think that Luo Feng, or some meritorious generals in Beijiang, are indeed dissatisfied with the new policy and can be won over, or at least can be influenced.

Let them expose more chips, more people, and more secretive contact lines."

He turned around and looked at Wang Hou: "Pass my secret order to Luo Feng. First, praise his loyalty and clearly tell him that I know everything he reported, and his handling was not inappropriate.

Second, tell him that since Western Liang has made a move, we might as well accept it.

Order him not to completely shut the door on probes like Dou Wen, but to pretend to be slightly shaken and hesitant, and even...

Appropriately complain a few times about being busy with military affairs and rewards and punishments being unclear, but remember, he must grasp the measure, not go too far, and must not leave any written evidence.

Third, let him find out as much as possible through contact with these people which other families are involved, what the contact channels and methods with Western Liang are, and what other conditions Western Liang has promised.

Fourth, all contact details and obtained intelligence must be reported to you and me separately through the most secretive channels, and must not pass through the hands of a third person."

Wang Hou bowed: "Yes, this subordinate understands.

In this way, Dou Wen and others will think they have succeeded and will work even harder for Western Liang, connecting with more people with different intentions, and also exposing Western Liang's infiltration network more clearly before our eyes.

At that time, we can close the net and cut off these nails, both in the open and in the dark, together with the hands Western Liang has stretched over!"

"Not just that."

Jiang Jinshi's gaze was deep, "Through Luo Feng as the 'bait,' we might also be able to judge who Western Liang's next key target for winning over is, and what other changes their alienation strategy will have.

Even... we can deliberately leak some half-true, half-false news of 'internal divergence' to make Western Liang make wrong judgments."

Wang Hou nodded, but a trace of hesitation appeared on his face: "The Lord is wise.

But... the risk of this matter is also great. General Luo has a fierce personality; making him pretend might not be his strength. If he is seen through, or if the fake becomes real..."

"I believe in Luo Feng."

Jiang Jinshi interrupted him, his tone carrying unquestionable trust, "He may not be good at pretending, but he is even less good at betrayal.

I understand him and believe in him.

This matter must be him. Precisely because his personality is straight, the occasional 'dissatisfaction' he reveals will appear more real. If it were someone else, if they were deep in thought, it would be easier to arouse suspicion."

Wang Hou was silent for a moment, then whispered: "Lord, since Western Liang has begun to alienate and infiltrate our army's generals, their methods will certainly not be limited to local powerful clans.

Our army's various units are stationed separately, and the personnel around the generals are complex. It is hard to guarantee that there are no Western Liang spies who have already mixed in, or that someone has been bought off.

To be on the safe side, should we... strengthen the monitoring and protection of the main generals of each army, especially generals like Luo Feng, Han Xiao, and Zhang Honghong who are on the front lines?

My subordinates can send more people to conduct stricter... monitoring of their contacts, letters, and even daily words and deeds..."

"No."

Jiang Jinshi interrupted again, this time, his voice even carried a trace of displeasure, "Wang Hou, don't use people you suspect, don't suspect people you use.

Jiang Ze, Han Xiao, Luo Feng, Zhang Honghong, Bai Ting, and the others are not my subordinates, they are my brothers, they are the pillars of my Beijiang!

If I suspect my own people because of Western Liang's petty alienation scheme and secretly monitor them, how is that different from Wei Xi Yuan? How is that different from the muddled emperors of the past who destroyed their own Great Wall?

Once this precedent is opened, military morale will surely disperse, and hearts will surely leave! Isn't that exactly what Western Liang wants?" ===== CHAPTER 411 =====