Chapter 411: Luo Feng holding troops and respecting himself

He walked to Wang Hou and stared at him closely: "I know you are thinking for me and for Beijiang. But there are some lines that must never be crossed.

Externally, we can use any means necessary; conspiracies and open schemes can all be blades.

But internally, for the brothers who truly follow me and live and die with me, we can only treat them with sincerity and interact with them with trust!

If they have different intentions, you don't need to check; I can sense it myself. If they have no different intentions, my suspicion like this, wouldn't it chill the hearts of loyal officials and good generals?"

Wang Hou lowered his head and responded: "The Lord's teaching is correct; it was my lack of consideration."

Jiang Jinshi's tone softened, and he patted Wang Hou on the shoulder: "You are also my brother; I know your thoughts. Your eyes must be fixed on Western Liang, on the scholar-gentry and powerful clans in Guanzhong, and on all external enemies.

As for the brothers inside, their safety must naturally be guaranteed, but that is open protection, support on the battlefield, not monitoring from behind. Understand?"

"This subordinate understands!" Wang Hou responded solemnly.

"Go. Immediately arrange the most reliable people to send my secret order to Luo Feng at the fastest speed. Remember, the channel must be absolutely secret." Jiang Jinshi ordered.

"Yes!"

Wang Hou retreated, leaving Jiang Jinshi standing alone in the room.

Trust is a leader's most powerful weapon and also their most fragile weakness.

He placed all his trust on Luo Feng, on all the brothers who followed him.

This is not only a countermeasure against Western Liang's counter-espionage scheme, but also a huge test of his own ability to use and know people, and the cohesion within Beijiang.

He believes Luo Feng will not let him down, and he must believe.

Luo Feng, who received the secret order, locked himself in the study, facing those familiar lines of handwriting, silent for a long time.

The eldest brother's trust moved him deeply, but it also made him somewhat embarrassed.

Let him pretend to be shaken and complain?

This is harder for him than charging into battle. But this is the Lord's order, the key to countering Western Liang's poisonous scheme.

He took a deep breath. Since the Lord trusts him and entrusts him with such a heavy responsibility, then he, Luo Feng, even if he is not good at it, must play this part well!

Not only play it well, but also dig out more useful things from the mouths of those monsters!

And at this moment, inside the Cui Residence in Luoyang, Cui Yan and Si Wushuang sat opposite each other, with the detailed report written by Dou Wen in secret code and just delivered spread out on the table in the middle.

The report depicted Luo Feng's reaction vividly: the coldness and vigilance when they first met, the brief silence and the complexity that flashed in his eyes when he heard the "Western Liang rumors," and the final non-committal "treat it as if I never heard it" and the order to evict the guest that seemed stiff but left a gap.

Cui Yan put down the secret report, a trace of undisguised pride and excitement on his face, "Military Advisor, how is it? Dou Wen is indeed seasoned; the measure is just right!

This Luo Feng, seemingly rough and fierce, actually... also has a soft spot!

He didn't turn hostile on the spot, didn't sternly refute, and didn't even arrest the person, just gave a few painless admonitions before letting him leave.

Such a reaction, if there were no doubts or grudges in his heart, how could it be like this?"

Si Wushuang picked up the clear tea in front of him and took a slow sip, his expression still calm, but a trace of satisfaction flashed deep in his eyes.

He put down the teacup and said slowly: "It is within expectations, and also within reason.

Jiang Jinshi's new policy, seemingly fair and selfless, is actually digging his own grave.

Luo Feng and others have followed him since the rough days of Yangguangzhai, and after countless difficult and bloody battles, they have today's status.

What they seek is nothing more than success, sealing their wives and shading their sons, and having long-lasting blessings.

But Jiang Jinshi wants to block the path of the descendants of these meritorious officials, making them rank with the children of peddlers and commoners. Such 'fairness,' for a martial artist like Luo Feng who fought for his status with his head on the line, how unfair is it? How can there be no resentment in his heart?"

He paused and tapped the table lightly: "Dou Wen's words about 'the bird is gone, the bow is hidden' and 'merit is not rewarded,' although they are words spread by Western Liang, may not be thoughts that occasionally flash through the minds of Luo Feng and others.

It's just that because of past feelings, the status of superior and subordinate, and the pressure of Beijiang's overall situation, they dare not express it.

Now that an outsider has spoken it out for them, and in a subtle way of 'relaying rumors and worrying on their behalf,' it hits exactly where they itch.

He neither denies it, which is tacit approval! He neither refutes it, which is having thoughts in his heart. This is the norm of human nature, regardless of loyalty or treachery, only in interests."

Cui Yan nodded repeatedly: "The Military Advisor sees through the fire! Looking at it this way, this Luo Feng can indeed be used by me, at least... can be confused by me!

As long as we add a fire and let this spark of doubt burn into a prairie fire, why worry that the great cause will not be accomplished?"

"Must not be too hasty."

Si Wushuang shook his head, his eyes still calculating, "Luo Feng is after all Jiang Jinshi's confidant, his personality is straight, and he may still have old feelings and awe for Jiang Jinshi personally.

To get this reaction from the first probe is already a great blessing.

If we immediately increase the intensity, lure him with heavy profits, or if the words are too explicit, I fear he will be alerted, which would be counterproductive. We need to proceed step by step to be safe."

"The Military Advisor means...?"

"Next step, no longer have Dou Wen come forward to lobby directly."

Si Wushuang said: "Dou Wen's first visit has already shown 'admiration' and 'concern,' and Luo Feng already has an impression in his heart.

Next, we should show goodwill with 'actual actions,' letting Luo Feng truly feel 'goodwill' and 'understanding.'

At the same time, let him see the tangible benefits that can be brought by 'submitting' or at least 'maintaining ambiguity,' and this benefit must cater to his preferences, and even more, make him feel... it is 'his own people' thinking for him, not Western Liang buying him off."

Cui Yan was thoughtful: "Catering to his preferences... what does Luo Feng need most now? Money and grain? Soldiers and armor? Or..."

"Not just that! There is also local support to stand firm in Chang'an and consolidate his power."

Si Wushuang said slowly: "Guanzhong has just been settled, local forces are intertwined, and the implementation of the new policy is full of resistance. Luo Feng sits in command as a martial general, holding both military and political power. It looks like he has heavy power, but he is actually constrained everywhere and exhausted."

"The Military Advisor means we can secretly contact the forces in Guanzhong willing to surrender and secretly support his rule in Chang'an?" Cui Yan's eyes lit up.

"Exactly."

Si Wushuang nodded affirmatively, "But not in the name of Western Liang, but in the name of 'righteous men of Guanzhong,' 'heroes who admire General Luo,' or even some 'local forces who are dissatisfied with Beijiang's new policy but admire General Luo's character and are willing to serve him.'

Let Dou Wen and others handle it, screen those refugees, defeated soldiers, and private soldiers of local powerful clans who have old ties with Western Liang or are dissatisfied with Beijiang, train them, and then through secret channels, 'voluntarily' defect to Luo Feng's command.

At the same time, mix some fine weapons and armor we obtained through trade or other channels with captured or self-made equipment and gift them to Luo Feng.

As for local support, let families like Dou Wen secretly create momentum for him and provide convenience in money and grain when Luo Feng implements certain policies or has friction with the civil officials sent by Beijiang.

Even... create some 'public opinion' to show that Luo Feng is deeply loved by the people in Guanzhong and is indispensable." ===== CHAPTER 412 =====