Chapter 425

During the next few encounters, Fu Qingshuang quietly changed her strategy.

She no longer deliberately steered the conversation to probe Luo Feng's dissatisfaction with the new policies in Beijiang, nor did she continue to play the role of the "sympathetic confidante."

When Luo Feng once again revealed his frustration over certain constraints, she did not offer immediate comfort; instead, she remained silent for a moment, then raised her clear eyes, looked straight at Luo Feng, and asked softly:

"Does the General know why Qingshuang enjoys reading history, especially the wars of previous dynasties and the biographies of famous generals?"

Luo Feng was slightly taken aback; this topic seemed to have deviated from the "script."

He cautiously followed her lead: "I would like to hear your thoughts."

"Because in history books, although there are victors and vanquished, and conspiracies and calculations, there are always some people and some events that can transcend the gains and losses of a single time or place, allowing later generations to see... what true character is, and what responsibility is."

Fu Qingshuang's voice was very light, as if she were deliberately controlling it. "The difficulties and constraints General Li encountered when pacifying the border in the north were likely a hundred times greater than those of today.

What supported them in moving forward was perhaps not high official positions or generous salaries, nor the absolute trust of an emperor, but that belief in their hearts... to do what one knows cannot be done, seeking only to have no regrets toward their family, country, and the world."

She paused, her gaze looking toward a more distant place: "Qingshuang has shallow knowledge and does not understand major military and political affairs.

But I feel that since the General now sits in Chang'an, holding heavy troops in his hands, one word can decide the life or death of thousands, and one move can stir the winds and clouds of Guanzhong.

Regardless of success or failure, and regardless of what others may say, the General has his own scale in his heart. This scale weighs right and wrong, the hearts of the people, and the pens of history for a thousand years, rather than the gains and losses of a moment or the likes and dislikes of one person."

These words were still subtle, but they were no longer just comfort; they carried a certain guidance, leading Luo Feng to think about a higher level that transcends personal gains and losses.

This not only fit her persona as a "knowledgeable talented woman" but also subtly conveyed a set of values different from those instilled by the Dou family.

It was not about complaining or inciting dissatisfaction, but about affirming responsibility and belief.

Luo Feng looked at her deeply.

This time, the sense of scrutiny in his eyes was less, replaced by a bit more genuine inquiry and surprise.

He did not answer immediately, but just nodded and said in a deep voice: "What you say is reasonable, Miss. Luo... has been taught."

Another day, Luo Feng "happened" to see her back to her residence, passing by a street market that was being rebuilt after small-scale riots caused by the implementation of the new policies and the clearing of land illegally occupied by powerful local families.

Luo Feng's brow furrowed subconsciously, and Fu Qingshuang followed his gaze, suddenly saying softly:

"The General governs Chang'an, clears away accumulated abuses, and settles the good and honest; this is a great kindness.

However, when water is too clear, there are no fish; besides thunderous methods, is there also a need for the work of a spring breeze and rain?

Letting the common people know why things are being done and where the benefits lie might be more effective in the long run than simple blades and decrees."

Her words seemed to be evaluating the street reconstruction before them, while also subtly touching upon the problem of the Beijiang new policies being "too rigid and lacking in explanation," but her stance was entirely from the perspective of helping Beijiang govern better.

Luo Feng paused his steps and turned his head to look at her: "Does Miss feel the new policies are too harsh?"

Fu Qingshuang looked back frankly and shook her head: "It is not harsh, but... urgent.

Breaking the old to establish the new is like scraping bone to remove poison; it is painful, but for the sake of the long term, it must be done.

It is just that when the knife falls, perhaps there could be more reassurance and more guidance.

For example, among these families whose land was cleared, there are indeed those who are greedy, but there are also those who are ignorant and blindly followed, or were coerced.

If, while enforcing the law, one could clearly state the decrees and provide a way out, punishing the ringleaders while showing compassion to the coerced, then the resistance might be slightly reduced, and the hearts of the people might be won over more quickly."

Her suggestions were specific and detailed, entirely in the tone of an insider concerned about local governance.

Luo Feng stared at her for a moment and suddenly said: "Where did these insights of yours come from? Was it Master Dou, or the elders in your family who taught you?"

Luo Feng was probing directly now, because Fu Qingshuang's performance in recent days was different from before, and he could feel it.

But he did not know what was hidden behind this!

Fu Qingshuang's heart trembled, but her face remained calm: "Master Dou is a famous scholar of this age, and my uncle also cares about local affairs. However, what Qingshuang says is mostly my own random thoughts from reading, and occasionally... I also listen to the talk of the marketplace and see the hardships of the people. I hope the General will forgive my presumption. As a woman, I should not have been presumptuous in discussing these things."

She led the topic toward her own observations and thinking, and pointed out the "talk of the marketplace" and the "hardships of the people," which both cleared her of direct instruction from the Dou family and hinted that she was not out of touch with reality, while also leaning toward the common people.

Finally, she concluded with "a woman should not be presumptuous," which both fit the era's discipline for women and left herself a way out.

Luo Feng did not pursue the matter further, but just nodded and said: "You have a heart for this, Miss. I will... keep these words of yours in mind."

The carriage arrived at the Fu residence.

Before getting off, Fu Qingshuang suddenly turned around, bowed gracefully to Luo Feng, who had not yet left, and raised her eyes to say in a low voice: "The winds and rains are coming to Chang'an, and the General carries heavy responsibilities; I truly hope... you will take care of yourself.

Qingshuang has no other talents, I only hope that, regardless of success or failure, the General can keep that scale in your heart and not betray your original intention."

After saying this, without waiting for Luo Feng's response, she turned and walked quickly into the residence gate.

This time, she did not play any role; she spoke these words as a woman who had developed a sincere concern for the person before her.

This was the first time she had revealed emotions belonging to Fu Qingshuang herself, beyond the "mission," in front of Luo Feng.

Luo Feng stood outside the Fu residence, looking at the vermilion gate that was slowly closing, and remained motionless for a long time.

Fu Qingshuang's words and actions today had shown a subtle deviation from the settings in the Dou family's "script."

She no longer just conveyed understanding and temptation; instead, she began to talk about "belief," "the hearts of the people," and "governance details," and even revealed genuine concern.

Was it that the person behind her had changed their strategy?

Or... had this woman herself developed other ideas?

Luo Feng could not be sure, but both the Dou family and the Fu family were currently under Wang Hou's control, so he was not worried about any leaks.

This woman seemed more complex and interesting than he had initially imagined.

Returning to his residence, Luo Feng wrote down Fu Qingshuang's words and actions from today, especially those about "belief," "the hearts of the people," "governance," and her final farewell, exactly as they were into a secret report for Wang Hou.

He added his own judgment: "This woman's words and actions are different from before; it seems there are signs of her breaking away from the Dou family's control and seeking her own path. Her stance in conversation vaguely leans toward our side, but the truth is hard to distinguish; we need to continue observing."

As for the Dou family, during her routine reports, Fu Qingshuang still only chose the positive parts, such as "Luo Feng listened carefully," "he is increasingly trusting of Qingshuang," and "he resonated strongly when talking about his troubles," concealing her "overstepping" remarks and her final outpouring of true feelings.

Dou Wen and the others did not suspect anything; instead, they believed that Fu Qingshuang had completely controlled Luo Feng's emotions and urged her to speed up her pace, preparing to deliver a "fatal blow" at the "critical moment."

Fu Qingshuang respectfully agreed, having already chosen her path in her heart.