The Life And Death! . . .
"People form friendships for a reason," Cha Nan-Tian began, his voice contemplative. "It could be the desire for friendship itself, or perhaps love, respect, glory, money... Aren't all these motives a form of profit? An ordinary citizen wouldn't regard a beggar on the street with respect, let alone befriend them, for they exist on different planes—one gives while the other solely takes."
"I find solace in the fact that you grasp this concept," Cha Nan-Tian remarked. "However, remember this: Even though society operates under such principles, true love should never be denied."
"Of course," Cha-Eun Xiao nodded earnestly, acknowledging the wisdom in his father's words. Cha Nan-Tian had made a valid point—while individuals may pursue self-interest, denying true love would diminish their humanity, for, ultimately, humans were creatures of sentiment.
"Well, if we only consider the king, it may seem acceptable to take action to safeguard the kingdom," Cha-Eun Xiao began. "But when I think about the caliber of the king's three sons... Once the king passes away and one of his sons ascends the throne, I can't help but feel uneasy. Are we to fight fiercely to secure an iron kingdom for such individuals? It may be a future concern, but it's only a matter of time before we confront it." He fixed his gaze on his father.
Cha Nan-Tian fell into contemplative silence for an extended period before he finally spoke, "The nation's leadership must be in capable hands."
Cha-Eun Xiao nodded, acknowledging the weight of his father's words.
Their conversation gradually drew to a close, with little left to discuss.
"This time, you'll undertake the 'cleaning,' and it may vex the king," Cha-Eun Xiao acknowledged. "But there are more pressing matters we must attend to. We must prioritize beyond the king's sentiments. As peace returns to the world, more individuals will require 'cleaning.'"
A wry smile graced Cha-Eun Xiao's lips as he continued, "Hence, you can't eradicate them entirely. The king won't be perpetually restrained by loyal individuals. I believe there's no need for excessive worry on your part."
Cha Nan-Tian remained silent, perhaps experiencing his longest bout of silence to date. He studied his son, his mind grappling with the realization that Cha-Eun Xiao possessed a deep understanding of these matters, even though he found his son's approach a tad extreme. Nevertheless, Cha-Eun Xiao's manner of articulation reassured him that there would be no significant issues in his son's future.
Finally feeling a sense of relief, Cha Nan-Tian smiled and stood up. He clapped Cha-Eun Xiao on the shoulder and remarked, "Perhaps, in the future, there will be a place for you in the Qing-Yun Realm."
Cha-Eun Xiao was taken aback, his smile widening as he raised his head to respond, "That's but one step in my life's journey. My life goals extend far beyond that."
[A place in the Qing-Yun Realm!
What a modest aspiration!
The Qing-Yun Realm will be nothing more than a brief stop in my future!
Short?! Is my son implying that it's brief?]
The night of contemplation left Cha Nan-Tian without words, as silence enveloped their profound conversation.
...
Morning arrived with an air of grim determination. The generals of the northern army convened, their faces etched with resolve. Cha Nan-Tian raised his sword high, his expression fierce as he led the charge.
Lines of people from the enemy's households fell victim to the merciless blades of the northern army. A cruel spectacle unfolded as life after life was extinguished, painting the skies over Chen-Xing City with the nauseating stench of blood. It resembled a macabre and blood-soaked inferno.
The northern army stormed the residence of the Right Prime Minister, sealing the doors behind them. With grim determination, they unsheathed their longswords and methodically decapitated their opponents, offering them no opportunity to defend themselves. No eloquence could sway the cold, unfeeling blades.
Before the relentless onslaught of the swords, even the most eloquent pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears.
Their next target was Minister Jiang, with his son Jian Tai-Sui held responsible for the turmoil. The northern army arrived at their residence, only to find lifeless bodies strewn across the premises.
"To evil and corruption, we are here to take your lives!" read the words left behind in the house, accompanied by a chilling signature: "Life And Death Board."
Within the Minister Jiang's compound, the lifeless remains of 103 individuals, 2 dogs, 3 cats, and 80 chickens lay scattered across the yard. The bodies were meticulously arranged in rows, alongside those of the dogs, cats, and chickens. Not a single living being had escaped the brutal punishment meted out.
Not even a dog or a chicken was spared.
The only testament to the carnage was the blood-soaked message scrawled on the walls.
Among the deceased, Minister Jiang and his son had been decapitated, their limbs severed, leaving them dismembered beyond recognition.
News of these events swiftly spread throughout the capital, and tales of other corrupt officials and cruel wealthy individuals facing similar fates emerged concurrently. It was evident that a single group of individuals was responsible, consistently leaving the same six words behind at each crime scene: "Good and bad; Life and death!"
The citizens of the capital rejoiced in unison, celebrating their newfound freedom from the tyranny of these households that had long oppressed them. Fireworks illuminated the night sky, commemorating the ancestors who had suffered under the yoke of these oppressors.
The citizens paid their respects, uttering words of solace to their departed ancestors. "Those who once tormented us in days of old are no more," they whispered, their voices filled with gratitude. "Good and bad; life and death! May you finally rest in peace..."
While the actions of Cha Nan-Tian's army drew attention and criticism, the "Life And Death Board" had garnered unexpected popularity. Many officials trembled in fear as accusations of "disregarding national security, violating the law, challenging the king, and displaying arrogance" were levied against Cha Nan-Tian, tarnishing his name in the annals of history.
However, those with a deeper understanding recognized the significance of this "cleaning" for the kingdom's future.
Among those who fell to Cha Nan-Tian's blade, only a fraction were proven traitors to the country. Most met their end indiscriminately.
In the end, what began as a "cleaning" devolved into a relentless slaughter.
However, following that pivotal day, the neighboring kingdoms awoke to a startling realization: their intelligence networks had ceased to function. Their sources had simply vanished into thin air.
News of this development spread far and wide through the use of countless messenger pigeons, each carrying tidings of the sudden intelligence blackout. Rumor had it that in the enemy's camp, two prominent generals had become infuriated, smashing tables and berating Cha Nan-Tian for his perceived cruelty and brutality. It proved an arduous task to cultivate spies within the Kingdom of Chen, and the loss of this network struck a severe blow to the opposing forces.
Years of labor and countless human resources had gone into establishing their intricate intelligence web. Unfortunately, many of the individuals eliminated by Cha Nan-Tian's campaign had not contributed significantly to their espionage efforts.
Within the royal court, numerous officials found themselves kneeling in submission. Cha Nan-Tian's recent actions had evidently provoked the ire of many. In truth, however, these officials were driven more by fear that Cha Nan-Tian had truly lost his sanity.
Those who had previously operated efficiently now trembled with anxiety, dreading that the brutal blade of retribution might one day descend upon their necks. To them, there seemed to be no limit to the atrocities a madman might commit, especially one possessing such formidable power. Their only recourse was to beseech the king for intervention.
Thus, in the grand Cheng-Tian Hall, they knelt in a collective plea, their eyes brimming with tears. Their singular request was to see Cha Nan-Tian punished, and they beseeched with a fervor born of desperation.
The king, in response, declared a temporary recess in the court proceedings and did not mince words in expressing his disapproval. He chastised the officials, deeming their self-serving concerns during a time of national crisis as foolish. He reminded them that internal stability took precedence over external success and highlighted the sacrifices Cha Nan-Tian had made for the kingdom's welfare. The king's stern rebuke served as a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation.
The officials, left in a state of deep unease, failed to grasp the benevolence underlying the king's reprimand. In truth, he had neither the time nor the inclination to address their individual concerns. The exigencies of war demanded his undivided attention, with constant reports streaming in.
"Report!" a messenger exclaimed.
"The four battles have taken a dire turn! Wen-Ren Jian-Yin of the Kingdom of Lan-Feng has marshaled a force of six hundred thousand men for a relentless assault. Despite the valiant efforts of General Wu Gong-Lie, he has been unable to hold them back. The Black Wolf Mount, White Cloud Village, Sky Horse Passage, Wolf Teeth Mountain, and Jade Gate Passage have all fallen to the Kingdom of Lan-Feng. Meanwhile, General Wu Lie-Gong has mustered his forces to defend the Iron Line Passage, but the enemy's might is overwhelming. General Wu awaits reinforcements!"
The grim tidings inundated the city, plunging the officials into a state of disheartening cold, akin to being submerged in icy waters during the harshest of winters. Their focus now shifted from Cha Nan-Tian to the pressing exigencies of war.