Chapter 1119 - 1064. Imperial Court End
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(A/N: Don’t forget to give those power stones to Skyrim everyone!)
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"His sons share that aura. In the military, we have a saying: ’You do not leave a wounded wolf near your sheep.’ As long as Cao Pi breathes, there will be men who dream of raising his banner. A caged wolf is still a wolf. I stand with the Chancellor. End the bloodline, and ensure our soldiers never have to fight this war a second time."
Taishi Ci, ever the blunt, uncompromising instrument of war, nodded in fierce agreement. "A sword has no feelings, Your Majesty, and neither should an empire when securing its foundation. I have seen what happens when mercy is shown to ambitious men. They take your mercy, sharpen it, and use it to cut your throat. The Cao family did not hesitate to slaughter their enemies. Why should we afford them a grace they would never have granted us? Eradicate them."
But then, Zhao Yun stepped forward. The Silver Dragon, a man revered not just for his peerless martial skill, but for his profound, unwavering righteousness, looked up at the Dragon Throne.
"Your Imperial Majesty," Zhao Yun began, his voice clear, calm, and carrying a distinct moral weight. "I have slain thousands in your name. I will slay thousands more if you command it. But there is no honor in butchering weeping women and helpless infants. To invoke the Nine Exterminations stains the divine mandate you have so righteously claimed. I say we execute the men of fighting age, those who led armies against us. But let the women and the young children live under heavy guard. Let their bloodline end naturally. A warrior does not strike down a child in a cradle, no matter whose name that child bears."
A murmur of profound respect rippled through the hall. Zhao Yun’s words had beautifully articulated the moral agony of the situation.
Jia Xu offered a slow, respectful nod to the generals before turning back to the left side of the aisle. The foundation had been laid by the bureaucrats and the soldiers. Now, it was time for the architects of the empire to finalize the structure.
"We shall conclude with the high ranking ministers," Jia Xu announced. "Minister of Law, Chen Gong. Minister of Rites, Lu Su. Minister of Personnel, Zhuge Liang. And Master Xu Shu. Step forward."
The four men moved into the aisle. The sheer concentration of intellect standing before the throne was staggering. These were the men who translated Lie Fan’s will into the reality of the world.