Chapter 918: Zhang Qihan
On the eve of Daoist forces launching their offensive against North Ise, the Ise-jingu, in the name of the Tenmon Sect, proposed peace talks with the Daoist Order.
It was clear to anyone with discerning eyes that this negotiation was nothing more than the Ise-jingu’s attempt to buy time, reorganize, and prepare for a counterattack.
Thus, the Xiujing field camp convened a special council meeting, presided over by the Sage Commander himself. All personnel stationed outside, including the three Deputy Commanders, participated in the meeting, joining remotely through mother-child mirrors even if they could not return in time.
Qi Xuansu also attended this council meeting.
During the meeting, Sage Qingwei used the Western fable of The Farmer and the Snake as an analogy.
In the story, a farmer returning from the market on a cold winter day found a snake by the roadside, thinking it was frozen stiff. Out of pity, he placed it in his bosom. When the snake fully awoke, it was startled and bit the farmer, instantly killing him. As he lay dying, the farmer regretted his foolishness, lamenting that his ignorance led him to his death even though he wished to do good. This was his retribution for showing kindness to a deadly animal.
In this scenario, the Daoist Order was the farmer, and the Tenmon Sect was the snake.
Sage Qingwei emphasized that the Daoist Order must never pity villains like snakes. Evil must be eradicated completely. Fragrance and stench could not share the same vessel.
The day after the meeting, the Xiujing field camp issued its response to the Tenmon Sect’s proposal, sternly declaring that ensuring the legitimacy of the Ise-jingu and its rebel regime was absolutely not a condition for peace.
It further stated that although the Daoist army was fully capable of annihilating the remaining Sonno-joi forces, in order to swiftly end the war, achieve true peace in Fenglin, and reduce the suffering of the common people, the Xiujing field camp was willing to negotiate on behalf of the Daoist Order based on nine conditions.
Punish those guilty of instigating war.
Disband all Sonno-joi ronin.