Chapter 1338: Variables
The extermination of an entire family did not align with the Daoist Order’s principle of civility, because the Daoist Order did not practice collective punishment.
However, in a certain sense, Beichen Hall operated outside conventional law. Once spies were exposed, the Daoist Order would not protect them. Their survival depended on fate. At the same time, Beichen Hall wielded extensive autonomous authority, and killing was commonplace. That was why the sixth-generation Grand Master had proposed the principle of killing less and with caution.
Under normal circumstances, killing was directed at specific targets and did not involve their families, especially one’s wife and children.
But Sun Zhongnu’s case was different. He did not betray the Daoist Order under duress after capture. He defected willingly, causing massive damage and heavy casualties in the Northern Region. The impact of such actions was extremely severe and demanded the harshest punishment as a warning to others. Furthermore, his family might possess confidential information, potentially causing further harm. Thus, eliminating them was also a measure to contain losses.
In short, Beichen Hall’s duty was to purge traitors.
Qi Xuansu’s own hands were far from clean. He was also not soft-hearted. So many had died in the Northern Region, so there had to be someone taking accountability. A few more lives meant little to him. What concerned him more was the broader impact.
After all, this was an age that prided itself on moral purity. If such matters were exposed, the repercussions would be severe. Countless moral paragons would emerge to condemn Beichen Hall as inhumane.
Qi Xuansu did not reject the idea outright. Instead, he said, “For Sun Zhongnu to do something like this, he must be a clever man. He will certainly have taken precautions. He may even have already arranged for people to lie in wait. If we act rashly now, we might be walking straight into a trap.”
Li Mingzhen agreed. “You’re right, Chief Deputy. We should set this matter aside for now. Once the Northern Region’s organization is rebuilt and Sun Zhongnu lowers his guard, we can take action.”
Qi Xuansu said, “Handle it as you see fit. But remember the teaching of the sixth-generation Grand Master—kill less and with caution.”
“Yes, sir,” Li Mingzhen replied. “At present, all personnel in the Northern Region are evacuating. There are countless matters to deal with, so I will attend to these affairs first if you have no further instructions.”
“Very well, go ahead.” Qi Xuansu ended the conversation.