Chapter 158: A Brush with History
“However, after years of war, the northern region is in chaos, and the common people are living in extreme hardship. No one wants to fight anymore; they just wish for a few days of peace.” The Emperor's tone softened, losing the vigor from before.
“I wish to wipe out the northern tribes in one decisive strike, yet the ministers in court have advised a more gradual approach. I also believe that Great Yan is weary and needs to recuperate, but I fear there is not much time. When the next emperor takes the throne, I cannot guarantee he will have the same ambition as I do. I don't know what to do.”
How could the Daoist provide an answer to that?
If he could accomplish such an extraordinary feat, it would naturally be excellent. But behind such achievements, there were often countless lives lost in suffering.
Looking back at these historical achievements provided a different perspective. The unbearable hardships had been smoothed over by the passage of time, leaving only the glorious highlights. Yet, going through it in the present, one could truly grasp that every step in history was paved with the lives of countless beings.
In his view, there were three kinds of wars.
One was unavoidable, where the benefits outweighed the costs. A battle fought for a period of long-lasting peace. When this battle was won, peace followed. If you refused to fight, there would be no peace for a long time.
Another type was not necessary, where the pros and cons were hard to discern. Some say it should be fought, others say it shouldn't. Some say it would be good to fight, while others say it was better not to.
Different people, standing from different viewpoints, would give different answers.