Gifting the Xuanyuan Sword to Safeguard Great Tang

His throat tightened, and at last he dropped heavily to one knee, cupping his fist in salute.

"Your subordinate... your subordinate understands! I was foolish, blinded by hatred! I will never forget Your Majesty's teachings! I shall return at once and convey Your Majesty's decree, issuing strict orders to every division: any who dare harass the people or commit slaughter shall be dealt with under military law!"

King of Tang nodded in satisfaction.

"Go. Soothe the soldiers and tell them that their blood will not be shed in vain. Their merits shall be remembered by both me and Great Tang. The true conquest has only just begun."

Yuchi Gong accepted the order, saluted solemnly once more, then turned and strode away. His footsteps were still heavy, but they carried less violence and more steadiness.

Silence returned to the hall.

Lin Zhu observed in silence throughout, never once interrupting.

He had thought he would see an Emperor driven by hatred and ambitions of expansion, one who might tolerate—or even encourage—revenge. Yet he had not expected the King of Tang to display such clear, resolute human nature and political wisdom at this crucial moment.

He could clearly distinguish between "private hatred" and "national hatred." He could calmly suppress the army's violent thirst for vengeance. He could say words such as, "The reason humans are human is that they understand reverence for life."

Even with absolute power behind him, immense profit tempting him, and blood feud provoking him, he could still uphold his bottom line and look to the long term. This breadth of vision and strength of character quietly transformed Lin Zhu's former casual, condescending view of this mortal Emperor into genuine astonishment and appreciation.

Watching the King of Tang's somewhat weary yet resolute profile, a previously vague notion in Lin Zhu's