Ch. 481No One Home? Then Burn It?
Key Plot Points and Events
- The Annam Kingdom's army, led by the king, suffers a devastating loss of 100,000 soldiers due to Zhang Xueming's traps and explosives.
- The king, despite the heavy losses, refuses to retreat, fearing disgrace and loss of his throne.
- He plans to take the Technology Empire's border villagers hostage to force Zhang Xueming to surrender.
- However, the villagers have already been evacuated, and the king's plan fails.
- In retaliation, the king orders the burning of the empty villages.
Character Developments
- The Annam Kingdom's king becomes increasingly desperate, ruthless, and vengeful, willing to harm civilians to achieve his goals.
- Some soldiers show reluctance and unease about harming civilians, hinting at a moral compass, but ultimately follow orders due to fear of punishment.
Significant Themes
- Desperation and Ruthlessness: The king's desperation to secure a victory leads him to consider immoral actions.
- Fear and Power Dynamics: Soldiers fear disobeying the king's orders, highlighting the power dynamics at play.
- Strategic Thinking: Zhang Xueming's strategic planning is shown to be several steps ahead of the king's.
Character Interactions
- The king interacts harshly with his veteran general, kicking him and dismissing his concerns about the soldiers' lives.
- Soldiers discuss their unease about harming civilians among themselves but ultimately follow orders.