Liu Dan had killed quite a few people this time, especially Senior Worthies of considerable renown, and even Erudites from the Imperial Academy. Though these men did not participate in government, they often discussed politics, and their tongues were venomous.
Liu Heng and Liu Che had both tacitly tolerated such behavior, but Liu Dan refused to indulge them. He simply had them executed on charges of mockery, and Chang'an City fell silent at once.
Most importantly, Liu Dan's utterly casual attitude had shocked many people. Liu Dan, however, did not care. Since the founding of Han, the extent and stability of his power were second only to Liu Che's. With military authority in his hands, he had nothing to fear from those scholars.
Far away in Zhao City, Luo Wuji heard his clansman's report, and his gaze sharpened. Only after pondering for a long time did he say, "Great Han has won too many victories. They have stirred arrogance and indulgence in the emperor's heart, and made him smug and complacent."
The report continued, "Household Head, many members of the Hundred Schools have left Chang'an. The Son of Heaven's slaughter of their Senior Worthies has had a great impact on the Hundred Schools. Some schools had few disciples to begin with, and with their Senior Worthies swept away, only two or three cats, big and small, remain. Another blow would leave them on the brink of extinction."
"Simply watch how things develop. Once matters reach a stalemate, the clan will intervene according to the circumstances."
Luo Wuji gave his final orders.
"Teacher!"
Seven or eight scholars knelt on the ground, their caps askew and their robes disheveled. Before them stood their teacher's coffin and outer casket.
A handsome young scholar's face was covered in disordered tear tracks. He cried