Why was reform a war?
Why did political struggles never end until one side was dead?
Because until victory and defeat were decided, neither side would retreat; they would hold out until one side was utterly defeated or even dead.
The court's investigation into Witchcraft and Gu Poison had not frightened those lurking in the shadows. Instead, it had stirred their ferocity even further.
Once again, rumors spread from some unknown source. "Is Witchcraft and Gu Poison something humans can control?
Was Long Qing of any benefit to the country and its Altars of State?
Was his death by Witchcraft and Gu Poison not a joyous occasion that brought smiles to everyone under heaven?
Liu Yang disregarded his ancestors' toil and favored an evil, treacherous minister, throwing Yin-Yang into disorder within the Imperial Palace and thus giving rise to Witchcraft and Gu Poison.
He treated the Imperial Clan harshly and failed to continue his ancestors' bloodline, so Heaven sent down disasters, and his ancestors used Witchcraft and Gu Poison to warn him of the fate awaiting unfilial descendants.
It simply makes one sigh in sorrow and shed tears!
Rather than earnestly reflecting on his faults, he abuses the Son of Heaven's authority, appointing forceful ministers to persecute loyal, upright officials and outstanding men.
The people under heaven are rising against him, so he uses Witchcraft and Gu Poison to frame them and terror to suppress them, blocking officials and outstanding men from speaking out.
How many have died unjustly, and how many have been exiled to dark, savage lands?
Alas, with such a ruler, can the Han House's Altars of State endure?
Will Heaven not spurn him?
I fear the events of Emperor Li's reign are about to repeat themselves."
There was another kind of talk as well. It was