activa-t Chapter 197 Li Xin and Changping Jun quarrel
Chapter 197 Li Xin and Changping Jun quarrel
Changping said, "That night has been haunting me. I often dream about it. You know how insignificant humans are compared to this vast world!"
Li Xin couldn't help but sigh, lamenting, "Indeed! Human life is so insignificant. A raging storm can easily destroy houses and lives; a torrential downpour can cause floods that swallow countless innocent lives; and a raging fire can turn everything to ashes, instantly taking people's precious lives."
Changping Jun listened to Li Xin's words with a somewhat dazed look in his eyes, muttering to himself as if asking Li Xin: "Since humans are so fragile and insignificant, what is the point of Your Majesty's unification of the six kingdoms? Even if you ultimately achieve unification, what then? Humans are still subject to the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. Faced with the power of nature, a gale, a downpour, or a fire can easily destroy all human efforts and achievements."
Upon hearing this, Li Xin was astonished. He quickly turned around, stared directly at Changping Jun, and asked urgently, "Why do you have such thoughts? Admittedly, everyone will die, but does that mean we should stop living just because we will eventually pass away?"
Changping retorted without backing down: "But a person's lifespan is only a few decades at most. Since it is so short, shouldn't we live a simpler and purer life? What's the point of chasing power and wealth all day long? In the end, it's all for nothing. It's better to live as you please and listen to the true voice of your heart."
Li Xin frowned slightly and questioned in a serious tone, "If one lives as one pleases, where will one get daily food? What about clothing? Lord Changping, aren't your remarks a bit too extreme? Have you perhaps suffered some major shock to do this?"
Changping Jun was momentarily speechless, unable to answer Li Xin's question. After a long while, he slowly lowered his head, remaining silent, and finally said softly, "I just feel extremely confused. I really don't understand what the meaning of life is..."
Li Xin said with piercing eyes, "I don't know what others are thinking, but for me, my life's ambition is to become a Supreme General! I want to use my own efforts and achievements to bring glory to our Li family and make our names go down in history. In this way, my descendants will all feel incredibly honored because of me!"
Looking at Li Xin's resolute face, Lord Changping couldn't help but sigh and slowly said, "Your Majesty is determined to achieve the grand ambition of unifying the world and annexing the six states, that much is undeniable. However, as a native of Chu, how can I bear to watch Chu head down the road to destruction? That is my hometown that gave me birth and nurtured me..." At this point, a trace of pain flashed in Lord Changping's eyes.
Upon hearing this, Li Xin paused slightly before responding righteously: "Your Majesty's dedication to unifying the six kingdoms is truly for the sake of all people. Only by ending this long period of war and strife can the common people truly live a peaceful, stable, and prosperous life."
Lord Changping sneered upon hearing this and retorted, "You are a Qin person, so naturally you would speak from the perspective of a Qin person. If you were a Chu person like me, I'm afraid you wouldn't have such expectations."
Li Xin remained silent for a long while before replying, "In any case, things have come to this. You are now trapped on this Baga Island and have no way to escape back to Chu. Since that's the case, what's the use of thinking about these meaningless things? You might as well accept reality."
Upon hearing this, Lord Changping became even more agitated. He shouted, "But I am truly unwilling! I recall that in the past, my great Chu was powerful and its might shook the world. Even the Qin state once had to submit to Chu and barely survive. But why has it become that Qin is about to destroy Chu? Moreover, many Chu princesses have married into Qin, and even the current King Ying Zheng of Qin has Chu blood flowing in his veins. How can he bear to kill Chu?"
Li Xin, his face grim, rebuked, "Lord Changping! Have you lost your mind? How dare you address the King's name so casually? This is a grave offense of disrespect!"
Upon hearing this, Changping Jun not only showed no sign of restraint, but instead became even more arrogant and burst into loud laughter, which echoed in the air, carrying endless grief and despair.
His eyes widened in fury as he roared at Li Xin, “Yes, I have indeed gone mad! As a man of Chu, I have devoted myself wholeheartedly to serving Qin for many years, pouring out countless efforts and souls! Now, all I have asked the King of Qin is to show mercy and spare my motherland, Chu, but he has shown no mercy whatsoever, banishing me to this desolate, godforsaken place! How can such a heartless act not fill me with resentment? Tell me, Li Xin! How can I not hate such a fate? And why shouldn't I hate it?”
Looking at Changping Jun, who had fallen into a state of madness, Li Xin felt a pang of pity, but more so, he was displeased with his rude behavior. He frowned slightly and decisively ordered, "Guards! Quickly escort Changping Jun back inside to rest."
No sooner had he finished speaking than two strong and sturdy guards rushed over like the wind. Without saying a word, they grabbed Changping Jun's arms tightly on either side and forcibly dragged him forward.
Changping Jun struggled desperately, trying to break free of his restraints, but the two guards were incredibly strong, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't break free. Left with no other option, Changping Jun shouted, "Li Xin! Let me go! You audacious bastards, how dare you be so disrespectful to me! You should know that I am the most esteemed official on Baga Island!"
However, the two guards were like two indestructible mountains, completely unmoved by Changping Jun's threats, and steadily pulled him toward the house.
Li Xin ignored Changping Jun's shouts and turned to leave. But just then, Changping Jun's desperate cries startled Li You and the others who were resting inside. Li You, still half-asleep, opened the door. However, the scene before him instantly jolted him awake—two guards were dragging someone slowly towards them. Upon closer inspection, the person was none other than Changping Jun!
Li You's eyes widened in surprise, and he hurriedly stepped forward to ask, "What... what exactly is going on?"
Standing to the side, Li Xin waved expressionlessly to the two guards, signaling them to push Changping Jun into the house. Then, with a "bang," the door was locked tightly, while Changping Jun continued to shout and curse inside.
Li Xin seemed completely unaffected by Changping Jun's shouts and curses. Seeing this, Li You quickly walked to Li Xin's side and anxiously asked again, "What happened? Why are you treating Changping Jun like this?"
Li Xin, his face grim, coldly replied, "Lord Changping has gone mad!"
Upon hearing this, Li You frowned and advised, "Changping Jun is, after all, the highest-ranking official on this Baga Island. Your actions are probably inappropriate!"