Xu Zhengyang remained seated on a separate single sofa, completely isolated from the others. He was flipping through several sheets of paper in his hand, which were documents issued to the local public security bureau, security departments, and government, outlining the specific matters and standards to be observed in handling this incident.
Today, everyone wants to hear what Xu Zhengyang has to say and what his decision is.
Many people believe that this case will take a long time to reach a final trial and a final verdict.
And that is indeed the case.
However, at the higher levels, basic decisions are made in the shortest possible time.
Because they don't have the time or energy to be busy and worried about this case every day.
Xu Zhengyang quickly flipped through the pages, casually placed them on the small table beside him, then rested his hands on the sofa armrests, tapping them lightly with his right middle finger. With a calm expression, he said, "Many of the aspects you've considered are correct and do indeed require attention. There should be moderation in handling them... I won't use official jargon and those roundabout ways, and I'm too lazy to. Let me just briefly share my thoughts."
"I won't consider any political issues. Regardless of who is right or wrong, I only care about the results!"
"What those people think is their business; everyone has their own ambitions..."
"If they dare to storm government buildings or even military bases with submachine guns or machetes, I would admire them! I would not interfere!"
"However, such brutal and inhumane atrocities committed against innocent civilians must be severely punished!"
“Your methods and handling are too lenient. After all, you have many concerns, which is understandable.”
Xu Zhengyang's lips curled up slightly, trembling slightly. His eyes flashed with a chilling light, and his voice grew colder and more intimidating. "So many innocent people have died, and nearly a thousand perpetrators have committed violence... How many families will suffer grief and irreparable pain because of this?"
"Since they don't consider the meaning of innocence and have no pity for life, then I have no choice but to take action against them!"
Everyone's hearts skipped a beat, and Li Ruiqing hurriedly asked, "Zhengyang, what, what are you planning to do?"
"The masterminds within the country, several of whose family members, though not committing the atrocities, are supporting and encouraging such behavior..." Xu Zhengyang slowly raised his right hand, pointed his index finger downwards, and uttered two words in an extremely heavy and stern tone:
"Slaughter...the entire family!"
Volume Six, Chapter 327: No rush, no rush, let's see how long she can keep jumping around?
The spring breeze brings warmth, and the willows stretch their branches.
It's springtime, and the flowers are in full bloom. Jingniang Lake boasts vast expanses of clear water, with verdant peaks reflected in the water, creating a picturesque scene.
Xu Zhengyang and his wife Li Bingjie strolled along the mountain path beside Jingniang Lake, occasionally leaning on the railing to gaze into the distance, their mood pleasant and carefree.
As Li Bingjie's belly grew bigger day by day, and the little one started kicking his mother frequently inside, Xu Zhengyang's joy was unimaginable.
His favorite thing to do now is to lie down by the bed, gently calling the baby's name through his wife's belly, and then watch the little one kick and make his belly bulge and sag. It's as if the little one inside can hear his father calling him.
Oh right, it's a son...
Although people nowadays generally don't discriminate based on the sex of a child, deeply ingrained traditional ideas are hard to completely shake off. Furthermore, given that Xu Zhengyang's family has had only one son for three generations, the confirmation that Li Bingjie's unborn child is a boy has overjoyed not only Xu Neng and Yuan Suqin, but also Li Ruiyu and Jiang Lan in Beijing.
Therefore, Jiang Lan and Li Ruiyu had privately urged their son, Li Binghe, "You two have been married for several years now. Why haven't you had any children yet? Hurry up and give us a grandson..."
They had been walking for quite some time, so Xu Zhengyang helped Li Bingjie sit down on a bench nearby. The couple wore faint, happy smiles, holding hands as they gazed at the distant green hills and clear waters. Several small boats and rafts glided across the lake, some speeding by, others gently swaying, creating a scene reminiscent of a painting.
Zhu Jun and Qingling, both wearing sunglasses, stood more than 20 meters away from each other, their expressions cold and their demeanor extraordinary.
“Zhengyang, the day after tomorrow is Chaojiang and Yewan’s wedding ceremony. You should go and help out.” Li Bingjie suddenly thought of this and said with a smile.
Xu Zhengyang nodded and said, "No rush, they'll take care of the arrangements. I'll go check it out tomorrow afternoon."
"Oh, actually I really wanted to attend their wedding..." Li Bingjie said with some regret.
“It’s too noisy, it’s not good for the child. You’ve always preferred peace and quiet, haven’t you?” Xu Zhengyang patted his wife’s hand and said, “Are you feeling bored living here at Jingniang Lake?”
Li Bingjie shook her head slightly, said no more, and leaned her head slightly on Xu Zhengyang's shoulder, gazing at the picturesque scenery in the distance...
Time is unaffected by anything; even the gods cannot stop it from slipping away, whether intentionally or unintentionally. What remains are only the memories in everyone's heart, which are always fantasized about, hoped for, and called eternal.
In fact, in most people's minds, what leaves a lasting impression are things they've personally experienced. Even those major events that once shook the world, whether joyful or sorrowful, or how influential they were, tend to fade from memory unless they directly involve them, unconsciously drifting away with the tides of time…
It's as if some people with ulterior motives painstakingly orchestrated the extremely vicious riot in Qimulu City, which shocked the world with its vandalism, looting, and arson.
How much impact will it truly have? How long will it last?
It's merely a temporary excuse used by some genuine political groups to instigate and exert pressure, suppress public opinion, and incidentally gain some benefits for themselves in other areas.
Sure enough, just over a month later, this once sensational riot has vanished from people's casual conversations. Those who were jumping around abroad after the incident performed like clowns, arrogant and boastful, manipulated by those with ulterior motives to bestow some high praise upon them, and became so conceited that they thought themselves so great, not realizing that in this world, they don't even deserve to be remembered for their infamy.
Perhaps, those who truly leave a lasting impression are the families of the innocent victims and those who miraculously survived the devastation.
The incident had a profound impact on Xu Zhengyang's mind. He couldn't imagine why, simply because of the instigation and incitement of a few people, they could lose their minds and become like beasts and demons, committing such heinous acts that angered both heaven and man. As a result, Xu Zhengyang had wondered in recent days whether this was also the so-called way of heaven.
After all, a person's lifespan is determined by the rules of Heaven and the underworld.
When Cheng Jinchang and Cui Yao were serving as officials, Xu Zhengyang initially used them out of pity and kindness, then unknowingly violated the Heavenly Laws to help them be reborn. The reason they were able to do that without incurring excessive punishment from the Heavenly Laws was simply that their lifespans had not yet ended—a very extreme and unusual event.
Looking back now...
Through these experiences, how many people have died at the hands of Xu Zhengyang?
If everyone's lifespan has ended, then the existence of Xu Zhengyang, this deity, is not accidental, but inevitable. Because everything is already arranged by the unseen laws of heaven. Otherwise, wouldn't all those ghosts be those whose lifespans haven't ended?
If the difference between not having reached the end of one's lifespan and having reached the end of one's lifespan is not subject to the laws of Heaven or the regulations of the Underworld, then how did Li Haidong's lifespan get reduced, Jiang Lan's lifespan was reduced and she suffered from illness, and Zheng Ronghua...?
Xu Zhengyang had no choice but to consult the Records of Nine Provinces regarding these questions.
The answer he received surprised him greatly.
After detailed communication with the Heavenly Laws, the Records of the Nine Provinces provided the answer: The Heavenly Laws and the Underworld had suffered immense damage in the War of the Gods, and most of the established principles and corresponding supporting regulations no longer existed...
To put it simply, after the War of the Gods, the Heavenly Laws were no longer perfect.
The remaining strict regulations are merely remnants; in many places, they have been completely broken.
Otherwise, the only deity left behind by the Heavenly Court back then, the Chief Clerk of the Eastern Azure Heavenly Court, who was also the old Earth God of Huaxiang Shuanghe Village, even if he used his limited divine power to summon the power of that heavenly tribulation, it would not be enough to break the strictest rule in the Heavenly Laws, which states that deities in the human realm cannot enjoy divine power beyond their duties in order to achieve an upgrade.
Xu Zhengyang shouldn't have risen from a half-local god to the highest official position in the mortal realm of the Heavenly Court—the State God—in just a few short years.
So, should the Heavenly Laws be revised and improved in the future?
Xu Zhengyang was undecided for the time being.
"Zhengyang, what are you thinking about?" Li Bingjie suddenly turned to look at Xu Zhengyang and asked softly.
"Oh, it's nothing..." Xu Zhengyang smiled and shook his head.
"It's been so long, and you still haven't thought about what to name the child," Li Bingjie said with a hint of complaint.
Xu Zhengyang paused for a moment, not because he hadn't thought about it, but because he genuinely hadn't decided, and lately he hadn't had the time or inclination to ponder this "trivial matter." So he chuckled awkwardly and said, "Asking me to name a name is putting me in a difficult position. You know I'm not very educated..."
"Go away, stop talking about that," Li Bingjie scolded playfully. "Mom and Dad have come up with so many names, and my parents here have also suggested some. There are just too many, and I'm having trouble deciding..."
"Then why don't you think of a name for the child?"
"I've thought about it too, but I feel like this isn't good, that isn't good..."
...
A very warm and happy scene...
It was midday, and the bright sun had pushed back the existing shade of the trees, making the couple sitting on the bench feel glared and uncomfortable.
Li Bingjie also felt sleepy, so Xu Zhengyang helped his wife up and they slowly walked back.
As Xu Zhengyang turned the corner and slowly walked down the steps, he suddenly heard a message from Li Haidong in his mind. So Xu Zhengyang turned his head and waved his hand, signaling Qingling to come and help Li Bingjie.
Qingling immediately quickened her pace and came over to help Li Bingjie.
"Let's go back first." Xu Zhengyang gently patted his wife's hand.
"Mm." Li Bingjie nodded and, with Qingling's help, slowly walked downstairs.
Li Bingjie was already used to this situation and didn't find it particularly abrupt or inappropriate, nor did she harbor any resentment.
Seeing Xu Zhengyang stop, Zhu Jun also stopped walking and stood on the stone steps not far away, observing the elegant and beautiful mountain scenery around him. He was used to this situation; Xu Zhengyang would often suddenly stop and remain silent, as if he had thought of something, either frowning slightly or thinking calmly.
Over time, Zhu Jun and Qing Ling both learned more or less about the mysterious legends surrounding Xu Zhengyang.
He is no ordinary person.
In his mind, Xu Zhengyang's consciousness had already made contact with Li Haidong through the Nine Provinces Record.
"My lord, Guliya's next stop is Japan, and we have already received an invitation from the Japanese government..." Li Haidong reported in a deep voice.
Li Haidong had been finding Xu Zhengyang's recent unusual calmness somewhat unbelievable, and he was even getting impatient. The culprit behind the Qimuluwu incident. A foreign separatist, this woman who resembled an old witch—why had Xu Zhengyang not allowed the ghost messengers, who had traveled to a distant land to closely monitor her, to eliminate her?
The sooner such a person dies, the better! It would be a relief for the country and its people to rid themselves of a scourge.
Xu Zhengyang pondered for a while, then nodded and said, "Some countries have achieved their political goals, and this old hag has temporarily lost her usefulness. This time, she can't stand the loneliness and wants to make some more noise, afraid that the world will forget the existence of such scum as her... I suppose many countries and political forces would love for her to come out and jump around like a monkey again, right?"
“Sir…” Li Haidong wanted to speak, but stopped himself. There were some questions he couldn’t ask, because that would be questioning Xu Zhengyang. After all… unless Xu Zhengyang explicitly needed their advice, it was best to offer as few suggestions as possible, unless there were special circumstances.
"You handle this personally, and do it well. Make her say something contradictory in front of a large number of media reporters. Also, expose all the people and forces that have funded, supported, and directed her behind the scenes," Xu Zhengyang said with a smile.
Li Haidong paused for a moment, then nodded vigorously as if he understood, and said excitedly, "Yes, sir!"
"She has finally arrived in the territory under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Heavenly Court, hehe." Xu Zhengyang sneered and said, "This time, I grant you the authority to temporarily act as the judge of the State God's Office, leading four ghost messengers to Japan. When she holds a press conference, do not let any special personnel disturb your actions."
"Understood, I understand!" Li Haidong became even more excited.
Throughout his life, he was involved in political and military struggles, experiencing everything from open and covert battles to sword fights. Yet, he had never done anything so blatantly slapping a hostile nation in the face, without any reservations or concerns about major conflicts or diplomatic disputes between nations…
Where else can you find such a good deal?
Only now did Li Haidong finally understand why Xu Zhengyang hadn't arranged for the ghost messengers to deal with the culprit.
Of course, Li Haidong didn't know that it wasn't that Xu Zhengyang didn't want to get rid of that old hag sooner; he was just too lazy to personally travel to the foreign land. Moreover, he was already receiving a lot of attention in Western countries, and who knows what might happen if he appeared anywhere.
Furthermore, the sudden death of the old witch at a time when everyone was paying attention was bound to spark speculation in the public.
As the saying goes, there were originally no roads in this world, but as more people walk on them, they become roads.
Similarly, many falsehoods in this world, when repeated often enough and told in a detailed and convincing manner, can easily become believable.
After much deliberation, when Xu Zhengyang learned about the powerful group behind the scenes, including Japan, he came up with this idea: Fine, let them all jump around, let them cause trouble… All this fussing and turning won't yield any results or benefits in the short term. In the long run… when they think they've finally reaped the rewards, they'll have to turn around and slap themselves in the face a few times, then come knocking with a pile of gifts, all smiles and flattery.
How satisfying that was!
So, apart from arranging for ghost messengers to exterminate the families of several thugs who had fled to the western neighboring country, Xu Zhengyang has taken no other action recently. He is quietly and happily enjoying his life, seemingly content to be a recluse who leisurely enjoys the simple pleasures of life.
Even the high-ranking officials in Beijing were somewhat surprised and wanted to ask, "What's wrong, my lord? Aren't you planning to do something outrageous again? Anyway, we trust you to do things. You've already smeared the country abroad, so it doesn't have any impact on our country."
That's true.
When those thugs and their families had already fled abroad through various channels, smugly thinking they had done something great, they felt no remorse or self-reproach whatsoever, and had no idea that the calamity of their entire family was about to befall them.
When several massacres occurred in a neighboring country, local government agencies and some hidden criminal groups were shocked to discover them; the horrific scene was too gruesome to bear.
The investigation revealed that they were killing each other!