22. Warfare without Weapons (Part 1)

As one sows, so one reaps. The consequences reaped are a reflection of the actions sown.

For nearly twenty years, Li Lin cultivated, nurtured, harvested, and brewed, and now the bitter wine he made with his own hands was presented to all of the Charlemagne people—from royalty and nobility to commoners and beggars—regardless of whether they wanted it, or anticipated such a scenario, tears included, they had to drink.

This was an inevitable outcome.

Once Charlemagne ignited the flame of war, once they imposed this fire upon others, once the boots of Charlemagne's troops trod on foreign soil, once their bayonets were used to conquer, slaughter, and plunder, and once the common folk reveled in the spoils of war, gloating over food and clothing looted, cheering for the eternal war, victory, and death, they obviously forgot an old saying—even if you lead a life of crime, you must eventually pay the price.