Reading 1001 discussion

Time and again, when a high ranking individual is put to death or defeated, often their entire family and their retainers are executed as well. What reasons might there be for this apparent blood thirstiness?

Although I am not certain of the true reason or reasons for this, these are some possible reasons that may apply:

- the idea that the action of one shames the whole family, therefore making the family bear the burden of punishment.

- the Confucian principle of filial piety makes the family members guilty by association and therefore equally responsible for the actions of the high ranking individual in question.

- the destruction of that person's bloodline as a means of taking the retaliation against that person a step further.

- to serve as a deterrent against large crimes against the government, such as treason and attacks on their forces.

I think Diane's second and third bullet points would be the main reasons, especially in the context of this novel.

I was thinking Diane's filial piety, to some extent, but also to prevent the family members from seeking revenge.

There is also a thread in the book of the exercise of mercy coming back on the merciful. So when the cousin (uncle? - I am traveling and have neither the book nor my notes with me) of the Emperor who has ben entrusted as the ringleader of the plot to kill Cao Cao catches one of his servants romancing one of his concubines, a capital offense, he has mercy and only has him whipped instead. Not surprisingly the servant, who has overheard elements of the plot, doesn't feel particularly grateful and runs to report his master to Cao Cao, which leads to a grisly end for all concerned. One wonders if Luo is channeling Machiavelli - the Prince cannot afford to be merciful.

I was going to say to prevent the seeking of revenge by family members as I remember this being specifically mentioned somewhere.