I attempted interpretations from multiple angles.
Firstly, there was a counter-argument to the "Tao Te Ching's" vision of a small state with few people. The ideal state envisioned by a Saint—where people are self-sufficient, not interacting even until death, and the world is free of military disasters—can only be achieved if one possesses strength. Only then can others be prevented from waging wars and the common people from causing disturbances.
Secondly, there were limitations imposed by inherent kindness. The Moriao people, having never experienced war, hoped until their dying moments that their adversaries would have a change of heart and choose peaceful coexistence.
In fact, such debates had occurred within the Academic Palace before.
