this is why you should read more, kids.

Same here.

Where is the rescue team??
We summon you!!!

I don't want to re-write my answer so just going to copy paste it from another discussion :

" It stopped being about his survival after he rose in the ranks from a mere officer to the commander. The role he was given became more meaningful. Why? Because now his life had a purpose.

The King's younger brother enabled Hee-ryang to fullfill his potential to the fullest. Hee-ryang respected him and even said that there's no one else who can spearhead the campaign against outlanders. Hee-ryang believed that their mission to protect the borders, by any means necessary (even morally questionable methods), was the highest priority.

And to give the final push, he felt in debt to the King's younger brother. There wasn't much of a choice he had at that point, because of all the decisions he had made so far as a person. Hee-ryang let himself be cornered into that situation owing to what he allowed himself to become.

That's why I said that despite everything, he's fully responsible for his actions and bears the burden of the consequences. And keeping all this in mind, what would it take to redeem such a person? I'm very interested in that. "

_

If I had to summarise this chapter, it is the backstory which basically explains why Hee-ryang killed so many people. This chapter explained Hee-ryang's upbringing and backstory. How he was desperate for survival initially. After having met the King's younger brother, he finally had a meaningful purpose in life to protect the borders against outlanders. He fulfilled his potential and only focused on his ultimate goal. Even allowed himself to become the sort of person who overlooks morally indefensible action just to achieve his goal. And since he was in debt to the King's younger brother, he killed so many people (including Yeonjo's entire family) as a part of completing his mission and paying back his debt. .... At least to my understanding this is what happened haha ╮(￣▽￣)╭

BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU!!!!!

No problem (｡･ω･｡)ﾉ♡

This was a great explanation! Thank you!!

i hope both sides of your pillow is extra cold tonight bc you deserve it!! Thank you for your service!!! <3

onggg thank you so fucking muchhh

Thank you I was genuinely so lost