Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!

Chapter 542 - 541: Demoted to Commoner

This remark seemed to hit Emperor Jin’s sore point, making his face even more somber. For a moment, his fist was raised high as if he wanted to pound it on the desk, but after a pause, he eventually released his hand, lowering it slowly and somewhat dejectedly.

Emperor Jin’s originally sinister expression gradually turned into a faint sense of sorrow. He sighed deeply and said, "Enough! You needn’t say more. Since you’re so determined, and there is no father-son bond between us, I won’t insist.

Now, since it’s the King of Fan Country who died, not some minor figure, even if I wanted to cover for you, a statement still has to be given to them.

You claim you did not harm King Fan, but the only things you have to prove your innocence are the examination documents from the capital and the so-called prescription Lu Chao brought back.

These things were all produced by our own people in Jin Country. Even if they are fair, if I were to let you leave without consequence, it would still be deemed unfair.

Though you do not see me as a father, I still consider old times and cannot bear to impose a harsh punishment on you.

Mr. Gao, later take Lu Qing outside the palace gates to be publicly beaten with fifty strokes as punishment for his wrongdoing in going to Fan Country without permission and causing trouble."

Fifty strokes, under normal circumstances, is certainly not a light punishment. If it happens to someone with a frail body, there’s a chance they might not survive fifty strokes.

However, the crime of conspiring to murder King Fan is one that, if confirmed, would result in certain execution. The fact that Emperor Jin wants Lu Qing beaten with fifty strokes clearly shows he intends to spare his life, especially since he was so enraged just now. This is, indeed, an act of mercy.

As soon as Mr. Gao heard this, he quickly accepted the order, smiling and saying, "Your Majesty is merciful, this old servant will now take the Prince to receive his punishment!"

"Wait," Emperor Jin raised his hand, stopping Mr. Gao, who was about to take Lu Qing away, "I haven’t finished speaking.

Going to Fan Country was Lu Qing’s decision, so he will receive fifty strokes.

But the prescription was issued by his fellow disciple, and this cannot be overlooked. If what you say about the High Priest of Fan Country being alive is true, then it would be easy to resolve, but now there’s no evidence due to his death. I cannot grant face to Qi Yun Mountain People and will have his disciple executed to appease Fan Country’s grievances."

Yan Daoxin remained expressionless, having anticipated this outcome, so he showed no sign of panic upon hearing Emperor Jin’s words.

Lu Qing, however, who had been calm just moments ago, finally showed a flustered expression.

"Your Majesty!" He moved forward on his knees a few steps, "Please show mercy, Your Majesty! Yan Daoxin is an extraordinary doctor, a rare genius in medical skills.

Lu Chao has already acquired the prescription he gave to King Fan, and there is clearly nothing wrong with it. But if he is executed like this, it would be an injustice and the world would lose a once-in-a-generation medical talent!

I earnestly entreat Your Majesty to show mercy and spare him the death penalty!

I am willing to accept severe punishment, just to ask Your Majesty to save Yan Daoxin’s life!"

"Ridiculous! What do you take me for? A market vendor? To haggle with me here?!" Emperor Jin was so enraged he laughed.

"Your Majesty, going to Fan Country was my idea. If you need to give Fan Country an explanation, please grant me death, and I would use my life in exchange for his." Lu Qing said firmly.

Emperor Jin looked at him coldly, "You are indeed loyal to your fellow disciples.

Unfortunately, even so, this time you will have to watch your fellow disciple lose his head.

This is the consequence of your reckless actions.

Next time, before doing anything, you’d better think about who among those you care about is still left, how many heads are burdened on her shoulders, and how many times they’d be enough to be executed."

Zhu Yu heard this, looked up at Emperor Jin, and saw that he was only watching Lu Qing, without sparing a single glance at himself.

Lu Qing’s face turned ashen. He glared at Emperor Jin, and because he clenched his molars so tightly, his cheeks bulged, and in his bloodshot eyes burned anger.

Emperor Jin looked at him in silence, then said to Mr. Gao beside him, "Have Yan Daoxin locked in the death cell, and take Lu Qing outside the palace gates to be beaten.

At tomorrow’s morning assembly, I will officially decree that Prince Xiaoyao will be demoted to commoner."

Mr. Gao originally thought Lu Qing was quite lucky to escape with only fifty strokes, and as for Yan Daoxin’s fate, he wasn’t particularly concerned, given he wasn’t related.

Unexpectedly, there came another "demotion to commoner". This left him somewhat stunned.

"Your Majesty..." He wanted to plead for Lu Qing, but seeing Emperor Jin’s attitude clearly showed no room for negotiation, so he swallowed half the words he wanted to say.

Should Emperor Jin truly be resolved to demote Prince Xiaoyao to commoner, then Prince Xiaoyao fears there is no place for him anymore.

No matter how much he cherished Lu Qing’s respect for him in the past, he still had to serve in the palace, beside Emperor Jin. There was no way he could offend his master over useless and unworthy mud.

"Father..." Lu Chao furrowed his brows and spoke, seemingly wanting to persuade.

"If you dare to say one more word today, I’ll send you to be beaten outside the palace gates too." Emperor Jin interrupted Lu Chao, directly scolding, "This is the kind of person you associate with! Did you ever ask him if he never once considered me a father, and if he ever considered you a brother?!"

Lu Chao still wanted to speak, but Mr. Gao quickly stopped him, standing between him and Emperor Jin, with a smile said, "Your Majesty, calm your anger. Your headache only recently recovered, best not to be so upset.

Prince Xu is most like the Empress in character, and has a kind heart, please don’t blame him."

Emperor Jin glanced at Mr. Gao, and didn’t bother with Lu Chao, waving his hand, signaling Mr. Gao to call in the guards.

Mr. Gao quickly ran outside and soon brought in the guards.

Two guards stepped forward and lifted Yan Daoxin, kneeling on the ground, and took him outside the door of the South Study Room.

Lu Qing stood up to intervene, but he was also seized by the guards beside him, who held his arms.

Yan Daoxin remained calm, even signaling the guards holding him not to hurry. He turned his head and said to Lu Qing, "Junior Brother, you might as well save your breath.

After all, we are cultivators, and we have conducted ourselves justly. We go down to the Yama Hall with no regrets.

I am a cultivator after all. If I were still clinging to life and fearing death, wouldn’t that shame the sect?

As for you, when it comes your turn to take the beating, don’t wail and bawl shaming our master."

After this light-hearted banter with Lu Qing, he was escorted away by the two guards, taken to the death row for detention.

Soon after, several guards prepared to take Lu Qing away.

However, they hesitated upon seeing the talisman and Zhu Yu kneeling behind, and turned uncertainly to look at Mr. Gao.