Chapter 262 213 Years Of Imprisonment
<strong>Courtroom, Imperial Palace;</strong>
In the evening, after the sunset, the Crown Prince and Second Prince, five ministers, Supreme Commander Bai, Grand Secretariat Li, and several officials were summoned to the courtroom. Everyone knows why they were summoned but no one is daring to speak a word to the infuriated Emperor.
Soon, a person was dragged to the courtroom in chains. Unlike other prisoners, his appearance was quite dignified because of those expensive clothes, although his facial expression tells that he was quite afraid. Obviously, it was Song Yun.
As he reached the center of the courtroom, Song Yun fell to his knees right away and begged, "Your majesty, please show mercy. I know that I was wrong. Please give me one chance to redeem myself."
In response to his pleading, the Emperor rose to his feet without hiding his anger and roared, "Do you even deserve mercy? One chance? Do you think I wasn't aware of what you did?
Lord Song, for the past twenty-four years, you have embezzled hundreds of thousands of gold coins from the funds that the public work ministry was allotted. This is your first crime.
You locked up your daughter and try to force her into marriage to someone. This is your second crime.
When she escaped on her own, you lied to the Emperor that she was abducted. This is your third crime.
After she returned to the clan on her own, you tried to kill her to uphold your false honor and attempted to turn into suicide. This is your fourth crime.
Your hatred toward Lu Zhen became so high that you lost your intelligence and values. You dared to smuggle the elders of the Church of Doom, which is a banned organization, right into the heart of the Empire, the Imperial City. This is your fifth crime.
You colluded with those elders of the Church of Doom and tried to kill Lu Zhen in broad daylight. This is your sixth crime.
And evidence of every crime was also submitted to the court. Do you still think you deserve a chance? Tell me."
Song Yue was stunned by the words of the Emperor. How? Even if the WEB organization is super powerful, it is very difficult to gather evidence against him on all these things. His mind went blank from the shock he experienced and kowtowed once again, begging for forgiveness.
"Crown Prince Zexian, tell me the punishment for these crimes." The Emperor looked like he decided not to show any mercy to his loyal minister.
Maybe, he blamed himself for becoming soft-hearted and probably wanted to make an example out of Song Yun who happened to touch his nerve by doing an idiotic act and failed.
Or Mark's announcement might have influenced his decision. If he can attain those weapons that can kill 7-circle Spirit Warriors, just like how the Phoenix gets reborn from the ashes, the Phoenix Empire might also revive itself to become the strongest empire on the continent.
Whatever the case, Emperor Shang decided to go hard on this guy who was his close friend, once upon a time.
Shang Zexian, the crown prince whose punishment from the public trial was over, then spoke, "Embezzlement, 35 years; domestic violence, 3 years; Lying to Emperor, 98 years; attempted murder of kin, 14 years; an act of terrorism, death penalty or 56 years; attempted murder of a stranger, 7 years.
Overall punishment is of either 213 years of imprisonment or the Death penalty, Your Majesty." He ended with a respectful bow.
A seven-circle Spirit Warrior usually can live for more than 250 years old and less than 300 years old. So, in theory, Song Yun might be able to live even after ending the punishment. Of course, the Emperors can also pardon or lessen the punishment at any time. It was a better choice compared to Death Penalty.
However, even decades of imprisonment will make go mad because of harsh conditions. How could the Patriarch of a major noble clan bear such treatment for a long time? Naturally, it scared Song Yun the most.
He wanted to run away but his ether energy was sealed and there was a strength suppression seal placed on his body too, which made his physique as weak as a 1-circle or 2-circle.
"No, please show mercy, Your Majesty." "Cousin, please help me." "Brother Lin, please help me" "Your Majesty, my ancestors served the Imperial family with utmost loyalty. I never intended to betray the Empire. It's all because of that damned commoner. He brings destruction to the Empire. He needed to die. I'm only loyal to the throne. Please show mercy."
Song Yun spouted whatever words that came to his mind as he begged the Emperor and others to not give him such punishment. But, even at that moment, he couldn't let go of his hatred toward Mark despite the fact that he is afraid of him.
The Emperor was only infuriated even more. He signaled the guards to take him away.
As Song Yun was getting dragged away pathetically, some enjoyed the moment while others shuddered in fear.
Once he was out of sight, Emperor Shang took his seat with a look of irritation on his face, "Grand Secretariat Li, send an official notification to the Song Clan that Song Yun is permanently relieved of his duties as the minister of public works and tell them to appoint his successor within 3 days of time.
Also, going by the law, just like with every traitor, we are confiscating all the personal properties of Song Yun except for his current residence, which will be shifted to his wife's name. The usual pension shall be provided to her equaling the same as a retired Lieutenant General. Whether Song Clan looks after her or not, the Imperial Palace shall not punish her because of her foolish husband."
He didn't say the exact number because a retired lieutenant general would only have a pension of 300 gold coins per month and for a person like Cheng Xiao, who was the first lady of the Song Clan, it could be like an insult in some people's eyes. That's why he compared it to a high-position military officer.
But then again, in reality, he was being merciful here. Usually, the families of traitors will be exiled from the Imperial City or even the Empire. Keeping Mark's relation with Song Yue in mind, he didn't punish Song Yun's wife.
After the matter with Song Yun is over, the Emperor dismissed everyone and returned to his chamber. He didn't even eat dinner that evening and just went to sleep.
As an Emperor, he was clearly angry at Song Yun who crossed his bottom line, but as a friend, he felt bad for him. There's nothing that can be done when clear pieces of evidence are pointing at the culprit. If he didn't punish him, then, it will give rise to a rebellion and cause unrest in the Empire.
Lying flat on his bed, Shang Fu then let out a deep sigh as he remembered his childhood memories with Song Yun when they played together, eat together, and sparred together, "You fool. Two decades ago, you and Ji Cheng opened my eyes, making me realize that hatred is the most terrible thing that can happen to a human. Those who are consumed by hatred will only bring trouble not only to others but also to themselves. When that happens, even our own kin will turn against us. How did you forget it?"
The Emperor closed his eyes and went to sleep with an empty stomach.
Meanwhile, in the underground jail, Song Yun was currently sitting against the wall in depression. It was actually a temporary jail where culprits are detained before they will be shifted to the main prison. As he was alone, several thoughts appeared in his mind.
It was at that moment he heard the footsteps. Song Yun raised his head.
Soon, the figure got closer and reached the cell. It was a familiar face.
"Elder Mu!"
A ray of hope appeared on Song Yue's face as he saw his most trusted elder and partner in crime, Song Mu.
Hurriedly dragging his body to the cell, he begged him, "You are the only one who can help me in this situation. Convince Bai Xun to talk to the Emperor. I don't want to go to Black Citadel."
Song Mu stared at him for a few seconds and opened his mouth, "I'm afraid that's not possible, Song Yun."
Song Yun was stunned for a second, not just because of the words but because of the tone used by the elder. The other party sounded cold.
"What do you mean?" He asked.
Song Mu then said, "Are you that dumb to realize it? All the evidence against you was provided by the Song Clan. The elders turned against you."
"What!" Song Yun's eyes widened.