Conquering the Emperor - Chapter 117

After a period of time had passed, the emperor and the court members finally returned to the room where we were anxiously waiting. After taking his seat, the emperor began announcing the verdict immediately.

“After much discussion between myself and the members of the high court, we have decided that the event that happened is indeed a grey matter. Prince Kin is believed to be at fault to a certain degree regardless of whether he had the intention to bring about harm to the Lady White Lotus or not. However, since the crown prince and general Shin arrived in time to prevent any serious harm, Prince Kin should not be held responsible for the highest possible crime since it wasn’t committed. Hence it has been decided that Prince Kin will receive punishment according to what the crown prince feels is suitable, and the matter will be treated as a family dispute rather than a public matter,” the emperor stated the verdict in a formal voice.

“Father…” Prince Kin outwardly expressed his dissatisfaction at the verdict.

“A family matter. Guess this means that we are not talking about capital punishment…” Ren said, with an edge to his voice. He too seemed dissatisfied.

“To settle the punishment for Prince Kin, I ask that the crown prince and general Shin remain to discuss this with me. The rest of you are dismissed,” the emperor continued without paying any mind to the objections of his sons.

Prince Kin’s face darkened in anger as he quickly got up from his seat, turned on his heels and strode out of the room. He walked so fast that Lady Mimi was left behind, unable to keep up with him. I didn’t understand how Prince Kin could be dissatisfied. His punishment was lessened already. Did he honestly believe that he could do what he had done without facing any form of punishment?

Since I was also asked to leave, I carefully got up from my seat to leave as well.

“I request for the Lady White Lotus to stay. After all, this matter concerns her too,” Ren spoke up before looking my way.

“I will allow it,” the emperor stated.

With that, I sat back down in my seat. I wondered what punishment Ren would request for his younger brother.

After everyone had left, it was just the emperor, Ren, Shin and me in the large hall. Although this has been ruled as a family matter to be settled between son and father, the tension in the room seemed to have intensified much higher than before.

“I’m saying this as your eldest son. Father, I know that you know that Kin is guilty of trying to take advantage of Rin by using a love potion on her. Are we aligned?” Ren spoke up first.

I was shocked at how direct he was with the emperor.

“Yes…I believe in your side of the story and the report that I have received from Shin as of yesterday,” the emperor admitted straightforwardly.

Shin sent a report to the emperor? I didn’t know this…

“I see. So, Shin did send a report…” Ren said in a low voice.

“Just like I trust Shin’s father, I trust Shin and the validity of his report. The facts are clear as he had observed and reported; however, because the damage was not done, I believe that Kin does not deserve the ultimate punishment…” the emperor said as he looked pointedly at Ren.

“Don’t worry. Even if he did succeed in raping my woman, I never expected you to really execute your second son anyways. Having a second son in case something happens to me to succeed you is more important to you than some concubine’s honor,” Ren said with pure disgust.

“I see that you do understand the tough choices that I have to make as the emperor,” the emperor said, emotionlessly.

“Then you do understand that your choices come with a price. Regardless, I’ve already made it clear that I will not let this disgraceful event just merely slide by. I’m sure that you can at least accept my conditions, father?” Ren said as he stared at his own father.

“State them, Ren,” his father finally replied, followed by a sigh.

“I have three conditions. First, I ask that Kin be placed under General Shin for training both in the palace and on the battlefield until he is able to manage and command a small army of his own or until General Shin is satisfied with the result of his training. This will serve as his punishment as well as his development,” Ren firmly stated his first condition.

“Very well. If General Shin is willing to take Prince Kin under his wings, then we will go ahead with this right away,” the emperor said as he glanced at Shin.

“With honor, Your Majesty,” Shin replied formally.

I bet that Shin was cursing Ren internally for putting so much burden on him like this. However, Shin did not show any signs of dissatisfaction at all.

“Second, I request that all sources of Kin’s income be audited and investigated by the government officials under my command. Until the investigation is completed, and we have results, I ask that all of Kin’s asset be frozen,” Ren stated his second condition.

“Are you suspicious of…his sources of funds?” the emperor asked, his eyes narrowed suspiciously.

“We will find out after the investigation. I don’t make accusations lightly,” Ren replied smoothly.

“…Very well. I’ll let you have your way regarding this matter…” the emperor reluctantly agreed.

“The final condition is not for me but for Rin and the people of this empire. Rin has undoubtedly suffered greatly from this recent incident, and I believe that she should be rewarded for her patience in this matter. I request for women, starting with Rin, to study and practice medicine with the royal doctors until she is able to become a royal doctor herself or until she is satisfied,” Ren stated his final request boldly.

He’s asking for me? Did I hear that correctly just now? Ren…he just asked for a chance for me to study medicine. No…he didn’t ask just for me. He made a request for all women to be able to study medicine.

My eyes widened in shock and then amazement as the meaning of Ren’s final request sank in. If this request is accepted then, women in this empire can become doctors…just like in my hometown.

“Your terms sound reasonable enough; however, the last condition…there are no female doctors in this empire. It is just unheard of…” the emperor said without even thinking twice about it.

–To be continued…