sbdcsierra Chapter 834 The Entire Family Should Be Executed
Chapter 834 The Entire Family Should Be Executed
After submitting the evidence, Lu Wei kowtowed three times and then lay prostrate on the ground awaiting his fate.
He had a resolute look about not caring about life or death.
The Lu family was a prominent family during the Jing Dynasty. After the establishment of the Great Zhao Dynasty, the Lu family kept a low profile for many years in order to protect themselves. It was not until they became related to the Empress during the reign of the late Emperor and produced the young talent Lu Jibai that they began to slowly emerge.
But ultimately, it was bad luck; once Crown Prince Chongwen fell from power, the Lu family was purged.
Nearly twenty years have passed since this incident, and only a few old ministers in the court remember it. At that time, the Lu family was raided, the women were sold off, the men were exiled, and Lu Jibai was already dead.
Those who remember Lu Jibai now recall some of the charm of the sixth son of the Lu family back then when they look at Lu Wei.
Lu Jibai was the eldest son of the eldest branch of the family, the sixth in the clan, and his future was very promising.
However, a new emperor brings a new court, and the punishment of the Lu family was not without reason. I vaguely remember that the Lu family had seized land, oppressed the people, and caused a death. They were reported, and after a series of investigations, the Lu family deserved to be confiscated and exiled.
Lu Wei appeared completely unaware of the situation and would rather sever ties than associate with the Lu family. While this might seem somewhat heartless, blood ties are innate, and the Great Zhao Dynasty values filial piety. In the government, a son who accuses his father is punished. However, Lu Wei's request was not for himself, but to point out that Lu Jibai had offended enemies and implicated innocent people. As His Majesty's subject, and having been selected as the top scholar by His Majesty, he could not conceal the truth and had to accept the consequences.
They first distanced themselves from the Lu family, and then brought the matter of someone secretly trying to silence them to the forefront.
Let alone wiping out the entire Qinghe Village, even if it were just targeting Lu Wei, this matter would still be a major issue if it reached the ears of the emperor.
At the same time, it also indirectly points out the drawbacks of collective punishment.
The Lu family's case from back then may be a thing of the past, but Lu Jibai is involved with the still-living Crown Prince Chongwen. No one knows when another blow might be struck, and the old matter might be brought up again. If Lu Wei's identity were exposed then, he would inevitably be implicated. But at this moment, he took the initiative to bring up the matter, thus both filing a complaint and demonstrating his loyalty, while also clearing himself of any involvement.
After all, for someone like Lu Wei, whose father abandoned his wife and children and who didn't even know his father's name, it would be too unfair to suddenly be implicated by him one day.
Lu Weiruo was only protesting for his own innocence, which was a low point because of his blood relation with his father. However, he was protesting for the people of Qinghe Village, putting himself aside, which made it impossible for anyone to say that he was wrong. On the contrary, they thought he was righteous.
Even if we take a step back and assume that it was the current emperor who ordered the confiscation of the Lu family's property back then, Lu Wei's heartfelt confession neither defended the Lu family nor praised His Majesty for his discerning eye in selecting him as the top scholar because of his talent. This shows how magnanimous and righteous His Majesty is, and it's practically flattery that hits the mark with His Majesty.
As expected, the Emperor did not get angry after hearing Lu Wei's words. Instead, he asked, "Where is the memorial from Qingzhou? I haven't seen it."
The memorial from Qingzhou went through the normal channels, so the Emperor naturally wouldn't see it. Duke Xiao, who also served as Right Chancellor, had already received the news when the operation failed and suppressed the matter.
But now that the Emperor had brought it up, he naturally couldn't pretend he didn't know. He immediately ordered someone to fetch the memorial and apologized, saying, "Your Majesty, the memorial from Qingzhou says that bandits are causing trouble, so it was not reported to Your Majesty for review."
The Emperor did not pursue the matter further, but instead asked, "What do you all think of what Minister Lu said?"
When the Emperor asked that question, everyone had something to say.
"In my opinion, what Scholar Lu asks for is perfectly reasonable. Scholar Lu is in this mess because of nothing. If that Lu Liulang is really Lu Jibai, he is a criminal who was rescued in the countryside. Instead of repenting, he abandoned his wife and children. He has already divorced his wife, yet he has attracted enemies and brought trouble upon himself. Your Majesty should issue a decree to Scholar Lu to deter those despicable people. We must not let innocent people be implicated because of this!"
"Indeed, Your Majesty. Scholar Lu, having achieved fame and fortune, has not forgotten his fellow villagers. He is pure and virtuous. I believe Your Majesty should grant him his request!"
"Your Majesty has discerning eyes, judging heroes by their talent and learning. You are wise and mighty. Scholar Lu reciprocated with sincerity, showing concern for the people and not prioritizing his own fame and gain. Your Majesty, why not grant this beautiful story of harmony between ruler and subject?"
"I believe that, regardless of the circumstances, Scholar Lu is the descendant of a disgraced official, and Your Majesty should reconsider your decision!"
"While the princess's suggestion to abolish the system of collective punishment is somewhat inappropriate, cases like that of Scholar Lu are truly unjust. I believe that the scope of collective punishment should be reconsidered to demonstrate Your Majesty's benevolence!"
Some pleaded for leniency, some opposed it, and some flattered him, eventually bringing the topic to the issue of collective punishment.
With the earlier fervor gone, the discussion about whether to abolish the system of collective punishment has become somewhat more moderate.
While everyone was discussing, a memorial from Qingzhou was also delivered. After reading it, the Emperor handed it directly to the Minister of Justice, saying, "This matter must be thoroughly investigated. I will not allow anyone to harm the innocent because of personal grudges. Issue my oral decree to the Prefect of Qingzhou to strengthen precautions, or I will hold him accountable!"
The crowd shouted, "Your Majesty is wise! Long live Your Majesty!"
After this matter was settled, the Emperor gave another order: "The case of the Tenth Prince should be closed first, so as not to delay the auspicious time for his burial."
At this moment, Consort Yu stepped forward and knelt on the ground. "Your Majesty, I dare not interfere in state affairs. I only beg Your Majesty to severely punish Consort Xiao and restore justice to the Tenth Prince!"
After saying that, she turned around and pointed at Duke Xiao: "Consort Xiao, relying on the Xiao family's backing, is arrogant and domineering in the harem. She can poison whoever she wants and kill whoever she wants. She simply doesn't respect His Majesty! In my opinion, your Xiao family is like Sima Zhao, wishing to poison all the princes so that the Third Prince can ascend the throne! Where does your Xiao family place His Majesty!"
"Your Majesty, I have no say in whether or not the entire Xiao family is implicated, but they deserve to be executed!"