The Empror's Trap-Chapter 51: Ch - The Royal Court

The Governor’s words were indeed quite useful.

The people of Camelot currently felt an incredibly strong sense of belonging to their nation. The country’s prosperity, the fact that most people could feed and clothe themselves, and their long-standing culture and philosophy gave every Camelot citizen a deep sense of patriotism.

This was precisely why Camelot could truly stand as a mighty nation among humankind.

Therefore, the Governor’s suggested approach could indeed be used - if nothing else, it would first kindle everyone’s passion.

"I also find this plan excellent, however, regarding the severe punishment... I have a different view," Kenji said from the side.

This statement drew others’ attention.

"Oh? What’s your perspective?"

"The purpose of punishment is to penalize wrongdoing and warn others against following such actions. Therefore, punishment should serve as a warning to the people. While severe punishment would certainly intimidate them, it would cause people to focus not on the punishment itself, but on its methods, straying from punishment’s original intent."

Kenji raised his head to check Pluvia’s expression, and seeing no signs of displeasure, continued:

"In my view, what distinguishes humans from beasts is that humans understand propriety and value righteousness. If we punish merely for punishment’s sake, we lose the fundamental purpose of correcting our people’s misconduct. Therefore, while executing someone is naturally no issue, using methods like quartering or death by a thousand cuts would go against Your Majesty’s love and protection of the people."

Kenji truly couldn’t tolerate such practices.

Camelot’s "severe punishment" referred to penalties beyond death - torturing someone to death or inflicting extreme pain before death.

Methods like lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) and quartering fell into this category.

These punishments were created to intimidate others and demonstrate the law’s authority. But in practice, the effect wasn’t particularly good. While people were certainly intimidated by such punishments, as severe executions became more frequent, people developed another mindset beyond respect for the law.

That was entertainment.

The biggest problem with severe punishment was its intense psychological and visual impact. After repeated exposure to such stimulation, many people became numb, even treating the process of lingchi like watching a blockbuster.

Under these circumstances, people would only fear the law rather than respect it.

Therefore, Kenji believed such severe punishments should be used sparingly, if at all.

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"Your Majesty, Lord Kenji makes a valid point."

After Kenji finished speaking, Chancellor Long surprisingly agreed with his view.

In Chancellor Long’s opinion, these severe punishments were indeed excessive. While such treatment might be reasonable during severe domestic crises, it seemed inappropriate now. However, since her Majesty had only recently ascended the throne, these punishments did serve some necessary purpose, so she hadn’t advised too deeply against them.

"You both think this way?"

Pluvia looked at the two men, and seeing them both agree, nodded: "Very well, in that case, let’s give them a quick death."

"Your Majesty is wise."

"Let it be so. You lot should thank the Grand Marshal and Chancellor for their kindness. If not for them explaining the pros and cons to me, you wouldn’t even have a clean death today," Pluvia said coldly to the people prostrated on the ground.

Those people were obedient, immediately turning to kowtow repeatedly to the two men. Being granted a quick death was indeed fortunate.

.........

After discussing the matter, everyone began to withdraw.

However, Kenji remained standing in the great hall.

"Why haven’t you left yet?"

Pluvia had been about to leave the hall, but seeing Kenji still there, couldn’t help but ask.

"Your Majesty, I just wanted to tell you that I truly never intended to take the position of Minister of the Imperial Family."

Kenji explained with a bitter smile.

He really hadn’t thought of taking this role - he wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about internal Imperial Family affairs, how could he possibly be qualified?

"This job isn’t difficult. You’re just temporarily filling in for Minister Siguo, don’t worry, it’s not hard."

"That’s not the issue..."

"Enough, I’m tired. You should go rest early too."

Pluvia’s tone was gentle, but the gentler it was, the more unsettling it felt.

Actually, thinking carefully, having Kenji do this job would work about as well.

Chancellor Long had prestige and influence to keep the Imperial Family in check, but so did Kenji.

Moreover, Kenji had just recently saved her life - his willingness to risk himself to protect her certainly gave her reason to reward him. Kenji had never asked for anything, so now that he was serving as Minister, if her uncle returned and he was willing to give up the position, that would be better, but if not, the position could serve as repayment for his service.

Hmm...

It still felt difficult to accept, but what could be done? Just had to comfort herself.

That’s all Pluvia could think.

Seeing that Pluvia had no intention of continuing the conversation, Kenji could only shake his head and take his leave.

............

-Sal Royal Court.

Uheya quietly watched the old men arguing before her.

Honestly, these elders in the royal court were truly disappointing - a bunch of old men going in circles, talking for hours without reaching any conclusion. The meeting was making her head go numb.

And most disgusting was how they would occasionally take shots at her during the discussion, as if Sal’s failure this time was entirely her doing.

"Those folks in the south... they really are asking for too much."

A deep voice came from behind her, making her turn around.

It was a muscular man with sharp, chiseled features that seemed carved by axe and knife, exuding masculine energy just from his appearance.

Not to mention those arms thicker than her thighs.

"Royal brother."

Uheya greeted him respectfully.

"How was it? I heard you encountered some... trouble when you returned?"

The man gently rubbed her head as he asked.

"It’s nothing. I caused us to lose vast territories and wealth, so it’s understandable if the people are a bit angry."

Uheya said dismissively.

Since her return to Sal, the rebukes and scolding hadn’t stopped. In many Sal people’s view, the Great Sal Kingdom’s loss of territory and money was due to her incompetence - "What was the royal court thinking, sending a girl to negotiate with the south!"

Complaints like that.

"They’ve gone too far," the man said heavily. "I’ve already ordered the ringleaders arrested - regardless of anything else, you’re royalty. They should be punished for disrespecting our royal family."

"Mm, thank you for your concern, brother."

Uheya smiled. The man seemed very friendly, very much like a brother who truly cared for his sister.

If only that were really the case.

Unfortunately, this royal brother was called Ban.

He was the current heir to the Sal throne, and the current regent.