The Prince Is Abolished

Chapter 16

Kang Zhing wanted them to be destroyed, sentenced to hanging, or banished after a full public trial.

'Are these proofs not enough? Here take a look at your son's naked form. His last activity can be deduced from his body.'

The emperor felt a pang of shame and this time it was so intense that his face turned an ugly shade of red. He said:

'The proof that you have given are enough. Take these two to the justice department and hang them tonight.'

'No.'

'Why?'

'I want them to have a public trial and be convicted only after it. Also, please publish proceedings of this case on daily basis so that people can understand what their legal rights are in face of sexual assault and grievous injury.'

'As the lady says.' The emperor had never felt either so puny or so helpless that he had to follow dictates of a girl less than half his age but Xi Mang's act has made him vulnerable. He understood that from this point onwards, he would no longer be an emperor if he tried to shield Xi Mang. Protecting the throne was more important or else the revolution would take away everything.

He turned to go away and Xi Jiang followed but after taking a few steps, the emperor lost his balance and also his consciousness.

Xi Jiang asked the prime minister to take the emperor for treatment and returned to Kang Zhing and said:

'Miss, I know you doubt me. But please take medical help. If you do not take care of your body then this country will never forgive...'

'Royal family? Isn't that what you wanted to say?'

'No, this country won't forgive herself. A brave young lady seeking justice, is what should stir consciousness of any land. Only by surviving can you ensure that this fire takes away the apathy towards deliverance of justice. Hear me. Please.'

Kang Zhing couldn't believe that the prince, Xi Mang's brother, was trying to keep her alive.

Perhaps he is coveting Xi Mang's heir-apparent position.

'Take the lady to Lu family clinic. Take the fastest horse carriage now.'

Under Xi Jiang's instructions, the palace guards worked swiftly. The best horses were roped in the comfiest carriage and Xi Jiang sent a host of his own guards to ensure Kang Zhing's safety. He also sent a letter to Lu mansion updating them on an urgent need for medical aid for a sexual assault victim. He knew that the Lu family would have known details by now but he still wanted to ensure that the survivor got the best of attention and wanted the highest level of medical care.

He also sent for Kang Zhing's father and directed palace guards to protect them all the way to the Lu clinic while he took hold of the donkey cart and told guards to collect the two naked dirty men and take them to the justice department. He then went to the royal court and told the silent courtiers that this was now or never moment and to not do anything that could bring wrath of public. He then got the court adjourned and went to see his father.

His empress mother had already joined the emperor but she was wailing and creating a scene so rancorous that he went out to the Lu mansion instead.

Lu Fan was the one who took Xi Mang's letter. She knew of the rape but that was it. She updated Lu Ran as well.

'From the letter, it seems that the girl is badly hurt.'

'Mother. Please tell father to help her.'

'Your father is still at his godown. I must update him.'