Rakusho no Goku #19
2011.05.18(Wed)Juuni Kokuki — 十二国記
(The Twelve Kingdoms)
Rakusho no Goku — 落照の獄
(A jail of the declining Light)
By Ono Fuyumi — 小野不由美
Translated by o6asan
Sotsuyu(率由) asked again, but Chiin(知音) shook his head. He gestured for Eiko(瑛庚) and others to get seated. He weakly sat on a bench which was prepared for the accused person or for called witnesses at the trial. They wondered whether Chiin(知音) noticed it.
“I met Shujo(主上) directly and asked for true meanings about the words ‘I leave it to Shiho(司法)’, but I didn’t get clear instructions at all ……”
To begin with, the ruler(王) brushed off Chiin(知音) who requested to see him, because of having had his say. But it made not only Chiin(知音) but also Eiko(瑛庚) and others run into difficulty. So, Chiin(知音) asked for a meeting again and again, and he finally got it by pleading with Chosai(冢宰) and Saiho(宰輔).
“But, Shujo(主上) told me ‘I leave it to Shiho(司法)’ again. Though I asked him if it means to withdraw the previous statement ‘We do not use Taiheki(大辟)’, but he said ‘I also leave it to Shiho(司法)’. He told, if Shiho(司法)’s judgment is to withdraw it, he will accept it.”
“So, can we understand the death penalty is permitted?”
“I’ve made sure of it. Include the death penalty, your judgment is allowed. Shujo(主上) said he would not impugn you.”
Eiko(瑛庚) felt troubled inside. Might he be able to think Shujo(主上) trusted and relied on Shiho(司法)’s judgment? No, if anything, this is to leave all the decision-making to others. In fact , since Eiko(瑛庚) was told such words ‘I leave it to Shiho(司法)’, he developed a feeling of suspicion. This is neither words after much hesitation nor expressions of the reliance on Shiho(司法). This is rather a code word for having zero interest in it.
Eiko(瑛庚) voluntarily gave a sigh. He heard Jokyu(如翕) and Sotsuyu(率由) moan slightly because they probably had the same feeling.
Though the Ruler(王) of Ryu(柳) was a ruler of virtue who had reigned over the country for about 120 years, people raised an eyebrow in doubt many times these days. The ruler(王) often behaved as if he had no interest in politics. The ruler of virtue like that — Despite making Ryu(柳) become a renowned constitutional state and lifting it to fame, sometimes he acted as if he defied the law. Making ad hoc judgment without consideration. He expected people to obey his new law which destroyed the law. Each time, someone advised but the advice wasn’t always accepted.
Chiin(知音) sighed very deeply,
“Somehow, Shujo(主上) told he left it to Shiho(司法). Without worrying noise, proceed to the trial. I support your judgment.”
“But, Dai-shiko(大司寇) won’t satisfy himself.”
Eiko(瑛庚) said so,
“He can impugn our decision because he is Dai-shiko(大司寇), but you all have no obligation to obey. Furthermore, Shujo(主上) left it to us, so, even Dai-shiko(大司寇) cannot refuse to our decision about this case. — After my reporting, however, Dai-shiko(大司寇) might persuade Shujo(主上) by himself.”
It could be. Dai-shiko(大司寇), Enga(淵雅), is a son of The Ruler of Ryu(劉王). As well as in public, he can directly persuade the ruler(王) in private.
“Can he do it, sir?”
Sotsuyu(率由) asked in a low voice. It’s difficult, Chiin(知音) answered shortly.
Dai-shiko(大司寇), Enga(淵雅), was called the ruler of rulers of Ryu(柳). — Of course, it was just a nickname exchanged quietly among people. It might be his rivalry with his father who has a good name as the wise ruler. He was trying to be the ruler more than the ruler. Saying ‘The death penalty is not tolerated.’ is also the same thing.
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