Liu Gongyun was the first to step forward: "I believe that beyond the law, we should also consider human feelings. Although Su Qing indeed committed a wrongful killing, there were reasons for his actions. He has always been dedicated to our country, which is commendable. If such a person were to still be punished, wouldn't it discourage everyone else in the world? In my opinion, Su Qing should be acquitted and set free!"
All the court officials understood perfectly well.
His Majesty and Liu Gongyun could have made the decision themselves, but they made a spectacle of it in front of everyone. All these conversations and deliberations were merely a show they put on.
Soon enough, someone chimed in: "I second that motion!"
"I second that motion!"
In the grand hall, a large group fell to their knees in agreement.
No one wanted to go against Emperor Yue's wishes, following the majority was certainly the correct decision.
After all, the law doesn't punish the many!
