The emperor's decision was in line with Ruhae's request to abandon his name, but he was still nervous. Deleting his name had plenty of room to be interpreted in many ways.
He tightened his grip on her hands. Lying face down, she didn't move.
There were numerous numbers of cases in his head during that short silence. All the royal family members present in Daejon couldn't think straight, at a loss about how to interpret his ruling.
At that moment the emperor declared, "Carry out their capital punishment as soon as the day breaks tomorrow."
Capital punishment!
Ruhae closed her eyes quickly. The emperor's ruling was clear.
"Your Majesty!"
"Please forgive their sin!"
The three women who came forward to plead for his forgiveness raised their voices, but he ignored their petition. It seemed he never paid attention to their request.