Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

After several days of secret preparations, the day of the execution arrived.

Logically speaking, although the Taifu Church had an explosive influence, people's thoughts were infinitely divergent. No matter what environment they were in, some people would inevitably question the so-called dogmas and truths.

Therefore, public executions were not uncommon.

But this time was indeed exceptionally different, as it concerned the death of the king, and the archbishop himself was presiding over the ceremony, with announcements made throughout the city.

It could be said that the treatment was maxed out.

Therefore, on the day of the execution, the city square was already packed with people.

In the center of the square was a high platform made of logs, with kindling piled underneath, resembling a simple wooden pyramid.

The top of the pyramid was a small platform with a wooden pole erected on it.

The archbishop was already beside the high platform, chanting from a scripture.

A person wearing a purple robe and a small square cap stood beside him, the registrar of the religious court.

Other court officials were below the platform.

Not far away was another viewing platform, where the young king was sitting upright.

Zheng Hui, Lai Gou'er, and Duke Alvis were on the side, watching the execution platform.

Although the main criminal had not yet been brought, the people could not wait to welcome this carnival... the heretic would be burned at the stake.

Zheng Hui watched the crowd, already in a frenzy before the ceremony had even begun, and his brows gradually furrowed.

"These foreigners are truly barbaric and uncivilized. They cheer to see people executed simply because of differing opinions? It's truly incomprehensible."

"Damn these stupid people, so easily fooled. The emperor is doing nothing about it, it's really strange. I might as well just kill them all."

Lai Gou'er glanced at the young emperor, who looked uneasy in his seat: "Brother Zheng, I think you're being a bit extreme."

"Look at these foreign people, they're willing to abandon their brains for the sake of their so-called God. If the entire West is like this, then there's no saving these foreigners."

"Next time I bring troops, I should kill all these lunatics."

Zheng Hui: "???"

"Haha, I'm just joking." Seeing Zheng Hui's somewhat dazed expression, Lai Gou'er pointed below and laughed: "Actually, they're not much different from us. Brother Zheng, haven't you seen beheadings on the street? Some people even dip steamed buns in the blood to eat. It's just a different kind of ignorance."

Zheng Hui smiled wryly: "That's true. How are the arrangements below? You've handled everything this time, I haven't asked about it."

"Everything is arranged. They're all ambushed in the crowd. As soon as I give the order, the brothers will rush up and we'll take the people back to the ship in the chaos."

Zheng Hui nodded: "Good, then you go get the little emperor, and I'll get the duke."

Lai Gou'er said: "Whatever Brother Zheng arranges."

The two were having a secret conversation without any restraint. Duke Alvis, seeing them chatting and laughing, couldn't help but ask: "What are you two talking about that's so happy?"

These past few days, Lai Gou'er and Zheng Hui had been frequently visiting the palace to discuss the matter of Calemi, and they had reached a tacit understanding.

The other party had decided to watch the execution and then return to Da Jing by boat.

One hundred taels of gold, two hundred missionaries, and fifty craftsmen had already been sent to the other party's ship this morning.

Everyone felt that it was a great deal to exchange a sailor's life for so many resources, so Duke Alvis naturally had no reservations.

"I was just discussing with Lord Zheng why he was sentenced to be burned at the stake. Are all the punishments here like this? Wouldn't it be quicker to just cut off his head?" Lai Gou'er asked.

Duke Alvis explained: "According to the church's beliefs, destroying the body prevents the condemned from hoping to be resurrected from the dead. Since his soul has lost its body, it should wander in eternal torment. This is a punishment more painful than death."

"So, the highest punishment here is burning at the stake?" Lai Gou'er asked.

Duke Alvis hesitated for a moment: "Yes, as far as public executions are concerned, this is already the maximum penalty. I wonder if the East has similar punishments?"

Lai Gou'er smiled: "Of course we do. Our public execution is called 'Ling Chi,' where the person is stripped naked, tied to a frame, and tightened with a fishing net. The exposed flesh is sliced off piece by piece in public until they are dismembered, broken into pieces, and die of exhaustion."

"For women, there is also another set of special punishments, which is to take off their clothes, tie them to a stool, and pour boiling water on them. When the flesh is half-cooked, a steel brush is used to brush off the flesh and blood until the bones are exposed. This set is called 'Combing and Washing.' Both of these are famous severe punishments in Da Jing."

The young king listened with his ears perked up, his cheeks already pale and his body trembling.

Terrifying! Barbaric!

The Easterners are so brutal...

As for Duke Alvis, he wasn't much better off. He swallowed hard and his voice trembled slightly: "What crimes would warrant such punishment?"

"Generally speaking, it's the crime of treason, disturbing the emperor. In your case, it would be similar to the crime of blasphemy. Of course, the current emperor of Da Jing is a benevolent ruler and has never been known to use this punishment."

Duke Alvis nodded, his expression even showing a hint of envy.

This is a true emperor, a true supreme being!

Unlike here, where we are still governed by the church... it would be good enough not to have to kowtow to the Pope.

After a while, the bell in the church next to the city square rang.

A prisoner wearing a prison uniform with his head covered was escorted by soldiers from the street.

He was taken directly to the high platform and tied to the wooden frame.

The hood was lifted.

The midday sun shone into Calemi's eyes, and after a while, he opened his already swollen eyes.

He looked around, breathing rapidly.

His gaze swept around and quickly locked onto Zheng Hui and Lai Gou'er.

His heart was filled with joy!

Hope, this was his only hope!

These past few days, he had suffered both mental and physical torment in prison, and the only thing that kept him going was a belief.

Lord Zheng would come to save him. The Da Jing navy had always been incredibly united, and he was one of them!

Now that he saw Zheng Hui, Calemi immediately cried out, looking at him and shouting: "Lord Zheng, save me!!!"

Zheng Hui's tiger eyes widened, and he suddenly stood up, pointed at Calemi, and shouted angrily: "I'm here to save you! Act your part well, don't mess it up. If you screw up and kill a brother because you're being stupid, I'll burn you again when we get on the ship!"

Duke Alvis glanced at Lai Gou'er.

Lai Gou'er said: "Lord Zheng is telling him that since he was born in Fika, he should be loyal to the monarch and the church. Now that he has violated the teachings, he deserves to be executed and is not qualified to be with us anymore, and don't say that he is our people."

At this moment, Calemi cursed loudly: "Eastern dogs, you don't keep your promises! I risked my life for you, I curse you..."

Duke Alvis understood these words and a faint smile appeared on his face.

He's getting anxious! He's starting to curse in his native language!

"The ceremony is about to begin. With the archbishop's prayers, I would like to wish you both a safe trip home in advance."

......