Emperor Mjuk of Mrangh

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Emperor Mjuk of Mrangh (Shinasthana: 孟穆皇帝, mrangh-mjuk-ghwang-têgh; r. Dec. 15, 677 – Mar. 2, 685) was a ruler of the Mrangh dynasty, which governed much of Themiclesia-proper between 542 and 752.

Assassination

On Mar. 2, 685, Mjuk held court in the early morning for a visiting prince. After ceremonies between him and Themiclesian courtiers were concluded, the visiting prince was invited to breakfast. However, the prince is thought to have felt slighted that he was asked to wait outside while time-consuming ceremonies occurred. During the meal, as a visiting ruler, he was seated next to the royal table, where a lord-in-waiting was in custody of Mjuk's sword. Shortly after, one of the prince's sons drew the sword and stabbed Mjuk in the canopy. At the time, Themiclesian law forbade anyone from entering the Palace Hall armed, and the nearest armed guards were outside, at least 200 m away. Additionally, they could not be summoned without the emperor's instruction. In the confusion, courtiers evacuated the Palace Hall and sent for the Gentlemen-at-Arms to apprehend the assailant. Eventually, the prince was escorted to a guest lodge and kept under house arrest, but the assailant was captured. Themiclesian jurists then debated what offence had he committed. One argument was that the prince should be prosecuted as a traitor, but others state that the prince comes from a foreign jurisdiction and owes no loyalty to the emperor. Eventually, the court compromised on requiring restitution. Since injuring the emperor carried capital punishment for the extended family of the offender, a commutation of capital punishment on each of the prince's eight family members was assessed, totalling 960 catties of gold.

In consequence of the assassination, the succeeding Emperor Kjung ordered that he will no longer carry a sword in the Palace Hall, in case it is used against him.

See also