Question

Who was the real culprit according to the king?
Why does he escape punishment ?​

Answer 1

The real culprit according to the king is the merchant because although his old father was the real murderer he was dead and someone had to be punishment in his place.

He escapes the punishment because he is too thin to be properly executed on the stake

Answer 2

Explanation:

According to the king, the real culprit is the rich merchant. His father had ordered for the ornaments. But he died. The merchant, being his son, inherited everything from his father. But the merchant escapes punishment because the stake can't fit him.

Hope you understand...