The correct answer is Option D.
INFLICT means to cause harm or pain to someone. In the given sentence, the emperor caused suffering to those who disobeyed him.
Thus NO CHANGE is the correct answer.
The remaining options are incorrect because:
AFFLICT means to cause harm or suffering due to disease. There is no mention of disease in the given sentence.
PENALIZE is irrelevant in the given sentence because it means subject to punishment.
BESTOW means to confer an honour or gift.