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Better late than never... dedicated to DaNa020521, who laughs like it's their superpower, somehow survives my chaotic scribbles, and feels things a little more deeply than most. Thank you🪄
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Jerry's vision swam. Am I... dying? No, not l...
Jerry, staring hard: That's Neo. No way... no way he could be here. Or-could it really be him?
Before he could blink again, the gong rang. The emperor himself entered, flanked by guards, and all bent low in respect.
Once order settled, a stern minister stepped forward. Minister Han, head of the Ministry of Justice. His scroll unfurled, and his voice carried across the court. "Your Majesty, regarding the Second Prince, Zhao Yichen... the list of offenses is as follows."
Jerry braced himself.
"Firstly, His Highness broke the floorboards of the Moonlight Tavern... because they failed to serve him winter cherries during summer."
Jerry's mind: Wonderful.
"Secondly, he untied the horses of a merchant's cart, insisting the cart-man pull it himself, simply because he delayed in bowing."
Jerry's mind: Even better.
"And thirdly-"
Jerry, panicked, shot his hand into the air. The entire court froze. Silence thickened as all eyes turned toward him.
His mind whirred. Wait... even with his awful reputation, this guy has the power to silence the court with just a gesture? Then why throw it away being a scumbag?
Jerry forced his voice steady. "Enough."
The system buzzed nervously: Host, what are you doing?!
Jerry: Didn't you say earn a good name in court? Watch me work.
He strode to the front, every step trembling inside though his expression stayed grim. Then he dropped to his knees with a heavy thud.
"Dianxia, Xiao Dianxia..." Jerry's forehead touched the floor. "I, Zhao Yichen, admit to my crimes in full. I am willing to accept any punishment His Majesty deems fit. Please-judge wise."
The court gasped. Whispers rippled like wildfire. "The Second Prince... kneeling?" "He would never!" "Has he gone mad?"
From the corner, Xu Ming's eyes widened. Did he really hit his head last night?
A cold, sharp voice broke the air. "Prince Yichen, you-" Zhao Yuan Zhou began, but before he could finish, another voice cut across.
"Dianxia!"
Jerry's head snapped up. That voice-he knew it. He turned, eyes going wide. "Yao Daren?! What are you doing here?!"
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The figure stepped forward calmly, bowing. "Assistant Minister Yan An of the Ministry of Revenue, bows you, Your Majesty."
Jerry's mind froze. He swiveled back, and above the man's head, glowing text appeared:
