Help! I'm the Plot Device: Just Here to Save the Heroes

Episode Two of Jerry vs. The Universe (Patch Notes: Still Alive)

[Yan An - Assistant Minister of Revenue, son of former Minister Yan He]

Jerry's mind: ...Wow. I am screwed.

Yan An's voice rang cold and clear. "Your Majesty, this is not the first time the Second Prince has caused disturbance. Such behavior tarnishes the royal family's dignity. I beseech you to give him a... modest punishment, that he might learn restraint."

Jerry's insides twisted. Modest punishment, huh? That sounds suspiciously like flogging until I can't sit down.

He let out a dry laugh in his head. Yep, totally deserve this. I'm cooked.

The Emperor's gaze landed on Jerry.
"Prince Zhao Yichen."

Jerry stiffened, head still bowed. "Y-yes, Dianxia."

"Are you ready to accept your punishment?"

Jerry gulped, forced a deep breath, and croaked, "Yes, Dianxia."

The head eunuch's voice echoed through the chamber:
"The Second Prince, Zhao Yichen, is sentenced to have two months of allowance deducted, the sum to be paid to those wronged... and to receive thirty strikes of the rod."

A hush swept through the court. Then a woman's desperate voice cried out:
"Dianxia!" Tears glistened in her eyes as she stepped forward.

"Show mercy, Dianxia. Yichen grew without the guidance of his father. If he has erred, it is because of my poor upbringing and my overindulgence. Please... show him mercy."

Jerry blinked. System, Who is this new character?

"It's Lady Lu"

Glowing text appeared above her head.

Lady Lu Xiao, Yichen's mother, Emperor's sister-in-law.

Jerry mind: What is this new story?

Zhao Yichen's father, the late Prince Zhao Jing, gave his life for this empire. Yichen was but a child when he was left fatherless. Lady Lu, is nothing but a puppet of his noble family. So Yichen grew without any proper guidance and care. Only Xu Ming shows some concern for him, apparently the other way too.

Jerry's mind: So this guy had a tragic backstory on top of being a total menace. That explains why he turned into such a spoiled brat.

Before the Emperor could reply, Xu Ming hurried forward, dropping to his knees.
"Dianxia, please reduce the punishment. Though reckless, Prince Yichen is not heartless."

Jerry smirked. "Yeah, I doubt that."

Several other ministers exchanged glances, then bowed as well.
"We beseech Dianxia to show leniency."

Jerry's mind raced. Seriously? After all the havoc this guy caused, they still plead for him? The bar for royalty must be in hell.

Then Zhao Yuan Zhou, the Crown Prince, stepped forward.

Jerry's eyes narrowed. Okay, what now? You want to raise it to fifty strikes just to make your point?

But to his shock, Zhao Yuan Zhou dropped to one knee.

The court collectively gasped.

"Dianxia," Zhao Yuan Zhou said solemnly, "I beg you to reconsider. Thirty strikes are too severe. Prince Yichen has never trained in the martial arts-such punishment could break his body."

Jerry's inner voice screeched. Who told you that nonsense?! I've got a black belt in taekwondo. Not that it helped me last night when I faceplanted off a roof.