The Side Character Wants to Lie Flat-Chapter 40: Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained
When Gao Shan came in with the medicinal soup, he happened to see Prince Zhao and Lady Hua in an embrace.
He was so startled his hand trembled, and he almost spilled the medicine.
’Oh my god, how did those two end up in each other’s arms this early in the morning?’
’Even if they were overcome with passion, they should have sent everyone away first.’
’Was there really a need to be in such a hurry?’
As Gao Shan mused about the boundless energy of youth, he respectfully presented the medicinal soup.
This time, Li Ji did not knock over the medicinal soup.
He released Hua Manman, took the medicinal soup from Gao Shan, and downed it without any expression.
Gao Shan discreetly led the others out of the dining hall.
Once they were alone, Li Ji skillfully produced a Detoxification Pill, tossed it into his mouth, and crunched it down as if it were a bean.
When Li Ji looked up, he saw Hua Manman staring at him without blinking.
He clearly heard her thoughts—
’Why on earth is Prince Zhao drinking poisoned medicine?’
Li Ji, his expression unchanged, took a sip of rice porridge to wash away the lingering medicinal taste in his mouth.
He explained slowly.
"This medicine was prescribed by the Chief Imperial Doctor, and the Chief Imperial Doctor was sent by the Emperor.
If word got out that the medicine is poisoned, the blame would inevitably fall on the Emperor.
However, I know the Emperor is not behind this. Someone is deliberately trying to sow discord between me and the Emperor.
I cannot let them succeed, so for now, I can only bide my time."
Hua Manman said with a look of dawning realization, "So the Prince intends to feign being poisoned, making the mastermind let down their guard. Then, when they least expect it, you’ll expose them and end this once and for all."
But Li Ji just smiled. "I’m not pretending. I really am poisoned. The Detoxification Pill can only alleviate the poison’s effects, not eliminate them completely."
Hua Manman’s eyes widened slightly as she looked at him in disbelief.
Li Ji said, "The poisoner isn’t stupid. On the contrary, he’s very shrewd. Acting alone won’t be enough to fool him. Only if I am truly poisoned will that person believe their plan has succeeded."
Hua Manman clicked her tongue. "That’s too great a price to pay."
Li Ji laughed, unconcerned. "Military Strategy has a saying: nothing ventured, nothing gained."
Halfway through the meal, Hua Manman suddenly had a realization.
’Prince Zhao has never paid me any mind. Why is he suddenly willing to tell me something so important?’
’What’s gotten into him?’
Li Ji heard her thoughts but pretended he hadn’t.
He had told her all this for one reason only: to test whether she was truly trustworthy.
If she couldn’t even keep a small secret like this, then she had no value staying by his side. He would find some excuse to send her to the West Courtyard and leave her there to fend for herself.
If Hua Manman possessed the Mind Reading Technique and could hear Prince Zhao’s thoughts right now, she would have undoubtedly chosen to leak the secret without a moment’s hesitation. That way, she could go to the West Courtyard with a clear conscience and live out her days as a lazy bum.
However, she didn’t have the Mind Reading Technique.
She had no idea that a golden opportunity to become a lazy bum was right in front of her.
She even made a secret vow to herself never to reveal Prince Zhao’s secret, lest she get herself killed.
After breakfast, Gao Shan came to report.
"My Prince, the Saint has sent the Chief Imperial Doctor to take your pulse."
Li Ji spat out his mouthwash, took a silk handkerchief from a maid, wiped the corner of his mouth, and said casually.
"Let him in." 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎
Soon, the white-haired Chief Imperial Doctor walked in, followed by a young apprentice.
After greeting Prince Zhao, the master and apprentice took out their tools with practiced movements and began to check his pulse.
