The Side Character Wants to Lie Flat-Chapter 84: This Is Very Good

Even though the carriage had been meticulously modified to maximize its shock absorption, a slight bumpiness during travel was unavoidable.

This made it more difficult for Hua Manman to practice her calligraphy.

She had to invest far more time and effort to produce characters that would satisfy Prince Zhao.

By the time she finally finished her assignment, the sun was nearly setting.

The convoy successfully reached Yuqing Mountain before nightfall.

It was not Li Ji’s first time accompanying the Emperor to this summer retreat, so the place held no novelty for him. After disembarking, he sat in his wheelchair, looking languid and bored.

Hua Manman, on the other hand, was full of curiosity, her eyes constantly darting around.

Yuqing Mountain was not far from Shangjing. It was covered in lush trees and plants, home to many rare birds and exotic beasts kept for viewing, and featured the sprawling Yuqing Palace.

Due to its altitude, the temperature on the mountain was much lower than below. It was estimated to be around twenty degrees Celsius during the day, and was said to drop even lower at night. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

In previous years, the Emperor would come here to escape the summer heat, usually staying for two or three months at a time.

This year would likely be no exception.

The Chief Eunuch of Yuqing Palace knew Prince Zhao was greatly favored by the Emperor, so he had specially arranged a residence for the prince that was close to the Emperor’s own chambers and situated in a quiet, elegant environment.

The rooms had already been tidied up, and they were fully equipped with everything one could need.

Prince Zhao had brought many maids, servants, and trusted aides with him on this trip, but the Chief Eunuch still selected twelve clever and sensible servants for the prince’s exclusive use, a truly thoughtful gesture.

Jinxiu knew that Prince Zhao disliked having strangers near him, so she assigned all twelve of those servants to duties in the outer courtyard, forbidding them from approaching the prince without permission.

That night, the Emperor held a banquet in the main hall. Everyone who had accompanied him to Yuqing Mountain was required to attend.

Prince Zhao was, of course, no exception.

He changed into a wide-sleeved, ink-black robe. A black leather belt cinched his narrow waist, creating an alluring silhouette. His jet-black hair was held in place by a single black jade hairpin, and his long, narrow eyes were half-closed, exuding an air of lazy weariness.

Hua Manman also had to change her clothes.

However, Li Ji showed no intention of leaving.

Seeing Hua Manman standing motionless, he raised a long eyebrow and asked with a teasing smile.

"Aren’t you going to change? Why aren’t you moving?"

Hua Manman’s cheeks flushed as she said shyly, "With the Prince here, I... I’m too embarrassed to change."

Li Ji said playfully, "You are already my nanny. Even if you were to strip completely naked in front of me, it would be of no consequence."

Hua Manman’s face grew even redder.

"That may be so, but... but..."

Seeing she was so ashamed she looked ready to bury her head in her stomach, Li Ji finally decided to be merciful and let her off the hook.

"Fine. Since you’re unwilling to let me watch, I’ll leave."

With that, he turned his wheelchair and left the bedroom.

Once the door was closed, the shyness on Hua Manman’s face faded.

She let out a soft sigh of relief.

’If Prince Zhao had insisted on watching her undress just now, she really wouldn’t have known what to do.’

’Even though she was now Prince Zhao’s "little wife" and had a duty to fulfill their marital obligations, she still felt awkward about actually taking that step.’

’If possible, she hoped she could maintain this current relationship with Prince Zhao forever.’

’Eating together, reading and practicing calligraphy together, training with swords together, and even sleeping in the same room.’

’Like two roommates sharing an apartment.’

’She would do her best to heal his leg injury and help him avoid the disasters mentioned in the original text.’

’In return, he would provide her with shelter, allowing her to live out the rest of her days peacefully.’

’That would be perfect.’