The Side Character Wants to Lie Flat-Chapter 85: Something’s Wrong with This Plot

Hua Manman changed into a sapphire-blue, high-waisted dress and a gold-threaded shawl. She wore a gilded floral coronet, its long golden tassels dangling past her ears and swaying gently with her every step.

Si Yun had carefully painted a small, exquisite golden lotus between her brows.

Her willow-like brows were gently curved, her eyes shimmered, and her red lips were plump and full.

Hua Manman smiled softly at her reflection in the mirror.

Her smile instantly seemed to light up the entire room.

Even though Si Yun was accustomed to the Nanny’s beauty, she still found herself momentarily dazzled.

She praised her with genuine admiration, "Nanny, you’re so beautiful!"

Hua Manman casually picked up a pair of gold earrings and tossed them into her hands.

"What a sweet-talker. Here, a reward for you. Go have some fun with them."

Si Yun was overjoyed and hurriedly curtsied in thanks.

Although Hua Manman was only a Nanny, Prince Zhao treated her exceptionally well. She had her pick of all the gold and silver jewelry, silks, and satins in the Prince’s Mansion, using whatever she pleased. Her days were quite comfortable.

Since she was well-off, she was naturally generous to those who served her.

Just then, a young maidservant entered and announced respectfully.

"Reporting, Nanny. The eldest young lady from the Zhong’an Bo Mansion has arrived and wishes to see you."

Hua Manman was not surprised.

The moment she had seen Hua Qingqing, she had guessed her sister would come looking for her.

Hua Manman stood and, with Si Yun’s support, walked out of the bedroom.

She informed Prince Zhao before heading out to meet Hua Qingqing under the loquat tree in the courtyard.

A smile immediately blossomed on Hua Qingqing’s face the moment she saw her.

"Second Sister."

Hua Manman, ever mindful of her persona, lifted her chin slightly, affecting a look of arrogance.

She replied languidly, "Hmm? What brings you here?"

Hua Qingqing replied, "I came with the Empress Dowager."

Hua Manman huffed. "The Empress Dowager must really be fond of you, not even forgetting to bring you along to escape the summer heat."

But Hua Qingqing only gave a bitter smile, as if she were hiding some grievance.

Seeing this, Hua Manman deliberately tried to provoke her.

"What’s with that look? Don’t tell me you feel wronged by having to accompany the Empress Dowager to escape the heat?!"

Hua Qingqing sighed and said helplessly.

"It’s not as simple as you think.

Actually, the Empress Dowager never intended to bring me to Yuqing Mountain. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

It was Grandmother who, for my sake, swallowed her pride and specifically begged the Empress Dowager.

Only then did the Empress Dowager agree to bring me along on the trip to Yuqing Mountain."

Hua Manman pouted, her tone still tart.

"Even so, you’re the one who benefited. Grandmother would never go to such lengths for me."

Hua Qingqing said, "Grandmother was forced into it.

You live in the Prince Zhao Mansion, so you don’t know what’s been happening at home.

A few days ago, the Crown Prince suddenly sent someone to our home with a marriage proposal. He said he wants me to be his concubine."

Hua Manman was stunned.

’The male lead in *Palace Intrigue* is the Emperor, and there are two other important male supporting characters.’

’One of those important male supporting characters is the Crown Prince.’

’According to the original novel, the Crown Prince fell in love with Hua Qingqing at first sight, but that was supposed to happen after she had already entered the palace and become one of the Emperor’s concubines.’

’At that point, Hua Qingqing was already the Emperor’s concubine, so the Crown Prince could only harbor a secret crush on her.’

’And that secret, unrequited love, hidden away in his heart, would eventually lead to a shocking conspiracy.’

’But now, Hua Qingqing hasn’t even entered the palace. How did she get involved with the Crown Prince already?’

’Something’s wrong with this plot!’

Hua Manman couldn’t help but ask, "Did you accept the Crown Prince’s proposal?"