The Side Character Wants to Lie Flat-Chapter 88: You’re So Cute

Hua Manman accompanied Prince Zhao to the evening banquet.

At the banquet, she finally saw the legendary Emperor.

He sat enthroned at the head of the hall, clad in a dark brocade robe embroidered with a Five-clawed Golden Dragon at its hem and cinched at the waist with a golden leather belt.

According to the descriptions in Palace Intrigue, this Emperor was accomplished in both literary and martial arts. He was brave and strategic, a diligent ruler who ushered in an era of prosperity. His only flaw was being something of a scoundrel when it came to matters of the heart.

He was tall and well-built, with sharp, defined brows, piercing eyes, and deep-set features.

Even just sitting there, he radiated an imposing aura, as if the whole world was beneath him.

But when Hua Manman saw his face clearly, she froze for a moment.

She instinctively glanced at Prince Zhao, who was seated beside her.

’Prince Zhao and the Emperor... they look somewhat similar.’

Li Ji noticed her stare. He glanced sideways at her, capturing her exact thought.

His eyes instantly darkened.

"What are you thinking about?"

Hua Manman hurriedly shook her head. "Nothing."

Li Ji stared at her, his gaze deep and dangerous. "Don’t let your mind wander where it shouldn’t."

Hua Manman replied obediently, "I understand."

At that moment, delectable dishes were served one after another. The gentle strains of string and bamboo instruments filled the air, and dancing girls floated in, stepping gracefully to the rhythm.

The evening’s banquet had officially begun.

Hua Manman gathered her thoughts and began to focus wholeheartedly on enjoying the fine food.

Because Prince Zhao was injured, no wine was served at their table, and all the dishes were light and mild.

Fortunately, Hua Manman wasn’t a picky eater, so she still ate with great relish.

Li Ji, on the other hand, had little appetite. After just a couple of bites, he put down his chopsticks, looking listless and unwilling to eat more.

The Emperor noticed this and asked in a warm voice.

"Jie’er, why have you stopped eating? Is the food not to your taste?"

Everyone stopped what they were doing, their gazes shifting in unison toward Prince Zhao.

So many people were present, including the Emperor’s favored Concubines and the Princes he held in high esteem. Yet the Emperor still showed the most concern for Prince Zhao. This inevitably stirred everyone’s thoughts, their minds racing with deeper implications.

Li Ji, however, seemed oblivious to the fact that he had become the center of attention.

He acted as if he didn’t feel the stares fixed upon him and replied calmly.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Your servant is not very hungry, so I don’t have much of an appetite."

Just then, the Empress spoke, her voice gentle. "Even if you are not very hungry, you should still eat a little. You don’t want to get hungry in the middle of the night."

Li Ji gave a slight nod. "Your servant understands."

He picked up his chopsticks again, selected a piece of fish, and began to chew it slowly.

Watching him, Hua Manman thought he didn’t look like he was eating fish at all. It was more like he was gnawing on a piece of wood, completely devoid of the pleasure one should feel when savoring a delicacy.

The sight made her heart ache a little.

Once the Emperor’s and Empress’s attention had shifted away from Prince Zhao, Hua Manman spoke to him in a low voice.

"If you don’t want to eat, then don’t. There’s no need to force yourself."

Li Ji froze, his chopsticks hovering over a dish.

He lowered his gaze to the woman beside him.

A thought seemed to cross his mind, and he suddenly curled his lips into a faint smile. He leaned close to her ear and whispered.

"The Empress told me to eat more, yet you’re telling me not to. Are your words more important than hers?"

His warm breath on her ear made it burn uncontrollably.

She shied away, defending herself in a hushed voice.

"I didn’t tell you not to eat. I just don’t want to see you force yourself. I... I just want you to be a little happier."

She spoke the last words so softly they were almost a whisper.

If Li Ji hadn’t been leaning so close, he would not have heard them at all.

He let out a low chuckle. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"You’re adorable."