The Side Character Wants to Lie Flat-Chapter 89: A Double Gain, Why Not Do It?

The Empress Dowager was elderly and didn’t have the stamina of the younger generation. After a few rounds of drinks, she said she was tired and wanted to go back and rest.

The Empress rose as well, offering to escort the Empress Dowager back.

Hua Qingqing, who had come with the Empress Dowager, naturally had to leave as well.

With their departure, the crowd actually loosened up, and the atmosphere at the banquet grew even more lively.

Only Prince Zhao seemed unable to blend in.

He let out a yawn, the very picture of listless boredom.

Once Hua Manman had eaten her fill, Li Ji spoke up languidly.

"Let’s head back."

Hua Manman hesitated.

’Aside from the Empress Dowager and the Empress—the two most distinguished guests—everyone was still in their seats. Even the Emperor, at the head of the hall, hadn’t left. Wouldn’t it be too conspicuous if they suddenly asked to leave at a time like this?’

Prince Zhao, however, couldn’t have cared less about such things.

He spoke up directly, addressing the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, I’m feeling a bit dizzy. I’d like to return and rest for a while."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor immediately set down his wine cup and asked with concern, "Should I have an Imperial Physician take a look at you?"

Li Ji declined.

"It’s just a bit of dizziness. It’s probably too stuffy in here. I’ll be fine once I get some fresh air and head back for a nap."

The Emperor nodded slightly. "Very well. I will have someone escort you back. If you feel unwell at all, be sure to inform me."

"Yes."

Under the watchful eyes of all present, Prince Zhao calmly settled into his wheelchair and was pushed out of the main hall by Hua Manman.

Unlike the Prince Zhao Mansion, every doorway in Yuqing Palace had a threshold.

And the thresholds were quite high.

Hua Manman couldn’t lift the wheelchair by herself.

Just as she was about to call for help, the Second Prince, Li Hao, immediately rose to his feet.

"I’ll help."

With that, he hurried to Prince Zhao’s side and reached out to lift the wheelchair.

However, he had overestimated his own strength.

He strained with all his might, his face flushing red, but could only manage to lift the wheelchair a fraction of an inch.

Watching him struggle, Hua Manman grew worried and couldn’t help but try to dissuade him.

"Perhaps we should let the guards help."

Just then, the Fifth Prince, Li Yan, also stood up. "I’ll help, too!"

In truth, Li Yan held no particular fondness for Prince Zhao himself. But who could argue with the fact that Prince Zhao was a favorite of the Emperor? Furthermore, Prince Zhao commanded great prestige within the military. If Li Yan could win him over, his own power would surely rise to a new level.

Li Hao shared a similar line of thinking.

Both wanted to use this opportunity to curry favor with their Imperial Father and, while they were at it, pull Prince Zhao into their camp.

It was a chance to kill two birds with one stone. Why wouldn’t they take it?

A gratified smile appeared on the Emperor’s face as he watched his two sons work together to help Prince Zhao.

Everyone present watched this scene, each with their own thoughts.

Just as they were about to lift the wheelchair over the threshold, Li Yan’s grip suddenly slipped!

The entire wheelchair tipped over toward him.

Pale with fright, Li Yan instinctively stumbled backward.

He managed to get clear, but the wheelchair came crashing down.

Prince Zhao, who was in the wheelchair, was thrown to the ground.

Everyone present gasped in shock. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

The Emperor shot to his feet, crying out urgently, "Quick! Help Prince Zhao up!"

Hua Manman was the first to react.

She wrapped her arms around Prince Zhao’s waist, trying to lift him, but to her dismay, his frame was too large for her to manage.

Even straining with all her might, she could only lift his upper body; his legs remained limp, sprawled uselessly on the ground.