Hua Manman silently estimated the distance.
’Based on how sound travels, a normal person standing here probably couldn’t hear what’s being said in the Octagonal Pavilion.’
But Prince Zhao was no ordinary person.
He practiced martial arts; his senses were sharp.
’He could probably hear everything that happened in the Octagonal Pavilion.’
Which ant...
Prince Zhao had likely overheard every last one of those scandalous things she had just said.
For a mont, Hua Manman wanted to die right then and there!
She had been so focused on creating an opportunity to complete her system task that it never occurred to her that soone might be eavesdropping from a short distance away.
Even if she and Prince Zhao weren’t truly husband and wife, he was still her husband in na.
And yet, she had admitted to a romantic history with another man right in front of him!
What man could remain calm when faced with his wife’s apparent infidelity, practically served to him on a silver platter?
Besides, Prince Zhao wasn’t exactly known for being a magnanimous person.
’He would definitely not let her off the hook!’
Hua Manman was racked with guilt, but she had to maintain her persona on the surface, so she feigned confusion and asked.
"Your Highness, weren’t you instructing my brothers in martial arts? How did you suddenly end up here?"
Li Ji sat in his wheelchair, a ghost of a smile on his face as he looked at her.
"I sent Wang Bei to instruct them.
I heard you were here, so I ca looking for you. I didn’t expect to walk in on you recounting your romantic past.
It seems my timing was perfect."
He delivered the last line with profound aning.
Hua Manman wanted to grab her head and jump off the rockery.
’He really heard everything!’
’She could jump into the Yellow River and still not be able to wash herself clean now!’
Hua Manman could no longer play dumb. Steeling herself, she could only explain.
"Your Highness, you’ve misunderstood. I was just spouting nonsense earlier. I have absolutely nothing to do with Song Ding."
Just then, Hua Qingqing’s voice ca from behind her.
"You were spouting nonsense?"
Hua Manman froze.
She wished she could die on the spot!
’Why did Hua Qingqing have to run down at this exact mont?’
’How was she supposed to smooth this over?’
’The heavens must want dead!’
Lifting her skirts, Hua Qingqing hurried down the rest of the way and asked again, unwilling to let it go.
"Was it really all nonsense? Do you really have nothing to do with Song Ding?"
Li Ji watched Hua Manman with unhurried amusent and said slowly.
"I’d also like to know. Were you telling the truth just now, or were you lying?"
Caught between the two of them, Hua Manman was in an impossible position. She almost failed to maintain her persona and break down on the spot.
The situation no longer allowed her the luxury of thinking up a plan to please everyone.
She could only steel herself and say.
"What I said earlier was the truth. Song Ding did indeed confess his feelings for , but I didn’t accept."
Li Ji looked into her eyes and added casually, "But you didn’t refuse, either."
Hua Manman froze. ’H-how does he know?!’
In truth, Li Ji was no less surprised than Hua Manman.
He had originally thought that while this woman might have her little sches, she was, on the whole, quite innocent.
He never expected her to be capable of actively seducing a man.
This woman was far more complex than he had anticipated.
The thought that she was, in fact, no different from any other woman made Li Ji’s mood plumt.
A wave of weariness washed over him, making the entire situation feel utterly tedious.
He was in no mood to pursue the matter further. He turned his head and looked away at the nearby flowers and plants.
Hua Qingqing curtsied to Prince Zhao, then covered her red, swollen cheek with a silk handkerchief and walked away, looking utterly dejected.
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