I woke up as the Villainous Empress

Noticing Yang Ning's pale face after her conversation with the woman, Zheng Liang frowned and refused to let her walk on her own back to the Dragon Pavilion, which was quite a distance from the dungeon which was located in the rear side of the main palace.

Instead, he chose to carry her.

Ascending the stairs from the underground dungeon and stepping into the light, exiting the dungeon, Yang Ning gently tapped Zheng Liang's shoulder. "We're outside now, and I feel better. Let me down; I can walk on my own."

Zheng Liang halted in his steps and glanced at her, his lips curled up in a teasing smile, and he said, "I don't want to."

Yang Ning glared at him. "You... stop joking and put me down. What if others saw us? Do you feel no shame?" She looked around nervously, concerned that other maids and servants might witness their situation.

How could the Crown Prince be so unconcerned about his image? What would people think seeing him carry her through the palace like this?

Zheng Liang couldn't help but smirk teasingly at her flushed cheeks and nervous glances around. He leaned closer, his breath tickling her ear as he whispered, "Why so shy? You're my wife, and we have shared so many intimate moments. I am so sure everyone must be aware of what's going on between a husband and wife behind closed doors. Is it truly so scandalous for me to carry you?

We aren't doing anything inappropriate out here after all." His audacious, nonchalant words made her cheeks burn even brighter and she found herself at a loss of words.

Caught off guard by his audacious words, Yang Ning stammered, "How...how can you say such things? Everyone sees you as a symbol of strength and duty. Is this how a Crown Prince should behave publicly?"

Zheng Liang chuckled softly, shrugging in response. "With you, I'm simply Zheng Liang, not the Crown Prince. You should feel special; only you get to see this shameless side of me."

Upon hearing his words, a warmth blossomed in Yang Ning's heart. Yet, memories of the woman's revelations about how the novel was not just a fictional story but something that happened in real life crept into her thoughts. The thought of Zheng Liang having feelings for a sweet girl like Hou Wei who was more ladylike and good-hearted than her, made her feel a little uneasy.

She knew that her feelings were groundless, as the current Zheng Liang had his heart only for her, but she couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy.

With a mocking-haughty tone, while nestling securely in Zheng Liang's embrace, she commented, "You certainly have a way with words. I can only imagine the number of women you have charmed before using your flirtatious words."

Zheng Liang raised his brows and noticed the jealousy in her eyes. He couldn't help but find her reaction quite amusing. He chuckled and said, "Seeing you like this makes it all worth it. It means my words have done their job in charming you."

He leaned in closer and added with a mischievous grin, "But my dear wife, you shouldn't be charmed by mere words. The night hasn't fallen yet, and I have the chance to show you my real charm later on." His suggestive tone caused her to cover her ears, blushing at his audacious words. This man had a way with words that never failed to surprise her.

Zheng Liang laughed softly at her reaction and decided to give her a break from his teasing. He continued to carry her towards the Dragon Pavilion while she buried her face against his shoulder, seeking refuge from the embarrassment.

If she didn't witness it firsthand, she'd choose to believe it never occurred.

____

The next day, after dressing and having breakfast in her chamber, Yang Ning found herself deep in thought by the window, reflecting on Li Hua's words and their implications for her future.

As she stood by the window, her thoughts swirled with worry and uncertainty. She had indeed made efforts to change the course of events in this world and alter the storyline, but Li Hua's words left her with lingering doubts. The events seemed to be shifting, but the main story arc still appeared to be following a similar pattern to the original narrative.

It seemed history was intent on repeating itself.

Given that the current events weren't strictly adhering to the original story's timeline or sequences, she was uncertain if everything would proceed as anticipated and when.

She contemplated the ways she had already influenced Zheng Liang's feelings and became entangled in the love story between the main characters. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that the story's inevitable tragic ending might still be looming over her.

She couldn't help but be doubtful if punishing the real culprit behind the manipulations and schemes would be enough to prevent the tragic fate that seemed to await her. The uncertainty of the future weighed heavily on her mind as she gazed at the blossoming flowers on the trees outside.

She gazed out at the blossoming flowers on the trees, the warmth of the sun streaming in through the open window. It was a beautiful day, yet her mood remained clouded by doubt. "The weather is so pleasant," she sighed, "yet my thoughts are in such turmoil."

Lost in her contemplation, Yang Ning was interrupted by a soft knock on the door. She turned her attention to the closed door and responded to the knock on the door. "Come in."

Xiaowei, her personal maid, entered with a message. "Your Highness, an invitation has arrived from the Main Palace. His Majesty requests your presence for lunch."

Yang Ning was taken aback by the unexpected invitation from His Majesty. She wondered why he had summoned her but realized it wasn't something she could decline. She nodded and replied, "Very well. Please convey my acceptance of His Majesty's invitation."

Xiaowei acknowledged her response with a polite bow before leaving the chamber. Alone again, Yang Ning took a deep breath and whispered to herself, "Enough, Fang Li. Dwelling on the uncertainties of the future is only souring your mood and causing needless worry. Focus on the present, enjoy the moment, and leave the rest to unfold as it may."

As her spirits lifted and her positive outlook returned, Yang Ning's thoughts shifted to the upcoming lunch with His Majesty. Anxiety began to creep in. "What should I do? Should I bring a gift for him? It wouldn't be proper to visit him empty-handed, would it?" She pondered.

While she had visited His Majesty on several occasions in the past, having lunch with him was an entirely different affair. This would be her first lunch with His Majesty since her marriage to Zheng Liang, and it caused a nervous flutter in her stomach.

Unlike the wedding dinner, which was a formal affair, this lunch invitation felt more intimate and personal. The thought of it made her uneasy. "I hope he won't inquire about the events of the carnival night," she fretted, her worry deepening.