I woke up as the Villainous Empress

One Year Later~

The warm afternoon sun bathed the royal garden in soft light as Yang Ning sat beneath a blooming tree, watching her daughter play in the grass. The little princess, a year old, giggled as she crawled toward the vibrant flowers, her tiny hands reaching out curiously. Yang Ning smiled, feeling an overwhelming sense of peace as she watched her daughter grow.

A year had passed since the birth of their daughter, and in that time, much had changed in the empire. After the birth, Emperor Zheng Huang had formally passed the crown to Zheng Liang, allowing his son to rule with strength and wisdom. His health had begun to weaken, and he believed that Zheng Liang was the right person to lead while he focused on his recovery.

Under Zheng Liang's reign, with Yang Ning as his Empress, the empire flourished like never before.

They had moved from the Dragon Pavilion to the Main Palace residence, embracing their new roles as the royal family. Yang Ning had taken the opportunity to transform her temporary business ventures into a full-fledged enterprise in partnership with Madam Gu, who now oversaw its operations.

Yang Ning focused on creating new products from time to time, and with Madam Gu's support, her makeup and skincare line had taken off, becoming a household name across the capital.

Madam Gu's boutique, which was already popular among the noble ladies of the capital, had flourished even further, opening branches in other cities due to the overwhelming demand for Yang Ning's products—and even starting to export them to neighboring kingdoms.

Zheng Liang approached from behind, wrapping his arms around Yang Ning's shoulders as he looked down at their daughter, who was blissfully tugging at the petals of a nearby flower. "She's getting bigger every day," he said softly, pressing a tender kiss to Yang Ning's cheek.

Yang Ning leaned into his embrace, a playful glint in her eyes. "And more mischievous, just like her father."

Zheng Liang chuckled, feigning offense. "Mischievous? I prefer the term 'adventurous.' It sounds more dignified for the Emperor's daughter."

Yang Ning smiled, watching as he lifted their daughter into the air. "She's going to be a handful when she gets older," she remarked, amusement dancing in her eyes.

Their little princess giggled, her laughter ringing like music in the air. "Just wait until she discovers the art of negotiation—like getting out of nap time," Yang Ning added, the warmth in her voice radiating love.

Zheng Liang held their daughter close to his chest, pretending to ponder. "Ah, yes, a future diplomat in the making. I can see it now: Princess of Mischief, master of bedtime negotiations!" He exaggerated a serious tone, making Yang Ning burst into laughter.

"Maybe I should take notes," Yang Ning said, playfully rolling her eyes. "You certainly seem like a daughter slave already."

"Guilty as charged," Zheng Liang admitted, a broad grin spreading across his face. "But it's a title I wear proudly. Anything for my little princess and her lovely mother."

Yang Ning's heart swelled as she watched them. This moment, filled with love and tranquility, was one she never imagined she could have when she first arrived in this world. But now, it felt like home—a place where laughter, love, and the sweet chaos of family were cherished.

The empire had come far since the turbulent days of corruption and uncertainty. Zheng Liang had restored dignity and strength, rooting out corruption and bringing about reforms that benefitted the people. Yang Ning's business had transformed local produce into thriving opportunities, boosting the economy and providing jobs for many.

In the distance, Yang Ning spotted her brother-in-law, Zheng Xiang, walking alongside Hou Wei. To her surprise, she noticed them holding hands. Upon seeing Yang Ning's gaze, Hou Wei quickly slapped Zheng Xiang's hand away, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Yang Ning chuckled, her heart warming at the sight. "Look at those two! Now that they've gotten engaged, they're openly showing their affection," she remarked.

"More like a comedy of errors," Zheng Liang teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he watched his brother's antics. "No one can show their affection as boldly as I do, my lady." He winked at her, a playful grin spreading across his face.

Yang Ning glared at him, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she tried to stifle her laughter. "You could tone it down a little, you know."

As the couple approached, Zheng Xiang cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "I wasn't holding her hand! It was... a moment of solidarity!" he declared, attempting to sound dignified.

Hou Wei rolled her eyes, a playful smirk on her lips. "Solidarity, huh? Is that what you call it?"

Seeing the couple's banter, Yang Ning couldn't help but let out a chuckle. It had been almost two years since Zheng Xiang returned to the palace, and his relationship with everyone had been in chaos and distant. He had been rigid and awkward, especially around Hou Wei, with their connection strained at best.

However, the palace had undergone significant changes, and so had Zheng Xiang. He had matured over time, gradually accepting his identity as a prince. Embracing his responsibilities, he took on the role of Head Minister of Finance, replacing Yang Luoyang. Under his keen oversight, the empire's finances flourished.

Not only had Zheng Xiang grown, but many things had also changed for Hou Wei over the past year. She had evolved from being a nurse and assistant to Master Jiang to mastering her skills in record time. After Master Jiang's delayed retirement, she had taken over the Imperial Medicine Department as his last disciple, leading her duties as the Imperial Physician with confidence.

While their careers blossomed, Zheng Xiang and Hou Wei's relationship deepened. He had started to show courage, no longer the same cowardly figure in front of her. Instead, he actively pursued her, and their bond transformed into something special. Last month, they got engaged, bringing a joyful occasion to the family.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Seeing the couple bantering, Yang Ning shook her head and said, "You guys are getting married soon and still arguing like children. Are you sure you both hold leading positions in your fields?"

Hou Wei pursed her lips and Zheng Xiang touched his nose awkwardly. "Well, my brother is the Emperor of the Empire, but he doesn't have the qualities of the Emperor at all. Otherwise, he wouldn't be bold enough to hold Her Majesty's hand in front of the royal court today."

Hearing this, Yang Ning's face turned red in embarrassment. She couldn't say anything to them when her husband was like this. Before, women were not allowed in the royal court, but after Zheng Liang took over the crown, many rules had changed. One of them was that women were also allowed senior positions in court as long as they passed the state exam and necessary tests.

Yang Ning could also reside at court, ruling on her will and giving her opinion too.

And when she attended the court, Zheng Liang never hesitated to show his concern and love towards her in front of everyone.

Then Yang Ning looked at the couple and asked, "Why did you guys come suddenly? Is there anything important?"

"We have come to play with our niece," Zheng Xiang replied with excitement as he went to take the little girl from Zheng Liang. "Hou Wei has made a bracelet for my little princess made of herbs that would keep mosquitoes away while she's playing."

At this time, Xiaowei arrived carrying a tray of Yang Ning's special milk tea and snacks. "Your Majesty, here are the tea and snacks you have asked for," she said while looking at Yang Ning, then glanced at Zheng Xiang and Hou Wei. "Your Highnesses, please have some tea and snacks. These snacks have been made from Her Majesty's new recipe."

As Xiaowei set down the tray, Gu Lan appeared, his posture straight and formal as always. "Your Majesties, Your Highnesses," he greeted with a bow.

Xiaowei glanced up, her eyes meeting Gu Lan's for a brief moment before she quickly looked away. "Commander Gu," she acknowledged, her voice neutral but lacking its usual sharpness.

Yang Ning watched the interaction closely, noticing the subtle shift in their dynamics. The usual tension between them seemed to have softened, replaced by something quieter, almost hesitant. Gu Lan's eyes lingered on Xiaowei a moment longer than necessary, while Xiaowei's movements seemed more deliberate, more aware of Gu Lan's presence.

As Xiaowei began serving the tea, she accidentally brushed against Gu Lan's arm. Instead of the sharp retort or annoyed glare that might have occurred in the past, both simply stepped back, murmuring quiet apologies.

Yang Ning raised an eyebrow but said nothing, hiding a small smile behind her teacup. The change in Gu Lan and Xiaowei's relationship was evident to her observant eyes, even if the two themselves weren't ready to acknowledge it openly.

Her gaze met with Zheng Liang's, and both of them understood the increasing bond between Xiaowei and Gu Lan. They didn't say a word but could see how everything was now coming back on track. More than a year ago, their lives were on the verge of collapse, but now things were finally changing for the better.

As the afternoon wore on, the royal family and their close circle enjoyed each other's company in the peaceful garden. The laughter of the little princess, the gentle teasing between couples, and the quiet moments of understanding all blended together, creating a tapestry of happiness and contentment.

It was a far cry from the tumultuous times they had faced, and each of them silently appreciated the journey that had brought them to this moment of tranquility and joy.