I woke up as the Villainous Empress

Having already missed the morning royal court session, Zheng Liang chose to dismiss any concerns about arriving late and opted instead to prolong his cuddle time with his wife.

Observing his carefree attitude, Yang Ning released a contented sigh and decided to indulge in more rest herself. Her body ached from the passionate night they had spent together, and as long as he didn't tempt her with sweet words, she didn't mind snuggling close and sleeping in.

In fact, she cherished sleeping while wrapped in his embrace. It kept the cold at bay and provided her with a comforting warmth throughout her slumber.

Reflecting on her past winter nights, when they had slept on separate sides of the bed, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for her former self. She had missed out on the warmth and comfort of her husband's presence as a human pillow, which left her feeling remorseful.

"Hmm, so warm," Yang Ning murmured with a smile as she wrapped her hand around Zheng Liang's waist, returning his embrace and nestling closer to him in their cocoon of warmth. Her head rested on his outstretched arm, while he held her close with his other hand.

Their naked bodies, concealed only by the blankets, pressed against each other, sharing their warmth on this still chilly early spring morning.

___

After a sound sleep, Yang Ning awoke to find the other side of the bed empty. She furrowed her brow and sat up, glancing around in confusion. "Where is he?" she mumbled to herself.

Yang Ning rubbed her sleepy eyes and let out a soft yawn as she wondered where her husband had gone. Her curiosity led her to glance down, and her eyes softened in surprise as she realized she was no longer completely naked. She was wearing her silk night robe, which provided her with a modest layer of coverage.

Although it wasn't the same nightgown she had prepared for him as a surprise last night, it was her usual silk upper nightgown, ensuring her modesty was intact. A pleased sigh escaped her lips, "Well, that's considerate," she muttered, her smile growing broader.

As she glanced at the pendulum wall clock, its ornate hands marking the passage of time, she couldn't help but notice that it was past noon. She shook her head and chuckled softly. "Looks like he has already left for the afternoon court session. At least he didn't miss the afternoon session," she mused to herself, a fond smile gracing her face.

It was the first time she had slept for so long since arriving at the palace. Typically, Xiaowei would come to wake her up, not letting her sleep past morning. However, surprisingly, no one had come to rouse her from slumber this time.

It was almost lunchtime, and she had just woken up.

"Did he instruct all the servants not to wake me?" she wondered aloud, a curious expression crossing her face as she contemplated her husband's possible instructions. Though she woke up late, the extended sleep had allowed her to regain some of her lost energy. While she was still tired, she couldn't deny that she felt better than before.

His warm gesture had not gone unnoticed.

Not only did he refrain from waking her up, but before leaving, he took the care to drape her in a nightgown, ensuring she wouldn't feel embarrassed in front of the servants or catch a chill in his absence.

Not only that, but he also instructed the servants to ignite the wood in the chamber to maintain the room's warmth. She smiled as her attention was drawn to the crackling, burning wood that had kept her cozy even after he left.

"No wonder I felt so warm after he left. After exhausting me all night, he certainly knows how to pamper me. Well, he better keep this up. Otherwise, no dessert for him next time," she chuckled, shaking her head as if everything that happened last night were a dream.

The double life she had once despised and eagerly awaited to end had now unexpectedly transformed into the most cherished part of her existence, one she hoped would continue for a long time to come.

___

After a refreshing bath, Yang Ning took a seat in front of the large mirror table. Xiaowei diligently worked on her hair, crafting a neat, long braid and adorning it with ornaments and hairclips.

As Yang Ning gazed at her reflection in the mirror, a helpless sigh escaped her lips. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she noticed the crimson marks adorning her neck. Thankfully, the early spring chill allowed her to use a shawl to conceal these marks.

However, the embarrassment remained.

She couldn't help but think about Xiaowei knowing giggles while giving her a bath. 'No doubt she was giggling so much while giving me a bath.'

It was clear that anyone could deduce what had transpired last night, especially given how she had stationed all servants and guards outside the dragon pavilion. But these marks made their passionate night all too obvious to everyone, placing her in an embarrassing predicament.

An exasperated thought crossed her mind. "This man! Can he not control himself from biting my neck? Is he a vampire or something?"

By the time Yang Ning was fully dressed and ready, it was almost past lunchtime, and she was absolutely famished. She had been too nervous to eat properly the previous night, and now she was having her first meal of the day quite late. After the intense activities of the previous night, her stomach was growling like a hungry monster.

After giving herself one final check in the mirror, Yang Ning turned to Xiaowei and declared, "I am hungry. Please go and prepare lunch for me. You don't need to bring my meal here. I will go to the dining room," her determination evident in her voice.

"Yes, Your Highness," Xiaowei replied, politely nodding before returning to the kitchen to prepare Yang Ning's meal in the dining room.

Instead of having her lunch in her chamber as she typically did, Yang Ning decided to go to the dining room. Normally, she would ask Xiaowei to bring her meals to her chamber, avoiding unnecessary interactions with other staff as she always sticks with Xiaowei to serve her.

But things had changed after the previous night. In the past, she had maintained a certain distance from people, acting like a guest in the pavilion who would eventually leave, avoiding deep connections.

After all, what was the point of forming attachments when she was going to depart eventually? She doesn't belong to this world after all.

However, the events of the last night had shifted her perspective. She now wanted to fully embrace life as Yang Ning, not holding herself back anymore. It no longer mattered to her to avoid interactions, because, in this world, there was someone who cared for her and loved her deeply. For his sake, she was willing to do anything and stay by his side, no matter what.

She might not be Yang Ning, but she had wholeheartedly accepted Zheng Liang as her husband, and that was a bond that no one could alter or break.

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