I woke up as the Villainous Empress

After expressing his gratitude to Yang Ning for saving his son's life, Zheng Huang removed one of the rings he was wearing and offered it to her as a reward. He continued, "I received this ring from my father when I captured the kingdom near the southern area and expanded our territory. Typically, the successors of our family receive this honor, but I am bestowing this honor upon you.

Because you're the true savior of this Empire and my son's life. Take it." He handed her the ring, adorned with diamonds and featuring a large red ruby gem in the middle, emphasizing its preciousness.

Yang Ning's eyes widened in surprise upon receiving such a significant reward from His Majesty. Previously, when she had killed the wild bear, she received His Majesty's necklace, and now, he was giving her his ring. It wasn't just a reward but a tremendous honor that only the successors of the Empire could receive from previous Emperors.

"Father, how can I accept this precious reward from you? Please don't embarrass me with such high praises. I did nothing. It was the guards and Zheng Liang who thwarted the attack; I only reacted in the moment. It's not a big deal.

I cannot dare to accept this reward," Yang Ning resisted, holding onto her belief that Zheng Liang, the Crown Prince and true successor of the Empire, deserved this honor more than her.

The Emperor frowned and looked at Yang Ning seriously, "Are you defying my reward? Yang Ning, you're still the Crown Princess. You cannot reject the rewards I give you; instead, you should smile and accept this reward gladly. That would make me the happiest. Understand?"

Yang Ning was left speechless in front of His Majesty's words and glanced at Zheng Liang, hoping for some support. However, he smiled and said, "Take it. My wife deserves this more than me. This way, I can proudly show it off to others. After all, not everyone's wife could be so beautiful and talented."

Resigned and realizing she wouldn't get help from Zheng Liang, Yang Ning agreed to His Majesty's request and graciously accepted the ring. She sincerely thanked him, saying, "I thank Father for such a precious reward. I will keep it safe and protected with me."

After enjoying tea and snacks with his son and daughter-in-law, Zheng Huang looked at Yang Ning seriously and began, "Actually, there is a reason why I invited both of you for tea. While I wanted to spend some time with my son and daughter-in-law, I also have a responsibility for Yang Ning to address."

Yang Ning was confused and glanced at Zheng Liang in wonder, seeking any hint of information. However, just like her, he was clueless as well.

Zheng Huang's expression turned serious, and he took a deep breath before addressing Yang Ning, "Yang Ning, after that woman was exiled from the palace, you took on the responsibility of managing the palace and have been handling everything so well on your own.

Since you took over the palace management, it has not only benefited the budget but also improved the quality and performance of the servants." He carefully avoided mentioning the name of the former Empress, wanting to erase the remnants of that woman from his memory and his life.

"However, other than the palace responsibilities, there is another important responsibility that the woman has left behind." The old man's voice turned gentle as he thought about it.

Zheng Liang frowned and asked coldly, "What responsibility?" That woman might have left the palace, but he still couldn't forget how she almost killed his father. There seemed to be some involvement of hers in his mother's case, but there wasn't any evidence to reveal if his mother's death happened due to a natural cause or if someone planned it.

Whatever it is, he despises that woman to the core for ruining his family.

Zheng Huang glanced at his son, whose expressions were cold and dark, and was silent for a moment before continuing, "That woman might have left, but there is still Zheng Xiang who has been living outside the palace and was alone. It was that woman who committed a heinous crime, but that child was innocent. He is also my son and has been living outside the palace since childhood."

"This year, we were planning to bring him to the palace because he is a young man now and of the age to get married. As his mother, she was supposed to find a suitable girl for him, but in the end, she succumbed to her greed and ruined everything."

The old man sighed and continued, "Even after his mother was accused as a traitor and was exiled, that child didn't get to see his mother even once. I cannot imagine how hurt he must have been when he found out about this news. I am sure he must hate me now for abandoning him and his mother." The old man felt guilty for not being responsible for his family.

He had hurt Zheng Liang when he was young, ignoring him and his responsibilities as a father and now had another son who has been living outside the palace, without familial love and care.

As a father, he has failed both of his sons.

"That's why I have decided to bring him to the palace. Zheng Liang, you're the Crown Prince, and that fact is unchanging. However, that child is also my son, and that is unchanging as well. Now, with his mother not there to worry about him, I cannot leave him to live alone outside the palace. Imagine how hard it must be for him to be criticized by people and be called a son of the traitor."

Zheng Liang remained silent and didn't say anything. He was aware that after Yang Lingxin was exiled, Zheng Xiang's condition wouldn't be great outside the palace. After all, Yang Lingxin's whole family was severely punished, except Zheng Xiang because he is His Majesty's son. Otherwise, his fate would have been the same as the other family members of Yang Lingxin's family.

However, bringing that man back to the palace would remind him of how, after his mother died, the Empress tried to make Zheng Xiang the Crown Prince. If His Majesty had not sent Zheng Xiang out of the palace to study and live outside to avoid the crown struggle, the supporters of the Empress would have done everything to make Zheng Xiang the Crown Prince by now.

That is why they were trying to kill the Emperor, attempting to make Zheng Xiang the next successor to the throne.

Even though Zheng Liang didn't have many thoughts about Zheng Xiang, as they never interacted much, and whenever they did, that child was sweet and friendly towards him. However, after his mother's death, Zheng Liang had become cold and distant towards everyone.

After losing his mother and hearing people's taunts about how Zheng Xiang should become the Crown Prince as his mother was the new Empress, it wasn't easy for him to become friends with him again.

The thought of bringing him back to the palace made him uneasy. Could he confront him without feeling hatred and hostility? Could he truly treat him like a brother and not a competitor?

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