I woke up as the Villainous Empress

During lunch, Yang Ning kept the conversation flowing, engaging His Majesty in discussion while also including the two awkward brothers from time to time. Thanks to her initiative and skill in maintaining an interesting conversation, the meal, which started with an uncomfortable silence, went peacefully without causing indigestion to anyone.

"Father, did you try the sweet fruit beverage I sent you the other day? Did you enjoy it?" Yang Ning inquired, introducing a new topic as she picked up a piece of meatball that Zheng Liang had put into her rice bowl.

Zheng Huang glanced at his daughter-in-law and beamed at her question. "Of course, I did. It was delicious. I never imagined that mangoes mashed into a paste would blend so well with sweet cold milk. I have had many desserts before, but it was my first time experiencing something so delicious and refreshing," the old man exclaimed with excitement.

"It was sweet like milk tea but had the refreshing taste of fruits. It was unique, sweet, and delicious," he praised, recalling the addicting taste of the beverage she had sent him to try.

Lately, Yang Ning had been sending him different dishes to try, introducing him to new flavors and delights. He found himself loving everything she sent, even showcasing her creative cooking skills to other ministers and boasting about his daughter-in-law in front of them.

Not only was she smart and capable of managing the palace efficiently, saving a significant budget in the process, but she also excelled in the culinary arts, crafting various dishes and beverages for him to enjoy.

Yang Ning smiled smugly and said proudly, "I knew you would like it. This drink is called a milkshake; you can mix mashed fruits with cold milk and sugar to get a refreshing fruit milk drink. It's especially good to drink in summer; it not only provides a sweet kick but also a refreshing taste from the fruits."

"If you enjoyed it, I will send you a strawberry milkshake next time. I am sure you will love it as well," Yang Ning remarked, picking up the vegetables that Zheng Liang had added to her bowl, as he continued to serve her dishes throughout their conversation.

Zheng Huang smiled and affectionately patted Yang Ning's head. "I'll like everything you make for me. Having you around at the palace makes me so much happier. I'm glad I made the right decision by marrying you to Zheng Liang. Thanks to you, I get to see my son's face from time to time," he expressed with a gentle demeanor.

He recalled how strained his relationship with Zheng Liang had been in the past, to the point where Zheng Liang never addressed him as Father and rarely visited him personally unless related to official matters. However, since Yang Ning joined the family, not only did his relationship with Zheng Liang improve, but Zheng Liang also started to visit more frequently with Yang Ning.

She is truly a blessing for their family!

Upon hearing his father's words, Zheng Liang momentarily paused while eating, reflecting on the considerable changes that had occurred in his life since he had married Yang Ning. Loneliness had been replaced with happiness and laughter, transforming his daily existence.

Yang Ning glanced at Zheng Liang, who paused while eating but resumed upon realizing his wife's gaze on him. She chuckled at his embarrassed reaction and turned to Zheng Huang, saying, "I agree with that. If I hadn't married him, I doubt he would have married so soon. There's no other girl who could handle him with ease. I think he feels the same way.

What do you think?" she nudged and asked Zheng Liang, playfully teasing him.

Zheng Liang paused, swallowed the bite in his mouth, and replied obediently, "I also agree with that."

Seeing his son affirming his statement, Zheng Huang couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh. Thanks to Yang Ning's presence, their family wasn't the same cold and awkward royal family during mealtimes. Instead, it felt like a normal, harmonious family, just like everyone else.

Observing his father and brother, who were once as cold as ice, now laughing at Yang Ning's words, Zheng Xiang couldn't help but feel a sense of strangeness. The dynamics in the palace seemed to have shifted in his absence, and the warmth that now enveloped the royal family was unfamiliar to him.

It was the first time in a long while for Zheng Xiang to be around this many people. His residence, far away from the palace in a small town where he heads the town management and supervises the work, was usually only surrounded by servants and his nanny who had been taking care of him since a young age.

He typically ate alone in the dining room in silence, so it felt strange to be eating with others, sharing laughter and conversation while enjoying a meal.

His mother, desiring for him to grow into a perfect man capable of replacing Zheng Liang and taking his place as the Crown Prince, had appointed strict teachers to ensure he learned royal manners and etiquette. Among these teachings, the importance of table manners while eating with His Majesty stood out as the most significant.

As far as Zheng Xiang could recall, talking while eating was considered rude, and he had never dared to break that rule. However, even His Majesty was engaged in conversation and laughing at Yang Ning's words during the meal. What was going on?

How had the royal palace transformed from the cold, emotionless, and indifferent place he remembered before leaving? It now radiated warmth, friendliness, and laughter, in stark contrast to the uncomfortable silence and strict atmosphere he had experienced before. How had things changed so much in his absence? He wondered.

Experiencing the company of so many people after a long time, Zheng Xiang found it strange to witness both his father and brother being enchanted by a woman. They were laughing together as if they were a close-knit family, breaking the rigid constraints of royal family protocols that he was accustomed to.

The warmth and harmony in the palace were unfamiliar and somewhat perplexing to him. She seemed capable of making even the most formidable individuals in the Empire smile and be smitten by her. How had she managed to captivate both of them? He wondered, observing Yang Ning carefully during the meal.

After the meal, the maids placed bowls of warm water with lemon in front of them for handwashing. Following the handwashing, Zheng Huang expressed his desire to have tea with his son, Zheng Xiang, who had returned to the palace after many years. However, Yang Ning suggested that Zheng Xiang should be allowed to rest, considering his long journey.

Zheng Xiang, who wished to leave the place promptly, was surprised to hear Yang Ning speaking up for him and considering his comfort. He was genuinely tired and uncomfortable being in the company of so many people. He longed to return to his residence and rest, hoping to restore the energy he had lost during this lunch, more so than during his week-long journey.

After leaving the Main Palace, Zheng Xiang intended to bid farewell to Yang Ning and Zheng Liang. However, before he could speak, Yang Ning intervened, "Since you've returned to the palace after so long, let me show you the way to the Jade Pavilion. I also want to see if you like the preparations and if you'd like me to make any further changes."

"There's no need. I can go by—" Zheng Xiang attempted to decline her offer, wanting to be alone, but Zheng Liang, who received a side-eye and an elbow nudge from Yang Ning, interjected, "What are you waiting for? Let's go." He said coldly, walking ahead while holding hands with Yang Ning, pulling her along.

After Zheng Liang and Yang Ning started walking ahead, Zheng Xiang reluctantly followed the royal couple. He couldn't help but feel bewildered by their concern for him. His attempt to deny their care was futile, and he found himself trailing behind the pair.

Sighing, he walked behind the royal couple, who were holding hands in broad daylight, seemingly indifferent to the blushing, gossipy gazes of the maids and the guards.

However, when he observed carefully, he realized that no one was paying much attention to the seemingly affectionate couple other than him. As if this kind of display of affection was a normal routine for them, surprising him even more.

Has his brother always been this broad-minded and open in the past as well? How come a cold and indifferent man has taken the initiative to hold a woman's hand in public while walking with her? Even during lunch, he kept putting dishes into her bowl, feeding her, and giving her water whenever she needed it. How come his proud brother became a doting husband after his marriage? He wondered.

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