I woke up as the Villainous Empress

Rather than taking a carriage from the Main Palace to the Jade Pavilion, Yang Ning suggested walking, emphasizing that it would aid in digestion after their hearty afternoon meal. Zheng Liang didn't have any objections and accompanied her for the walk while holding hands.

Zheng Xiang sighed when he was forced to join the couple for the unnecessary walk. He had thought that if they took a carriage, he would be able to get rid of Zheng Liang and Yang Ning soon. However, thanks to Yang Ning's suggestion to walk instead, he was forced to stay with them for a longer time, in the company of the couple who didn't hesitate to show off their harmonious relationship.

Just like Zheng Xiang, Zheng Liang also wanted to get rid of Zheng Xiang and forget his existence, but Yang Ning kept turning around, initiating a conversation with him. However, Zheng Xiang didn't say much and only answered with a nod or a hum at every question of hers.

Yang Ning noticed his lack of interest in conversation and his indifferent attitude towards her, but she continued to talk. She was aware that if she stopped talking, it would lead to an awkward and uncomfortable silent walk.

Moreover, by engaging in conversation, she aimed to make Zheng Xiang feel more comfortable and help him get used to the chaotic life of the palace, reminding him about the changes around the palace.

During their walk, she also pointed out the changes and renovations that had taken place around the palace in the past year. As it had been almost a year since she married Zheng Liang, Yang Ning wasn't well-informed about the changes around the palace over a decade. However, she did mention the alterations and improvements made during the past year.

Since Zheng Liang was accompanying them silently and wasn't planning on speaking at all, Yang Ning aimed to welcome Zheng Xiang, who had returned after years and make him feel comfortable and at home. Having decided to become the bridge between the two brothers, she was determined to play her role effectively and shape the plot in a way that would benefit everyone.

Thanks to Yang Ning, the long distance between the Main Palace and Jade Pavilion felt even longer to Zheng Xiang, who was tired of Yang Ning's endless enthusiasm to talk throughout their journey. He wanted to ask her to shut up, but upon seeing his brother, who wasn't saying anything but listening to his wife's stories with interest and attentiveness, he stopped himself from stopping her.

However, he found it strange that his brother's choice was this kind of woman. She was speaking endlessly, and her stories lacked meaning or depth. Did he always prefer inelegant and crude women like her?

___

Upon reaching the entrance of the Jade Pavilion, Yang Ning gestured to the guards stationed outside to open the massive iron gate. As it swung open, she turned around to see Zheng Xiang a few steps behind and offered a warm smile. "Since I had a limited time to arrange everything for your stay, please let me know if there's anything else you'd like to add or change.

I'll take care of it for you as soon as possible," she said to him.

Zheng Xiang nodded, intending to bid them goodbye and enter the Jade Pavilion on his own. However, Yang Ning beat him to it. Before he could say anything, she smiled and suggested, "Let's not stand here; let's go inside.

I'll show you around the place." With that, she gently pulled her hand from Zheng Liang's and entered the Jade Pavilion with a bright smile, leaving the two men staring at her in disbelief.

Zheng Liang and Zheng Xiang seemed to have similar intentions, but Yang Ning, aware of their thoughts, chose to ignore them.

With a heavy sigh, Zheng Xiang and Zheng Liang entered the pavilion and followed Yang Ning as she excitedly showed them around, introducing the changes she had made during the renovation.

From the abandoned residence, which was covered in dust, withered leaves, tangled trees, spider webs, and a dried-up pond, the Jade Pavilion had undergone a drastic transformation under the keen observation of Yang Ning.

Upon entering the pavilion, there was a spacious garden divided into two sections by a central walking path leading to the residence's entrance. One side of the garden featured a pond with clear blue water, hosting small fishes. Surrounding the pond were small plants and flowers that added to its aesthetic charm.

Adjacent to the pond, a large white gazebo stood, equipped with a circular table and chairs. It provided a serene spot for Zheng Xiang to relax, and enjoy tea, and snacks while observing the playful fishes in the pond.

The other side of the garden was adorned with beautiful flowers and tall trees, creating a lush, green, and picturesque environment. The outer appearance of the pavilion had undergone a complete transformation from what Yang Ning had witnessed just a week ago.

It wasn't easy to transform this abandoned residence into a beautiful jade pavilion that lived up to its name. Thankfully, her efforts, along with the hard work of the dedicated workers, didn't go in vain, and the place now exuded beauty.

As Yang Ning led Zheng Xiang and Zheng Liang inside the residence, Zheng Xiang's eyes widened in pleasant surprise. All the furniture seemed to have been replaced and looked new, featuring fine wood materials. Even the wooden flooring appeared to have changed, now more sturdy and aesthetically pleasing.

As they crossed the corridor, the group entered the main chamber, which was spacious and featured a large bed with a square canopy overhead, covered with sheer white curtains. There was a separate section within the chamber, delineated by the same curtains, housing a rectangular table made of high-quality wood and four small stools.

This arrangement was designed for Zheng Xiang to sit and attend to any guests who might come to visit. Unlike opting for standard chairs and a table, Yang Ning chose a short yet long rectangular table reminiscent of Zheng Xiang's previous sitting arrangement, evoking memories of the past.

While showing Zheng Xiang around, Yang Ning turned to him and said, "There are still many things that need to be changed. I will take care of them as soon as possible. Additionally, the study room is still undergoing renovation. However, I will ensure the work is completed promptly so that you can use that space comfortably as well."

Zheng Xiang, having returned to the Jade Pavilion more than a decade later, was pleasantly surprised by the changes in the place. It had not only evolved over time but had also become greener and more impressive than before. Despite Yang Ning mentioning a rushed renovation process, the improvements exceeded his expectations.

He cleared his throat awkwardly and said, "There is no need. Everything seems to be perfect. Thank you." Although he expressed gratitude, there was a hint of awkwardness in his voice, as he wasn't accustomed to thanking people so easily.

Yang Ning smiled and said, "Feel free to look around and let me know if you need any changes to the furniture or arrangements. I will take care of it for you. Don't stand on ceremony; besides being the Crown Princess, I am also your sister-in-law. So, feel free to speak up if you need anything."

Zheng Xiang nodded and bid goodbye to Yang Ning and Zheng Liang, who not only escorted him to the Jade Pavilion but also showed him around the place themselves. He was uncomfortable with Yang Ning's overly active and social behavior, but thanks to her, he didn't feel as awkward and uncomfortable as before when he entered the royal palace and went to greet His Majesty.

However, as someone who was meeting Yang Ning for the first time, Zheng Xiang still wasn't sure what to think about the Crown Princess. From what he had heard, his mother disliked Yang Ning after she married Zheng Liang. As the Empress, she didn't even warmly welcome Yang Ning's wedding procession when the bride's carriage arrived at the palace with family and friends.

This incident caused quite a stir, leading to rumors that the Empress didn't favor the new Crown Princess.

Whenever he received a letter from Yang Lingxin, there wasn't a single positive thing about Yang Ning, and it seemed as if the Crown Princess and his mother didn't have a good relationship. He even heard that the Crown Princess played a huge role in revealing Yang Lingxin's true colors to everyone and finding evidence against her for attempting treason.

He wasn't sure if this woman was a foe or friend to him. After all, even though he didn't know about his mother's actions or didn't support her, in the end, he is his mother's son. He cannot deny that truth. He wasn't sure if Yang Ning truly treated him nicely because of their relationship or if she was plotting something against him. So he remained cautious.

That is why, before coming to the palace, he had made up his mind to avoid interacting with this two-faced woman.

Even though his mother wasn't a saint, it was still difficult for him to trust a woman whom he hadn't even met and only heard about from the letters from his mother and the rumors about Yang Ning, which weren't positive either. However, contrary to the rumors, Yang Ning seemed to have a more outgoing, bright, and friendly personality.

As the son of the woman who had attempted treason and tried to covet the throne of Zheng Liang, the Crown Prince, Zheng Xiang found it surprising that Yang Ning was treating him well, engaging in conversation, and ensuring the renovation of his residence was better than what he had left behind.

Is she truly a nice person, or is she just treating him nicely to stab him in the back later? Because in the political royal settings, these kinds of incidents aren't a shock to others. When his mother attempted to kill his father for power and greed, he couldn't trust anyone easily.

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