I woke up as the Villainous Empress

The Dragon Pavilion was alive with activity, the air thick with the scent of blooming peonies and the hum of servants preparing for the grand celebration. Red and gold banners fluttered in the breeze, symbolizing the strength and prosperity of the royal family.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Today marked the one-year anniversary of Crown Prince Zheng Liang and Yang Ning's marriage—a day long awaited, especially after the turmoil of the past weeks.

Inside her chambers, Yang Ning stood before a polished mirror as her maids made the final adjustments to her attire. Today, her reflection revealed a composed, regal woman, but her mind was far from still. It had only been a week since Yang Luoyang's crimes were exposed, and the shock of it still clung to her like a shadow.

"You look stunning today, Your Highness," Xiaowei said, her voice warm as she placed the last jade hairpin into Yang Ning's hair. "No one will be able to take their eyes off you."

Yang Ning smiled faintly, her thoughts elsewhere. "It's hard to believe, isn't it? A week ago, everything was falling apart. And now... here we are," she replied, her voice quieter than usual.

Xiaowei's hands paused, her gaze softening. "You've been through so much, Your Highness. You've faced it all with grace. No one deserves happiness more than you."

Yang Ning nodded, but her thoughts wandered. Does this mean I'm safe from the tragic end of the novel? she wondered. The story had always dictated a tragic fate for Yang Ning, manipulated by the man she had once called father. But now, Yang Luoyang was no longer a threat. Did that mean she was truly free?

Before she could dwell further on the thought, a gentle knock interrupted them. "Enter," Yang Ning called.

Zheng Liang stepped inside, regal in his formal robes, but his eyes softened as soon as they met hers. His presence always brought her a sense of calm, a reminder that she was no longer alone in this world.

"My love," he greeted her, crossing the room with purpose. "You look breathtaking, as always."

Yang Ning smiled, feeling the warmth of his words but couldn't resist a playful jab. "You always say that. Are you sure it's not just because you're biased?"

Zheng Liang chuckled, stepping closer and pulling her into an embrace, his arm gently resting around her waist. "Completely biased," he teased, lowering his voice as he leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "But who wouldn't be, with a wife like you?"

Yang Ning's cheeks flushed, her heart fluttering at his words. Even after a year of marriage, Zheng Liang had the uncanny ability to make her feel like a newlywed. "Stop that," she whispered, her voice tinged with a mixture of shyness and amusement.

Her eyes darted to the maids, who were desperately trying to avoid eye contact, though their expressions hinted at barely concealed amusement. With a playful grin, she added in a hushed tone, "You're going to give them the wrong impression about us. They'll think I've got you completely wrapped around my finger."

Zheng Liang's smile grew, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Let them say it. After all, it's true."

Yang Ning's face reddened further as she shot him a quick glare, though a smile tugged at the corners of her lips, threatening to break free. She glanced at the maids, who were now blushing and giggling quietly with their heads lowered, clearly amused by the exchange.

"You're impossible, you know that?" she muttered under her breath, giving him another pointed glare, though her expression betrayed her fondness.

"And you love me for it," he replied with a grin, his hand still resting comfortably on her waist.

Her face flushed again at his boldness, her embarrassment growing as she noticed the maids stifling their giggles. Unable to take it anymore, she glared at him. "You could at least try to contain yourself," she whispered, her voice filled with mock exasperation.

He grinned, his eyes twinkling. "Very well, then." With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the maids. "You may leave us."

The maids bowed and hurried out of the room, leaving them alone. Once the door clicked shut, Yang Ning let out a breath, playfully nudging Zheng Liang. "You enjoy teasing me too much."

"And you secretly love it," he replied with a grin, pulling her even closer.

For a moment, the playful air between them softened. Yang Ning's hand moved instinctively to her abdomen, her expression turning more thoughtful. "It feels... different, doesn't it? Like this is the real beginning."

Zheng Liang's expression softened as well. He placed his hand over hers, his eyes filled with warmth. "It is. You're free from all the shadows of the past. We both are."

Yang Ning nodded, though her thoughts flickered back to Yang Luoyang. She had never considered him a true father. He had always been the man responsible for her tragic end in the novel. But now that he was gone, did that mean she had escaped that fate? Was she finally free to live a life of her own, one that wasn't dictated by the cruel hand of fate?

"I still can't believe it," she murmured, her voice quiet. "Everything that happened to him... it feels like a bad dream."

Zheng Liang cupped her cheek, his thumb gently tracing her skin. "It's over now. He can't hurt you anymore."

His words were a comfort, and for a moment, the weight of it all seemed to lift from her shoulders. She leaned into his touch, her heart steadying. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "For always being by my side."

Zheng Liang's smile deepened, his gaze locking onto hers. His fingers gently tilted her chin upward, and without another word, he captured her lips in a passionate kiss. This time, it wasn't soft or restrained—there was a fierce tenderness to it, a kiss filled with promises of everything they had overcome and everything still ahead.

Yang Ning's breath caught as the intensity of the kiss deepened, her heart racing as she wrapped her arms around his neck. For that moment, everything else disappeared—the worries, the shadows of the past, the fears. It was just the two of them, wrapped in each other's warmth, and nothing else mattered.

But before they could lose themselves entirely, a knock sounded at the door once again, breaking the moment. "Your Highnesses," came the familiar voice of Head Court Lady Yu Ling, "the guests are arriving. It's time."

Zheng Liang pulled back slowly, a smirk playing on his lips as he brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face. "Shall we?" he asked, his tone still soft, though a slight edge remained from the interruption.

Yang Ning, her heart still pounding from the kiss, took a deep breath, her cheeks flushed as she quickly composed herself. "Let's go," she said, her voice filled with quiet determination.

But as they reached the door, Head Court Lady Yu Ling's sharp gaze caught the slightly disheveled state of Yang Ning's hair and the rosy tint still lingering on Zheng Liang's lips. Her eyes narrowed just slightly as she sighed, shaking her head with a mixture of exasperation and resignation.

"Your Highnesses, if I may..." Lady Yu Ling gestured to the maids, who had been waiting outside, before addressing the couple. "It would be wise to allow the maids to fix your attire and... touch up the Crown Princess's makeup before you make your appearance."

Yang Ning's eyes widened, the heat rising to her cheeks once again. "I-I didn't realize..." she stammered, her voice faltering under Lady Yu Ling's knowing gaze. She could feel the embarrassment creeping up her neck.

Zheng Liang, however, remained utterly indifferent, though his eyes darkened with a trace of displeasure at the suggestion of restraint. He straightened, his voice calm but tinged with an edge. "I'm perfectly composed, Lady Yu Ling."

Lady Yu Ling raised a delicate eyebrow, not fooled by his composed tone. "Your Highness, many guests from other kingdoms will be attending. It is important to... maintain a certain level of grace and composure, especially when representing the royal family."

Yang Ning cast a quick glance at Zheng Liang, her heart racing, as the maids moved in to fix her hair and touch up her makeup. The embarrassment burned deeper when she noticed Zheng Liang's quiet frustration, though he remained polite. He was holding himself back, clearly displeased but managing to rein in his reaction.

Finally, when the maids were done, Lady Yu Ling gave a satisfied nod. "Much better," she said. "Now, Your Highnesses, shall we proceed to the banquet?"

Zheng Liang's posture was stiff as he nodded to Lady Yu Ling, his jaw clenched slightly. "Of course," he said, his voice measured. His gaze softened as he turned back to Yang Ning, the slight tension still in his eyes. "Shall we?" he asked softly, though his tone carried a subtle rebellious undertone.

Yang Ning, still embarrassed, nodded quickly, eager to escape the situation. Together, they stepped out of the bustling Pavilion, the festive atmosphere surrounding them as they made their way toward the main palace, ready to greet the awaiting guests.