I woke up as the Villainous Empress

A week later, His Majesty summoned all the ministers for an urgent meeting at the royal court, halting all official work and causing a stir throughout the palace. Speculation ran rampant as ministers wondered what could have prompted such a sudden assembly.

Before departing for the royal court, Yang Ning gazed at Zheng Liang with concern etched across her face. "Are you certain you have all the evidence?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry. "What if that man confronts you once again, attempting to shift all blame onto you?"

Yang Ning knew Yang Luoyang better than anyone—a monster who wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice his own daughter in his pursuit of power and wealth.

Zheng Liang met Yang Ning's anxious gaze with a loving look, gently caressing her hair. "Don't worry," he reassured her. "This time, I won't let that man escape. I'm not just protecting the Empire now; I'm safeguarding you and our baby as well."

He paused, choosing his words carefully. "As long as that man lives and remains in the palace, I can't be at peace with him near you. Even though he's your father—" Zheng Liang stopped, knowing how much Yang Ning despised any connection to that man.

Despite belonging to the Yang Clan by birth, Yang Ning was worlds apart from her father in character and values.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Zheng Liang sighed, shaking his head. "You don't need to worry about anything. Stay in the chamber and rest well. When I return this evening, I'll bring good news. Focus on taking care of yourself and our little one." As he spoke, his hand gently caressed her abdomen.

Though Yang Ning was in the early stages of pregnancy, not yet showing any visible signs, Zheng Liang felt a profound connection to their growing child.

Yang Ning placed her hand over his, a soft smile gracing her lips. "The baby and I will be waiting for your return," she said, her voice warm with affection. "Go now, and may fortune favor you in this endeavor."

" I hope everything unfolds according to your plan this time, with no unexpected complications."

After Zheng Liang smiled and left the chamber, Yang Ning's warm expression transformed into one of solemn determination. She stared at his retreating back, her eyes lowered with worry. Zheng Liang might not fully comprehend the challenge, but she knew that triumphing over an evil as cunning as Yang Luoyang would be no easy feat.

He had been the primary antagonist in the novel, always manipulating events from behind the scenes, evading punishment for his crimes. She feared that even now, he might find a way to slip through the trap Zheng Liang had so carefully laid.

Yang Ning looked up, a subtle smirk playing on her lips. "Yang Luoyang, if you're the greatest villain in this story, then I am the one destined to be the villainous empress - though I've yet to ascend to that title. In the novel, Yang Ning was merely labeled as the villainous Empress, fated to a tragic end.

The original Yang Ning wasn't truly evil despite that ominous title, but I..." Her eyes glinted with determination. "I am cut from a different cloth."

She sat on the bed, her posture relaxed but her eyes sharp. "Today, I'll show you the true meaning of wickedness. I'm eager to see what you've prepared, and then I'll present you with the precious gift I've arranged for you." She hummed softly, a deceptively serene sound that belied the storm brewing within.

...

At the royal palace's main hall, ministers gathered in small groups, their hushed voices filled with speculation about the reason for this sudden assembly. The last time such a meeting was called, the Empress had been accused of treason and exiled. What could warrant such urgency now?

"What do you think prompted His Majesty to arrange this meeting?" One minister whispered to his colleagues.

Another responded, his voice low, "I've heard Prince Zheng Xiang has been investigating the Finance Department's records over the past few days. Could this be related to Minister Yang?"

A third shook his head skeptically. "How can that be possible? Minister Yang is the Crown Prince's father-in-law. Everyone knows how much the Crown Prince and His Majesty favor Her Highness. Why would they move against Minister Yang?"

"Indeed," another chimed in. "Any action against Minister Yang would indirectly implicate Her Highness as well. Why would they deliberately target the Finance Department?"

A dissenting voice spoke up, "I disagree. Even though Minister Yang is related to the Princess, His Highness has never shown him any favoritism. If anything, he's always been particularly stern with him."

"I concur," added another. "From what I've observed, the Princess doesn't seem to have a good relationship with Minister Yang either. She hardly acknowledges him as her father. It's entirely possible this meeting concerns Minister Yang."

As the ministers continued their hushed debates, Minister Yang entered the main hall. Before anyone could approach him with questions, the guards announced the arrival of His Majesty and the Crown Prince.

The ministers quickly formed two rows, bowing to greet His Majesty and the Crown Prince before being allowed to take their seats. Prince Zheng Xiang also entered, but today he was present not as a prince, but as the Finance Inspector. He took his place among the other ministers.

Emperor Zheng Huang surveyed the sea of curious faces before him, all waiting with bated breath for him to speak. He offered a small smile before beginning, "I'm certain you all must be wondering why I've called for this important meeting. Today, we gather not to discuss policy related to the Empire's affairs or political matters, but to address the code of conduct expected of palace ministers."

A wave of murmurs swept through the assembly as ministers puzzled over His Majesty's words. What could have prompted such a discussion, and why the urgency?

Zheng Huang's expression darkened as he continued, "Ministers who hold high positions, who have been rewarded generously and live lives of respected aristocrats, have but one primary responsibility—to remain loyal to the throne and the people of the Empire. However, it seems some ministers have forgotten their vows and strayed from the code of conduct befitting an official serving the Empire."

His eyes, now somber, swept over the apprehensive faces before him. Taking a deep breath, he announced, "I have not called this meeting today. The Crown Prince has requested this assembly to discuss an important matter with all of you. From this point forward, he will take charge of the proceedings." He turned to Zheng Liang, who sat on the throne one step below and nodded. Discover more stories at empire

Understanding the signal, Zheng Liang rose to his feet, ready to lead the meeting. The sudden shift in command sent a ripple of tension through the gathered ministers. They held their breath, anxiety mounting as they wondered what grave matter could have compelled both His Majesty and the Crown Prince to convene such an extraordinary assembly.

As Zheng Liang stood before them, his posture straight and his gaze unwavering, the ministers braced themselves for revelations that threatened to shake the very foundations of the royal court.