I woke up as the Villainous Empress

~Main Palace~

After the morning royal court session ended, Zheng Liang accompanied his father, His Majesty to his study to discuss the upcoming celebration of his first wedding anniversary.

Zheng Huang sat on his throne-like chair, crafted from rich mahogany and intricately carved with dragon motifs. The chair was upholstered in crimson velvet, with gold-embroidered patterns, and supported by a small silk cushion at the back for added comfort. The elegant setting exuded royal sophistication, reflecting the grandeur of the ancient Chinese Empire.

He looked at his son and asked, "So, what is your plan for the celebration of your first wedding anniversary banquet? It's only two weeks away; we have little time to waste here." He spoke frankly, taking a delicate porcelain cup from the table before him and sipping his hot milk tea, which he had requested instead of his usual fragrant tea imported from another kingdom.

The milk tea, introduced to him by Yang Ning, was made from locally grown tea leaves. The aroma of the tea mingled with the rich scent of milk and honey, creating a comforting and indulgent drink. Not only was it economical, but it also supported the local economy. How could he not follow his daughter-in-law's lead in promoting local produce over imported goods?

Zheng Liang pursed his lips, playing with a jade-dragon-shaped paperweight in his hand. The paperweight, cool and smooth to the touch, was a symbol of his status and authority. He answered seriously, "The banquet preparations are going well. Court Lady Yu Ling is overseeing the arrangements, including the decor and food, and Lady Zhu is working on Yang Ning's outfit and jewelry.

Gu Lan is handling the security. Everything is well-organized and will be completed on time. His Majesty need not worry about anything."

Zheng Huang nodded, acknowledging his son's ability to manage everything so efficiently. However, his concern was not the banquet preparations; it was something more pressing. He paused, looking at his son meaningfully before asking again, "And what about the matter you wanted to handle before the banquet? Didn't you say you want to announce Yang Ning's pregnancy on your first wedding anniversary?

It's only two weeks away. Are you sure you will eliminate the danger to my daughter-in-law and grandchild by then?" His voice turned cold and stern.

He was thrilled about the joyous news that had come to their family but was equally scared and worried. After what Yang Lingxin did, almost killing him for the sake of power and greed, he couldn't trust anyone. If the woman with whom he had spent his life could dare to kill him just for the sake of power and the throne, how could he expect the utmost loyalty from others?

There were many people in the royal court who were blind supporters of Yang Lingxin and still operated under his nose. Even though he didn't have any evidence to prove their wrongdoings yet and couldn't eliminate them immediately, it didn't mean he was unaware of their actions. That is why he was depending on his son, who would take charge of the throne in the future, to deal with such people. Read new chapters at empire

He needed to eliminate all dangers for his family before announcing such huge news at any cost. The security of the Crown Princess and the empire's future heir was paramount. They couldn't take any chances before making the announcement.

Understanding his father's concern, Zheng Liang said, "Father, you don't need to worry about anything. I will handle everything before the banquet. I won't let anyone put Yang Ning and my child in danger." His voice was firm and confident.

He had faced an assassination attempt when he first left the palace with Yang Ning. However, this time he wouldn't take any chances. Now, he knew who his enemies were and would never let them gain the upper hand.

As they were discussing the banquet arrangements and security measures for the event, the guard standing outside announced that Prince Zheng Xiang had come to meet the Crown Prince and was waiting in the tea room.

"He is waiting in the tea room? Ask him to come to the study room," Zheng Liang said.

The guard lowered his head and answered with slight hesitation, "Prince Xiang has said that he will be waiting for Your Highness in the tea room and needs to discuss an important matter. He wished to meet you alone." He relayed Zheng Xiang's message as politely and respectfully as possible.

Zheng Liang glanced at his Father who sat up upright and was slightly nervous at the mention of Zheng Xiang.

Zheng Huang pursed his lips and glanced curiously at Zheng Liang, wanting to know why Zheng Xiang had suddenly come looking for him. On one hand, he was happy that the child, who had spent his whole life outside the palace and had just recently returned, was finally warming up to everyone and getting closer to Zheng Liang.

In his old age, he had only one wish left: to see his children together, happy, and healthy.

Seeing them grow closer and their relationship becoming less strained and more harmonious, thanks to Yang Ning, brought him immense joy and peace. However, a part of him was disappointed as well. Despite coming to the Main Palace, Zheng Xiang had only asked for Zheng Liang specifically and had not even come to greet him.

If Zheng Xiang could, he would never want to even see his father's face. But due to official matters, there are times when he cannot avoid meeting His Majesty, especially in the royal court. Now, since they're not in a royal court meeting, he would rather meet with Zheng Liang than face his father.

Though Zheng Xiang has many issues with Zheng Liang as well, compared to his father, he doesn't harbor as much hatred. After all, both of them were children when their lives were turned upside down. Even though their father didn't act intentionally, he neglected his responsibilities as a father, thus ruining both their childhoods.

That is why Zheng Xiang's coldness toward his father was greater than that toward his brother, who also had reason to harbor resentment against him.

Zheng Huang sighed in disappointment and waved his hand at Zheng Liang, "You go and meet your brother. He must have come for an important matter."

Zheng Liang looked at his father's disappointed expression and could sense his effort to conceal his emotions. However, he knew he was not in a position to mend the relationship between father and son. After all, he didn't have a good relationship with Zheng Xiang either.

He gazed at his father and said, "You do not need to worry about the banquet. Before the celebration, I will eliminate anyone who is trying to harm Yang Ning and my child. I will not allow them any chance to harm my family."

"You also don't need to worry about anything; we will handle everything. As for Zheng Xiang…", he paused, reflecting on the child who had grown into a mature man, "Zheng Xiang is not a child anymore. He is an adult, mature, and responsible person. I am sure he will manage his position responsibly and everything will go well."

Zheng Huang nodded and allowed Zheng Liang to leave.