I woke up as the Villainous Empress

After enduring a grueling journey lasting four days and three nights, Zheng Liang and Yang Ning finally reached Xinling City. The demanding nature of the trip proved to be far more exhausting than Yang Ning had expected.

Yang Ning had thought that bundling up in woolen clothes and taking shelter inside the carriage would suffice, believing everything would be fine.

However, that was just the beginning of their troubles.

The carriage, unlike modern vehicles, was uncomfortable and constantly rattled on rough roads. Sitting inside it was even worse than being in a car, causing considerable pain and discomfort to Yang Ning's back and body, despite the presence of cushioned seats.

Motion sickness was not something Yang Ning easily experienced in her previous life, but this journey was different. The constant movement and prolonged travel left her feeling nauseous and dizzy, almost to the point of fainting.

Despite taking breaks for meals and resting at night, the travel stress remained unrelieved. The persistent nausea and motion sickness made it impossible for Yang Ning to eat, leaving her feeling sick throughout the entire journey.

Adding to her misery, the weather was bitterly cold, exacerbating the already challenging situation. It was during this journey that Yang Ning truly understood why people avoided long trips in this world. Traveling to distant cities proved to be far worse than enduring a monotonous day.

In this world, travel was not a leisurely or refreshing activity; it was a new form of suffering.

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By the time Yang Ning and Zheng Liang arrived at the royal residence in Xinling City, the sun had already set, and night had fallen.

As the servants began unloading their luggage from the carriage, Zheng Liang assisted Yang Ning in disembarking. This time, Yang Ning didn't hesitate and gladly took his hand, overcoming her exhaustion and the carriage's height.

In this situation, she simply didn't have the energy to be shy.

Glancing around as she stepped down from the carriage, Yang Ning noticed the absence of people. Even during their journey, she hadn't seen anyone on the road.

Since the moment they crossed the border and entered Xinling City, she hadn't seen anyone on the roads except the royal guards and night patrol police officers.

Seeing the concern in her eyes, Zheng Liang explained, "The roads are deserted because everyone has already retired to their homes and families. The curfew time has passed, and people are not allowed to remain outside after sunset, signaled by the sound of the royal drum."

"Oh!" Yang Ning nodded, understanding the situation.

She turned her gaze towards the large residence before them, built with sturdy and elegant wooden structures. Though not as grand as the royal palace or the dragon pavilion, it was still an impressive and sizable estate.

Even the vacation homes of the Zheng Family boasted top-quality craftsmanship.

Curiosity gleaming in her eyes, Yang Ning inquired, "Is this the place where we will be staying?"

Zheng Liang confirmed her suspicion, saying, "Yes, this is where we will be staying. We'll be here for a week while I complete my work that brought us here. After that, I can take you to explore the surroundings."

Yang Ning raised an eyebrow and smiled. Despite the tiring and exhausting journey, she was glad she had come. The place was beautiful, with milder weather compared to the capital city, allowing her to shed her woolen clothes.

Since entering the city borders, she had seen numerous picturesque landscapes that caught her eye. Zheng Liang had previously mentioned to her that the local markets in Xinling City were renowned for their vibrant atmosphere, bustling with people from diverse backgrounds.

He had excitedly shared that she would have the opportunity to witness a plethora of clothing styles and indulge in a wide array of cuisines.

Her anticipation brimming, Yang Ning could hardly contain her excitement. The prospect of exploring the vibrant local markets and immersing herself in the diverse experiences of Xinling City filled her with an eagerness to revel in every moment of the trip.

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As news reached the person-in-charge of the residence regarding the arrival of His Highness and the Princess Consort, he hurriedly dashed outside the royal residence to extend his warm welcome. With deep reverence, he greeted them, bowing at a 90-degree angle. "Your Highness, Princess Consort," he addressed them respectfully.

The old man was taken aback by their unexpected arrival, causing a flurry of anxiety within him. "Your Highness, if only you had informed me in advance about your impending visit, I would have made appropriate arrangements for your stay here," he exclaimed, his inner turmoil apparent.

Uncharacteristic of his previous trips, Zheng Liang had chosen not to inform the person-in-charge in advance and arrived with an element of surprise. Puzzled by the unexpected visit, the person-in-charge couldn't fathom the reason behind this deviation from the norm.

However, he sensed the gravity of the situation and understood that he could not treat this visit lightly.

Zheng Liang chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I didn't come here for work," he clarified with a smile. "I wanted the Princess to have the opportunity to explore Xinling City," he explained.

Yang Ning furrowed her brow, gazing at him in confusion. She couldn't understand why he would lie to the person-in-charge about his true purpose of coming to work. The thought lingered in her mind, questioning his intentions.

"Ah, I see," the man responded, his smile widening as he addressed Yang Ning. "In that case, I will ensure that you have a delightful experience during your stay here."

Zheng Liang intervened, his voice gentle but firm. "There's no need for elaborate arrangements. Please arrange dinner for everyone, as we are all hungry and exhausted from the long journey." He paused briefly before continuing, "Additionally, prepare a simple porridge and chicken soup for the Princess. She hasn't been feeling well during the journey, and for now, she can only tolerate light meals."

Yang Ning cast a surprised glance at Zheng Liang, touched by his attentiveness to even the smallest details concerning her well-being. Though she would have been content with any meal, his thoughtful instruction for a simpler fare resonated with her.

The man nodded, perceiving the significance of accommodating Yang Ning's dietary requirements. Observing Zheng Liang's evident care and concern for Yang Ning, it became apparent that he doted on her and wasn't hesitant to openly display his affection.

A realization dawned upon the man — by satisfying Yang Ning with his services, he could potentially earn a favorable impression from Zheng Liang. With this thought in mind, he was determined to go above and beyond to ensure the Princess's comfort, understanding that it could indirectly influence his standing in Zheng Liang's eyes.

The man-in-charge, eager to fulfill his duties, nodded enthusiastically. "Certainly! I will immediately assign someone to prepare dinner for everyone and attend to the cleaning of your chambers. A bath will also be arranged for your relaxation," he assured them.

Promptly, he issued orders to his servants, directing them to assist with the transfer of luggage and organize the necessary arrangements for Zheng Liang's stay at the royal residence.