I woke up as the Villainous Empress

The dining room fell into an awkward silence. However, the tension eased when the guard standing outside announced Zheng Xiang's arrival and opened the door for him.

Zheng Xiang entered, looking around at everyone gathered in the dining room with a hint of puzzlement. He greeted His Majesty and Yang Ning with indifference and glanced at his brother, who had his head lowered and was busy selecting the best meat pieces to put in Yang Ning's bowl.

As Zheng Xiang debated whether to greet his brother or not, in case Zheng Liang ignored him, Zheng Liang raised his head and said, "You're here. Sit down and eat," in his usual cold tone, though his actions were not as cold as before.

He didn't ignore him!

Zheng Xiang smiled and took his seat, immediately starting to eat without asking any questions. Yang Ning raised her eyebrows in amazement at how obediently Zheng Xiang followed Zheng Liang's instructions. If they had dared to communicate openly before, their relationship might have unfolded differently in the novel.

Thinking about how their relationship was already strained, the love triangle between these two brothers and Hou Wei worsened matters, leading to a deterioration in their relationship. They became almost like enemies.

At one point, Zheng Xiang even succumbed to the poisonous influence of Yang Luoyang and Yang Lingxin, his mother, and allied with them to overthrow Zheng Liang's rule and reclaim what he believed belonged to him: the throne and his love - Hou Wei.

However, due to Hou Wei's persuasion, he didn't dare to cross the final line, which could bring Zheng Liang's Empire down. It was at that time when Hou Wei was almost poisoned by Yang Ning that his patience was lost. He hated Yang Ning, and when he found out that Yang Luoyang was with Yang Ning as well, he went against his mother and Yang Luoyang.

Not only was Yang Ning pushed to death, but also Yang Luoyang was removed from his position and exiled to a faraway border town, which was always in trouble with mercenaries and goons and was a difficult place to live.

Even Yang Lingxin, who was in on the plan as well, was forced to be confined to a small pavilion at the backside of the palace, which lacked facilities and was just enough for her to live in while being imprisoned.

That's how the FL and ML got the happy ending. Though it was a happy ending for the main leads, Zheng Xiang left the palace for the faraway towns to deal with the troubling matters, away from the palace.

Zheng Xiang not only had to give up on his love but even his relationship with his brother was not the same. Although because of Hou Wei, Zheng Liang didn't hate him, but since he once betrayed him, he didn't trust him either.

To avoid such a situation from happening again, Yang Ning was determined to mend the relationship of the two brothers. Only then could she achieve her goals.

___

After the meal, Zheng Huang asked the maid to prepare digestive tea for everyone. Before the head maid could return to the kitchen, she heard Zheng Liang say, "Prepare some fruits and mooncakes for Yang Ning along with the tea," he said.

These days, she has started to enjoy having desserts after a meal, and after finding out about her pregnancy yesterday, Zheng Liang started to care about her meals even more. Master Jiang has advised fulfilling her cravings and maintaining a good balanced diet. Since she is still quite weak, it's better to feed her properly.

The maid was surprised because the Princess had already eaten almost double than usual, but she was still going to eat desserts and even fruits. That was a bit of a shock, but she nodded and went inside to prepare the tea and dessert for everyone.

Seeing the head maid leave, Zheng Huang glanced at the maids standing in the dining room, ready to serve if needed. He signaled them, and the maids hurriedly exited the room, closing the doors behind them to provide absolute privacy.

With the dining room empty except for the family, he finally turned to Zheng Liang and Yang Ning, asking, "Now tell me. What is so important that you both wanted everyone to be present?" Find your next read at empire

Zheng Xiang, also curious about the sudden summons to join them for dinner, looked at the couple with intrigue.

Zheng Liang glanced at Zheng Xiang, who met his gaze with aloof yet confused eyes, then turned to his father, who awaited an explanation with a serious demeanor. Zheng Liang smiled, clearing his throat to compose himself, and began with a peculiar statement. "Father, didn't you say that you wanted to play with your grandchildren before you die?"

Yang Ning looked at him in surprise and covered her face in embarrassment. If anyone overheard him, they might think he was plotting against His Majesty.

Zheng Huang frowned but remained silent, nodding unconsciously, curious about the connection between Zheng Liang's statement and the impending announcement.

Maintaining his smile, Zheng Liang continued, "I remember how you used to complain about not having grandchildren while everyone else did, and how jealous you felt."

"Well, start preparing to show off to everyone. You will soon become a grandfather. Yang Ning is pregnant. Now your wish will be fulfilled, as long as you can live a few more months." He spoke with a smile.

Yang Ning took a deep breath and lowered her head in embarrassment. Was it a mistake to let him announce this news? What was with the negative attitude in delivering such happy news? She regretted her decision.

After Zheng Liang completed his words, an uncomfortable silence filled the room. Yang Ning closed her eyes, preparing for Zheng Liang to be scolded by His Majesty. However, instead of scolding, she heard hearty laughter.

The old man laughed happily and patted Yang Ning's head lovingly, saying, "Haha! Of course I can live a few more months. Not only a few more months, I will live until I see my grandchildren's children marry." He said happily.

Yang Ning raised her head, surprised by the old man's reaction. Thankfully, he didn't focus on Zheng Liang's words but only the main announcement.

Whew! Thank God. This baby saved its father, otherwise, Zheng Liang had been fully prepared to be scolded by His Majesty.

"Yang Ning, thank you for giving this happiness to our family. I cannot express how happy I am to hear this. Here, take this. This is my gift to you." The old man said, removing the precious rings that he was wearing.

He then glanced at Zheng Liang and scolded him, "You rascal, why are you telling me now? If you had told me earlier, I would have prepared some gifts for my daughter-in-law and my grandchild."

"Yang Ning, don't worry. I will send the gifts later to you. For now, take this as a token of my blessings." The man said with a smiley face.

"Father, there is no need for more gifts. This is enough." Yang Ning smiled and said.

"How can it be enough? You're my precious granddaughter-in-law and you're carrying the future successor of the Empire. You deserve only the best."

Yang Ning smiled helplessly.

Zheng Xiang, who was shocked by the revelation of events, came to his senses and looked at Yang Ning with a stiff smile, congratulating her, "Congratulations."

Yang Ning didn't expect him to say long blessings, so she was content with his words and smiled at him, "Thank you."