I woke up as the Villainous Empress

Zheng Xiang grew tired of listening to Yang Ning's never-ending blabbering. After finishing his meal, he wanted to return to the Jade Pavilion as soon as possible to avoid continuing to witness his brother's public display of affection.

He still couldn't fathom the fact that his seemingly cold-hearted and indifferent brother, named the 'Stone-Hearted Prince' by ministers who feared his heartless and frigid approach to matters, had transformed into a devoted husband around his wife.

Zheng Liang's affectionate and sweet demeanor around Yang Ning sent shivers down his spine, making him realize the depth of Zheng Liang's love for his wife.

Zheng Xiang wiped his hands clean with a napkin, casting a glance at Zheng Liang and then at Yang Ning. He spoke earnestly, "Thank you for inviting me for a meal. I will take my leave now." He couldn't bear another minute of staying with them and being force-fed with their displays of romance.

"You're leaving already? I've heard you enjoy drinking tea, so I've prepared one for you. It's not a local tea; it has been imported from the West Kingdom. This tea is not only delicious, with an aromatic smell, but it will also aid your digestion. Please try it before leaving," Yang Ning said, attempting to persuade him to stay a bit longer.

She had specially prepared this meal for him, and she couldn't understand how he could leave so promptly after finishing. She wondered if eating together with them was such torture.

Zheng Xiang shook his head and politely but firmly turned down her invitation, "I would have stayed back to try your tea; however, after the long journey, I feel exhausted and have a headache from attending the morning court session. That is why I want to rest as much as I can before joining the office in two days. I will take my leave now. Thank you for inviting me for the meal."

Yang Ning raised her brows, sensing his lingering awkwardness, as if he was trying to keep his distance. She understood that what happened with Yang Lingxin and the rumors surrounding Yang Ning, outside the palace might have left a less-than-favorable impression on him.

Seeing him eager to hurry and leave, a mischievous smile appeared on her lips. However, the smirk was short-lived as her expression soon turned serious. Yang Ning pursed her lips in a slight frown and said regretfully, "It would have been great if you had stayed. However, if you want to leave, I shouldn't force you. Please go ahead and have some rest."

Zheng Liang was pleased to see Zheng Xiang leaving, excited about the thought of spending some private time with his wife. Lately, both of them had been occupied with palace affairs and work, leaving them with insufficient time together. Since there wasn't much work in the royal court today, he could skip the afternoon session and simply enjoy more time with his wife.

Zheng Liang looked at Zheng Xiang with a smile and said, "Go ahead and rest. A young and weak man like you shouldn't overexert himself; it's important to rest as much as one can. You should have left sooner if you were feeling unwell. I wouldn't even have invited you for the meal then," he said indifferently, with no sincerity or concern in his words.

Zheng Xiang could see Zheng Liang's thoughts clearly and snorted in mockery before nodding, "Yes, I will return to my residence now because I am weak and don't want my body to collapse out of exhaustion either. Thank you for His Highness being concerned about my health." He responded in a sarcastic tone, mimicking Zheng Liang's attitude.

He stood up from his chair and was about to leave when the door of the dining room was pushed open, and Yang Ning's maidservant walked inside with a woman following closely. Zheng Xiang, who had just risen from his chair, paused in his actions, and his eyes wavered in surprise, lighting up upon seeing Hou Wei entering the dining room while carrying a tray.

"Hou Wei," he softly murmured, his eyes fixated on the woman behind Xiaowei.

The plans he had to hurry and return to the residence crumbled upon seeing Hou Wei in front of him. All his intentions dissolved in an instant. He didn't even get a proper glimpse of her yesterday; how could he miss this opportunity today?

Even though she came to the Jade Pavilion yesterday, at that time, he was too shocked to react in time and treated her coldly, slamming the door in her face and even scolding her, thinking she was his servant. Reflecting on that moment, he wanted to bite his tongue and hit himself on the head.

How could he scold someone without even checking their identity, especially when that person was none other than the woman he had been searching for, for months?

Who would have thought that he would get to see her at the royal palace of all places? It must be fate that brought them together.

___

Seeing Zheng Xiang not moving and leaving, Zheng Liang frowned and asked, "Weren't you returning to your residence? Why are you still standing here? Go and rest; weren't you tired earlier?" He asked with a frown and a slight displeasure in his voice.

Zheng Xiang pursed his lips and frowned at his brother, who was shamelessly urging, or more bluntly, kicking him out. Ignoring his brother's words, he stared at Hou Wei, who had just entered the dining room and placed the tray with the tea set on the table. 'Is she going to make tea here?' he wondered.

Since Hou Wei is here, there is no reason for him to leave just yet.

Zheng Xiang cleared his throat awkwardly and sat back in his seat, his eyes fixed on the woman in front of him who was busy preparing tea for them. Without diverting his gaze, he said monotonously, "Since the sister-in-law has prepared tea for me, it would be rude for me to leave like this. So, I will not be rude and will stay back for a cup of tea," he said.

Zheng Liang furrowed his brows and stared at Zheng Xiang in puzzlement, not understanding the sudden change in his attitude. Since when did he start to address Yang Ning as 'sister-in-law' and become so close to her? A while ago, he was eager to leave and return to his residence, and now suddenly he wants to stay back and enjoy tea. What is going on in his head? he wondered.

Yang Ning, who arranged this situation, wore a pleased smile to see Zheng Xiang sitting back on his chair and fixing his posture. She noticed him placing his hands awkwardly on the table. Not only his hands, but even his eyes didn't know where to look.

Ignoring his surroundings, he was shamelessly staring at Hou Wei in a daze, with a gentle and affectionate gaze.

'Tsk! Now you're calling me sister-in-law when I helped you see your first love. All men are surely selfish.' She chuckled as she watched Zheng Xiang admiring Hou Wei.

Seeing this scene, Yang Ning pursed her lips and giggled, thinking to herself, 'How come both brothers have the same personality after falling in love? Even the cold and arrogant prince can become an awkward and sweet guy in love.' She smiled, feeling proud of herself for creating an opportunity for Hou Wei and Zheng Xiang to meet early so that they don't miss their chance this time.

Since she cannot let Hou Wei have a happy ending with Zheng Liang, who is the male lead of the novel, she will find ways to give her a new and better happy ending where everyone will be happy forever.

"I'm glad that the brother-in-law decided to stay back for a cup of tea. Ah, by the way, you must have met Hou Wei yesterday, didn't you? Let me formally introduce you two. She is the disciple of Master Physician Jiang and also works as a nurse at the imperial medicine department," Yang Ning said, introducing Hou Wei to Prince Zheng Xiang, who was brewing tea.

"She is a nice and kind-hearted girl. Not only that, along with brewing medicines, she makes the best tea as well. That's why I asked her to show off her tea-brewing skills to entertain you. She also adds some herbs, making the tea even more flavorful, aromatic, and healthy." Yang Ning boasted about Hou Wei in front of him, pointing out her good points like a proud mother.

Hou Wei was embarrassed with Yang Ning overpraising her and shook her head politely. She said to Zheng Xiang, "Your Highness, I'm not that good. It's the Crown Princess who treats me nicely and over-praises me." She poured brewed tea into cups and served Zheng Liang first, then Yang Ning, and lastly Prince Zheng Xiang.

When Zheng Xiang took a sip of the tea, a subtle smile appeared on his lips, and he said in a gentle tone, "It's good. I haven't had tea this good in my life ever." He complimented.

Zheng Liang, who also drank the same tea, glanced at his brother, frowned, and wondered. 'Is it that good?'

'Didn't it just taste like tea? What kind of tea was he drinking back at his residence that he finds this tea the best out of all the teas he has drunk until now?' he mused, not sure what kind of life his so-called brother was living until now. Because, as the Prince, it must not be the first time that he must be drinking an imported tea. Why does he seem to be so shocked about it?

Though Zheng Liang didn't understand the meaning behind Zheng Xiang's compliments, Yang Ning understood it very well.

'Hah! It's not the tea that he likes but the person who is making the tea. Looks like I won't even need to create opportunities like these in the future anymore.' She let out a soft sigh and took a sip of tea, feeling content with her planning to ask Xiaowei to bring Hou Wei to brew tea for her.

Even if she was the villainess in the story, this time, she will surely become the cupid between the female lead and the second male lead.