I woke up as the Villainous Empress

Her fingers gently traced the empty space next to her on the bed, a soft smile gracing her lips. Although she had drifted off early the previous night, she had awoken in the middle of it, finding herself nestled within Zheng Liang\'s embrace.

A rosy blush adorned her cheeks as she realized her face had been pressed against his chest, her hands entwined around his waist. They had been so intimately close, sensing the rise and fall of his chest and hearing the rhythm of his heartbeat.

Yet, beyond the embarrassment, she couldn\'t deny the comforting warmth that enveloped her as she slumbered peacefully in his arms.

She had always preferred sleeping alone and had never enjoyed sharing a bed with someone. However, this time was different. Despite the smaller size of the bed compared to the one in the royal palace, she didn\'t mind the coziness that brought them closer together during their sleep.

This warm sensation radiated through her heart, stirring a deep sense of gratitude for his affectionate gesture.

___

"Why didn\'t you wake me up earlier?" Yang Ning inquired Xiaowei, her head comfortably nestled against the edge of the bathtub. With closed eyes, she allowed herself to fully immerse in the soothing water infused with medicinal herbs and fragrant flowers, seeking ultimate relaxation.

"His Highness specifically instructed me not to disturb your sleep," Xiaowei responded, her touch gentle as she meticulously applied the bath paste onto Yang Ning\'s bare arms. The paste was carefully concocted from a blend of bath powder and milk, designed to nourish and pamper the skin.

"You seemed utterly exhausted and weak when we arrived yesterday," Xiaowei explained, her voice filled with concern. "That\'s precisely why His Highness insisted on granting you additional time to rest and rejuvenate."

A smile gently curved Yang Ning\'s lips as she absorbed Xiaowei\'s words. Although a twinge of disappointment lingered within her for not having the chance to see him the previous night due to unintentionally falling asleep, she felt immense gratitude for His Highness\'s genuine concern regarding her well-being.

"Ah, His Highness mentioned that he won\'t be able to join you for lunch today due to work," Xiaowei conveyed, her touch gliding along Yang Ning\'s neck with soothing strokes. "However, he has made arrangements to have dinner with you tonight and wants you to patiently await his return."

"Oh, I see," Yang Ning murmured, her lips pursed as she tried to conceal her embarrassed smile. Somehow, she found herself eagerly anticipating tonight\'s dinner as well.

___

After taking a refreshing bath, Yang Ning got ready and had an early lunch to make up for missing breakfast. Throughout the day, she explored the vast royal residence, marveling at its beauty.

She wanted to go out and explore the city, but Gu Lan stopped her, saying she couldn\'t leave the royal residence alone because Zheng Liang hadn\'t given permission yet.

She felt frustrated by Gu Lan\'s inflexibility.

If it were someone else, she could have convinced them to let her go. However, Gu Lan was different from the other guards and didn\'t easily give in to her requests. She couldn\'t understand why he chose to stay and serve her instead of following Zheng Liang.

Yang Ning tried to resist her urge to go out and spent the whole day feeling confined inside the royal residence. But as evening came, her curiosity and eagerness to explore the city became irresistible.

Despite knowing about the city\'s curfew after sunset, she couldn\'t resist the temptation to venture out and discover the new surroundings she had fought so hard to reach.

She wanted to enjoy the city\'s charm in the evening before the curfew halted the bustling markets.

With no other choice, Yang Ning changed into Xiaowei\'s plain cotton dress. Seeing her, Xiaowei desperately tried to stop her.

"Please, Milady, we can\'t leave the royal residence without His Highness\' assistance. Xinling City is not like the capital city," Xiaowei pleaded.

Ignoring her pleas, Yang Ning insisted, "Change into a different dress and come with me."

Xiaowei\'s worry grew. "What if we get lost or someone attacks us?" she implored, feeling helpless in the face of Yang Ning\'s stubbornness.

Yang Ning glanced at Xiaowei, her expression cold. "Are you coming, or do you want to stay back with Gu Lan? I can go alone if I have to," she stated firmly.

Panicking, Xiaowei reluctantly agreed, "No, you can\'t go alone. I... I\'ll come with you." She sighed and grabbed different clothes to change into, ensuring they wouldn\'t be recognized during their adventure in Xinling City.

Yang Ning smiled, patting Xiaowei\'s arm. "That\'s my girl. Hurry up and change," she urged.

___

"Wow! That was exhilarating!" Yang Ning exclaimed, her breath finally steadying as she landed in the adjacent back alley after jumping from the wall of the royal residence.

Through a series of clever maneuvers and careful planning, she successfully deceived Gu Lan, who believed she was still resting in her chamber. Yang Ning had skillfully made her way out of the royal residence through the back area, ultimately leaping over the wall to freedom.

"Milady, I still believe it would be best for us to abide by the rules and return to the residence. I fear His Highness may not be pleased if he finds out," Xiaowei expressed, glancing around cautiously to ensure they weren\'t being observed.

Yang Ning brushed off the dust from her clothes and gave Xiaowei a smug smile. "Don\'t be such a scaredy cat. I am the Crown Princess," she retorted.

"Do you think I need anyone\'s permission just to go out and enjoy some delicious food? It\'s not like we\'re going to some brothel house," she added with a hint of amusement.

Xiaowei\'s expression turned horrified as she recalled the incident when His Majesty had discovered Yang Ning\'s secret trip to the brothel house. Though they had been accompanied by His Highness at the time, the memory still sent shivers down her spine.

"Milady, please don\'t frighten me like this," Xiaowei pleaded, rubbing her arms to warm herself and calm her nerves.

Yang Ning relished Xiaowei\'s reaction, her excitement evident as she exclaimed, "Let\'s go and have some fun! Woohoo!" With a burst of energy, she strode forward, eager to embark on their adventure.

Xiaowei let out a weary sigh, understanding that keeping up with Yang Ning\'s spirited escapades was an inevitable part of her role. Trotting behind, she resigned herself to following her adventurous companion.