I woke up as the Villainous Empress

The presence of so many people trailing them made Yang Ning feel increasingly awkward and self-conscious. What was supposed to be an exciting outing now felt quite the opposite, as she couldn\'t shake off the feeling of being watched.

It was almost like going shopping and unexpectedly finding a swarm of paparazzi invading her personal space.

Zheng Liang noticed her hesitation and ordered Gu Lan to maintain a distance and not stay close to them.

With the unwanted followers finally at bay, Yang Ning gradually started to relax in Zheng Liang\'s company. She felt more comfortable and began to explore the market with newfound confidence.

During her delightful outing to the bustling market, she ate a lot of mouthwatering local delicacies. Mesmerized by the charm of the place, she couldn\'t resist collecting numerous exquisite local ornaments and art pieces.

At first, she was only curious and wanted to look at the local street-side stalls. To her surprise, Zheng Liang displayed an unexpectedly generous and caring side. He insisted on purchasing anything that caught her eye, resulting in him carrying an enormous bag brimming with their newfound treasures.

The sight of Zheng Liang carrying the bags while Yang Ning hopped from one shop to another made them appear just like any other regular couple on a shopping spree.

Witnessing this new side of Zheng Liang, she couldn\'t help but feel deeply moved by his thoughtful actions.

Just a few days ago, she had been feeling lonely and isolated in the palace. But now, not only had he brought her to Xinling City, but he was also giving her a personal tour, attentively fulfilling all her wishes.

At this moment, he appeared far from the busy crown prince she knew in the palace. Instead, he resembled a loving husband, lavishing pampering upon his wife.

In this moment of contentment, a fleeting thought bothered her. "Wife?" She questioned herself, unsure if she truly deserved that title.

The idea seemed both enchanting and unsettling. Was she deserving of such a title?

While content with the present, she couldn\'t ignore the uncertainty of her future. Would she ever get the chance to return home, or was she destined to remain as Yang Ning forever, unsure of her place in this new world?

___

As the trip to Xinling City neared its end, the day of returning to the palace had arrived. Yang Ning couldn\'t help but sigh with disappointment as she watched the servants loading their luggage into the carriage. It felt like something was missing, and the thought of leaving this place behind weighed on her heart.

So many beautiful memories were created during their time in Xinling City, and leaving it all behind felt like a genuine loss. In this place, she experienced a sense of freedom, like a true human, able to wander the streets without the burden of palace constraints. It was a taste of life beyond the boundaries she had grown accustomed to within the palace walls.

Zheng Liang came outside to check the arrangements, he noticed Yang Ning standing there, lost in a daze while watching the servants load their luggage into the carriage.

Quietly, he moved to stand next to her, and she was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn\'t immediately realize his presence. Leaning closer, he whispered, "If you liked this place so much, we can come again in the future as well."

His sudden appearance startled Yang Ning, but his words filled her eyes with hope. "Really? We can come here again?" she asked, her excitement evident in her voice.

Zheng Liang smiled warmly at her and nodded. "Of course. We can," he assured her, delighted to see her so happy.

In the time they had spent together, Zheng Liang had come to realize that unlike the other noble ladies who found happiness in expensive jewelry and clothes, Yang Ning found her peace in the simplicity of wooden, local art pieces. Leaving the palace and exploring new places brought out unparalleled excitement in her.

As the Crown Prince of the Empire, Zheng Liang bears great responsibilities. However, as Yang Ning\'s husband, he is equally devoted to ensuring her happiness and freedom, determined not to let her feel like a captive in their marriage.

Unlike his father, who abandoned his wife for new concubines, Zheng Liang is committed to being a loving and supportive partner. Although their marriage might have been arranged for political reasons, he refuses to let it become a mere transaction. Instead, he cherishes their bond and will do everything in his power to make it a fulfilling and happy union.

___

As their journey to the capital started, Yang Ning and Zheng Liang shared a carriage, meanwhile, another carriage was filled with their luggage, and the rest of their entourage, including the servants and maids, occupied a separate carriage.

Gu Lan and the other guards followed closely on horseback, ensuring their safety throughout the trip. Together, they continued on their path, making their way back to the palace.

The three-day journey had its fair share of unexpected obstacles that prolonged their travel time. On the second day of the journey, as their carriage reached the heart of an isolated and empty jungle, a sudden shriek from the horse startled them all. The carriage came to an abrupt halt, nearly toppling over due to the unexpected disturbance.

As the carriage abruptly came to a stop, Yang Ning, who was in deep slumber with her head resting against the wall, was jolted awake. She nearly lost her balance and was about to topple to the other side of the carriage and hit her head hard against the carriage wall.

Thankfully, Zheng Liang\'s quick reflexes saved the day. He swiftly embraced Yang Ning, pulling her back and preventing any harm from befalling her. His protective action left her feeling grateful and safe in his arms.

Yang Ning held onto Zheng Liang\'s arms to balance herself and looked at him with fear, asking, "What...what is going on? Why did the carriage suddenly stop?"

Despite encountering numerous obstacles and difficulties during their first journey from the palace to Xinling City, this particular incident was entirely new to her. What could have caused the horse, which was experienced in travel and intelligent, to suddenly stop the carriage and almost topple over?

It was evident that the horse was no ordinary creature, but something must have greatly startled or alarmed him for such a reaction.

Unlike Yang Ning, who was lost and confused about the sudden stop of the carriage, Zheng Liang had an inkling of what could have caused the sudden stop. The possibility of an attack crossed his mind, and his expression darkened at the thought.

If he were alone, dealing with such an ambush wouldn\'t be a problem. After all, it wasn\'t the first time he had faced such a situation. However, the safety of Yang Ning was his top priority, and his concern for her well-being made his expression turn icy and fierce.

Attempting to reassure her, Zheng Liang\'s cold and gloomy expression softened as he said, "There is nothing to worry about. Relax." He patted the back of her hand assuringly.

"You stay here. I will go and see what is going on," he declared, ready to investigate the situation. Worriedly, Yang Ning clutched onto his sleeves, pleading, "Hold on! Please be careful."

Appreciating her concern, Zheng Liang smiled gently, patting her head and saying, "I will. Don\'t worry, and stay inside." With those words, he got out of the carriage, taking his sword with him to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Inside the carriage, Yang Ning felt a mix of emotions. She trusted her husband\'s abilities, yet the thought of potential dangers made her heart race with concern. However, knowing her limitations, she could only wait anxiously, hoping for his safe return.