I woke up as the Villainous Empress
Chapter 242: Seductress.

The chamber had transformed into a place of pure wonder. Everywhere he looked, there were white and bright rich purple orchids. Their gentle fragrance wafted in the air, creating an atmosphere of passionate and delicate romance.

The windows wore deep blue curtains, creating a striking contrast with the light, airy white sheers that hung behind them. These curtains seemed to play peek-a-boo with the moonlight, allowing just the right amount of its glow to spill into the room, casting soft silvery beams that added to the dreamy ambiance.

Beneath his feet, a plush red carpet had been laid out, replacing the usual one he was accustomed to in the chamber. It felt rich and regal, setting the tone for the evening. Threaded along its length were candles, their gentle flames flickering and creating a pathway, reminiscent of stars leading the way in a night sky.

But the true masterpiece of the room was the bed.

It looked more inviting than ever, dressed in crisp white sheets with overlays of deep blue blankets. It looked so soft, so welcoming, like a cloud waiting to embrace its occupant. Hovering above the bed was a gossamer-thin canopy, adding an air of elegance.

And, as if this wasn't enchanting enough, there were rose petals sprinkled on the bed, each one seeming to hold a story of love.

In this transformed chamber, every detail, every corner seemed to speak of thoughtfulness and anticipation. It was as if the room itself was waiting, with bated breath, for the next chapter of a beautiful love story to unfold.

Zheng Liang's eyes widened, a warm smile forming on his lips as he took in the chamber's enchanting decoration. "So this is her grand surprise," he whispered, his gaze darting around, seeking Yang Ning amidst this playful game of hide and seek.

Out of the corner of his eye, Zheng Liang caught a shadow lurking behind the massive door. A mischievous smirk spread across his face, but he pretended to be clueless. "Where could she have gone? She invites me and then just vanishes?" He lamented playfully, all the while noticing the shadow creeping closer.

Having spent half his life on battlefields, Zheng Liang wasn't simply a product of palace walls. His senses, sharpened by years of warfare and strategy, didn't miss much. How could she expect him not to notice someone, even as delicate as Yang Ning, moving in his peripheral vision?

But just as Yang Ning thought she would successfully sneak up on Zheng Liang, in a swift move, he grabbed her wrist and spun her around. Caught off guard, she stumbled into him, ending up wrapped in his sturdy embrace.

"Ah!" Yang Ning exclaimed in surprise, her face buried against his firm chest.

Realizing her surprise had been thwarted by his sharp senses, Yang Ning pouted and shot him an accusing glare. "Couldn't you just feign surprise? After all my preparations, couldn't you play along?"

Zheng Liang laughed at her playful indignation. He helped her to her feet but didn't let go of her waist, keeping her snugly wrapped in his embrace. "If I had pretended," he said, gazing intently at her, "I would've missed out on seeing this adorable side of you."

Yang Ning was adorned in a luxurious dark blue silk nightgown, a shade reminiscent of the majestic beauty of the night sky. This hue contrasted strikingly with her pearl-white skin, amplifying her allure and making her seem even more ethereal.

The ensemble, unlike her usual conservative choices, comprised two layers. The outermost was crafted from a delicate lace that gently clung to her, allowing glimpses of the skin beneath. The inner layer was a more daring piece with slender straps, leaving much of her shoulders and collarbone exposed.

Through the lacy veil of the top layer, Zheng Liang could catch glimpses of her exposed pearl-white skin. A surge of passion darkened his eyes, as an almost palpable desire emanated from him.

He had neither seen her in such attire before nor had he come across such a design in any marketplace. But he couldn't deny the allure it had on him. Yet, an underlying protectiveness stirred within; it was a dress meant only for his eyes.

He wouldn't bear the thought of anyone else witnessing her in such intimate apparel.

Yang Ning's lips curled into a self-satisfied smirk as she registered the blazing desire in Zheng Liang's eyes. This exact reaction was what she had been aiming for, having meticulously planned for this night.

Even though she was now in a fictional world; based on conservative morals and historical world setting, her roots were firmly in the modern world, and her choice of nightgown was a nod to the sensuous designs of her era.

She had sought out the most renowned seamstress in the capital who worked for elite nobles and royalty, and with a mix of her modern design sensibilities and the artisan's skills, they worked together on the nightgown. Despite a few initial missteps, the outcome was a masterful blend of old-world craftsmanship and contemporary allure.

Yang Ning's nightgown was a vision.

Made of silk as soft as rose petals, it mirrored the royal dark blue shade of Zheng Liang's attire. The upper lace garment, embroidered with intricate patterns of the moon and stars, seemed to suggest that the very cosmos would bear witness to their night.

Each delicate stitch spoke of her thoughtfulness, ensuring this evening was nothing short of perfection.

Drawing from her knowledge of the modern world, she aimed to blend the sensuality of her time with the elegance of this ancient era. The night's ambiance and her chosen attire were a testament to her efforts and thoughtful preparation.

Ever since the day she made the tough decision to kick Zheng Liang from the chamber, ensuring he rested and healed from his injury, Yang Ning had been meticulously crafting plans for this special night.

Given she was the cause of his absence, it felt only right to create a night of unparalleled allure upon his return.

Capturing Zheng Liang's spellbound gaze, Yang Ning couldn't help but chuckle. Gently brushing her lips against his, she nimbly moved to his ear, her warm breath tickling him as she whispered seductively, "Didn't I always say that patience has the sweetest rewards? So... tell me, do you like the special... dessert I've arranged for you?"