I woke up as the Villainous Empress
Chapter 273: Familiarize with the place.

After a prolonged, passionate kiss, Zheng Liang finally drew back, allowing Yang Ning to catch her breath.

She inhaled sharply, resting her head against his shoulder, burrowing into the curve of his neck. "You're awful. You made my lips completely sore," she playfully whined in a soft, raspy voice.

Zheng Liang's response was a tender smile as he stroked her back, helping her regain her breath while offering comfort. "Oh, is that right? Perhaps another kiss would soothe the soreness away," he suggested teasingly, his hands still caressing her back, comforting her from their passionate kiss.

Yang Ning furrowed her brow at his teasing and playfully thumped him on the chest. "Enough of that. You should behave now, or what will Xiaowei and Gu Lan think of us?"

She was worried he might do something again and attempted to rise from his lap, but Zheng Liang's embrace remained secure around her waist, holding her close. "Alright, no more. Let's just sit like this for a moment," he reassured her, his hug conveying a comforting steadiness.

Yang Ning cast a skeptical glance at him but ultimately settled back into the same position, wrapping her arms around his neck, feeling secure and snug in his embrace.

Zheng Liang couldn't help but feel his body react to the warmth of Yang Ning's breath against his neck, but he resisted any further advances. Holding her tightly in his embrace, he found solace in the warmth and protectiveness that enveloped him.

It was a feeling that breathed life into its very essence, a reminder that there was someone precious he yearned to shield and cherish in this life, someone with whom he desired to share his every moment.

As the minutes passed and Yang Ning's breathing steadied, she glanced up at him, a frown knitting her brows. "Put me down now. I can't sit like this forever," she protested, her cheeks a soft shade of pink.

Raising his eyebrows at her petulant gaze, Zheng Liang couldn't suppress a chuckle. Her expressions, fierce and adorable, reminded him of a little cat with ruffled fur. "Why? Don't you replace my lap far warmer than that chair?" he teased, a mischievous pride in his tone.

Rendered speechless by his audacity, Yang Ning's lips formed a thin line. With a playful huff, she pushed against him. "Enough. Let me down. It's not comfortable," she murmured, her voice betraying her unease.

She couldn't continue sitting on him when she could feel his restlessness beneath her, even through the layers of clothing. Her face reddened at the sensation, and she worried that their restraint might crumble. Though the thought of it was exciting and thrilling, she was worried about the rumors circulating in the palace and the thought of facing Xiaowei afterward was too embarrassing to bear.

That's so embarrassing! Your next chapter is on m v|l-e-NovelFire

Sensing the unspoken meaning in her words, Zheng Liang didn't argue further and assisted her in returning to the chair. Continuing to have Yang Ning sit on his lap would only prolong his torment, and he was worried that he might lose control and make a move, right there.

While he didn't particularly mind the idea—in fact, it seemed thrilling and enticing to him—he also knew that Yang Ning would become upset. That, in turn, would result in her sending him to the guest-chamber to sleep alone for days as punishment.

Angering her was something he couldn't afford to do at the moment. He needs her as his bed warmer at night, he cannot compromise with that.

___

After settling back into her chair, Yang Ning straightened her attire and carefully rearranged her disheveled hair. She also took a moment to dab at her face with a handkerchief that Zheng Liang had thoughtfully provided.

While she was tidying up, he observed her with a smile and remarked, "I brought you here to tell you something, but who would have thought I would get a sweet dessert instead?" He said while meaningfully licking his lips with his tongue.

Yang Ning shot him a sharp look through the hand mirror she was using. "Really? And here I was, wondering about the actual reason why you brought me here," she retorted with a touch of sarcasm in her tone.

Zheng Liang chuckled softly at her feistiness and explained, "Well, it's because I wanted to introduce you to this place."

Putting the mirror aside, Yang Ning's brow furrowed in confusion. "Familiarize me with this place?" she echoed, puzzled.

Zheng Liang nodded and continued, "Didn't His Majesty mention that you would be handling palace responsibilities from now on?"

Yang Ning nodded solemnly, waiting for him to elaborate.

"To carry out your work effectively, you need a proper space to work and a place to store confidential documents. Since we already have a study at the Dragon Pavilion, you won't have to go elsewhere to work. You can use this place for your work, and there are numerous books that can help you gain a deeper understanding of the palace and various other subjects.

Feel free to come here anytime and work," he explained, handing her the keys to the study room.

Yang Ning was left momentarily speechless, as she hadn't expected Zheng Liang to grant her unrestricted access to the study. There were numerous confidential documents stored here, and his trust in her was overwhelming. She was deeply touched and surprised by his actions.

It became clear that he had begun to trust her completely, setting aside any doubts he may have had about her being Yang Luoyang's daughter. His willingness to entrust her with such important matters spoke volumes about his feelings and trust in their relationship.

___

Yang Ning had a warm smile on her lips as she shook her head and said, "You don't need to do that. I will go and work in the study where Her Majesty used to work. It would be more appropriate. If I work here, I am afraid I might inconvenience you."

Yang Ning considered the study where Yang Lingxin had worked, which held documents related to palace duties that she could access without worrying about breaching confidentiality. In contrast, Zheng Liang's study contained highly confidential documents, befitting the Crown Prince's status.

Zheng Liang, however, shook his head in response to her seriousness. "There's no need for that. You're my wife, and you have full authority to use this study for work and to spend time here alone."

He added, "I'll make sure no one dares to stop you from using this place. Please don't decline this offer. I will ask Gu Lan to arrange another desk and chair for you if you'd like. That way, both of us can use this space for work simultaneously," he suggested, a new idea forming in his mind.

Yang Ning hesitated, concerned about the appropriateness of the idea, but Zheng Liang placed his finger on her lips, silencing her. He said firmly, "No more objections. You will be using this study for your work. If you try to refuse, I will shut your mouth with a kiss, and this time, I won't hold back from crossing the line."

Yang Ning considered returning the keys to him, but his threat left her no choice. She clenched the keys in her fist and sighed in resignation. She remained silent, knowing that if she spoke further, he would not let her leave without some form of punishment.

After a few moments, she nodded and agreed, "Fine, if that's what you want, I'll use this place for my work. However, I want you to secure all your important documents carefully, and I'll do the same. Let's not interfere with each other's work."

Zheng Liang, sensing her doubt, nodded and reassured her, "Don't worry. I understand my responsibility as the Crown Prince. I will secure those documents carefully. So please, use this place as you see fit, alright?" He smiled and caressed her face, tucking a few strands of her hair behind her ear.

Yang Ning smiled in response, but she detected a seductive glint in his eyes and knew his thoughts were drifting elsewhere. She playfully slapped his hand away and promptly stood up from the chair. "If you're done with our important discussion, I'll take my leave. I have a lot of work to do now. Father has entrusted me with a significant responsibility, and I can't afford to disappoint him."

With that, she swiftly left the study, not looking back at him.

Zheng Liang watched her departure, amused by her abrupt exit. He chuckled to himself and mused, "Seems like recommending her for this responsibility has given her another excuse to escape from me. My wife can be quite ruthless."

He shook his head in mock misery, waiting for her to return and give him the attention.

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