I woke up as the Villainous Empress
Chapter 320: Wife-Slave

The following morning, Zheng Liang rose early and prepared for the usual royal court session. Knowing that Yang Ning was weary and drained from the passionate events of the previous day, Zheng Liang instructed the maids not to disturb her, allowing her to sleep undisturbed until she woke up on her own.

After Zheng Liang got ready quietly in the adjoining room to avoid disturbing Yang Ning, he came back to their chamber. Before heading to work, he gently planted a morning kiss on his wife's forehead, a cherished ritual for him.

This routine brought him joy and set a positive tone for his entire day.

Seeing Yang Ning sleeping peacefully, he gazed at her beautiful sleeping face and caressed it lovingly. Tucking a few strands of hair that covered her face behind her ears, he leaned down to place a kiss on her forehead.

After giving her a gentle peck, he kissed her soft, rosy lips and whispered in a low voice, "Good morning, my beautiful wife."

Yang Ning, deep in slumber, stirred upon hearing his sweet words. With groggy eyes barely opening, she saw his blurry image standing next to the bed, all dressed up, his face just a few inches away.

She smiled, wrapping her hands around his neck, and kissed him on the cheek. Inhaling his fresh scent, she murmured in a sleepy, raspy voice, "Are you leaving for work already? Do you really have to go?" She asked, not wanting to be separated from him.

Zheng Liang smiled at his wife's needy and pampered behavior, pleased by her morning demands. He crouched down next to the bed to come on the same level as his wife, wrapping his hands around her.

"I don't want to go as well, but unfortunately, I have to. However, you don't need to wake up now. Sleep some more and rest well. I don't want you to complain later that I didn't give you enough time and energy to rest," he said.

Yang Ning glared at him sharply and retorted, "Hah! I still haven't forgiven you for what you did yesterday. Do you know how embarrassing it was for me to face Xiaowei afterward? She kept asking me questions that I didn't even know how to answer." She sighed while still holding onto his neck like a clingy cat.

Zheng Liang let out a throaty laugh and then gently patted her shoulder. "Now go back to sleep. I need to go." Experience more content on мѵʟ

Just as Zheng Liang stood up to leave, Yang Ning was reminded of something and hurriedly sat up on the bed, rubbing her eyes to wake up and get a clear view of the man in front of her.

As he noticed her sitting up, Zheng Liang paused in his tracks, admiring his wife in a white, flowing silk nightgown that accentuated her allure in the morning light. Despite the temptation to join her in bed, he managed to restrain himself and inquired, "Why are you getting up? Are you hungry? Should I request the maids to prepare a light meal for you?"

Yang Ning shook her head and reached out to get something from the drawer next to the bedside table. She showed him a small blue velvet box and said, "I wanted to give it to you. I bought this gift yesterday from Lady Guo's boutique. I intended to give it to you yesterday, but you didn't give me any time," she explained with an embarrassed pout.

Zheng Liang grew curious and took the box from her hands, asking in confusion, "Is it for me? A gift? Why?"

Yang Ning raised her brows at him and countered, "Do I need a reason to gift my husband something? Can't I get you something just because I want to?"

Zheng Liang was pleased by her response. It was rare for him to receive gifts without any ulterior motives, as people usually gave him something with certain expectations. Having a wife who brought a gift just to make him happy was a novel and delightful experience.

Under her anticipated gaze, he hurriedly opened the box and found a small brooch inside. It was an emerald green jade brooch decorated with a golden carving of a dragon and butterflies. The fine jade symbolizes prosperity and good luck. At the same time, the golden carving of the dragon was the emblem of the empire and also signified the Dragon Pavilion belonging to Zheng Liang.

It was a beautiful ornament that represented him and the Empire. The fine jade and intricate carving showcased its detailed and precious craftsmanship.

Staring at the brooch with care, Zheng Liang could appreciate its beauty.

Seeing him carefully examining the brooch, Yang Ning smiled and said, "When I went to Lady Guo's boutique, I found this beautiful jade, which I thought would suit you and look good on you. Do you like it?"

Zheng Liang looked at the beautiful brooch in his hands and then at his wife. "It was your choice, how can I not like it? After all, in the world, you're the only one who knows me the best. Thank you," he expressed, feeling a bit emotional in the morning. Although he often received gifts, someone willingly bought something for him just because they liked it was a rare occasion in his life.

Seeing Zheng Liang so engrossed in admiring the brooch, Yang Ning got out of bed and took the brooch from his hands. "Let me help you wear it. Although you look handsome all the time, I am sure you will look even more handsome in this," she said while putting the brooch at the center of his belt on his waist.

The emerald jade and golden brooch complemented his blue palace uniform, making him look even more handsome and refined.

Seeing him up close, Yang Ning was left in awe and murmured in a daze, "I must have won a lottery in my past life to get a handsome husband like this."

"Huh? Did you say something?" Zheng Liang asked when he heard her speak but couldn't understand.

Yang Ning shook her head and said, "Nothing." She went on her tiptoes and gave him a quick peck on his lips, then pushed him on the shoulders. "Now hurry up and leave. Otherwise, you'll be late for the royal court, and everyone will blame me for it."

Zheng Liang frowned and said, "No one can dare to say anything to you. If they do, I will cut everyone's tongue."

Yang Ning let out a snicker and said, "Why are you going so far? Just hurry up and leave. I want to sleep some more. Go! Shoo!" She waved her hands, sending him away.

Zheng Liang frowned at his wife pushing him away but, looking at the time, he sighed and left the chamber in the end. If he didn't hurry up, he would be late for the royal court, and everyone would tease him, calling him a wife slave.

Although it is true, it doesn't have to come from others' mouths. As the Crown Prince, he needs to maintain that dignity.