I woke up as the Villainous Empress

"We have proof." After saying this, Zheng Liang nodded to a guard, who brought forward a small, ornate box. "This contains Madam Yao Ru's last letter. She wrote down what she heard and her fears for her life. She entrusted it to a loyal servant to be delivered if anything happened to her."

As the Emperor read the letter, Zheng Liang addressed the court again. "For months, I've been investigating my mother's death and Yang Ning's past. The way Yang Luoyang treated her was never like a real father. My search uncovered substantial evidence of his heinous crimes."

He paused, his eyes narrowing as he recalled the events that led to his investigation. "I started to be suspicious of my mother's death after His Majesty was conspired against by the former empress and almost killed using slow poison. Master Jiang had said multiple times that Your Majesty's situation was similar to my mother's, and no cure or problem could be found.

I felt that something was amiss and began secretly investigating since then."

Zheng Liang's gaze swept across the court, finally resting on Yang Ning. "I also looked into Yang Ning's background, because I couldn't believe that a father could treat his daughter so badly and use her for his selfish reasons. The more I uncovered, the more certain I became that Yang Luoyang was hiding dark secrets."

He turned back to Emperor Zheng Huang, his voice resolute. "Your Majesty, I ask for your just decision. The Crown Princess should bear no consequences for this man's crimes. She shares no blood with him. She is a woman of pure heart and mind, also a victim of his cruelty. She has been manipulated and mistreated by this man and his wife since childhood."

Emperor Zheng Huang rose, his face thunderous. "Yang Luoyang, you stand accused of corruption, conspiracy, and now multiple murders. How do you plead?"

Yang Luoyang's eyes darted wildly around the room, seeking an escape and finding none. His shoulders slumped in defeat. "Guilty," he spat. "I did it all. And I'd do it again!"

The Emperor's voice rang out, filled with righteous anger. "Then by the power vested in me, I sentence you to a torturous death for your crimes against the empire and its people. I also command to sever Yang Ning's connection with the Yang Family. From now on, she will bear the surname of Zheng and will take her husband's surname.

She has no connection to you and will face no punishment, for she is, as the Crown Prince said, a victim of your evil deeds."

A collective gasp echoed through the court at the severity of the Emperor's judgement. Yang Ning's eyes widened, a mix of shock and relief washing over her face as she realized the full implications of the Emperor's words. She was free – truly free – from the shadow of Yang Luoyang and the tainted legacy of the Yang family.

Zheng Liang's hand tightened protectively around Yang Ning's, a silent gesture of support and love. The corners of his mouth turned up slightly, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes at the justice being served.

Yang Luoyang's face contorted with fury and disbelief. As the guards moved to drag him away, he suddenly lunged towards Yang Ning, his eyes blazing with hatred. "This isn't over! You think you've won? You've made an enemy more dangerous than you can imagine!"

Struggling against the guards' grip, he continued to scream, his voice filled with venom. "Don't be so happy! I curse you, I curse you to die a painful death and lose everything, just like me, you bitch. You will die a cruel death and will lose everything!"

Zheng Liang stepped protectively in front of Yang Ning, his hand on his sword. "Your threats mean nothing now, Yang Luoyang. You've lost."

As Yang Luoyang was pulled from the court, his venomous words echoed behind him. "This is not the end! Mark my words, I will have my revenge!"

….n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

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The heavy doors slammed shut, leaving a stunned silence in their wake. Yang Ning stood tall, her face a mixture of grief, relief, and determination. Zheng Liang moved to her side, taking her hand in silent support.

Emperor Zheng Huang addressed the court, his voice grave. "Let this serve as a reminder to all. No one is above the law, and treachery will not be tolerated in our empire."

As the courtiers bowed in acknowledgment, Yang Ning and Zheng Liang exchanged a look. The truth had been revealed, and justice served, but Yang Luoyang's final threat hung in the air like a dark cloud.

…..

After the court ended, Zheng Liang carefully guided Yang Ning to the Dragon Pavilion. As soon as she stepped inside their chamber and Zheng Liang closed the door behind them, Yang Ning's composure, which had held strong throughout the ordeal, finally began to crumble. Her shoulders shook with silent sobs as the full weight of the revelations crashed down upon her.

Zheng Liang gently pulled her into his embrace, his strong arms offering comfort from the tumultuous emotions threatening to overwhelm her. "It's over now," he whispered softly in her ears, his hand stroking her back in soothing circles. "You're safe. You're free from his influence."

Yang Ning buried her face in his chest, allowing herself this moment of vulnerability. "How could I have been so blind?" she murmured, her voice muffled against his robes. "All these years..."

At this moment, Yang Ning was not Fang Li, but the heavy, overwhelming emotions of Yang Ning had taken over her. She felt the intense emotions of Yang Ning, experiencing her pain more heavily than ever before. The years of suppressed feelings, the betrayal, and the shock of recent revelations all crashed upon her at once.

Zheng Liang gently pulled her away from his chest, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. His eyes were filled with warmth and admiration as he spoke firmly, "You weren't blind. You were a victim of his manipulation. But look how far you've come. You've proven yourself to be stronger than all his schemes.

You not only stood strong against him but always took the right path, proving to everyone that you're different from him. I am proud of you!"

His words, filled with sincerity and love, washed over Yang Ning. She felt a small spark of warmth ignite in her chest, momentarily pushing back the overwhelming sorrow. Through her tears, she managed to give Zheng Liang a weak but grateful smile.

They stood in silence for a long moment, drawing comfort from each other's presence. As Yang Ning's tears gradually faded, Zheng Liang gently led her to the bed. The moment she sat down, her body sagged with exhaustion, every line of her frame betraying the toll the day had taken.

Zheng Liang knelt before her, cradling her hands in his, his touch warm and steady.

"What happens now?" Yang Ning's voice trembled, barely rising above a whisper.

Zheng Liang's eyes softened with love and determination. "Now, we build our future. Together. Without the shadow of Yang Luoyang hanging over us." His hand moved to rest gently on her abdomen, where their child grew. "We'll create a world where our child can grow up free from such deceit and cruelty."

Yang Ning managed a small smile, her hand joining his. "I hope our child inherits your strength and kindness."

"And your resilience and intelligence," Zheng Liang added with a soft chuckle.

As night fell, they prepared for bed, the events of the day weighing heavily on both their minds. Despite Zheng Liang's comforting presence, Yang Ning found herself unable to shake off a lingering sense of unease.

Zheng Liang noticed her distress and pulled her close. "Try to rest, my love," he murmured, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Tomorrow is a new day, and we'll face it together."

Yang Ning nodded, closing her eyes as she tried to let his steady heartbeat soothe her. But even as exhaustion weighed down her body, her mind refused to rest.

In the depth of the night, she began to toss and turn, her face contorted in discomfort. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, her breaths coming in uneven, soft whimpers escaping her lips as nightmares clawed at her peace.

The unease grew, her body tensing as the dream sank deeper, its grip tightening. Yang Ning was trapped in its grasp, struggling silently as the torment continued.

Her face, slick with sweat, twisted further in distress.