I woke up as the Villainous Empress

"Why did she ask you for that promise? Did you say something to her at that time?" Zheng Liang asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

Zheng Huang pursed his lips upon hearing his son's suspicious question. He coughed awkwardly before responding, while avoiding his gaze, "I didn't say anything. Why would I say anything to her?"

"However, at that time, that woman was planning to select a new consort for you. There were some strange rumors about yours and Yang Ning's relationship.

Considering that it had been a few months since you both got married and there was no good news about a successor, she brought up the topic of finding a new consort for you," he explained, referring to the former empress, Yang Lingxin, as "that woman" to avoid using her name.

"I believe Yang Ning might have heard those rumors and our conversation back then, which is why she brought up that topic," he said with hesitation.

Noticing his son's darkened expression, Zheng Huang cleared his throat and said, "Anyway, we didn't really do anything. We were just talking. After giving my promise to Yang Ning, I haven't considered that matter even once. Even though that woman mentioned it a few more times, I asked her to stop.

So you don't need to worry about it," he hurriedly explained, concerned that his son might become upset about it.

Zheng Liang clenched his fists, his expression darkening upon learning that such discussions had taken place behind his back without his knowledge. Even Yang Ning hadn't mentioned anything about it.

He glared at his father and asked coldly, "How could you even entertain such thoughts? Even though you didn't act on it, the fact that you considered it before promising to Yang Ning is unacceptable. Didn't I make it clear that I would not take any consort other than Yang Ning? Then why was this matter even brought up and discussed?" Just the thought of it made him angry.

He remembered how earnestly Yang Ning had asked for his promise before their marriage. She had made no other requests or demands, solely asking that he refrain from taking any other consort or concubine after their wedding.

She had clearly stated that if he took any other consort or concubine, she would renounce her position and everything else, and leave him immediately. The mere discussion of this matter must have caused her great pain.

Upon being confronted by his son, Zheng Huang pursed his lips guiltily and explained, "It was just a passing thought. I hold Yang Ning in high regard. I would never want her to be wronged. Even if we had considered another consort at that time, Yang Ning would have remained the Crown Princess, and no one could replace her."

"Furthermore, after I made that promise to her, I never brought up the matter again, neither with you nor with her. I hold her in high esteem and respect her wishes. Despite all the rumors about your relationship with Yang Ning and the future successor of the Empire, have I ever mentioned anything?" he asked.

Zheng Liang felt a headache upon hearing his father's words. "Now what are people saying about our relationship? Don't tell me they're still spreading rumors about us?"

Zheng Huang let out a helpless sigh and responded, "I've heard rumors circulating about your relationship with Yang Ning. It's been almost a year since you both married, and next month will mark your first anniversary, yet there's been no news of an heir from Yang Ning."

"It's been almost a year and there is still no progress. Everyone is worried about the future successor and spreading rumors about Yang Ning's capability to-" He paused, clearing his throat before continuing, "Well, you don't need to worry about anything. I have already tasked someone to handle these rumors, and they'll dissipate soon. So don't worry."

"Although I care for my grandchildren, I am not as heartless as you think. Since I have taken Yang Ning as my daughter, I won't let anyone wrong her. No one can take her position. So don't worry."

After finishing his words, Zheng Huang looked up and realized that the dining room was empty, and he was talking to himself. He frowned and threw his hands in the air, exclaiming, "Now where did he go suddenly? How could he leave in the middle of the conversation?"

____

After listening to His Majesty's words, Zheng Liang hurriedly left the dining room to return to the Dragon Pavilion. He still couldn't believe that so many things were happening behind his back and he hadn't even realized it.

Although it was going to be a year since they married and there was no news of a child, he didn't mind it. As long as Yang Ning was by his side, he was the happiest man in the world. He believed that things would happen naturally, so there was no need to worry about anything.

However, even though he didn't mind such matters, there were people who might talk about their relationship, and all these rumors would affect Yang Ning. After all, societal rules were not the same for men and women. People must be questioning her and doubting her position as the Crown Princess for being unable to produce an heir.

He let out a worried sigh and quickened his pace to reach the Dragon Pavilion. Did she hear those rumors about people questioning her ability as the Crown Princess and doubting their relationship, and that was why she reacted that way?

If she really heard it, how hurt she must have been? She didn't even show anything to him and kept everything to herself. Such thoughts kept running in his mind as he made his way to the Pavilion.

With a sigh, he entered the Dragon Pavilion to talk to her. No matter what, he would not let her suffer alone.

If anything, the people spreading rumors should come to him first. He would provide them with appropriate answers to their curious questions so that they would never dare to spread rumors about the Crown Princess again.

Upon reaching the Dragon Pavilion, he approached his chamber. Before entering, he noticed Yang Ning's maid outside and quietly inquired, "Has Yang Ning had lunch yet?"

Xiaowei was taken aback by His Highness's question but quickly composed herself and replied politely, "Her Highness hasn't had lunch yet. She woke up late this morning and had breakfast, but she felt tired so she went back to sleep." She felt slightly embarrassed sharing these details, worried about how His Highness might perceive Yang Ning's actions.

Yang Ning had slept through the morning and only woke up around lunchtime. Despite having breakfast and taking a bath, she had returned to sleep. As her maid, Xiaowei felt hesitant to share these details, fearing that it might reflect poorly on Yang Ning.

Zheng Liang frowned upon hearing this. He pursed his lips, concerned. "She's sleeping again? Is she feeling unwell?" he asked, his worry evident in his voice.

Xiaowei shook her head. "I don't think so. She did seem tired, but she doesn't have a fever."

"It's not right. Summon a physician immediately," Zheng Liang instructed firmly. "It's not normal for her to be sleeping like this." He couldn't shake off his concern, especially after noticing Yang Ning's unusual behavior yesterday. He feared that stress might be taking a toll on her health, and he wanted to ensure she received proper care.

"Yes, Your Highness. I will do that immediately," Xiaowei responded promptly. Upon receiving the order, she hastened to call for the physician without delay.