I woke up as the Villainous Empress

"I can't believe that it's finally happening. I'm going to become a grandfather. It feels like a dream," the old man said, his disbelief evident in his wide smile. Placing a hand on his chest, he tried to calm his racing heart.

Feeling a mix of happiness and nervousness, he wondered if he would be able to play his role well and become a good grandfather to this child. Now, he understood why people cherished the interest more than the principal. He wasn't even this excited when his wife became pregnant with Zheng Liang as he is now upon hearing the news about his grandchild.

He felt so overjoyed that if he could, he would gather all the jewels in the world for his grandchild. Not even when he defeated his major enemies and took charge of their lands, expanding the empire, had he felt this level of happiness.

It was truly a magical feeling.

"Yang Ning, Zheng Liang mentioned that you weren't feeling well yesterday? From now on, you don't need to worry about palace affairs. I will ask someone else to handle them. Your focus should be on your health and the baby. I don't want you to exhaust yourself with work," the old man said, emphasizing the importance of conserving her energy.

Yang Ning shook her head and replied, "Father, please don't worry about anything. Both the child and I are in good health. I am taking my meals and the medicines sent by Master Jiang on time, so there is no need for concern. As for the palace affairs, I can manage them. If you hand over my responsibilities to someone else, I will feel undervalued and upset," she said, her lips slightly pouting.

Zheng Huang was dumbfounded by her response and smiled helplessly. "If you enjoy the work that much, then continue. Just ensure it doesn't compromise your health. Your well-being comes first," he emphasized.

Yang Ning smiled and nodded in agreement.

Zheng Xiang cleared his throat and awkwardly added, "If you need any help, feel free to ask me anytime. I will do whatever I can to assist you with your tasks."

Yang Ning raised her eyebrows in surprise and gave him a bright smile. "Thank you, I will keep that in mind."

Seeing Zheng Xiang mingling with everyone and becoming comfortable with his surroundings, Zheng Huang felt at ease. He glanced at Yang Ning and could see that it was all because of her that his two sons weren't too awkward around each other and could have meals together without starting arguments.

'This child will only bring more happiness with it,' he thought to himself.

The old man clapped his hands and exclaimed, "I have decided! I will throw a grand banquet to announce this news to everyone. I should start preparing for it soon. Everyone should know that I am going to become a grandfather."

However, Zheng Liang halted his excitement, saying, "Father, You can't do that! Master Jiang said that the first three months are quite sensitive and crucial. We shouldn't reveal this news just yet. Also, I have some things to sort out before that."

"We should not hold a banquet yet to announce this news to everyone. She is two months pregnant, and one month is still remaining in her second trimester. It's for the sake of Yang Ning and the child in her womb. That's why I arranged this lunch meeting as an informal way to reveal this news, rather than visiting you formally at the main hall," Zheng Liang explained his plan.

Dealing with Yang Luoyang would take some time, but who would have thought that Yang Ning would get pregnant in the meantime. Now he has to rush his plans to deal with that trash man to make things more harmonious and safe for Yang Ning.

Zheng Huang pursed his lips, thinking about Zheng Liang's words, and nodded. The incident with Yang Lingxin happened only a few months back, and they cannot afford for something like that to happen with Yang Ning, who might be carrying the future successor of the empire in her womb.

He looked up at Zheng Liang and said, "You're right. We cannot risk her health by revealing this news to everyone so soon. However, we won't be able to hide this news for long. Soon her bulging bump will start to show, and rumors might spread at the palace."

"How about this? At the start of next month, we have your one-year anniversary. We can throw a huge banquet and reveal it at the happy occasion. This way, you will also get some time to think about the matters, and everyone will be happy about this news. It will serve as a huge celebration for everyone. What do you think?"

Zheng Xiang also nodded, agreeing to this suggestion, and added, "I also think this will be the best way to deal with this matter. Broth— You should deal with your matters soon. If you need any help, you can ask me." He said, looking away to avoid an eye-contact with Zheng Liang. He almost called him brother, but before he could complete his words, he felt everyone's eyes on him and felt awkward.

It hadn't been even a week since he returned, so things like family meetings were still strange and awkward to him. However, having lunch with everyone and discussing matters together like this, not in the main hall like officials but at the dining table, felt more harmonious, as if they had become a proper family now.

Did that mean he was also a part of their family, and not a stranger who had been abandoned by his family and forced to live outside the palace all his life?

Yang Ning smiled, relieved to see Zheng Xiang engaging in the discussion rather than avoiding it as if it didn't matter to him. It indicated that he wasn't indifferent towards the family and still cared about their well-being.

It seemed that Yang Lingxin's exile had a positive impact, and for now, he didn't harbor any negative thoughts against Zheng Liang or had any ill-intentions to destroy Zheng Liang like he did in the novel.

With a sigh of relief, she glanced at Zheng Liang and subtly signaled him with her eyes. Catching Yang Ning's pointed gaze, Zheng Liang coughed hesitantly and said, "Alright. I will reach out to you if I need any help. So, for now, let's follow Father's suggestion. We should keep this news to ourselves and wait until next month."

"Father, you should also be cautious. Don't let this news slip from your mouth. You can inform Court Lady Yu Ling, as she will be a great help in guiding Yang Ning during this period and ensuring the secret remains safe," Zheng Liang advised, reminding his father not to reveal the secret to anyone else.

Zheng Huang frowned, "What do you take me for? Do I seem like someone who can't keep a secret? I am the Emperor of the Empire; of course, I can keep secrets." He cleared his throat and turned to Yang Ning, "Yang Ning, my dear, if my foolish son mistreats you in any way, come to me. I will handle him. Alright?"

Zheng Liang shook his head in helplessness, pretending to be oblivious to the conversation.