I woke up as the Villainous Empress

Mass Release Event - 1/3

After learning that all the documents from the finance department had been taken by Zheng Xiang's subordinate for further investigation, Yang Luoyang was in a panic.

"This man has just been appointed as the Financial Inspector. Why is he delving into matters that have been left untouched for years?" Yang Luoyang wondered frantically.

Hurriedly, he made his way to Zheng Xiang's office to meet with him. Despite Zheng Xiang appearing to be under the influence of Zheng Liang and His Majesty, Yang Luoyang still held hope that as Yang Lingxin's son, he would support him and work together to seek revenge on Zheng Liang.

After all, it was because of Zheng Liang that his mother's life was ruined. Publicly humiliated, she was exiled and stripped of her position as Empress, reduced to nothing more than a traitor.

Though Zheng Xiang may have returned to the palace at His Majesty's request, surely he must still harbor resentment toward his so-called brother and father for their treatment of his mother.

—

When Zheng Xiang received the message that Yang Luoyang had come to meet him, he closed the document he was reading and carefully set it aside before looking up at the man who came to relay the message to him. "Didn't I say I don't want to be disturbed by anyone? Why did you not send him away and come here to deliver this message?"

The man pursed his lips, responding hesitantly, "Your Highness, I did ask him to leave and not disturb you, but he insisted he had something important to discuss about your... mother. He wanted me to relay this message to you, which is why I came to inform you."

Zheng Xiang fell into a momentary silence before nodding. "Very well. Take him to the tea room. I will join him shortly. And keep a close eye on him there. Don't allow him to roam around the place unnecessarily."
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Instead of allowing Yang Luoyang to enter his office for the discussion, Zheng Xiang instructed the man to escort him to the tea room, a more appropriate setting for guest meetings.

Considering Yang Luoyang was already under suspicion for involvement in corrupt activities, Zheng Xiang couldn't risk allowing him access to sensitive areas where the confidential documents were placed.

Upon receiving Zheng Xiang's instructions, the man nodded and left to guide Yang Luoyang to the tea room.

After the messenger departed, Zheng Xiang's gaze fell upon the towering stack of documents on his desk, prompting an involuntary sigh. He had just assumed the position of financial inspector, and his workload was already overwhelming.

"Sometimes I wonder if I earned this position, or if it's just another form of punishment," he mused aloud, questioning whether Zheng Liang's intentions were truly brotherly or if this appointment was another means of torment.

___

In the tea room, Yang Luoyang sat anxiously, scanning the room as he awaited Zheng Xiang's arrival. He refrained from touching the tea and snacks arranged before him.

The silence was broken when the door creaked open, and Zheng Xiang entered, donning his uniform—a blue robe with a white belt—emanating authority and dignity.

"Greetings, Your Highness," Yang Luoyang greeted, rising from his chair.

Zheng Xiang waved dismissively and took his seat opposite Yang Luoyang. "No need for formalities. Address me by my title when I am in uniform," he clarified.

Zheng Xiang thanked the maid who served him tea and took a sip before addressing Yang Luoyang. "Minister Yang, what brings you here? If you don't have anything important to say, then I will take my leave. As you must know, I am quite busy."

Yang Luoyang forced a smile, though his teeth were clenched. "Yes, I am aware of Inspector Xiang's busy schedule since assuming his position," he replied, using Zheng Xiang's working title instead of his royal status.

"In that case, I won't waste your time and would get to the point. Inspector Xiang, before you came, many things happened at the palace behind your back," Yang Luoyang said, his voice low and slightly dull, pretending to be saddened by what had occurred.

"I am sure you must have heard about what happened to your mother. Even though Yang Ning is my daughter, I am ashamed to claim the same. I cannot believe that she conspired against the Empress to bring her down."

"If she had not secretly sent the incense sample to Master Jiang to get checked, nothing would have happened. Because of her, not only was the former Empress humiliated, but you also had to face some prejudices at the royal court," he spoke, as if implying that everything happened because of Yang Ning.

Zheng Xiang raised his brows in amusement and asked, "So Minister Yang, are you claiming that the Crown Princess framed my mother to get rid of her for power and greed?"

Yang Luoyang had a subtle smile on his face when he heard this. However, he hurriedly hid his expression and said seriously, "I do not know about it. The evidence present was not definitive enough to prove the former Empress guilty."

"Also, even if the former Empress made a mistake, as the daughter-in-law of the Zheng family, she should have been magnanimous and generous when dealing with family affairs."

"Rather than being a bridge between family members, she urged the Crown Prince to punish the former Empress harshly in front of everyone, causing chaos throughout the Empire. The former Empress was exiled, and the Yang clan's name was humiliated. Not only that, but only a few months later, Yang Ning began to take on responsibilities in the palace, managing the administrative matters."

"It was as if she was waiting for this to take over the former Empress's position," Yang Luoyang said, hoping to instill some negative thoughts.

"Inspector Xiang, I used to be a close confidant of Empress Yang Lingxin. That's why I feel for you. Instead of being the Financial Inspector, you deserve to be the next successor of the Empire. If the Empress were still here, I am sure she would have fought tooth and nail to ensure you received the power and respect you truly deserve."

Zheng Xiang's lips curled into a mocking smirk as he listened to Yang Luoyang's words and asked curtly, "Minister Yang, I don't understand what you're talking about. Can you speak frankly about why you came here and how I can assist you?"

Yang Luoyang frowned at his distant attitude, but he swallowed his anger and continued with a smile, "Inspector Xiang, as your mother's close confidant, I want to offer my support to you. Many people oppose you in the royal court, but I know you're a young, deserving man capable of leading this nation to greatness.

If we join forces, you can attain the power and position you deserve, far beyond that of a mere financial inspector." He spoke with a hidden meaning in his words.