I woke up as the Villainous Empress

After the royal court session, Zheng Huang summoned both of his sons to his study. In a stern yet fatherly tone, he lectured them on the importance of choosing their words wisely in the royal court and emphasized the need to avoid unnecessary conflicts. The particular emphasis was directed at Zheng Liang, who occasionally let his emotions dictate his expressions without filtering his words.

As the Crown Prince and the future successor to the throne, Zheng Liang needed to grasp the intricacies of diplomacy. Winning the loyalty and cooperation of ministers was essential for a stable and effective rule. An Emperor's reign couldn't be peaceful if his ministers were not aligned with his vision, potentially leading to unrest in the Empire and unstable situations.

While Zheng Liang might not have uttered anything incorrect earlier in the courthouse, there was a crucial lesson for him to learn – the art of diplomacy. Provoking ministers and creating enemies regularly could threaten the stability of his future reign.

It was right for him to take action against those in the wrong and counter the ministers' objections when necessary. However, he needed to refine his communication style to sound authoritative without coming across as rude. The goal was for him to develop beneficial connections rather than build an army of enemies.

After receiving a lengthy lecture from their father about the principles of a peaceful reign, Zheng Liang and Zheng Xiang exited the study and left the Main Palace in silence. They refrained from exchanging any words, treating each other as if invisible.

As Zheng Liang prepared to board his black carriage adorned with golden artistic carvings and the royal emblem, Zheng Xiang, who had been silent throughout, finally spoke up, saying, "Thank you for supporting me earlier. I will not let you down and will prove to everyone that I am not the same as my mother."

Zheng Liang paused in his actions, turning to look back at his brother, who had noticeably matured over the years. He pursed his lips, feeling a surge of unexplainable emotions. It was undeniable that he had ignored and disliked Zheng Xiang ever since his mother passed away.

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It was difficult for Zheng Liang as a child to witness Yang Lingxin, who consistently caused problems for his mother, assume the role of Empress. The act of her pretending to be a great and generous figure when she wasn't was hard for Zheng Liang to accept.

Whenever Zheng Liang looked at Zheng Xiang's face, it served as a painful reminder of how Yang Lingxin tried to replace his mother as the Empress. Not only did she take the position of Empress, but she also attempted to position Zheng Xiang as the Crown Prince, trying to replace him as well, fueling his resentment.

Yet, as Zheng Xiang expressed gratitude, it echoed the words Yang Ning had spoken to him: "It was Yang Lingxin who wronged you, not Zheng Xiang. Just like you, that kid has also suffered since he was young because of the adults' decisions. He was separated from his family when he was young and has lived a lonely life."

"I understand that you've suffered all these years, and so has he. Don't you think it's a little unfair to treat him differently for the crimes his mother has committed? Also, if you hate Zheng Xiang because of his mother's actions, then you must hate me as well. After all, I am also the daughter of the man you hate the most."

Zheng Liang, I know that you have a soft spot for your brother. I heard that when Yang Lingxin was exiled, you ordered the guards to increase the security around Zheng Xiang's residence because you were worried that people might try to harm him just to release the anger that they have for Yang Lingxin.

If you care about him and can do things for him secretly, why not talk to him and try to mend this strained relationship? Just give it a try, alright?"

Thinking of Yang Ning's words, Zheng Liang took a deep breath and then looked at Zheng Xiang with a stoic expression. "There is no need. I only spoke the truth earlier." Feeling that his words were a bit cold and indifferent, he cleared his throat and added, "It was that woman who did wrong. There is no need for you to feel guilty and listen to others' criticisms.

You're the Prince of the Empire, so act like one. Be confident in yourself."

Zheng Xiang was expecting Zheng Liang to ignore him once again but was surprised when he heard him say such words. Is he the same brother who always pushed him away whenever he tried to go near him and play with him? From the hatred in his eyes to seeing the care in those cold eyes, it was a stark contrast for him.

Zheng Liang noticed Zheng Xiang's stunned expression, and a sense of awkwardness enveloped him. "Since you'll be resuming your duties in two days, you can return to your residence and rest," he stated. Quickly boarding the carriage, he intended to return to the Dragon Pavilion to join his wife for lunch.

However, when the carriage didn't move, Zheng Liang furrowed his brow and inquired coldly, "What are you doing? Why is the carriage not moving?"

Gu Lan, standing outside, pushed aside the window curtain of the carriage and answered, "Your Highness, the Crown Princess has invited Prince Zheng Xiang to the Dragon Pavilion for a meal. She has asked to bring you and Prince Zheng Xiang in the same carriage."

Zheng Liang frowned at his words. A meal with Zheng Xiang? Didn't they have a meal together yesterday? Why did Yang Ning invite him to the Dragon Pavilion this time?

Experiencing a headache, Zheng Liang couldn't fathom the thoughts of his mischievous wife. Why did she invite him for a meal? Remembering her excitement yesterday to meet Zheng Xiang, he felt a pang of jealousy in his heart.

He stared at Zheng Xiang coldly, who was standing down the carriage, and wondered inwardly, 'Why does he have to be so similar to me in looks? He turned out to be handsome, just like me. Hmph! Still, he can never beat my looks in terms of magnificence.'

"Yang Ning likes masculine men, just like me. Not a pretty boy like him." He repeated in a low whisper, reminding himself that in terms of looks, he is much better and closer to Yang Ning's type.

Since Zheng Liang couldn't refuse his wife's arrangements, he sighed and said to Zheng Xiang, who was standing outside, "Get on the carriage. Let's have a meal together. Your sister-in-law has invited you to the Dragon Pavilion."

Caught off guard by this change in plans, Zheng Xiang, who was preparing to walk towards his carriage, was left speechless. He hadn't expected Zheng Liang to heed his wife's words and invite him to the Dragon Pavilion for lunch. It seemed Zheng Liang listened to his wife more than he had anticipated.

With a defeated sigh, Zheng Xiang got on the carriage and sat adjacent to Zheng Liang. Throughout the journey, neither of them uttered a word, treating each other like strangers. The carriage was filled with awkwardness and helpless sighs.