I woke up as the Villainous Empress

Chapter 229: [Bonus chapter]Crown Princess?

Zheng Liang raised his eyebrows, observing the woman who stood before him, smiling awkwardly and pursing her lips in hesitation. Her hands trembled with nervousness.

Feeling Zheng Liang's scrutinizing gaze, Hou Wei hesitated briefly before speaking, "Your Highness, I've heard from the Master that you were injured. I have brought herbal tea for you."

"It will not only warm you but also nourish your body. Please, have it." With these words, she passed him a teacup, specially brewed for his benefit.

She had brought the herbal tea for Zheng Liang as a gesture of sincerity and a demonstration of her willingness to work at the palace as the first female nurse, as well as Master Jiang's disciple. She aimed to make a favorable impression on him, hoping to convey a positive image of herself.

By serving tea that would be beneficial to his health, she intended to reflect her dedication and thoughtful consideration, traits she hoped would be valued in her new role at the palace.

Zheng Liang did not take the tea cup or respond directly to her but instead turned to the old man sitting opposite him. "Master Jiang, I believe in your decision. I am confident that you would select your disciple with great care," he said. Though he did not address Hou Wei directly, his words served as an indirect compliment to Master Jiang's decision.

Although the appointment of a woman as a nurse in the royal medicine department could create chaos in the palace—since it would be the first time in the history of the Zheng Empire that a woman would be awarded such a prestigious position as Master Jiang's disciple—Zheng Liang was nonetheless satisfied with this decision.

His trust lay in Master Jiang's judgment, and he believed that it was the right choice. More than that, he was aware of this woman's compassion and empathy for the people, and he recognized her genuine concern for their suffering.

It seems like the text cuts off abruptly, but I'll revise what you've provided:

The memory surged back, as vivid as if it had happened only yesterday, leaving her momentarily lost for words.

At that time, she had been wearing casual, common clothing, but now she was adorned in an off-white, elegant dress, complemented by a matching woolen cloak. She looked different from their previous encounter, yet Hou Wei was sure it was the same woman.

After drinking the herbal tea, which soothed her dry throat, Yang Ning calmed down and finally caught her breath. Taking a deep breath to control herself, she looked up to find Zheng Liang's concerned gaze.

"Do you feel better now?" Zheng Liang asked, worry in his eyes as he tenderly patted her back.

Yang Ning nodded at him and smiled. "I am fine. It was nothing," she said, taking another sip of the tea to further ease her throat. While she was recovering from her coughing spell and enjoying the relief the tea provided, she noticed Hou Wei's strange expression.

"Ah! You... You are... How come you are here?" Hou Wei asked in bewilderment, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Master Jiang raised his brows at Hou Wei's casual tone toward the Crown Princess and frowned, his voice stern. "Hou Wei, what is this behavior? Is this how you speak to the Crown Princess?"

"Crown Princess?" Hou Wei asked in disbelief, unsure if she'd heard correctly. Her mind raced, trying to reconcile the image of the Crown Princess fighting against a thug in the market to save someone.

Why would the Crown Princess do such a thing, just to protect some stranger on the streets? The questions only added to her confusion and astonishment.