I woke up as the Villainous Empress

Chapter 370 Anniversary!

"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."

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.