I woke up as the Villainous Empress

Chapter 381 Disappointment

~Main Palace~

After the morning royal court session ended, Zheng Liang accompanied his father, His Majesty to his study to discuss the upcoming celebration of his first wedding anniversary.

Zheng Huang sat on his throne-like chair, crafted from rich mahogany and intricately carved with dragon motifs. The chair was upholstered in crimson velvet, with gold-embroidered patterns, and supported by a small silk cushion at the back for added comfort. The elegant setting exuded royal sophistication, reflecting the grandeur of the ancient Chinese Empire.

He looked at his son and asked, "So, what is your plan for the celebration of your first wedding anniversary banquet? It's only two weeks away; we have little time to waste here." He spoke frankly, taking a delicate porcelain cup from the table before him and sipping his hot milk tea, which he had requested instead of his usual fragrant tea imported from another kingdom.

The milk tea, introduced to him by Yang Ning, was made from locally grown tea leaves. The aroma of the tea mingled with the rich scent of milk and honey, creating a comforting and indulgent drink. Not only was it economical, but it also supported the local economy. How could he not follow his daughter-in-law's lead in promoting local produce over imported goods?

Zheng Liang pursed his lips, playing with a jade-dragon-shaped paperweight in his hand. The paperweight, cool and smooth to the touch, was a symbol of his status and authority. He answered seriously, "The banquet preparations are going well. Court Lady Yu Ling is overseeing the arrangements, including the decor and food, and Lady Zhu is working on Yang Ning's outfit and jewelry.

Gu Lan is handling the security. Everything is well-organized and will be completed on time. His Majesty need not worry about anything."

Zheng Huang nodded, acknowledging his son's ability to manage everything so efficiently. However, his concern was not the banquet preparations; it was something more pressing. He paused, looking at his son meaningfully before asking again, "And what about the matter you wanted to handle before the banquet? Didn't you say you want to announce Yang Ning's pregnancy on your first wedding anniversary?

It's only two weeks away. Are you sure you will eliminate the danger to my daughter-in-law and grandchild by then?" His voice turned cold and stern.

In his old age, he had only one wish left: to see his children together, happy, and healthy.

Seeing them grow closer and their relationship becoming less strained and more harmonious, thanks to Yang Ning, brought him immense joy and peace. However, a part of him was disappointed as well. Despite coming to the Main Palace, Zheng Xiang had only asked for Zheng Liang specifically and had not even come to greet him.

If Zheng Xiang could, he would never want to even see his father's face. But due to official matters, there are times when he cannot avoid meeting His Majesty, especially in the royal court. Now, since they're not in a royal court meeting, he would rather meet with Zheng Liang than face his father.

Though Zheng Xiang has many issues with Zheng Liang as well, compared to his father, he doesn't harbor as much hatred. After all, both of them were children when their lives were turned upside down. Even though their father didn't act intentionally, he neglected his responsibilities as a father, thus ruining both their childhoods.

That is why Zheng Xiang's coldness toward his father was greater than that toward his brother, who also had reason to harbor resentment against him.

Zheng Huang sighed in disappointment and waved his hand at Zheng Liang, "You go and meet your brother. He must have come for an important matter."

Zheng Liang looked at his father's disappointed expression and could sense his effort to conceal his emotions. However, he knew he was not in a position to mend the relationship between father and son. After all, he didn't have a good relationship with Zheng Xiang either.

He gazed at his father and said, "You do not need to worry about the banquet. Before the celebration, I will eliminate anyone who is trying to harm Yang Ning and my child. I will not allow them any chance to harm my family."

"You also don't need to worry about anything; we will handle everything. As for Zheng Xiang...", he paused, reflecting on the child who had grown into a mature man, "Zheng Xiang is not a child anymore. He is an adult, mature, and responsible person. I am sure he will manage his position responsibly and everything will go well."

Zheng Huang nodded and allowed Zheng Liang to leave.