I woke up as the Villainous Empress

"I was simply saying that it's possible as long as we remain careful and use certain positions."

"And who said it's only for you? Did you know that women become more sensitive during this time and crave pleasure more than usual? Do you think only you have desires? What about me? Am I not human? Or do you see me as some kind of animal for mentioning it?" Yang Ning retorted, glaring at him, feeling annoyed by his reaction.

She was already embarrassed when bringing up the topic, and his response only made it worse. She simply wanted to share the news that, despite her pregnancy, they wouldn't need to restrain themselves too much, but he poured cold water all over her feelings.

Seeing Yang Ning getting angry, Zheng Liang pursed his lips, feeling guilty for overreacting.

He was just worried that being intimate while she was pregnant might pose risks to her or the baby. More than that, he was concerned that she might have misunderstood him as someone who would seek comfort elsewhere while she was pregnant, and he wanted to reassure her otherwise.

After his conversation with His Majesty earlier, he was anxious that she might doubt his promise and commitment to her. He cleared his throat awkwardly and said in a low voice, guiltily, "I didn't mean that. I was simply worried about your health."

"I am sorry. Please don't be angry. Hmm?" He said while hugging her shoulders and massaging her stiff neck and shoulders.

Yang Ning was easily persuaded when he started to massage her stiff neck and shoulders. She didn't say anything and closed her eyes, enjoying the pampering, and moaned softly as he worked his hands over her tense muscles.

"To the right. Yes, Yes. Little higher. Don't press it too hard," she directed him, her voice a low whisper filled with pleasure.

"Ermm… It hurts. Do it lightly. Yes, caress it just like that. It feels amazing," she continued, relishing the sensation.

As she guided him through the massage, Zheng Liang couldn't help but feel his ears flush with embarrassment at the suggestive sounds she was making. He wondered if she was genuinely unaware of the effect her words and moans were having on him, or if she was intentionally teasing him.

Despite his internal struggle, he focused on the task at hand, applying just the right amount of pressure to the tense spots on her neck and shoulders. Soon, Yang Ning, who had been wide awake earlier, drifted off to sleep again in his embrace, feeling relaxed and content.

Seeing Yang Ning asleep like this, with her documents still scattered on the blanket, Zheng Liang carefully gathered them up. He began reading through each one, using a writing brush to mark points needing revision or further scrutiny before signing.

Even though he couldn't physically create products like Yang Ning, Zheng Liang realized he could assist her by handling paperwork and organizing contracts to alleviate her burden. With her decision to pursue this business, he was determined to provide his full support and contribute in any way he could.

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The following morning, with no morning royal court session scheduled, Yang Ning and Zheng Liang decided to visit His Majesty and accompany him for breakfast.

Yesterday, upon learning of Yang Ning's pregnancy, they made the decision to keep the news private for the time being. Zheng Liang instructed Xiaowei, Master Jiang, and Hou Wei not to disclose the news to anyone yet.
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Given the complexity of the situation at court, Zheng Liang was concerned that revealing the pregnancy could potentially bring unnecessary problems and danger to Yang Ning and the child, something he was determined to avoid.

However, while they couldn't share the news with everyone, they believed it was important for His Majesty to be informed about his grandchild. Therefore, they planned to visit the Main Palace to inform His Majesty and bring him the joy of this news.

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In the dining room, Zheng Huang settled into the head chair of the table alone to have his breakfast when the guard stationed outside announced Zheng Liang and Yang Ning's arrival.

Surprised and delighted, Zheng Huang smiled warmly as Zheng Liang and Yang Ning entered together to join him for breakfast.

As he aged, dining alone became increasingly depressing and lonely. Since Yang Lingxin's exile, he had been left to eat and drink tea alone, reminiscing about the times they had shared. Once his most beloved consort and companion in his old age, had now become a poison in his life.

Seeing his son and daughter-in-law coming to join him for breakfast, Zheng Huang was elated and stood up to welcome Yang Ning. "If you were coming, you should have let me know beforehand. I would have asked the kitchen to prepare your favorite dishes," the old man said warmly as he pulled Yang Ning to sit next to him.

"Father, you don't need to worry about anything. I am fine with anything," Yang Ning said politely.

Zheng Liang naturally sat beside Yang Ning and, before taking his seat, he didn't forget to pull out her chair for her. He even asked a maid to bring a small cushion for her to rest her back against.

Zheng Huang noticed his son's caring gestures towards Yang Ning and was pleased by his actions. At least he had learned something about how to please a woman.

Yesterday, he had come to accompany Zheng Huang for lunch because it seemed like he had an argument with Yang Ning. It appeared that they had resolved their differences since they came together today.

While the servants arranged cutlery for Zheng Liang and Yang Ning, the old man asked, "You both came suddenly. Is there anything you want to say to me?" He asked curiously.

Zheng Liang glanced at Yang Ning with a smile, then cleared his throat and said, "There is indeed something that I need to tell you about. However, let's wait for a while."

Yang Ning nodded and added, "Yes, let's wait for a while. I have asked someone to call Zheng Xiang over. We will say it after he joins us as well," she said with a smile.

Zheng Huang raised his brows in surprise, not expecting them to call Zheng Xiang over. What could be so important that they want everyon to be present?

"What do you want to talk about that everyone should be present?" Zheng Huang asked in confusion.

He glanced at his son, who seemed to have had a disagreement with Yang Ning yesterday, and asked in disbelief, "You… did you say anything to Yang Ning? Are you planning to bring a new consort for yourself? Never! I cannot allow that. I have promised Yang Ning.

I will never allow you to break that," he exclaimed, slamming his hand on the table loudly, causing the maids to flinch in worry and nervousness.

Zheng Liang almost spilled the water that he was drinking and stared at his father in disbelief. "What nonsense are you speaking about? Why would I bring a new consort? Don't imagine things on your own," he warned him, afraid that Yang Ning would misunderstand him.

"If not a consort, then what is it? Didn't we talk about it yesterday? You were-"

Zheng Huang assumed that Zheng Liang got upset yesterday after hearing about the promise he made to Yang Ning because he wanted to bring a new consort. Otherwise, why would he get upset over it? Yesterday he left like that, and now both of them came to talk about something important. It must be related to this matter.

Zheng Liang's eyes widened, worried that his father would reveal their conversation from yesterday, and immediately interrupted him, "Don't speak nonsense. It's not like that. We have something important to talk about, which is why I came. Don't imagine things," he said firmly, even forgetting to being polite to his father who is not only his father but also the Emperor.