I woke up as the Villainous Empress

After a week-long suspension from the royal court, Zheng Liang returned to the royal court and resumed his role as Crown Prince.

With work accumulating, most of the ministers heaved a sigh of relief at Zheng Liang's return. However, a select few who had enjoyed their increased authority during his absence viewed his return with less enthusiasm.

Following Master Jiang's instructions, Zheng Liang began managing his tasks, though he was advised not to overexert himself or engage in any strenuous activity until his wounds were fully healed.

While having faced far worse in the past, such injuries might seem minor to Zheng Liang, Yang Ning was deeply concerned about his recovery. She ensured he didn't disregard even a single word from Master Jiang.

She also ordered all the maids, guards, and even Gu Lan to report directly to her if Zheng Liang failed to adhere to any of Master Jiang's instructions or overexert himself. With such intense oversight, Zheng Liang was compelled to follow Master Jiang's strict guidelines and dietary recommendations closely to hasten his recovery; otherwise, Yang Ning would never allow him in their chamber.

"Being an obedient husband isn't easy," sighed Zheng Liang, glancing from the document in his hands to the bitter medicine before him.

Standing behind Zheng Liang, Gu Lan blinked and cleared his throat with an awkward air. 'It's not easy being the guard of a husband banished from his chamber,' he shook his head and sighed with a tone of resignation.

Although Zheng Liang was the one kicked out of his chamber to the guest room, his mood swings were unsettling everyone around him and making everyone conscious of him.

"Have there been any updates on the bandits?" Zheng Liang inquired, having just downed the bitter medicine in a single gulp.

It had been over two weeks since their carriage was ambushed by a group of over 20 bandits. Though he had tasked Gu Lan with investigating the incident, his suspension from the royal court had hindered his involvement.

Gu Lan stepped forward, standing directly before Zheng Liang. "The attackers weren't the local bandits, but well-trained assassins. The arrows and swords they wielded against us were of high caliber, seeming beyond the reach of mere local bandits." he began.

"On your request, Master Jiang examined the bodies and discovered a peculiar small black dot behind each of their ears. At a glance, it appeared to be a mere mole, but it was present on each one of them."

"It was not a natural mark. It seems to serve as an identification, indicating they all belong to a specific group. I am working on tracing their origins and uncovering their identities, but it may take time. One thing is clear though: they weren't after the gold or grain in the carriage that day. You, Your Highness, were their primary target," Gu Lan reported gravely.

Zheng Liang closed the document on the table that he was reading and pursed his lips in contemplation. Until now, he had faced covert threats and veiled dangers. But this was the first time someone had brazenly and openly dared to attack him.

Evidently, his enemy was bolder and more perilous than he had initially estimated. A foe willing to strike once would surely strike again, perhaps even more than once if deemed necessary.

His concerns weren't centered on his well-being but rather on Yang Ning's. Their fates had become intertwined, and any harm that befell him could have extreme consequences for her. He feared it might not only affect her emotionally but could also place her in imminent danger.

Drawing in a deep breath, he ordered, "Continue to delve deeper into this matter. And also, keep a close watch on the members of the royal court, particularly Yang Luoyang. I can't shake off the suspicion that he's somehow involved."

"That guy... If he could watch his daughter almost die from a fever, he could try to get rid of me to get more power. If they had gotten me, it would have been good for him. I am the main obstacle standing in his way, after all." Zheng Liang said out loud.

Gu Lan looked serious and asked, "Should we also keep an eye on the Princess? That day she was also in the carriage and is his daughter, so maybe-"

Before he could finish his words, Zheng Liang gave him a sharp look. "Stop! I trust Yang Ning. She might be Yang Luoyang's daughter, but she surely doesn't have a part in this. If she did, she wouldn't have saved me." His expression softened when thinking of her.

Before their marriage, he feared that Yang Ning might side with Yang Luoyang and work against him in the palace. But after watching her for the past few months, he was confident she wasn't like that.

He might make mistakes, but he's usually right about judging people. He was sure that Yang Ning wasn't involved in that incident.

Zheng Liang vividly recalled how she had courageously shot an arrow at the assailant to protect him. Witnessing her tears and tremors later, he was convinced of her innocence.

She was scared of witnessing such a gruesome scene in front of her yet despite her fear, she got up and tried to save him. Though she has Yang Luoyang's blood running in her veins, Zheng Liang is convinced she doesn't possess his venomous nature.

"Assign a few trusted guards to discreetly keep an eye on the Princess. If they targeted me, she could be their next mark," Zheng Liang instructed.

Gu Lan nodded in understanding, "Understood, Your Highness." He then departed from the study room to make the necessary arrangements.

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