I woke up as the Villainous Empress

Yang Ning reclined comfortably on Zhu Yating\'s bed, elegantly crossing one leg over the other. She nonchalantly twirled strands of her hair, a sly smirk playing on her lips as she provocatively locked eyes with Zhu Yating. With an air of mockery, she spoke, "Firstly, my husband knows every facet of who I am and loves me for it. No need for pretenses, unlike your little charade."

"Secondly, \'humiliate\'? Please, Zhu Yating, spare me the comedy. Who was it spreading rumors about me to everyone? Certainly not me." Yang Ning arched her eyebrows, a hint of disdain in her tone. This time, she dropped the formal address, opting to use Zhu Yating\'s name, further fueling the already visible vexation in her rival.

Zhu Yating furrowed her brow, struggling to grasp the intent behind Yang Ning\'s words. It became increasingly evident that this woman hadn\'t paid a visit with the intention of forming a friendship.

Observing Zhu Yating\'s perplexed stance, Yang Ning couldn\'t resist a scornful chuckle before addressing her, "Forgetful, aren\'t you? Have you conveniently lost your memory of how you sowed seeds of doubt at the party, convincing the ladies that my marital harmony was a pretense and that I couldn\'t bear an heir to the Empire?

Or perhaps the memory of accusing me of cheating to win the archery game, insinuating I used immoral tactics?"

She continued, her voice sharp, "And let\'s not overlook your gossip about how I mistreated my stepmother and framed her, questioning my worthiness as the Crown Princess. Just because I choose not to dignify your comments with a response doesn\'t mean I am oblivious to your actions."

"I may not grace gatherings with my presence as often as you do, but rest assured, I am well-informed about what others say about me. I maintained my silence at the Guo Residence, choosing to ignore you, yet I have heard whispers that you didn\'t cease discussing me at the following gatherings. Do you truly believe I am the forgiving type?"

"I am not a saint, as you rightly pointed out. I will reciprocate the treatment I receive. Extend a friendly hand, and I would embrace it with a smile. Yet, since you have opted for mudslinging, expect nothing less than a response in kind. The choice is yours—remain my eternal enemy or embrace friendship. What\'s your decision?"

Yang Ning locked eyes with unwavering confidence, a subtle smirk gracing her lips as she issued a final caution, "Bear in mind, I am the Crown Princess, held in high regard by both my husband and family. You understand the importance of being loved by the Crown Prince, the future Emperor, don\'t you? A few well-chosen words from me can tarnish your precious reputation. Test me, if you dare."

Yang Ning was keenly aware of Zhu Yating\'s envy regarding her harmonious relationship with Zheng Liang. After all, Zhu Yating had once been on the verge of becoming Zheng Liang\'s second consort, only to end up marrying a man twice her age.

In the novel, Zhu Yating had not become Zheng Liang\'s consort, but the circumstances were different. Zheng Liang\'s hesitance then stemmed from a desire to avoid involvement in royal court affairs. Already married to Yang Ning, who was Yang Luoyang\'s daughter, he was not inclined to take on a second consort with ties to the royal court.

This time, however, his refusal was based on a commitment to Yang Ning as his only wife and the future Empress. Yang Ning deliberately highlighted her blissful union in front of Zhu Yating, aiming to stoke the flames of jealousy.

By showcasing her happiness and emphasizing Zhu Yating\'s limited options, Yang Ning sought to compel Zhu Yating to recognize the true nature of their difference in positions and extend a hand of friendship. Yang Ning was well aware that Zhu Yating could be the key to controlling Wang Rong and potentially undermining Yang Luoyang altogether.

Zhu Yating stood frozen, staring at Yang Ning in disbelief. Her hands trembled with nervousness as she hadn\'t anticipated Yang Ning to be so straightforward and bold with her words. What she initially perceived as a potential mind game turned out to be Yang Ning laying all her cards on the table, compelling Zhu Yating to make a crucial decision about which side to take.

Zhu Yating pursed her lips, feeling a cold sweat forming on her back. She realized that this woman was dangerous; she had underestimated her. This was not someone who could be easily intimidated. Observing Yang Ning\'s behavior, Zhu Yating could tell that she wasn\'t joking and could potentially ruin her reputation if she did not align herself with her.

Yang Ning\'s eyes bore a warning. As the Crown Princess, her status commanded respect. Following the tea party at the Guo Residence, Yang Ning\'s reputation in social circles had soared. The ladies praised her for her kind personality and exceptional skills. Notably, she had formed close connections with Lady Guo Yurong and Madam Liu, two of the most esteemed ladies in the capital.

These alliances solidified Yang Ning\'s standing, making it clear to Zhu Yating that crossing her could have significant repercussions within the social hierarchy.

Zhu Yating recognized that there was no longer any chance for her to prevail against Yang Ning. The balance of power had shifted, and the odds were now heavily in Yang Ning\'s favor.

After contemplating all the potential outcomes, Zhu Yating took a deep breath and clenched her fists. Summoning her courage, she forced herself to say, "Fine! I understand what you mean. I... I apologize for my words and actions before. I didn\'t mean to tarnish Your Highness\'s reputation.

I sincerely ask for your generosity and pardon me." With genuine remorse, she bowed before Yang Ning, offering a sincere apology.

Zhu Yating despised herself for making such a compromise, but she saw no alternative but to seek forgiveness. The looming threat of Wang Rong, who worked at the Royal Palace, added an urgency to her decision—any consequences due to her strained relationship with the Crown Princess could be fatal.

That man would kill her if her strained relationship with Yang Ning affected his work or reputation at the royal court.

Despite her deep-seated animosity towards Yang Ning, Zhu Yating recognized the practical choice for self-preservation. While not exceptionally intelligent, she wasn\'t foolish either; she understood where her true interests lay. In the face of her resentment towards Yang Ning, Zhu Yating prioritized her life above all else.

Even if it meant submitting to what she deemed a "witch," she was willing to endure it to safeguard her existence.

Yang Ning\'s lips curled into a satisfied smile as she observed Zhu Yating bowing before her. With a pleased expression, she said, "I\'m glad you\'re intelligent enough to make the right decision for yourself. Since you\'ve apologized, I won\'t prolong this further and will forgive you. In return, I expect your true loyalty; I don\'t appreciate those who backstab for generosity."

"Remember, if I can be your friend, it won\'t take me long to become your biggest enemy. Understand?"

Zhu Yating pursed her lips but nodded, realizing she had no choice but to become friends with Yang Ning—better than facing her as an enemy.

Seeing Zhu Yating agree, Yang Ning smiled and clapped her hands, "That\'s great. Now that we have resolved our misunderstanding, I will take my leave. I have important work at the palace but don\'t worry, I will visit you again, my friend." Yang Ning stood up, shook hands with Zhu Yating, and walked past her, opening the chamber door to leave.

Zhu Yating stood in a daze, watching Yang Ning depart, muttering, "What\'s wrong with this woman? Did she come here just for this?" She wondered aloud.