I woke up as the Villainous Empress

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Despite these norms, Yang Ning, who considered Xiaowei more as a close friend than a servant, chose to bend the rules and established the ritual of sharing the carriage with her. Especially when Zheng Liang wasn\'t accompanying her and there was ample space for Xiaowei to sit and keep her company.

This decision stirred envy among most of the palace maids, who longed for the honor of sitting in the royal carriage, let alone in the presence of Her Highness. Many couldn\'t help but feel envious of Xiaowei, as she seemed to be receiving exceptionally favorable treatment for being the personal servant of the crown princess.

While many people may have been envious of the privileges Xiaowei was receiving, it also contributed to increasing Yang Ning\'s reputation among the servants. The discussions about her benevolence towards the servants and her gentle and kind nature spread, further solidifying her positive image.

By this time, all the vicious rumors about Yang Ning had dissipated from the palace, as everyone could witness her kind nature. Her benevolent actions were not a facade reserved only for His Highness; she genuinely cared for everyone.

Upon assuming control of the palace\'s internal management affairs, she implemented a rotational system for the maids and servants. They were divided into day and night shifts, eliminating the hierarchy-based scheduling. While a rotational shift system existed before, it wasn\'t followed as strictly as it is now.

In the past, new maids or court ladies entering the palace had to work day and night, sometimes consecutively for two days or more, while senior-ranked maids or court ladies enjoyed leisure time and took credit for their efforts.

Under Yang Ning\'s leadership, the rotational shift system became stringent, preventing senior-ranked maids or servants from bullying newcomers and abusing their powers. This improvement in working conditions made the work more efficient, enhancing Yang Ning\'s reputation among the new, relatively young servants.

The prevailing image of a vicious Yang Ning transformed into that of a kind and gentle Crown Princess who cared for the common people and supported the less privileged.

The positive conversations and rumors about Yang Ning\'s gentle and benevolent nature with the common people and the servants spread beyond the royal palace. Through the mouths of the servants, Yang Ning\'s reputation improved among the general populace, transforming her into a kind and compassionate Crown Princess in the eyes of the people.

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After leaving Guo Lady\'s Boutique, the carriage made its way to the royal palace, passing through the imposing main gates before coming to a stop in front of the Dragon Pavilion. Yang Ning, who had been out and about since the morning, arrived at the palace by lunchtime.

As the carriage halted, Xiaowei descended first, ready to fetch a stool for Yang Ning to step down. However, a voice from behind interrupted her, "There is no need."

Turning around, Xiaowei spotted Zheng Liang approaching, with Gu Lan trailing behind him. Stepping back, she bowed and respectfully said, "Greetings to His Highness."

Zheng Liang acknowledged her greeting with a nod and added, "You don\'t need to get the stool. You can go for now." His attention remained fixed on the carriage.

Xiaowei stared at Zheng Liang in confusion and attempted to explain, "Your Highness, Her Highness is still inside the carriage. How can she—"

Her words were cut short as Zheng Liang raised his hand and stated, "You\'re done for the day. Go and rest. I will ask someone to call you when you are needed."

Xiaowei felt a sudden wave of confusion. She hadn\'t done anything wrong, so why was she being suspended from her duties? Teary-eyed, she looked at Zheng Liang with an aggrieved expression, "Your Highness, did I do something wrong? You can punish—"

Seeing Xiaowei\'s confusion, Zheng Liang sighed and turned to his personal guard, instructing, "Go and give her some self-defense lessons. Keep her accompanied until I tell you to leave." His tone was stern.

Now, as confused as Xiaowei, even Gu Lan couldn\'t comprehend why he was suddenly pulled into this matter. He stared at Zheng Liang with confusion, wondering about the purpose behind teaching Xiaowei self-defense.

Before Gu Lan could voice his questions, Zheng Liang turned to Xiaowei and emphasized, "You are the personal companion of the Crown Princess. As someone who stays close to her, you should know how to protect the Princess and save yourself from trouble. Or do you want the Princess to protect you?"

Xiaowei immediately shook her head and bent at a 90-degree angle, expressing determination. "Never, Your Highness. I can give away my life but will never let harm come close to Her Highness," she declared with unwavering resolve.

With that, she rose and turned to Gu Lan, saying, "Please teach me how to protect Her Highness, Guard Gu Lan." Xiaowei\'s sudden shift from a scared demeanor to a determined one surprised Gu Lan. Frowning, he glanced at Zheng Liang, who showed no intention of changing his orders.

Gu Lan sighed before leading Xiaowei away, engaging in the training. While Xiaowei may not have understood the sudden order from His Highness, Gu Lan could see Zheng Liang\'s intentions behind the directive.

After Xiaowei left, Yang Ning, who had just woken up from her nap upon hearing the commotion outside, pulled away the curtain of the carriage window. She looked down to find Zheng Liang standing there and stared at him in confusion with her dazed eyes. In a sleepy, hoarse voice, she asked, "What are you doing here? Shouldn\'t you be at the royal court?"

Zheng Liang chuckled at the peeking princess and replied, "Why? Can I not come to accompany my princess for lunch?"

"Oh!" Yang Ning responded while staring at him with a dazed expression, feeling tired from her outing the whole morning.

Zheng Liang continued, "Come out. Or are you planning to stay inside the carriage the whole day?" he asked.

Yang Ning nodded as if registering his order in her mind and rubbed her eyes sleepily before walking out of the carriage, holding a small velvety box in her hands. As she stepped out, she realized there was no stool placed there.

She looked around for Xiaowei, who was nowhere to be found and glanced at the coachman in confusion. "Where is the stool? How am I going to-"

"Ahh"