I woke up as the Villainous Empress

"You're going to apply the medicine?" Yang Ning's expression darkened upon hearing Hou Wei's statement about tending to Zheng Liang's wound. Her smile vanished, replaced by a frown creasing her forehead.

Hou Wei blinked her eyes innocently and explained, "Yes. His Highness's wound has been healing well, and Master Jiang has already removed the bandage. Now, all that's required is to apply the ointment to ensure complete healing and remove the scar. Typically, Master Jiang handles this, but since he's currently away from the palace, I'll be taking care of His Highness's scar."

Yang Ning remained silent, her unease palpable.

It wasn't really out of the ordinary for Hou Wei to tend to Zheng Liang's wound, given her job as a nurse in the imperial medicine department. However, Yang Ning couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy about it, considering what she knew from the story and how Hou Wei was destined to be with Zheng Liang.

Yang Ning was concerned that the original story from the novel might happen, just like other events were unfolding as written. She feared that Zheng Liang might start to develop feelings for Hou Wei. If that were to occur, she wouldn't be able to cope with it. It would not only devastate her but also shatter her heart.

This time, the pain and heartbreak would be too much to bear.

Considering all of this, how could she possibly allow Hou Wei to get close to Zheng Liang and risk the story repeating itself? It would only lead to her downfall!

Yang Ning sat up straight in her chair, reaching for a grape from the fruit tray on the table. She asked, "Wouldn't it be seen as inappropriate for you to tend to His Highness? I mean, aren't there any male physicians who could handle this?"

"I'm concerned that if others find out about it, it could harm your reputation," Yang Ning continued, her tone thoughtful. "You see, it's generally not seen as appropriate for a woman to attend to a man's body. And since you're new here, I worry that people might start talking about you."

Yang Ning tried to persuade Hou Wei to reconsider without straining their relationship.

"I am truly touched that you're concerned about me. However, don't worry," Hou Wei replied with a determined expression and a warm smile. "When I'm treating patients, I don't differentiate between male and female. To me, a patient is a patient, and my focus is on providing them with the best care. As for what others think, I'm not concerned.

As long as my intentions and actions are pure, no one can harm my reputation."

Yang Ning pursed her lips and chuckled awkwardly. 'She's undoubtedly the Female Lead. Her words and moral principles are so high and refined.'

"Well, in that case, go ahead and do what you need to do," Yang Ning conceded, realizing that she had no more objections to raise. After all, Hou Wei had made it clear that her intentions and principles were pure, leaving Yang Ning with little else to say.

"Yes, Your Highness! I'll take my leave now," Hou Wei responded with a respectful bow before turning to leave. However, as she took a few steps, a voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Wait a minute." Hou Wei turned to find Yang Ning standing up and approaching her. She raised an eyebrow, wondering if Yang Ning had something else to discuss.

Yang Ning stood in front of Hou Wei and suggested, "I was also planning to visit His Highness. Since you only need to apply the ointment and give him his medicine, I can take care of that for you. You can go ahead and attend to your other duties." She smiled and reached for the tray Hou Wei was holding.

Hou Wei was taken aback by Yang Ning's sudden offer to take over her work. She shook her head in surprise and replied, "How can I do that? It's my responsibility, so I should handle it. I don't want to trouble Your Highness with it." She felt embarrassed about imposing on Yang Ning and tried to pull the tray back from her grip.

However, Yang Ning held onto the tray firmly, her smile tinged with determination. "It's no trouble at all. After all, he is my husband. It's the least I can do for him. You can continue with your other duties. I'm sure you're quite busy," Yang Ning insisted, her tone firm.

Hou Wei's expression became conflicted. "But... it wouldn't be appropriate. It's my responsibility, and Master Jiang has..." Before she could finish her sentence, Yang Ning's gaze turned stern, and she interrupted, "It's my order. Hand me the tray and leave."

"I want to spend some time with my husband. Do you want to interfere in a husband and wife's relationship?" Yang Ning's eyes held a determined and serious expression.

By openly challenging Hou Wei, Yang Ning wanted to test if there were any changes in the story's course. According to the plot, Zheng Liang and Hou Wei were supposed to develop feelings for each other.

However, if there was even a hint of jealousy in Hou Wei's heart toward Yang Ning, it would likely be reflected in her eyes.

After all, Hou Wei was an expressive person, and her emotions were often evident in her eyes, like a clear mirror. It wouldn't be too challenging to discern her thoughts. Yang Ning was keen to see if there were any deviations from the story's path.

Hou Wei's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at Yang Ning's bold statement, causing her to loosen her grip on the tray. She replied awkwardly, "Oh, I see what you mean."

"Then, Your Highness, you should apply the ointment to His Highness's wound," she suggested, allowing Yang Ning to take the tray.

Hou Wei couldn't help but giggle at Yang Ning's bold words. She felt incredibly pleased, as she greatly admired Yang Ning and considered her a role model.

It wasn't easy for a woman to take the initiative in a relationship, but Yang Ning's confidence and strength made it seem perfectly natural for her to do so.

"I have other tasks to attend to, so I'll take my leave." She said with a suggestive giggle.

"Your Highness, I hope you have a great time. Since His Highness's wound has improved, I am sure there won't be any issues with his performance," she whispered shyly into Yang Ning's ear before departing.

Yang Ning blushed at Hou Wei's suggestive comment and felt embarrassed. She had only wanted to gauge Hou Wei's reaction and didn't expect such a risqué comment from someone as pure and innocent as hers.

"I didn't mean to imply anything like that," Yang Ning quickly clarified to Hou Wei, wanting to dispel any misunderstanding.

However, Hou Wei didn't pay much heed to Yang Ning's response and happily turned around to return to the imperial medicine department. As she left, she turned back, smiled at Yang Ning, and silently mouthed words of encouragement, urging her to do her best.

But what did Hou Wei mean by "do her best"? Yang Ning had only been talking about applying medicine; she had no intentions of doing anything more than that.

Yang Ning couldn't help but wonder what crazy thoughts were running through Hou Wei's mind. She sighed helplessly and felt her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

It had been over a month since she and Zheng Liang had been sleeping separately. Hou Wei's comment had taken her completely off guard, and she blushed deeply.

"This girl! She certainly has quite an imagination," Yang Ning thought to herself, smiling sheepishly and shaking her head. She then cleared her throat and turned to Xiaowei.

"I'm going to apply the ointment to His Highness. Also, during this time, please ensure the main chamber is thoroughly cleaned. His Highness will be sleeping in the main chamber tonight," she instructed.

Xiaowei, who stood behind Yang Ning, smiled and nodded happily. "Yes, Your Highness. I'll take care of it," she affirmed.

Yang Ning nodded and made her way to the study at the Dragon Pavilion to meet Zheng Liang and apply the ointment to his wound. Since she has taken the responsibility, she cannot back away from it.