I woke up as the Villainous Empress

"Milady, the luggage has been loaded into the carriage and is ready to depart. His Highness awaits you near the Main Gate of the Palace," Xiaowei announced.

Yang Ning, sitting in front of the grand mirror table, nodded at Xiaowei and quickly checked her reflection one last time before standing up to leave.

Xiaowei gracefully helped her put on the beautiful white furry woolen cloak, adorned with delicate embroidery.

"Waah! It's incredibly warm and cozy," Yang Ning exclaimed, marveling at the woolen furry cloak.

With a smile, Xiaowei responded, "His Highness has personally chosen this for you. He mentioned that wearing it during your journey will ensure your warmth and comfort."

A smile brightened Yang Ning's face, deeply touched by his considerate gestures.

Despite having an abundance of woolen clothes, she couldn't shake off her concerns about the carriage journey.

Having learned about the journey only the day before, she hadn't been able to gather additional clothing for herself.

The outside weather was expected to be bitterly cold and freezing, with the recent occurrence of the city's first snowfall intensifying the already low temperatures.

Yang Ning joyfully adorned the woolen clothes thoughtfully arranged by Zheng Liang, ensuring she layered herself with ample garments to stave off the freezing temperatures during the carriage journey.

Her primary concern was to shield herself from the bitter cold and prevent any possibility of freezing to death.

As winter arrived, Yang Ning had not anticipated the weather turning so cold and chilly. To her dismay, there were no heaters available to provide warmth indoors or during sleep. Yang Ning was worried about adapting to the extreme cold weather in this world without any heating facilities.

Fortunately, there were alternative ways to ensure the chambers stayed warm during the night. Whenever the temperature drops in the evening, Xiaowei lights the fireplace, ensuring that the chamber remains warm and cozy throughout the night.

Additionally, due to the ingenious construction of the palace, the indoor spaces remain warm during winters and cool during summers, which prevented her from freezing while sleeping.

Although the people here may lack knowledge of advanced technology or modern amenities which exist in her world, they possess remarkable skills and talents when it comes to meeting their specific needs.

While lacking in advanced technology, they possess an abundance of resources and capabilities to fulfill their needs and desires.

___

"Have you made all the necessary preparations? I want to ensure a smooth journey without any issues," Zheng Liang inquired of Gu Lan.

Gu Lan nodded in affirmation and replied, "Indeed, Your Highness. I have made all the arrangements. The royal carriage will be accompanied by an additional carriage to transport the luggage."

"I have instructed the royal guards to lead the way, and a contingent of guards will trail behind the royal carriage to ensure Your Highness's safety," he informed him.

"Furthermore, I have arranged for a third carriage dedicated to the servants. This way, they won't have to walk, ensuring that their journey doesn't impede our speed or cause anyone to become sick or tired," Gu Lan informed.

Usually, the servants would walk behind the royal carriage during the journey. However, this time Zheng Liang specifically requested that an additional carriage be provided to transport the servants.

Knowing how much Yang Ning cared for Xiaowei and not wanting her to endure long walks in the cold weather, Zheng Liang took it upon himself to arrange for transportation for her, ensuring her comfort and well-being.

It was a better option than observing Yang Ning's continuous worry for her maid during the journey.

Zheng Liang nodded approvingly and stated firmly, "Very well. Throughout the journey, maintain vigilant observation for any signs of suspicious activity and promptly inform me."

"Above all, ensure the utmost protection of the Consort Princess in case of any emergencies. Understood? I expect no irresponsibility, as was the case last time."

Gu Lan, feeling a sense of embarrassment, pursed his lips and lowered his head in acknowledgment. He vividly remembered the last time when he had left the princess alone to protect His Highness, resulting in significant chaos.

The memory of the princess being nearly killed by a wild bear due to his actions weighed heavily on Gu Lan's conscience.

He knew that he couldn't afford to disregard Zheng Liang's orders this time, understanding that any negligence might result in immediate dismissal without a second thought.

"Yes, Your Highness. I assure you that I will not make any mistakes this time. My utmost responsibility would be to protect Her Highness at all costs. " Gu Lan responded earnestly, determined to fulfill his duties with utmost care and precision.

As Zheng Liang meticulously inspected the preparations for their journey, Yang Ning approached, with Xiaowei trailing closely behind her.

Upon seeing Yang Ning approaching, the waiting servants and guards respectfully greeted her with warm words, "Greetings to Princess Consort!"

Acknowledging their greetings with a gracious nod, Yang Ning proceeded toward Zheng Liang.

As Zheng Liang turned around, his gaze fell upon Yang Ning donning the woolen cloak he had sent for her. A satisfied smile graced his lips as he witnessed her wearing the gift, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of joy seeing her radiant smile.

Having entered into an arranged marriage that was based on the political relationship between two families, Zheng Liang acknowledged that their union was not based on romantic choice.

Nevertheless, a notable change had occurred between them after that particular night, prompting him to recognize the significance of their marital bond.

"Did you like it?" He asked her.

Yang Ning's face lit up with a joyful smile as she nodded in response. "I really do! It's so warm and comfortable," she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with contentment.

"Unlike other woolen clothes I have, this material doesn't cause any discomfort or irritation to my skin." She explained that her other woolen garments tend to make her skin red and develop rashes. However, the woolen cloak he had sent was exceptionally soft, fluffy, and gentle on her sensitive skin.

The thoughtful gift from Zheng Liang brought her both warmth and relief, making her appreciate its cozy and soothing embrace even more.

__

"If you're prepared, we should depart now. We must cross the city border before sunset," Zheng Liang declared.

Yang Ning nodded and got ready to step onto the carriage. However, she paused when she realized that the carriage was too high for her to climb on gracefully while wearing her dress.

Although she could have clumsily gathered her dress with her hands and hopped onto the carriage, it would have been far from elegant or graceful, particularly considering her esteemed position as the Crown Princess.

Pursing her lips, Yang Ning glanced at Xiaowei with hesitation, knowing that her maid was well aware of her mischievous inclinations.

With just a single glance, Xiaowei grasped the thoughts swirling in her lady's mind.

Sensing the potential for a spectacle in front of His Highness, Xiaowei promptly stepped forward and instructed one of the male servants, "Fetch a stool immediately."

"Do you expect milady to ascend such a lofty carriage unaided?" she commanded, ensuring that Yang Ning's graceful entry onto the carriage would be facilitated.

"Ah... Yes," the servant replied promptly, acknowledging Xiaowei's request. However, before he could retrieve a small stool from the luggage carriage, a deep voice resonated in the vicinity, interrupting the task at hand.

"No need," Zheng Liang interjected, his voice firm and decisive.

Xiaowei pursed her lips, her curiosity piqued as she wondered why Zheng Liang had prevented the servant from bringing the stool for her lady.

However, before she could fully comprehend Zheng Liang's intentions, he swiftly moved towards Yang Ning, securing his grip around her waist and effortlessly lifting her, allowing her to gracefully ascend the carriage.

"Ahh!" Yang Ning's surprised squeal escaped her lips as she instinctively wrapped her arms around Zheng Liang's neck, seeking support and maintaining her balance. Caught off guard by his unexpected act of lifting her onto the carriage, she hadn't anticipated his display of strength and assistance.

Her face flushed a deep shade of crimson as Zheng Liang nearly lifted her in front of the onlookers.

Overwhelmed by a sense of embarrassment, she could feel her body growing warm, acutely aware of the attention focused on her.

Once she had safely boarded the carriage, Zheng Liang swiftly followed suit, joining her and taking a seat beside her.

Yang Ning's lips formed a slight pout, revealing her hesitation, as she inhaled deeply, sensing an unexplained wave of nervousness washing over her. She couldn't help but wonder how she would navigate the upcoming three to four-day journey, sharing the same carriage with Zheng Liang.

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