I woke up as the Villainous Empress

Seeing Zheng Liang's confused gaze, Yang Ning looked up at him and asked, "Do you want to know?"

He nodded, his eyes still fixed on her with curiosity.

Yang Ning chuckled before patting his head as if he were a puppy and explained gently, "Do you remember when Madam Guo came to the palace for the tea party, and I gave return gifts to all the ladies?"

Zheng Liang nodded, still unsure of the connection between those gifts and the documents in Yang Ning's hands that she was reading intently.

"Those makeup and skincare items weren't purchased from anywhere or imported from other kingdoms. I crafted them using local produce. That day, I distributed them not only to Madam Guo but also to other ladies as a gesture of gratitude and sincerity as well. I wanted them to try the sample of the products in disguise for the gifts. It was a win-win situation!" she explained.

"Try the samples? What do you mean by that?" Zheng Liang asked, unsure of the significance behind those gifts.

Yang Ning smiled and continued with her story, rather than answering his question straightaway. "After the tea party, when I visited Madam Guo's boutique, she asked me about those products again. She doubted that I made them and wanted to know where I bought them."

"She mentioned how much she liked those items, praising their uniqueness and effectiveness for skincare. She even compared them favorably to makeup items found in elite shops, saying the body soap was better than bathing powders and the lip tint and blush could make the skin glow and provide a different look."

"Not only did she like the products, but she also mentioned that they were loved by the other ladies as well. That's why she wanted to meet the merchant of those items and sell them at her boutique."

"She wants to sell those items at her boutique? Doesn't Lady Guo only sell the items she designs herself?" He asked. Although he isn't aware of the intricacies of women's affairs, Madam Guo's boutique is the most famous in the capital, with branches in other cities as well.

Moreover, her husband is also one of the big businessmen in the Empire, making it hard not to know about them.

On top of that, Madam Guo pays a huge amount of taxes timely and contributes to the royal treasury. She is also known for her charity work and sharp tongue. Everyone in the capital is aware of her reputation and how she managed to make a name for herself as a successful businesswoman.

Yang Ning nodded and added, "Yes. She mostly designs the dresses and jewelry herself and only sells the items designed by her and produced under her supervision. However, this time she wanted to sell those items as well. Those products were beauty and skin-care related, which would make her boutique unique compared to others that only sell clothes and ornaments."

"She said that since many elite-class ladies visit her boutique, she thinks that those items will interest them and sell well."

"So what did you tell her?" he asked, looking at her with admiration. His wife seemed capable of everything. Not only could she manage palace affairs and cook delicious dishes loved by everyone, but she also created beauty products that couldn't be found anywhere else. And to top it off, she excelled at archery. Was there anything she couldn't do?

Yang Ning grinned proudly and raised her chin. "I told her that I made them myself and they cannot be bought anywhere. However, since she really wanted to sell those items at her boutique, I agreed and asked her to send me the contract letter later to finalize things and make this deal official."

"The documents you're seeing are the contract letter that she sent me a few days ago. However, since I was busy with palace affairs and Prince Xiang's return, I couldn't focus on this matter properly."

Zheng Liang's eyes widened in surprise. "Contract letter? So you want to sell those items at Madam Guo's boutique?"

"Why? Wouldn't it be too much of a burden on you? Also, is there any need for that?" he asked hesitantly, concerned that the extra work would only make her tired.

Yang Ning looked up at him seriously, worried that he might stop her from pursuing this opportunity. "Zheng Liang, I want to do this. While I didn't expect Madam Guo to offer me this deal, I was already planning to start a business selling skincare and beauty items to the public. I want people to know about these products and use them. I enjoy creating things and sharing them with others."

In her past life, she was an archery athlete. However, entering that profession now would require her to abandon her position as Crown Princess and join the army as a soldier, which would defy societal norms and make countless enemies. Though she enjoys archery, she's content with occasional visits to the training grounds.

However, she has found a new passion in creating things using her modern knowledge. Producing skincare and beauty products using local, high-quality ingredients is easier and allows her to proudly showcase her inner businesswoman.

It fills her with pride to offer useful products to people.

Understanding that it wasn't an era where the concept of a working woman was popular, she softened her tone and tried to explain it to him gently. "Zheng Liang, I am not pursuing this business on a whim. I have thought it through and believe it's the best way to connect with the public."

Zheng Liang frowned, not quite grasping her words, but he waited patiently for her to explain.

Seeing him listening to her seriously, she continued, "First of all, selling these items will not only help me make some extra money but also allow me to establish connections with other ladies.

As you know, my reputation among the ladies and in the capital is not very good, all thanks to that woman who confined me inside the Yang Household for years and spread rumors about me around the capital." She said,

Hearing this, Zheng Liang pursed his lips, his brows furrowing as he thought about how Yang Ning had been wronged all these years. She hadn't done anything wrong, yet people who didn't know her saw her as a vicious and calculating woman. All because of a despicable father like Yang Luoyang and a cruel woman like Chang Ah.

He gently held her hand, offering comfort. "Yang Ning, you don't need to worry about what others think. I know you're a kind-hearted woman who doesn't say anything hurtful unless provoked. Don't let their opinions affect you," he said reassuringly.

Yang Ning shook her head, emphasizing her point. "I don't care about what others think of me, but as the Crown Princess, my actions reflect on both of us. I can't allow anyone to tarnish your name or look down on you because of me. I want to stand proudly by your side, acknowledged as the Crown Princess."

"To achieve that, I need to engage with people and build relationships. Attending tea parties isn't my forte, especially with strangers who have no connection to me. It only brings more curses and rumors to my side. Instead of forcing myself into those situations, I've chosen a different path.

Selling skincare and makeup products at Madam Guo's boutique will not only help me connect with other ladies but also enhance my reputation through the quality of the products," she explained earnestly.

"This way, I will be able to interact with more people and establish connections in society. But most importantly, I will have access to insider gossip and information," she explained, her eyes glinting with determination. Find your next adventure on empire

"Men may engage in shady dealings, but their secrets are often known by their wives and the women in their households. Who knows, this approach might yield some useful information.

This way, we will be able to uncover new details about Yang Luoyang and his associates, enabling us to confront him more effectively," she declared with newfound determination, no longer willing to delay dealing with the despicable man who was at the root of all their problems.

With a child growing inside her, Yang Ning couldn't afford to delay any longer. She had to take action to deal with that man once and for all. His continued presence posed a perpetual threat to her life, a danger that would persist until the true villain of the novel was brought to justice.

Although she had discovered that the writer of the novel also existed in this world, the proof that this person was helpless against the plot and retained all memories indicated that things were no longer as simple. It wasn't the writer who was controlling the plot now; rather, it was the characters who were shaping events.

Things are following the plot, but they're also significantly changing due to her intervention and the alterations she's made. Since it's the characters who are leading the story now, as one of the important characters of the novel, she will take charge of the narrative and flip the plot.

She will shape the story in a way that not only ensures her happy ending but also brings about justice for the original Yang Ning, who suffered injustice not only in the novel but also in her life as well. She was the most miserable person who didn't even get her happy ending but a tragic one, in both lives.