I woke up as the Villainous Empress

After draping her woolen cloak over her shoulders, Yang Ning joined Zheng Liang, and together they proceeded to the study where Master Jiang awaited them.

"Greetings to His Highness and the Crown Princess." Master Jiang rose from his seat with a respectful bow as the couple entered the room, his voice laced with the formal courtesy due to their rank.

With gracious smiles, Yang Ning and Zheng Liang acknowledged his greeting and took their places at the table. Zheng Liang relaxed into his chair and thoughtfully pulled Yang Ning's chair beside him, inviting her to sit close to his side.

On the other side of the table, Master Jiang settled into his seat, his eyes warm as he regarded the couple. Once they were comfortably seated, his attention shifted to Zheng Liang, concern creasing his brow. "Your Highness, how are you feeling? Has the pain in your wound lessened?" he inquired, his voice tinged with genuine concern.

Yang Ning's eyes flicked to Zheng Liang, curiosity carved on her face. She was deeply concerned about his condition, though he had kept quiet about it to not make her worry. How could she not be anxious when she had seen him wounded by a sword before her very eyes?

Zheng Liang caught her stare and chuckled, shaking his head with an air of resigned amusement. "I feel much better now," he assured them. "The wound doesn't ache as before. The ointment you provided, Master Jiang, has been healing it swiftly. Though painless, it does itch and sting occasionally."

Master Jiang nodded, his expression one of satisfied relief. "That's good news, Your Highness. It means the wound is healing properly. Such sensations are normal during recovery. Along with the ointment, please remember to take your medicines punctually and abstain from spicy food. Simple, nutritious meals will aid your healing, and you'll be well again soon."

"I will ensure he sticks to all the instructions, takes his medicines timely, and eats properly," Yang Ning declared cheerfully, eagerly taking charge of Zheng Liang's recovery.

Zheng Liang's eyes sparkled with appreciation, but he feigned a look of helplessness as though he were being coerced. Yet inwardly, he was more than willing to follow her lead. If she asked him to swallow the bitter medicine all the time instead of tea, he would comply with a smile.

Master Jiang observed the couple's interaction with pleasure and a smile curved onto his lips. The palace was in a frenzy with complications since the Empress's exile, but this trip to Xinling City seemed to have brought the couple closer and more at ease with each other.

Even though the political situation at the royal court remained tense, Zheng Liang's improved mood was a positive change in their relationship. They don't look as estranged as before. The warmth and connection between the Crown Prince and Princess make him look forward to the changes in the palace in the future.

"Master Jiang, I heard from Gu Lan earlier that you wished to introduce someone to us," Yang Ning inquired, a look of curiosity in her eyes. She was certain that Master Jiang wouldn't have requested their presence solely to inquire about Zheng Liang's well-being, especially considering how he checked on him only yesterday.

There was simply no need for him to make this special trip to the Dragon Pavilion for this particular reason.

Master Jiang's face brightened with a smile as he responded, "Indeed, Your Highness. I have recently taken a new disciple under my wing, and I wanted to introduce them to both you and His Highness."

"A new disciple?" Yang Ning echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion.

The fact that Master Jiang had ceased accepting disciples was well-known. With the scandal involving his last disciple, Bai Jiang who had been implicated in an attempt to poison the Emperor by allying with the Empress, many wondered if Master Jiang's reign as the most distinguished physician of the Zheng Empire was drawing to a close.

There was a growing concern that his legacy of medical wisdom and teaching would find no continuation.

For years, Master Jiang had been grooming Bai Jiang as his sole and cherished disciple, intending to pass on his legacy to him. His disciple was to carry on the tradition of teaching medicine to future generations.

Who could have predicted that, after Bai Jiang was punished for treason and an attempt to poison His Majesty, Master Jiang would decide to take another disciple under his wing, and that too so soon? It was a decision that would certainly raise eyebrows and spark curiosity in the hearts of the people working at the royal court.

Zheng Liang's eyebrows rose, his expression serious as he sought confirmation. "Master Jiang, have you truly decided to accept a new disciple?" His voice conveyed both curiosity and concern, a reflection of the gravity of the decision.

Considering it was Master Jiang's most trusted disciple who attempted treason by allying with the Empress, Zheng Liang couldn't help but question the decision in seriousness.

Master Jiang pursed his lips, feeling a profound sense of shame about what had happened with Bai Jiang. He understood His Highness's concern and nodded, saying, "In a few years, I had planned to retire, leaving all responsibilities to Bai Jiang. I hoped to retreat to the mountains for meditation and spend the last years of my life wandering freely.

Who could have foreseen that things would turn out like this?" He sighed heavily, his disappointment evident in his furrowed brow and downcast eyes.

Never had he expected his most trusted disciple to betray his teachings so callously. Bai Jiang had used his god-gifted skills in medicine—a field meant to save lives—for the purpose of murder. It was a wound that cut deep.

"After that, I was both disappointed and worried about the future," Master Jiang continued, his voice tinged with sadness. "In the imperial medicine department, there are many skilled physicians, but they lack the ability to heal people both physically and emotionally. They don't possess the kindness and welfare-driven nature I sought.

I needed someone who would put people's well-being before anything else."

Master Jiang's eyes lifted, and he smiled at Yang Ning and Zheng Liang, his face brightening. "Thankfully, I found my new disciple during my trip to the western region earlier this year, where I went to treat those affected by the famine. She was volunteering there as well, working tirelessly to help the people.

At a time when everyone else avoided the area, she stayed until the situation improved, assisting me and my team of physicians with great efforts."

His voice filled with warmth and pride, Master Jiang continued, "Later, I discovered that she is the daughter of a friend who studied medicine with me back in the days. While I served as the royal palace's physician, he chose to volunteer, traveling from village to village to treat people."

"After his passing, his daughter continued the legacy of medicine. She may be a commoner, but her father's great work in the field has saved many lives and just like her father, she also has a kind heart and willingness to heal people."

" Seeing her dedication, I knew I wanted to bring her to the palace to expand her knowledge and offer her the stable life she deserves. A young woman wandering from village to village is not suitable and considering her skills and talent, I asked her to follow me to the palace."

"It took me great effort to make her accept my offer. She agreed to come to the capital city after completing her planned medical missions for this year. Little did I know that, by the time she would come to the palace, I would have lost my long-trusted disciple." Master Jiang sighed in disappointment when speaking about Bai Jiang and how he broke his trust.

"That's why I have decided to let her work in the imperial medicine department for some time and take her as my official disciple and pass on my teachings and knowledge of medicine to her."

The room was filled with a profound sense of understanding and empathy as Master Jiang's words settled. It was clear that this was more than just a decision about mentorship; it was about carrying on a legacy, embracing change, and finding hope in unexpected places.

Zheng Liang and Yang Ning were surprised by Master Jiang's words. It was the first time they had seen him praise someone to this extent, and their curiosity was piqued.

"If it's someone you have chosen, I am sure that person must be quite exceptional," Zheng Liang said, his tone reflecting his respect and trust in Master Jiang's judgment.

Yang Ning also nodded and smiled, "I am eager to meet the person Master Jiang has selected as his disciple. However, I can't see him here. Did he go somewhere else?" She asked, her eyes scanning the room curiously.

Master Jiang's smile widened, and before he could respond, they heard a knock on the door followed by a sweet voice calling out, "Master."