I woke up as the Villainous Empress

The air in the palace was thick with anticipation. Everyone knew the Crown Princess's child would arrive soon, but when the moment finally came, it felt sudden and overwhelming. Yang Ning, in the final stages of her pregnancy, had been resting in the peaceful confines of her bed in the Dragon Pavilion.

Lady Yu Ling, the head of the court ladies, remained by her side, overseeing everything with her experienced eye.

Gu Lan, the head of Zheng Liang's royal troops and his most trusted guard, had been stationed outside the chamber at the Crown Prince's orders. Despite his usual role on the battlefield, today he was tasked with a much more delicate responsibility: ensuring the safety of the Crown Princess during this crucial moment.

Inside her chamber, Yang Ning lay on the bed, her hand gently resting on her belly. The baby had been moving frequently, but today, the air felt different. She knew the time had come.

"Your Highness, are you sure you're alright?" Xiaowei asked for the third time, pacing nervously by the bedside.

Yang Ning smiled faintly, trying to reassure her anxious maid. "I'm fine, Xiaowei. But… I think it's almost time."

Before Xiaowei could respond, a sharp gasp escaped Yang Ning's lips. Her hand shot to her belly as a wave of pain washed over her. "No, it's definitely time."

The calm atmosphere quickly spiraled into chaos.

"Gu Lan! Gu Lan, get Master Jiang and Hou Wei!" Xiaowei shouted, nearly tripping over her dress as she rushed toward the door. But before she could stumble, Gu Lan's strong hands caught her by the shoulders, steadying her.

"Careful," Gu Lan muttered, his usual calm demeanor betraying a flicker of concern.

"It's happening!" Xiaowei cried, her face pale with panic.

Gu Lan's calm exterior cracked for just a moment as the gravity of the situation hit him. His face flushed red, and without another word, he sprinted down the hallway, shouting for Master Jiang and Hou Wei, his voice echoing through the palace corridors. "It's happening! Get Master Jiang and Hou Wei!"

Inside the chamber, Yang Ning gripped the sheets of her bed as another contraction hit her. Zheng Liang entered moments later, his face pale with worry. "Yang Ning!" he called as he hurried to her side. "Are you alright?"

"The baby is coming," she said through gritted teeth, clutching his hand.

Zheng Liang's eyes widened in alarm. "Now?!"

"Yes, now!" Yang Ning groaned.

Just as Zheng Liang was about to settle beside her, Hou Wei entered the room, her expression calm but focused. She took one look at the situation and nodded to Lady Yu Ling. "It's time."

Zheng Liang, still holding Yang Ning's hand, looked between the two women, clearly unsure of what to do next. "What should I do? How can I help?" he asked, his voice laced with panic.

Hou Wei smiled slightly, her tone teasing. "Stay by her side, Your Highness. And whatever you do, don't faint."

Yang Ning, despite the pain, chuckled softly. "Zheng Liang, you look more terrified than I feel."

Zheng Liang swallowed nervously, wiping his sweaty palms on his robes. "I'm fine. I'm perfectly fine," he muttered, though his pale face and trembling hands said otherwise.

Lady Yu Ling stepped forward, her tone calm but firm. "Your Highness, men aren't allowed in the birthing chamber."

Zheng Liang blinked in surprise. "What? But I'm her husband!" he exclaimed, clearly not expecting to be barred from the room.

Lady Yu Ling's expression didn't waver. "Husband or not, the rules are the same. You must wait outside."

"But—" Zheng Liang tried to protest again, his eyes darting between Yang Ning and the ladies in the room.

"No exceptions," Lady Yu Ling said coldly, her tone final. "It's the tradition, Your Highness."

Zheng Liang grumbled under his breath, clearly frustrated. "I want to stay with her!" he muttered, looking to Yang Ning for support.

Yang Ning gave him a weak smile. "Zheng Liang, it's okay. I'll be fine."

"But I—"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Go," Yang Ning insisted softly, squeezing his hand gently. "I'll be alright."

Reluctantly, Zheng Liang stood up, still looking torn. Hou Wei guided him toward the door, offering a kind smile. "We'll take care of everything, Your Highness. You'll be the first to know when the baby arrives."

Zheng Liang sighed dramatically. "Fine! But I'll be right outside," he called, making sure everyone knew where he'd be.

As the door closed behind him, Lady Yu Ling shook her head helplessly with a soft smile on her lips.

___

Outside, Zheng Liang stood with his arms crossed, looking thoroughly put out. Gu Lan, standing guard, raised an eyebrow. "Thrown out, were you?"

Zheng Liang huffed. "Men aren't allowed," he muttered under his breath.

Gu Lan smirked. "Good for your health. I'm sure you'd pass out if you stayed."

"I wouldn't faint!" Zheng Liang retorted, though his pale face suggested otherwise.

"Uh-huh," Gu Lan replied dryly, leaning back against the wall. "Whatever you say, Your Highness."

Zheng Liang shot him a glare but remained quiet, pacing back and forth outside the door, straining to hear anything from inside the chamber.

__

Inside, Lady Yu Ling and Hou Wei worked efficiently, while Xiaowei remained close to Yang Ning, ready to assist in any way possible.

"Keep breathing, Your Highness. You're doing well," Hou Wei instructed, her voice calm and steady.

Yang Ning gripped the sheets tightly, her breathing labored as the contractions grew stronger. Lady Yu Ling directed the maids to prepare for the baby's arrival, her composed presence keeping the room from descending into chaos.

Hours passed, and finally, the sound of a newborn's cry filled the room.

Hou Wei smiled warmly as she wrapped the tiny baby in soft linens. "Congratulations, Your Highness," she said, handing the baby to Yang Ning. "It's a girl."

Yang Ning, though exhausted, smiled down at her newborn daughter, tears brimming in her eyes. "She's beautiful," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Lady Yu Ling nodded approvingly. "A perfect little princess, Your Highness."

___

Outside, as soon as Zheng Liang heard the baby's cry, he froze. His heart raced as he dashed to the door, knocking urgently. "What happened? Is everything alright? Is it…?"

Hou Wei opened the door slightly, smiling. "It's a girl, Your Highness. Both the Crown Princess and the baby are in perfect health."

Without hesitation, Zheng Liang rushed into the room, his face softening the moment he saw Yang Ning cradling their newborn daughter. His eyes welled with tears as he knelt beside them.

"She's perfect," he whispered, his voice full of awe.

Yang Ning looked up at him, her face glowing with joy. "She's our little princess."

Zheng Liang gently placed his hand on their daughter's tiny head, his heart swelling with love. He leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to Yang Ning's forehead. "I love you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

"I love you too," Yang Ning replied, tears slipping down her cheeks as she gazed at the tiny life in her arms.