I woke up as the Villainous Empress

Hou Wei was puzzled by Yang Ning's unexpected question. "Ah? Your Highness, why do you ask this?" she inquired, her confusion evident in her tone.

Yang Ning smiled at the lost look in Hou Wei's eyes and spoke casually, "I just wanted to know what kind of man you like. You're such a beautiful and kind-hearted girl. To win over someone like you, the man would have to be equally good-looking and intelligent.

After all, you're not just any girl; you're the last disciple of Master Jiang and the only female nurse at the royal palace," she remarked, casting a bait.

Hou Wei's cheeks flushed at Yang Ning's words, and she smiled shyly as she answered in a low voice, "Your Highness, you're thinking very highly of me. I am just a normal-looking commoner, working as a nurse at the royal palace. Men usually don't prefer women as wives who work closely with men or spend much time outside the household.

Besides, I don't even have a family to support me or provide backing. I doubt any respectable family would consider accepting an orphan like me as their daughter-in-law."

"Moreover, marrying someone who only desires my body and being confined within the walls of a household, adhering to society's norms... I don't desire that kind of lifestyle.

Having wandered from place to place my whole life, I doubt I could find happiness being confined to one location and controlled by a mother-in-law and an abusive husband," she added, smiling with a hint of bitterness in her words.

Hou Wei was keenly aware of her circumstances. She wasn't born into a prestigious family that would secure her a marriage into nobility, nor did she lead a life like Yang Ning's, where she would find a husband like His Highness—a man who not only loved and respected her but also granted her the freedom to pursue her desires without restraint.

His Highness didn't hold Yang Ning back or take another consort or concubine because his love for her was genuine.

Such love was rare and difficult to find for Hou Wei. Traveling from village to village, she witnessed firsthand how men treated their wives. While the wives suffered at the hands of their mothers-in-law at home, their husbands sought pleasure with other women outside, and some even brought mistresses into the household. Love? There was no trace of it in those marriages.

Not everyone was fortunate enough to experience a life filled with happiness and love. She understood that such unconditional love could only be found in fairy tales, not in the harsh realities of life.

Just like Hou Wei, Xiaowei, who stood at the back, pursed her lips as Hou Wei's words struck a chord with her. After Hou Wei's father passed away and she became an orphan, she had to face the cruelty of society. However, she still had her father's medicinal skills as her inheritance, allowing her to lead a reputable life while helping others.

Though poor, she earned an honest and respectable livelihood using her skills, providing herself with three meals a day and earning respect from others.

On the other hand, Xiaowei, who had her whole family behind her, was sold to the slave market when she was young in exchange for money. Her family preferred their sons and didn't want them to go hungry. They chose to sell their young daughter to the slave market rather than endure nights of hunger or seek alternative ways to earn money.

For them, selling her was the easiest way to earn money and relieve themselves of unnecessary burdens. It not only provided them with money but also eliminated the need to feed an extra mouth or prepare dowry gifts for her when she grew up.

They didn't even consider what would happen to the young Xiaowei if she were sold to the slave market, where men with bulky bodies and sinister appearances eyed young maiden girls with lecherous intentions.

It was by heaven's grace that she was taken in by the Yang Household and became Yang Ning's servant, serving her since childhood. This spared her from much of the suffering experienced by other slave servants. If she had been sold to any other household with abusive and lecherous masters, she might not have survived this long.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Her lady never treated her as a mere servant but as a friend and companion. Even in the Yang Household, where her lady endured daily torment and mistreatment, if Yang Ning had food to eat, Xiaowei would receive half of it. Yang Ning never let her go hungry, unless she had nothing to eat herself.

Xiaowei had received so much in her life without asking for it. She couldn't even imagine a man loving and cherishing her as His Highness treated Her Highness. She didn't dare dream of such a loving life.

Instead of marrying an abusive husband who would treat her like an animal and turn her into a baby-making machine, Xiaowei would prefer to serve her lady for her entire life, working as her personal maid. In doing so, she could lead a happy and respected life at the palace.

___

Sensing the heavy atmosphere in the room, Yang Ning looked at Hou Wei gently and comforted her, "Why do you believe that no man would ever love you, Hou Wei? And Xiaowei," she added, addressing them both, noticing their self-doubt, "Remember this: you are no less than any man."

"If you work hard, believe in yourself, and love yourself, I am certain you will find a man who cherishes you just the way you are."

"Even I never imagined I would meet a man like Zheng Liang, who loves me so deeply and cherishes me more than his own life. You just need to open your eyes and look around to notice good men. If you close your eyes and convince yourself that no one could love you, you may overlook the men who are already in love with you."

"Alright? So don't dismiss the idea of having a lover too quickly. Allow yourself to be flexible and open to love, and to be loved in return. If one day you find someone you love and who wants to spend their life with you, I would be the happiest person for you. And yes, I will be the one who prepares dowry gifts for you."

"Even if you don't have families to support you, you have me. I will always stand by both of you and never allow anyone to look down on you. If you trust me, then stop doubting yourselves. You are both capable and beautiful women who deserve to be loved."

"And if anyone dares to humiliate you, remember, you're my people. Insulting you would mean insulting me, so you better not let anyone make you cry without teaching them a lesson. Understood?" Yang Ning said firmly, her words laced with care.

Hou Wei and Xiaowei exchanged glances, their eyes glistening with gratitude upon hearing her reassuring words. For people without family or support, what could be better than having someone backing them up and treating them like family rather than a charity case?

Hou Wei sniffled, trying to control her tears, and nodded with determination in her eyes. "Your Highness, thank you for treating me so well. I promise that I won't allow anyone to insult me or look down on me. Thank you for always supporting me," she said, her voice steady despite her emotions.

Xiaowei also nodded and added, "Your Highness, I will never forget the words you spoke today. Thank you for rescuing me from my hellish life and family, and for becoming my savior. I won't allow anyone to disrespect me either. I serve the Crown Princess, and I cannot let anyone tarnish your name as my master."

Yang Ning chuckled at the sight of their tear-streaked faces and awkward attempts to control their emotions. "Either cry or smile, but pick one. Do you know how ridiculous both of you look right now with those contorted faces?" She shook her head with a smile. "Now, both of you, go away! You're making me feel down for no reason," she teased, lightening the mood with her playful comment. Your next read is at empire

She simply wanted to ask what Hou Wei thought of Zheng Xiang indirectly and whether there had been any progress between them. If not, she planned to push them a bit so they wouldn't miss each other in this life. However, who would have thought that her harmless question would receive such heavy answers?

Hou Wei and Xiaowei giggled sheepishly and left the chamber, allowing Yang Ning to rest. Hou Wei returned to the imperial medicine department, while Xiaowei went to prepare a bath for her.