It was a long sleep, filled with dreams. Or should it be called memories of her past life from another world? A world where she was not Yang Ning, but Fang Li. Where she was not the Crown Princess, but an archery athlete who excelled in competition and was skilled in strategies.
However, she failed to be strategic against her competitors—or rather, an enemy—who was hiding under the mask of her best friend.
In her dreams, from the betrayal she faced from her friend to seeing her family cheering for her during competitions, or happy moments of enjoying her favorite food at home, all those memories were running through her dreams like a nostalgic emotional movie, giving her a rollercoaster of emotions. She felt them all - from anger to sadness to happiness.
Thinking about her family that she left behind and the blooming career that collapsed before Fang Li woke up as Yang Ning in this world, tears of sadness and bitterness streamed down Yang Ning's fair face. Though she is happy in her current life, the life she left behind without any warning or goodbyes felt bitter, leaving her feeling sorrowful for her past self.
Her nose turned crimson from crying, and her silent tears turned into soft sobs as she slept, clutching onto the blanket. While she was enveloped by her 'dreams' of her past life, which brought her both sadness and bitterness alongside a sense of happiness to see her family again, even if it was only in her dreams, a hand grasped hers, offering support.
She heard a familiar voice that brought warmth and comfort even in her most vulnerable moment. Her heart, filled with sadness, calmed down when she heard the person calling her name while holding her hand tightly. "Yang Ning."
"Yang Ning!"
"Don't cry. I'm here."
"It's just a dream. Please don't cry. Look, I'm here with you." Zheng Liang, sitting on the edge of the bed, held Yang Ning's hand tightly as he comforted her.
Yang Ning blinked in confusion. "But I'm fine. I was just sleeping and had a sad dream. You don't need to worry about me. Also, if I keep sleeping, who will manage the palace affairs?" She attempted to sit down on the bed, feeling the need to attend to her duties. She couldn't afford to spend the whole day in bed sleeping; what would others think of her?
Having already slept through the entire morning and even taken a nap after breakfast, Yang Ning couldn't afford to stay in bed any longer. She couldn't risk showing Zheng Liang and everyone her lazy side. After all, she was the Crown Princess and had duties to attend to. If she kept sleeping, who would handle her responsibilities?
However, Zheng Liang didn't heed her words and gently pushed her back onto the bed. "No need. Just stay in bed today and rest. I have called Master Jiang to check on you, so you will stay here until he examines you." With that, he stood up from the edge of the bed to make way for Master Jiang to come and assess Yang Ning.
Hearing this, Yang Ning was left speechless, only then realizing that other than Zheng Liang, Xiaowei was standing there with a worried expression, along with Master Jiang and his assistant, Hou Wei. She suddenly felt a wash of embarrassment, realizing that she had cried in her dreams while everyone was in her chamber. How embarrassing!
The Head Physician Jiang approached the bedside and sat on the stool next to it, gently placing Yang Ning's outstretched wrist on a small wrist pillow to check her pulse.
"Why did you bother Master Jiang? It's nothing. I'm fine. Don't overreact," Yang Ning said, her brow furrowing as she attempted to retract her hand.
However, Master Jiang held onto her wrist firmly and replied in an indifferent tone, "It's not a bother, Princess. This is my duty. Please don't move and let me examine you."
Hou Wei noticed Yang Ning's frown and offered some comfort, saying, "Princess, they say even dreams have meaning. If you've been having troubling dreams lately, it's better to have them checked. There's no harm in it." She smiled reassuringly.
Hearing her words, Yang Ning, though reluctant, let out a helpless sigh and remained lying on the bed without moving. "Alright, I won't say anything," she said in a resigned tone. She sighed and allowed them to proceed.
Even though she was fine, as long as it helped ease Zheng Liang's mind, she didn't mind going through an unnecessary examination. Explore more at empire