I woke up as the Villainous Empress

Master Jiang carefully positioned Yang Ning's wrist on the small wrist pillow and closed his eyes to examine her pulse. After a few moments, he gently returned her wrist to the bed. Then, he extended his hand, and Hou Wei handed him the wooden tongue depressor.

After inspecting Yang Ning's tongue, he placed his hand on her abdomen for further examination. Despite harboring doubts about her condition, he was cautious not to make any diagnostic errors, which is why he took longer than usual to conduct his examination.

Hou Wei, standing on the side and assisting Master Jiang by handing him the necessary items during the examination, watched with widened eyes as he conducted his actions. A smile tugged at her lips in surprise. While others might not grasp the significance of Master Jiang's actions, as the nurse, she could see what is wrong with the Crown Princess.

However, observing Master Jiang's solemn demeanor as he examined the Princess, Hou Wei concealed her excitement and happiness for the Crown Princess. She silently stood behind Master Jiang, controlling her emotions and patiently waiting for him to provide the proper diagnosis. Understanding the sensitivity of the situation, she refrained from acting recklessly and revealing her emotions prematurely.

Until Master Jiang formally delivered his diagnosis, she maintained her composure and remained poised.

While Hou Wei grasped the significance behind Master Jiang's deliberate actions and managed her excitement, Zheng Liang's anxiety grew. It was unusual for Master Jiang to take such an extended amount of time for an examination. With his remarkable skills and experience, he could typically provide a precise diagnosis by simply checking the pulse or even just by observing the person.

Seeing how much time Master Jiang was taking to check Yang Ning's pulse, tongue, and even abdomen, Zheng Liang couldn't help but feel anxious. Despite Yang Lingxin being exiled, the fear of losing someone still lingered in his mind.

Having already lost his mother to an unknown illness and almost losing his father to secret poisoning, he couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to Yang Ning now.

If anything were to happen to her, he wouldn't be able to go on living. In this life, she was the sole reason he found purpose and meaning in life.

"Master Jiang, please, say something. Is there something wrong with Yang Ning? Your silence is worrying me," Zheng Liang asked anxiously.

Master Jiang, who was silently examining Yang Ning, responded in a calm and low voice without raising his head. "Your Highness, please stay calm. I will provide my diagnosis after examining Her Highness thoroughly."

Seeing Master Jiang avoid answering his question, Zheng Liang became even more worried. Earlier, he had called Master Jiang to assess whether anything was wrong with Yang Ning, concerned about her persistent fatigue and change in mood. However, he hadn't anticipated anything serious, as Yang Ning herself had assured him that she was fine and experiencing no physical discomfort.

Yet, witnessing Master Jiang and the nurse examining Yang Ning with such seriousness only heightened his concern.

While Zheng Liang stood there anxiously, awaiting Master Jiang's diagnosis, the old physician examined Yang Ning's pulse, tongue, and abdomen. He regarded her with seriousness and inquired, "Princess, have you experienced any discomfort in the past few days? Such as nausea, dizziness, or fatigue?"

Yang Ning pondered for a moment before nodding. "I did experience nausea and dizziness at times. However, it wasn't severe. It must have been because I spent hours cooped up in the study working and occasionally skipped meals."

"I also felt fatigued, and my body felt heavier than usual. I lacked the energy to do anything. But I believe it's all due to stress. After I rested properly today, I am sure these problems will improve," she concluded, casting a reassuring glance at Zheng Liang to convey that she was fine.

She only slept longer and experienced mood swings yesterday due to her approaching monthly cycle. Zheng Liang and everyone else are making an unnecessary fuss about it.

She can't believe that even Master Jiang is playing along with this game.

Master Jiang didn't say anything and continued to ask her, "What about your diet? Have there been any changes, or is it the same as before? For example, have your taste preferences changed? Do you crave anything sour or flavorful?"

"I don't think there have been any significant changes in my diet. I can eat everything just fine," Yang Ning replied, not giving much thought to it.

Just as Master Jiang was considering asking more questions, Xiaowei, who was standing nearby, spoke up, "Master, pardon me for interrupting. However, since I serve Her Highness her meals and observe her closely, I may be able to answer this question better."

Encouraged by the supportive gazes of Master Jiang and His Highness, Xiaowei continued, "Recently, Her Highness's eating habits have changed significantly. Her appetite has increased, and she generally prefers to eat light and savory breakfasts. However, today she consumed greasy, spicy, and strongly flavored beef noodle soup on an empty stomach.

Similarly, her cravings have become stronger, and she has been eating peculiar dishes in the past few days that she never ate before."

"Additionally, she has been snacking on sour pickles frequently and has been craving different dishes every day.

While Her Highness has always enjoyed eating and used to eat everything, but lately, she seems to have become more selective and pickier about her food options." She explained, unsure if these details would aid in Yang Ning's diagnosis, but as someone who is often near her, she wanted to offer her insights on the changes.

Yang Ning frowned and pursed her lips when she heard Xiaowei's response. Although Xiaowei didn't lie and was simply stating her observation, her words made Yang Ning feel like she was being portrayed as a glutton who constantly thinks about food.

'Is she really my maidservant, or someone sent by the enemies? Why do I feel like she was complaining while telling her observation?' Yang Ning frowned, deciding to address the issue with Xiaowei later. Find exclusive stories on empire

Sensing Yang Ning's accusing gaze, Xiaowei coughed awkwardly and looked away, avoiding eye contact with her.

Master Jiang nodded at Xiaowei's response, then turned to Yang Ning with a serious expression. "Princess, can you tell me when you had your last monthly cycle?"

Yang Ning, who had been glaring at Xiaowei, was taken aback by the sudden question. Despite her surprise, she answered honestly after some thought. "I don't remember exactly. It might have been about a month ago, but my cycles are usually irregular, so I can't say for certain," she replied awkwardly.

Since inhabiting Yang Ning's body, not only had her monthly cycle become irregular, but it had also become difficult to keep track of her periods. She had been so consumed with work in the past few months that she couldn't remember the details.

However, Xiaowei, standing on the side, interjected once again. "Master Jiang, Her Highness had her last monthly cycle two months ago. You had recommended some tonics to strengthen her body and balance her energy, and I have been regularly giving them to her. Despite this, she still hasn't had her monthly cycle for two months."

"I understand." After hearing this, all doubts dissipated, and Master Jiang smiled subtly as he stood up from the stool. He turned to face Zheng Liang, casting a gentle smile at Yang Ning before addressing the Crown Prince. "Your Highness, Her Highness is fine. You need not worry about her health. There is nothing wrong with her."

Zheng Liang frowned, his uncertainty evident. "But what about her dizziness and fatigue? Are you sure she is fine?"

"Yes, she is fine. These symptoms are normal given her condition. Due to Her Highness's weak constitution, I will prescribe a tonic to help improve her health and alleviate the effects of these symptoms," Master Jiang explained.

Zheng Liang's confusion deepened. "What condition are you referring to?"

Master Jiang smiled. "Your Highness, congratulations. You're going to be a father. Her Highness is pregnant," he announced.