Empress Zhenyue

As she gazed upon Zenki, who stood tall and resolute at the center of the court, memories of her past experiences flooded Zhenyue's mind, and she couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over her.

The grand castle in the United Realms of Ardenia was an impressive structure that stood tall and imposing, a symbol of the power and wealth of the Ardenian royal family. Its massive stone walls, high turrets, and grand entrance were a testament to the craftsmanship of the builders who had constructed it centuries ago.

As Zhenyue was just born into the royal family, she was too young to appreciate the grandeur of the castle. But as she grew older, she would come to understand the importance of the castle to the Ardenian people and the role it played in the country's history.

The castle was situated on a hill, overlooking the surrounding countryside, and offered a commanding view of the entire region. Its location made it an ideal defensive stronghold, and it had withstood many attacks and sieges throughout its long history.

Inside the castle, there were countless rooms, each one more lavish than the last. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries, paintings, and sculptures, while the floors were made of polished marble or hardwood. The furniture was ornate, with carved wood and plush cushions, and the beds were large and comfortable, with silk sheets and fluffy pillows.

However, despite the opulence of the castle, it was not without its problems. The current situation in Ardenia was tense, as there were rumors of rebellion and unrest among the common people. The king and queen were struggling to maintain order and stability, and there were whispers of corruption and mismanagement among the royal court.

Against this backdrop, Zhenyue was born into a world of uncertainty and turmoil. As the daughter of the king and queen, she was expected to follow in their footsteps and take on the responsibilities of royalty. But she would soon learn that being a member of the royal family was not all it was cracked up to be and that the pressures and expectations that came with her position could be overwhelming.

Zhenyue's birth into the royal family of the United Realms of Ardenia should have been a cause for celebration, but instead, it only brought her into a world where love and attention were not equally distributed. As a princess, she was constantly overlooked and neglected by her parents, who seemed to reserve all their affection for the princes. It was apparent to her that her existence was merely a political tool for the kingdom rather than a source of genuine parental love. The lack of love and attention from her parents left a lasting impact on Zhenyue and shaped her views on the importance of family and love.

When Zhenyue's marriage to Zenki Lee was finalized, she had no illusions of love or happiness. She had heard whispers about Zenki's unrelenting obsession with his first empress and childhood friend, Empress Meiying, and knew that she would never be able to compete with that kind of devotion. All she hoped for was a peaceful and uneventful life, free from the political machinations that had defined her upbringing in the United Realms of Ardenia.

Zhenyue yearned for a life of tranquility and simplicity, free from the constant chaos and intrigue of the royal court. She dreamed of living in a small cottage surrounded by nature, away from the pressures of her status as a princess and the expectations of her duties as a wife to Zenki Lee. To her, a peaceful and quiet life meant being able to live in the moment and enjoy the simple pleasures of life, like reading a book, tending to a garden, or spending time with loved ones without any interruptions. It was a longing that she carried with her throughout her life, even as she navigated the complicated world of politics and royalty.

When Zhenyue first met Meiying, she felt a glimmer of hope that they could establish a friendly relationship and avoid the drama of the royal court. She was pleased to find that Meiying was a warm and welcoming person, and hoped that they could maintain a cordial bond. However, Zhenyue soon realized that Meiying's children were a source of trouble, likely due to their father's favoritism towards them. Their spoiled personalities made them difficult to deal with and caused Zhenyue to worry about potential conflicts in the future.

Zhenyue was well aware that Mingliang's conception was a mere result of political duty, but that did not stop her from showering him with all the love and affection she could muster. She understood that Zenki Lee, her husband, was still enamored by his first empress and childhood friend, Empress Meiying and that his heart might never be hers. Nevertheless, she was resolute in ensuring that her son did not suffer the same neglect that she did and was determined to compensate for his father's lack of love with her unwavering devotion.

As Zhenyue watched Mingliang grow older, she noticed a deep sadness in his eyes that she knew all too well. She could see that he had lost all hope of ever receiving his father's love and attention. It pained her to know that her son was experiencing the same neglect and disappointment she had endured growing up as a princess. Despite her best efforts to shower Mingliang with love and affection, she knew that nothing could replace the love of a father. It was a burden that she had to bear alone, and she prayed that Mingliang would one day find the happiness and love he deserved.

The circumstances surrounding Mengting's conception were a source of great pain and shame for Zhenyue. She had never wanted to be intimate with Zenki and had only done so out of duty to her role as Empress. The fact that he had mistaken her for Meiying, his true love, only added to her humiliation. Despite her initial reluctance, however, Zhenyue found herself growing attached to Mengting and resolved to love and care for her just as she had done for Mingliang.

Zhenyue felt a pang of sorrow in her heart as she watched Mengting struggle with her shyness. She knew her daughter was a bright and intelligent child, but her constant timidity held her back. Zhenyue couldn't help but feel that the root cause of Mengting's shyness was the constant harassment and bullying from Meiying's children, who took every opportunity to belittle and ridicule her when she wasn't looking. Despite her efforts to shield Mengting from their cruelty, Zhenyue knew that she couldn't always be there to protect her, and that thought weighed heavily on her mind.

Zhenyue felt helpless and frustrated as the harassment towards her daughter, Mengting, persisted despite her efforts. She had brought the issue to Empress Meiying's attention, and Meiying scolded her children, but the bullying continued. Meiying's children were spoiled and entitled, believing that their father's favoritism gave them the right to tease and harass Mengting. Zhenyue felt at a loss as she watched her daughter struggle with shyness and insecurity, unable to protect her from the constant torment.

When Mingliang and Zhenyue visited her parents in the United Realms of Ardenia, the boy always looked forward to spending time with his grandparents, not realizing the tension that lingered beneath the surface. Behind closed doors, Zhenyue was constantly admonished by her parents for not being able to win over Zenki's love despite years of marriage. It was a source of constant frustration for Zhenyue, who longed for nothing more than a peaceful and happy marriage but was instead trapped in a loveless union that had been forced upon her for political gain.

As Zhenyue tried to adjust to the familiar surroundings of her home, she couldn't help but notice the changes in her husband's behavior. Zenki had always been a distant and reserved man, but now he was showing her a level of attention and affection she had never experienced before. It was as if he had suddenly become a new person, and this left her feeling both surprised and relieved.

For years, Zhenyue had longed for a deeper connection with her husband, but she had resigned herself to the fact that his heart belonged to another. But now, Zenki's newfound affection towards her was like a balm to her soul. She couldn't help but feel grateful for this unexpected turn of events.

As she watched her daughter Mengting interact with Zenki, she noticed a similar change in her demeanor. Mengting, who had always been shy and introverted, was now more confident and outgoing. It was clear that Zenki had played a significant role in this transformation.

Zhenyue couldn't help but wonder what had caused this sudden change in her husband and daughter, but for the moment, she was content to enjoy this newfound harmony in her family. She felt blessed to have a husband who was finally showing her the love and affection she deserved and a daughter who was blossoming into a confident young woman.

Zhenyue was delighted to witness the transformation in Mingliang after his journey with Zenki. She noticed that Mingliang's demeanor towards his father had changed dramatically, and he had developed a newfound respect and admiration for him, which was a significant departure from the resentment he had previously harbored. Zhenyue was thrilled to see that the journey had a positive impact on Mingliang, as he had become more proactive in honing his martial skills, a trait that he had lacked before. The changes were evident in his newfound confidence and his eagerness to learn new things. Zhenyue couldn't be more pleased with the positive changes she was witnessing in her son.

Zhenyue couldn't help but notice a change in Zenki's behavior, especially in their private life. Although she felt a little embarrassed to admit it, their nights together had taken a turn for the better. However, she found it strange that on their first night back from her parents' visit, Zenki seemed nervous, almost like a young groom on his wedding night. But after that, he was filled with a newfound energy that she had never seen before in their years of marriage. It was a welcome change, but Zhenyue couldn't help but wonder what caused it.

Zhenyue felt grateful for the peaceful and harmonious atmosphere in the palace, and she prayed that it would remain unchanged even when the other empresses returned. However, she couldn't shake off the nagging feeling of uncertainty and worry.