Dethroned the Crown Princess? Then she became your mother

The silver plate hangs high, and the night breeze blows gently, bringing a bit of coolness and the faint chirping of cicadas in the distance, interweaving into the prelude to a summer night.

Outside the Buddhist temple, there should have been a tranquility and solemnity that transcended the world, but at this moment, an unusual atmosphere was quietly spreading.

Zhang Tianai, the Crown Princess who should have been the center of everyone's attention, was now standing alone outside the Buddhist temple. The moonlight cast mottled shadows on her, reflecting her complex and indistinguishable expression.

She could faintly hear charming sounds that shouldn't be heard in a Buddhist temple.

She felt mixed emotions. She originally thought that the prince came to visit her to express his deep affection, but she did not expect that he would perform a forbidden play with her younger sister in the pure land of Buddhism.

This Buddhist temple had become a stage for their emotional indulgence, which made Zhang Tianai feel cold.

Thinking back on it, she couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Her younger sister, the one with whom she once shared family happiness and could talk about anything, has now become the one who pushed her into the abyss.

She was framed and brought to ruin, and in the end she had no choice but to leave the scene in disgrace, handing over the position of Crown Princess.

If the memories of her past life had not come flooding back like a tide, she might still be sleeping in the endless darkness, never to wake up.

The experience of rebirth and time travel has given Zhang Tianai's soul an unprecedented baptism.

The tragic ending of her first life made her struggle as an orphan in the modern world, and eventually, through her unremitting efforts, she became a star that everyone admired.

However, fate plays a cruel trick on her. At the moment when she is about to reach the pinnacle of her life, she travels through time again and returns to this familiar yet unfamiliar world.

At this moment, she is the eldest daughter of the Weiyuan Marquisate who is held in the palm of the hand, but she is no longer the simple and ignorant girl.

Looking back on my past self, I was immersed in the warm dreams woven by my loved ones, thinking that all the good things in the world belonged to me, but I didn't know the undercurrents and calculations hidden behind it.

Now, she will re-examine all this with a clearer mind and strive for a different future for herself.

In the deep palace, people's hearts are unpredictable. She is like a floating duckweed and has never won a trace of true favor.

All the honors and favors were just because of her status as the Crown Princess. Those hypocritical favors were just pawns of power politics, intended to praise her to death in order to highlight the gentleness and virtue of her younger sister.

Thus, she bore an unwarranted bad reputation and became a speck of sand in the prince's eyes, while her legitimate sister became the white moonlight in his heart.

When her value no longer matched the honorable position of Crown Princess, the former prosperity burst like a bubble.

Those ants whom she once ignored now dare to trample on her dignity. Only by experiencing the loneliness of being at the top can one deeply understand the sorrow and despair of falling into the dust.

If she had known all this a moment earlier, she might have been able to avoid the carefully arranged trap, and no matter whether it was a conspiracy or an open one, nothing would have been able to escape exposure.

But time cannot be reversed, so she can only wake up in bitterness and vow not to repeat the same mistakes.

"My reputation is ruined and I'm abandoned by the prince. Is this the end of my life?" She pondered in her heart, but her eyes flashed with unyielding spirit.

Inside the room, the storm gradually subsided, only the younger sister's tender and tempting voice still lingered in his ears, carrying with it an unspoken temptation.

Obviously, she was using this method to firmly grasp the heart of the prince.

The younger sister's natural beauty, coupled with her private tenderness and affection, is truly irresistible.

Although she possessed the memories of three lifetimes and knew very well what true charm was, she had to admit that her younger sister's tenderness was indeed unique.

However, compared to her former dullness and boredom, the legitimate sister is now a sure winner, no wonder the prince is so attracted to her.

Even as the crown prince, he cannot escape the mundane desires. Who can resist a woman like this?

Looking back, she was terribly wrong. She only knew how to follow the family motto, hiding her stunning looks and graceful figure under the heavy ethics of etiquette. She was even more dull and boring in bed, and had no idea about romance.

She once thought that as a princess consort, dignity was the only criterion, but she forgot that as a woman, she also needed to know how to warm the heart of the emperor with tenderness and affection.

Now, everything is gone, and only regret remains.

Everyone sees her gentle and dignified face, but they don't know that privately, she also longs to release her true self that is bound by etiquette.

She once thought that her younger sister would be taught to follow the rules like her, while still maintaining her individuality. However, reality gave her an unexpected answer.

At this moment, a lazy yet majestic voice interrupted her thoughts: "Ci'er, oh no, my Crown Princess!"

The prince smiled lightly and suddenly hugged his younger sister Zhang Tianci tightly in his arms, his doting expression was beyond words.

Zhang Tianci struggled slightly, his voice adding a bit of coquettishness and shyness: "Your Highness, my sister is still your Crown Princess, but I am not yet."

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince's eyes became even gentler, as if water could drip out of them: "You are my Crown Princess. What I think of in my heart and what I see in my eyes is only you."

"Zhang Tianai? She's just a chess piece I've temporarily placed there to protect you. She exists only to wait for you to grow up and become my true partner. In my world, there has never been another you."

Zhang Tianci felt sweet but also a little uneasy when he heard this: "Your Highness, I know what you mean, but will this hurt my sister? After all, she is my family."

The prince gently stroked her hair. "Don't blame yourself for this. If she truly cared about me, she would understand my painstaking efforts. As for her so-called nobleness and reserve, in my opinion, they are nothing but self-imposed shackles. What I seek is a companion who can connect with me and weather the storms together, not a cold sculpture."

Zhang Tianci was listening to this conversation from the side, and he couldn't help but feel a little sad for the "sister".

She opened her red lips slightly, her voice filled with reluctance. "Your Highness, perhaps you have a point, but please remember that people are made of flesh and blood. Even the strongest people have their fragile sides. I hope your decision will not become a permanent pain in her heart."

The Crown Prince's expression faltered slightly upon hearing this, but he quickly regained his usual composure. "I know my limits, but matters within the palace are complex and ever-changing, beyond our control. I hope she can finally understand that my feelings have never changed."

Such a conversation spread quietly to every corner of the palace and became a topic of conversation among people after dinner.

As for the two women, one continued to play the role of a dignified princess consort, while the other gradually blossomed with her own brilliance under the favor of the prince.

Outside the quiet and solemn Buddhist temple, the aloof prince, Murong Shenxing, curled his lips into a complex smile.

He shook his head gently and whispered to the struggling yet determined little man beside him—Zhang Tianci: "Ci'er, how can you bear to walk side by side with me without the slightest intention of touching me?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Tianci bit his lower lip tightly, as if he wanted to swallow all the grievances and resentment in his heart. Finally, he couldn't help but call out, "Brother Crown Prince, you..."

"You are always so soft-hearted, always thinking about the difficulties of others, but forgetting that you also need to be cared for. As for her, the so-called Crown Princess, she is just a false title, and she is so self-righteous. If it weren't for that appearance, why would I even look at her?"

Murong Shenxing's words revealed unquestionable determination, but also concealed a unique tenderness towards Zhang Tianci.

"Brother Prince, you are being too serious again." Zhang Tianci tried to dissuade him, with a hint of worry in his eyes.

"It's not heavy. There is nothing wrong between us and her. After she leaves, you are the only one in the Prince's Mansion who can bear my name." Murong Shenxing seemed to have everything under his control.

On the side, Zhang Tianci couldn't help but interrupt, with a bit of pity in his tone: "Brother Crown Prince, you are too cruel to Big Sister."

"Cold? Love is scarce in this world. I only want to give my heart to you. She? She's just a passerby." Murong Shenxing said lightly, but there was no fluctuation in his eyes.

"If I were your sister and knew all this, I would probably be heartbroken." Zhang Tianci's tone was complex and difficult to understand, with both sympathy and helplessness.

"But my heart beats only for you. Your fragility and your innocence all make me fascinated." Murong Shenxing's words were extremely gentle.

Zhang Tianci felt mixed emotions when she heard this. She had fantasized about becoming the Crown Princess countless times, but she had also wanted to return this honor to her "sister" countless times.

She whispered, "Brother Crown Prince, I once thought, if I could..."

"What are you thinking? You want to push me to someone else? Don't even think about it!" Murong Shenxing interrupted her, his tone full of unquestionable dominance, "How can I be manipulated by others? Right now, I just want to spend this wonderful night with you."

"But, this is a Buddhist temple..." Zhang Tianci's cheeks turned slightly red and he lowered his head shyly.

"So what if we're in a Buddhist temple? In my heart, you're more important than any of the rules and regulations. However, since you mentioned it, we won't act rashly in this pure Buddhist place. But you must remember, no matter when or where, my feelings will never change."

Murong Shenxing's words were gentle and firm, bringing an unprecedented warmth and sense of security to Zhang Tianci's heart.

As for Zhang Tianci's mention of visiting her "sister" again, although Murong Shenxing was reluctant, he did not stop her, but silently promised to go with her.

In his heart, protecting Zhang Tianci is his greatest mission and responsibility in this life.

And the "sister" who was lying on the sickbed was probably immersed in her own world, and had no idea that in the deep palace, a drama about power, love and betrayal was quietly unfolding.

Afterwards, Zhang Tianai once again heard the prince's low and familiar voice, which penetrated her already confused mind.

"Brother Prince—" Zhang Tianci's call was filled with a bit of coquettishness and dependence, but it pierced Zhang Tianai's heart like a sharp blade.

She gritted her teeth, a look of determination flashed in her eyes, and she wished she could turn into stone and smash it hard against the closed door, completely burying the man and woman inside who had desecrated the pure place of Buddhism.

Once upon a time, Murong Shenxing's name was the most tender secret in her heart.

Now, the memory of love has long been blown away by the wind, and only hatred remains, growing wildly in my heart like weeds, difficult to eradicate.

She took a deep breath and decided to withdraw temporarily, returning to her own corner to plan calmly. She needed time and calmness to weave a network large enough to subvert everything.

"Miss."

At this moment, a soft voice came quietly. It was Chunmei, the personal maid who had been by his side since childhood. Her loyalty was as solid as a rock. She never left Zhang Tianai even in his most desperate moments.

Zhang Tianai turned to look at Chunmei, waved her hand gently, motioning her to come closer, and asked in a low voice, "Is there anything unusual?"

Chunmei shook her head and whispered, "Your Majesty, there is no one around." There was a hint of caution in her voice, and she obviously noticed that this place was unusual.

Zhang Tianai nodded slightly, secretly glad that the prince also didn't want this to be exposed. She reminded Chunmei again: "Remember, don't tell anyone."

Although Chunmei was full of doubts, especially when she accidentally caught a glimpse of the scene in the Buddhist hall, she was even more shocked, but she knew it was not appropriate to ask too many questions at this time. She could only suppress her curiosity and worry and nodded.

Zhang Tianai looked at Chunmei and felt a warm feeling in his heart.

In this world full of calculations and betrayal, at least there is Chunmei, who provides pure loyalty and companionship.

She took a deep breath and decided to keep moving forward with this strength until she uncovered all the conspiracies and got justice for herself.

"Let's evacuate for now and wait and see what happens." After saying that, she turned lightly and left slowly with a barely perceptible determination in her steps.

Chunmei followed closely behind, her heart surging with thoughts.

She was filled with confusion and shock, muttering to herself, "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the Second Young Lady, this... how can this be? In the pure land of Buddhism, they are actually doing such a thing! Didn't His Royal Highness the Crown Prince say he came to pray for the Queen Mother? How... how could this be..."

She sneered at the second girl's behavior and cursed in her heart: "How shameless!"

Recalling that in the evening, when the girl had just woken up, she was full of joy in informing him of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's visit, thinking that it was a sign of concern for the girl.

Now that I think about it, everything is just an appearance, and I can't help but feel sorry for the girl.

She had been so convinced that the second girl would stand on the girl's side, but now she has become one of the betrayers. How could she not be heartbroken?

The two of them remained silent all the way until they returned to the quiet courtyard in the back mountain.

The courtyard is still as quiet as before, as if isolated from the world.

Zhang Tianai walked into her room, sat down tiredly, and motioned Chunmei to make tea.

Although the tea Chunmei brought was fragrant, it was a little cold due to being left for a long time. She was about to change it for hotter one, but was stopped by Zhang Tianai.

"It's okay. This herbal tea is just right. It can make my mind clearer." Zhang Tianai smiled faintly, but that smile hid too much subtle bitterness and tenacity.

She knew very well that her body had not yet recovered, and this journey was entirely supported by her willpower, and her panting at this moment was the best proof.

But she also understood that only by staying sober could she find a way out of this complicated situation.

"Miss, you..." Chunmei hesitated to speak, but finally suppressed the urge in her heart and asked softly, "Are you really okay?"

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Zhang Tianai shook her head slightly.

She knew that it would take time for the body to recover, but what was more important at this moment was mental fortitude and calmness.

She had to quickly adapt herself to this sudden change and prepare for the road ahead.

Seeing this, Chunmei said no more and just stood by silently.

There is no need for many words between the two of them, as their tacit understanding is enough to overcome all language barriers.

In the dead of night, Zhang Tianai finally had a moment of peace.

She lay on the bed, closed her eyes and rested, but she had already planned every move in her mind.

Zhang Tianai pondered secretly in his heart, but he kept many unspoken words in silence due to concerns.

She opened her red lips slightly and said softly, "Let's rest for a while. There's a lot to talk about, and there's no rush."

After saying this, the heavy thoughts seemed to be gently suppressed by her, and she didn't want Chunmei to be involved in this complicated emotional vortex.

Chunmei opened her mouth slightly, but finally said nothing more. She just went out to check as she was told. When she came back, her eyes were filled with the tranquility of being alone.

She spoke softly, reporting the calmness of the outside world, but Zhang Tianai's heart was still caressed by a subtle worry.

Fortunately, everything was normal and we were not disturbed.

She called Chunmei softly and slowly placed her on the soft bed.

Afterwards, Zhang Tianai dismissed Chunmei so that she could rest.

I closed my eyes and let my thoughts fly freely in the quiet air, thinking about the unfinished trivial matters in my mind.

This night was surprisingly peaceful and sweet for Zhang Tianai, as if even her dreams were tinged with the freshness of morning dew.

The next morning, when the first ray of sunlight penetrated the window, she woke up slowly, feeling refreshed as if she had been baptized again.

Just as she was enjoying the tranquility, she heard faint greetings from outside the door.

"The Crown Princess is well."

"Your Majesty, are you here to visit that person?" There seemed to be some subtle emotions hidden in her words.

"Although she is not my closest relative, she is my eldest sister in name. How can I ignore her?" Zhang Tianci's voice sounded at the right time.

"We spoke out of turn, and hope Your Majesty will forgive us." The palace maids apologized hastily, and the atmosphere became a little awkward for a moment.

"Forget it, there's no need to mention the past." Zhang Tianci's words revealed a bit of tolerance and relief.

Then, there was another more formal greeting, heralding the arrival of the prince.

"Greetings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince." Everyone said in unison.

Crown Prince Murong Shenxing's voice was steady and powerful: "Everyone, get up. Is that person... awake?"

"Your Highness, he seems to be still asleep." Someone answered respectfully.

Upon hearing this, Murong Shenxing said nothing more, but just stood there quietly, as if waiting for something.

She slowly opened her eyes again...