Dethroned the Crown Princess? Then she became your mother

As the night deepened, the garden lights dimmed and figures gathered. Here gathered the garden's original servants and guests specially arrived from the palace. However, the concubines in the harem had all returned to the depths of the Forbidden City.

After all, the Emperor had decided to return to the palace tonight and might not return. The concubines, knowing the implications, followed him, secretly plotting how to gain the Emperor's favor tonight.

Normally, on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Emperor should stay in the Empress's bedroom, but things are unpredictable, and there is always someone who can find a way to win the Empress's heart and make himself the Emperor's choice tonight.

In this atmosphere of prosperity and scheming, a favored concubine is forced to remain in the garden, unable to set foot in the palace. This undoubtedly provides a perfect opportunity for the other concubines. How could they easily let go of this chance to compete for favor?

However, for this favorite concubine, this might actually be a relief. Out of sight, out of mind. But a trace of sadness is inevitable in her heart.

Zhang Tianai had also considered returning to the palace with the emperor, but was politely declined by the emperor, who firmly opposed it on the grounds that the journey was long and the safety was unpredictable.

Thinking of the baby in her belly, Zhang Tianai no longer insisted and could only pray silently in her heart that the emperor would be well. The emperor also responded gently, knowing her feelings. This warmth lingered in her heart, but it could not dispel the haze in her heart.

Xianfei and Wanwan observed Zhang Tianai's words and expressions and understood what she was thinking, but they did not say much because the matter was already done and there was no point in saying more.

She asked softly, "Sister Liang Fei, have you had enough?" With the help of the palace servants, Xian Fei washed her hands. She felt full. After all, although mooncakes were delicious, they shouldn't be eaten too much. She needed to get up and move around to aid digestion. The same goes for wine: it's fine in moderation, but too much is as bad as too little.

Wanwan turned her gaze to Zhang Tianai. Zhang Tianai looked at the leftovers on the table and nodded slightly, indicating that she was full.

Seeing this, Nanny Li, Chunmei, and the others also left to eat. The garden was hung with colorful lanterns everywhere, decorating the night like a dream.

Zhang Tianai once inquired about the origins of these lanterns and learned that they were specially hung by the emperor's order. Perhaps because he couldn't personally accompany her to enjoy the lanterns, the emperor used this as a token of his affection?

Recalling the emperor's previous promise, Zhang Tianai felt mixed emotions. She didn't actually care about the lantern viewing itself, but the thoughtfulness made her moved and helpless.

The guests in the garden flocked to the area where they could admire the lanterns, but they remained motionless. As the night deepened and the noise in the garden gradually faded, only the three of them remained sitting there quietly. Xian Fei spoke again, "Sister Liang Fei, why don't you go enjoy the lanterns together?"

Wanwan also washed her hands and looked at Zhang Tianai gently.

Zhang Tianai looked at the two sisters in front of her, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She knew that if she didn't go to enjoy the lanterns now, she would really miss this beautiful night. With them by her side, she would not be alone on this trip. "Then let's go now?"

Xianfei nodded with a smile, and Wanwan slowly stood up. Seeing this, the palace maids beside her hurried forward to support her.

Led by palace maids, they strolled among the lanterns. The sweet fragrance of osmanthus wafted through the garden, and the sweet aroma of mooncakes drifted on the wind, complementing the brilliance of the lanterns. The full moon hung high in the sky, like a silver disk, illuminating the entire night sky.

Each lantern is unique and has a variety of shapes, making it a feast for the eyes. While enjoying the lanterns, they occasionally chat and laugh, enjoying this rare tranquility and beauty.

Zhang Tianai suddenly stopped and turned to Concubine Xian and said, "Sister Concubine Xian, you and Wanwan can actually go back to the palace. You don't have to stay with me." She knew very well that Concubine Xian and Wanwan were different from her. They had the freedom to return to the palace.

Upon hearing this, Concubine Xian smiled softly, "Why do you say that, Concubine Liang? I'm just too lazy to go back and forth. Besides, there's no one I'd care about if I returned to the palace. Do you think we're not returning to the palace just for you?"

Upon hearing this, Wanwan also gave him a gentle look.

Zhang Tianai smiled slightly upon hearing this, a warm feeling welling up in her heart. She understood Concubine Xian's feelings; after all, they both had their own difficulties and frustrations.

The virtuous concubine continued, "Sister, your health is the most important thing. If we stay with you, the emperor will feel more at ease." Wanwan nodded in agreement.

Zhang Tianai was filled with gratitude when he heard this, and said no more.

"Let us accompany Sister Liang Fei tonight." Xian Fei said softly.

Zhang Tianai nodded in agreement, but she was secretly pondering the situation in the palace. She narrowed her eyes and looked towards the capital, feeling a mixture of emotions.

Upon seeing this, Concubine Xian and Wanwan couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

A moment later, Zhang Tianai took down a lantern and gently stroked it in her hands. Xianfei and Wanwan followed suit. Each holding a lantern, they strolled under the moonlight, enjoying this rare tranquility and harmony.

Xianfei's heart moved, and she asked, "Did anything interesting happen when Your Majesty and your sister returned to the garden today?"

Zhang Tianai's heart trembled slightly upon hearing this. She recalled her experience with the Emperor at the manor house today, as well as the appearance of that mysterious man, and a wave of emotion welled up within her. However, knowing full well that this matter should not be publicized, she simply smiled and remained silent.

Seeing this, Concubine Xian stopped asking questions. They continued to enjoy the lanterns and chat, enjoying this rare sisterhood.

Far away in the capital, the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet at the imperial palace had already concluded. The emperor quietly departed before the banquet was over, leaving the guests and concubines in bewilderment.

Those ministers who were fortunate enough to enter the palace for the banquet also said goodbye and left, secretly speculating about the emperor's intentions and the changes in the palace.

Privately, many people were discussing the news that Concubine Liang was pregnant. This news spread like a spring breeze to every corner of the harem, forcing those concubines who were originally ready to make a move to restrain their edge.

The Empress Dowager and the others also left one after another, returning to their respective chambers to rest. But Concubine Ning was reluctant to go to bed, secretly plotting how to gain the Emperor's favor tonight. However, the Empress Dowager's exhortation forced her to abandon this idea, and she left in a huff.

The Empress sat alone in her chambers, awaiting the Emperor's arrival. After bathing and changing her clothes, she meticulously dressed, hoping to win back the Emperor's heart tonight. Recalling the Emperor's unfailing grace at the palace banquet, she felt a surge of pride and anticipation. She ordered mooncakes and fine wine, hoping to spend a warm and beautiful Mid-Autumn Festival night with the Emperor.

She looked at herself in the mirror and tried to dress up like Concubine Liang. Although she knew she couldn't compare to Concubine Liang, she still hoped to attract the emperor's attention in her own way. She asked the palace maid beside her, "How am I tonight?"

The palace maid complimented her, "Your Majesty, you are as beautiful as a fairy tonight." Upon hearing this, the queen felt secretly proud.

However, when she thought of Concubine Liang, she couldn't help but feel a little sad. She knew that although she was the queen, she might not be as important as Concubine Liang in the emperor's heart.

While she was lost in her thoughts, Emperor Murong Shuo in the Yangxin Palace had already finished bathing and changing his clothes. After changing into comfortable clothes, he sat on the throne and began to ponder.

He recalled his experience at Zhuangzi today and the words of the mysterious man, and his heart was filled with ripples.

He stood up, walked out of the Yangxin Palace, and boarded the imperial sedan chair. He looked out the window at the night and the dimly lit capital city in the distance, his mind full of thoughts.

As night fell, he had already made up his mind, his mother's words echoing in his ears. Tonight, a trip to the Queen's Palace was imperative.

When he mentioned his mother, a hint of annoyance appeared between his brows, and his eyes dimmed. He thought to himself that perhaps the night in the garden could bring him a moment of peace and relief.

However, on the way to the Queen's bedroom, a figure quietly came into view. He only took a glance and recognized the person - Concubine Lan.

She seemed to have come to see him. In the past few days, the emperor was not in the palace. She had gone to the East Palace many times, but had never been able to see the prince.

Now, even if she appeared again, he still chose to turn a blind eye, and even refused to let others speak, but just signaled the servants to stop her.

Lanpin stood there, feeling a mixture of emotions. She knew the emperor had made up his mind, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't change it. So, she stood there quietly, watching Murong Shuo's back gradually disappear.

However, fate didn't seem to let him off. Just as he walked a short distance, another figure appeared in his sight. This time, it was Concubine Hui.

"Your Majesty." Concubine Hui's voice was clear and pleasant. She was dressed exquisitely, as if she had carefully prepared for this moment. Beside her stood Eunuch An, who also looked at him expectantly.

"Noble Lady Hui?" Murong Shuo's voice was calm and cold. He glanced at Noble Lady Hui, and there was no ripple in his heart.

Concubine Hui didn't seem to notice his indifference, and still said with a bright smile: "It's me, here to pay my respects to the Emperor. I heard that the Emperor would be here today, so I came specially to meet him." As she spoke, she tried to get closer, but Murong Shuo had already signaled his servants to stop her.

Seeing this, Concubine Hui's heart tightened, but she did not give up. She carried a special token with her, which was the guarantee given by Concubine Shu that she had come here. She believed that if the emperor saw this token, he would definitely change his mind.

However, Murong Shuo did not give her this opportunity. He just glanced at her calmly and turned away.

Concubine Hui was filled with loss and resentment, but she was powerless. She could only watch Murong Shuo's back gradually disappear into the night, and then turned away silently.

Finally, Murong Shuo arrived at the Queen's palace. He looked at the Queen's familiar yet unfamiliar face, feeling no emotion. He didn't want to do anything special tonight. He simply stared at the wine and mooncakes on the table, feeling a strange irritation well up in his heart.

"What is this?" he asked casually.

The Queen was delighted upon seeing this and quickly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, this is the wine and mooncakes I prepared for you. I made them all myself. Look at the moon outside the window, it's so round! I want to enjoy the moon and drink wine with you."

Murong Shuo just glanced at the moon outside the window and said, "Go to sleep." After that, he turned and walked into the bedroom, leaving the queen standing there alone with a pale face.

The queen looked at the emperor's tall back, her heart filled with confusion and resentment. She didn't understand why the emperor didn't want to stay a little longer after coming here. She even thought of drugging him, but ultimately gave up because of her pride.

Meanwhile, the Queen Mother was also awake. Lying in bed, she worried about the Emperor's whereabouts. She was relieved when she learned that the Emperor had indeed gone to the Queen's.

However, when she thought of Concubine Ning, a trace of worry rose in her heart. She sent someone to inquire about Concubine Ning's situation, and learned that Concubine Ning did not receive much attention after meeting the emperor, and she was very angry.

The Queen Mother shook her head helplessly and said, "Don't bother with this girl." After that, she fell into a deep sleep.

But Concubine Ning lay awake all night. She lay in bed, her heart filled with anger and resentment. She didn't understand why she couldn't win the emperor's favor despite trying so hard.

-

Meanwhile, Zhang Tianai slept soundly in the garden. After enjoying the lanterns with Concubine Wanwan, she returned to her rooms to rest. Before bed, Nanny Li and Chunmei wanted to say something to her, but she simply told them to go to bed early.

After the Mid-Autumn Festival, the crisp autumn weather made people feel happy. Zhang Tianai sat by the window, admiring the scenery outside, feeling the fresh air and the peaceful atmosphere.

However, just as she finished her breakfast and was about to continue enjoying the tranquility, a familiar figure came into her sight - Emperor Murong Shuo.

She looked at the emperor, who looked exhausted, and felt an inexplicable emotion in her heart. She had not expected that the emperor would come back to the garden to see her so early. She quickly stood up to greet him, took Chunmei's hand and walked to the emperor and said, "Your Majesty, why are you back so early? I thought you would not be back for a few days."

Murong Shuo looked at her expectant eyes, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart. He said, "I was too busy last night and didn't have time to come back. I rushed back early this morning." As he spoke, he looked out the window and said, "The scenery in this garden is so beautiful."

Zhang Tianai was delighted when she heard this, and quickly said, "Yes, Your Majesty, the scenery in this garden is indeed beautiful. Last night, I watched the lanterns with Concubine Xian and Wanwan." As she said this, she wanted to ask the emperor who accompanied him last night?

But he didn't give her the chance. He just smiled faintly and said, "Really? Then I'll accompany you tonight to enjoy the moonlight in the garden."

Soon after, Consort Xian and Consort Wan arrived. They were stunned when they saw the emperor, but soon recovered. They chatted with Zhang Tianai, admired the flowers, and enjoyed this rare tranquility and beauty.

However, when the Queen and the Queen Mother returned to the garden in the afternoon, Zhang Tianai learned that the Emperor had stayed at the Queen's place the previous night. She couldn't help but feel a surge of sadness and loss in her heart.