Dethroned the Crown Princess? Then she became your mother

Zhang Tianai gently picked up the hard, cold steamed bun and the simple water bag, her eyes revealing helplessness towards the surrounding environment.

"Master." Chunmei called softly, holding the shriveled bun tightly in her hand, as if conveying its texture with her fingertips. "This bun is very hard and cold to the bone."

Zhang Tianai smiled slightly, with a hint of bitterness and self-mockery in her smile: "Still complaining? Save your energy. I feel a little embarrassed that you care about me so much." She took the steamed bun, feeling the roughness and hardness with her fingertips, but there was not much ripple in her heart.

After all, in this chaotic world, it is not easy to get white flour buns. If it is made of whole grains, even chewing it would probably be a torture.

The water bag swirled gently in Zhang Tianai's hands, making a subtle sound that was particularly clear in the silent carriage. She tried to judge the quality of the water in the bag, but could only vaguely sense that there was not much.

She knew very well that she and Chunmei could only rely on this little water to moisten their thirsty throats, and it was simply a luxury to drink it heartily.

The light inside the carriage was dim, but it could not mask the hoarseness of Chunmei's voice. Zhang Tianai also felt her throat dry, as if even speaking had become labored.

"Do you want to drink water first, or eat the steamed buns first?" Zhang Tianai asked softly, with a hint of tenderness and concern in her tone.

Chunmei waved her hands hurriedly, her voice as soft as a mosquito's: "Master, drink first. I'm not thirsty... I'm not thirsty." However, her eyes betrayed her inner longing and worry. She was afraid that the water was poisoned or unclean and would harm her master.

Zhang Tianai felt a warm feeling in her heart, but she also understood Chunmei's concerns. She shook her head gently and handed the water bag to Chunmei: "You drink it first. If anything goes wrong, I will be prepared."

Chunmei's eyes flickered with hesitation when she heard this, but she also understood her master's intention. She carefully took the water bag, gently unscrewed the lid, and stared at the clear but slightly turbid water.

She took a small sip, feeling the water sliding down her throat, and felt a slight comfort in her heart. The water had no strange smell, just ordinary clear water, but it was enough to satisfy her.

Zhang Tianai felt a little relieved upon seeing this. She silently took the water bag and took a sip. Although the water was not much, it temporarily moistened her parched body.

"Master, there's nothing wrong with this water." Chunmei said softly, with a determined glint in her eyes.

Zhang Tianai nodded gently and drank a few more sips of water until her throat was no longer dry and she felt like she was coming back to life. She handed the water bag to Chunmei and said, "Drink some too. Don't drink it all. Leave some to moisten your throat. It might be dry after eating the steamed buns."

Upon hearing this, Chunmei quickly waved her hand and said, "I'm really not thirsty anymore. Master, please drink." However, Zhang Tianai's look made it impossible for her to refuse. She had no choice but to take the water bag again and carefully took a small sip.

Zhang Tianai picked up the steamed bun and examined it carefully. Though hard and cold, it held a familiar aroma, reminding her of her days in the temple. Back then, despite their hardship, they could still find a glimmer of comfort in simple food.

"It was the same when I was in the temple." Chunmei said softly, as if she was also recalling that time.

Zhang Tianai smiled faintly, saying nothing. She tore off a piece of steamed bun and chewed it carefully. Although the bun was dry and hard, it had a simple wheat aroma that made her feel an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

Chunmei also munched on her steamed bun silently, her eyes occasionally glancing at her master. She was worried that her master might not eat enough, which would affect her health. After all, her master was pregnant with the little prince.

Zhang Tianai seemed to see Chunmei's worry. She patted the back of Chunmei's hand gently and said, "Don't worry, I can eat it. You should eat more too, so that you can have the strength to protect me."

Chunmei's eyes flashed with determination when she heard this. She ate the steamed bun faster, trying to leave some for her master.

However, Zhang Tianai had already finished the whole steamed bun and drank a few sips of water, and her belly was slightly bulging.

Chunmei felt a little relieved when she saw this. She also finished the remaining half of the steamed bun. Although she still felt a little unsatisfied, she knew that they had to cherish every bite of food.

"Put it away," Zhang Tianai said softly, looking at the remaining steamed bun crumbs. She knew that these crumbs might be able to save their lives at a critical moment.

Chunmei nodded quickly and carefully put the remaining steamed bun crumbs into her arms. She understood what her master meant. These seemingly insignificant foods might become their lifeline during their escape.

Suddenly, there was a rustling sound outside the carriage, as if something was approaching. Zhang Tianai and Chunmei immediately became alert and tightly grasped the steamed buns and water bags in their hands.

"I wonder what the people outside are doing?" Chunmei asked softly, with a hint of uneasiness in her voice.

Zhang Tianai shook her head gently: "Don't worry about them."

However, just as he finished speaking, the carriage door was suddenly pushed open, and a burly man walked in. He was holding a thick rope in his hand, and his eyes were scanning the interior of the carriage with a cold gaze.

Zhang Tianai and Chunmei felt a tightness in their hearts, as they knew that this man had ill intentions.

The man glanced at her calmly without answering. He walked straight to Chunmei, picked up the rope and was about to tie her up.

Seeing this, Chunmei's face changed drastically: "What are you going to do?" There was a bit of fear and helplessness in her voice.

The man seemed not to have heard and continued what he was doing. Seeing this, Zhang Tianai felt a surge of anger in her heart. She stood up suddenly and stood in front of Chunmei: "If you dare to hurt her, I will never let you go!"

The man was slightly stunned, as if he had not expected Zhang Tianai to react in this way. He sneered, "Humph, you can do that? Just be obedient."

Zhang Tianai did not retreat. She stared at the man's eyes, trying to find a flaw in his expression.

However, a hint of mockery flashed in his eyes. He swung the rope in his hand and tied Chunmei tightly.

Chunmei was frightened by the sudden change. She tried her best to break free from the restraints, but it was like an ant trying to shake a tree, and her efforts were in vain.

Then, seeing the man's gaze turn towards her, she knew what was next. She shifted slightly, trying to persuade him with her words: "Look, my belly is so big, it's hard for me to move. If I get bumped, the consequences would be disastrous. Besides, the maid next to me has already been tied up. Where can I, a pregnant woman, escape?"

She was filled with confusion, not understanding why the other party insisted on tying her up. She was even more worried because she didn't want to be drugged, fearing it would have a negative impact on the fetus.

The man's gaze lingered on her bulging belly. Zhang Tianai seized the opportunity to look at Chunmei again, attempting to persuade her with logic: "If you're worried I'll untie Chunmei on the way, that would take time, and you're watching us. Besides, we don't even know where we are right now, so where can we escape to?"

After she finished speaking, she waited nervously for his response. Perhaps her words made some sense, because after a moment's hesitation, the man turned and left, taking the rope.

Zhang Tianai took the opportunity to observe the man carefully. He had a blank expression, dark complexion, and a fierce look.

Seeing the man leave, she breathed a sigh of relief, but her heart was still uneasy. At this moment, the fetus in her belly seemed to feel her nervousness and moved slightly.

Zhang Tianai was both surprised and worried. Since waking up, the baby in her belly had been quiet and motionless, and she had thought something was wrong with the baby. The movement at this moment made her feel a little relieved, but at the same time, she was even more worried about the child's safety.

After being knocked unconscious last night, she had no idea what happened next. Coupled with the effects of the drug, she was worried about the child being harmed. However, she didn't want Chunmei to worry too much, so she bore the pressure alone.

"Master." Chunmei's voice rang out in her ears, tinged with a hint of relief. Seeing that Zhang Tianai was untied, she felt a small sense of relief. At the same time, she secretly admired her master's courage and calmness. However, she was tied up, unable to move, and she felt extremely anxious.

Zhang Tianai comforted her softly, "Don't move, I'm fine. I'm here while you're tied up, don't worry." Chunmei nodded slightly when she heard that.

"Master, were you looking at your belly just now?" Chunmei asked curiously.

"Yes, he moved a little." Zhang Tianai's mood became relaxed and happy because of this little movement. Chunmei was also happy for her master: "The little prince and princess must be very healthy." She wanted to say something else, but Zhang Tianai stopped her with a look.

The carriage started up again and moved forward. Zhang Tianai took the opportunity to look out. The sun was blazing, indicating that it was already noon. She knew that jumping out of the carriage at this moment would be a death wish. Not long after, the carriage stopped again. The sound of men talking could be heard outside, but the details were unclear.

The carriage door opened, and a man walked in. Zhang Tianai looked closely and saw that he was holding a handkerchief. Her heart tightened, thinking something was wrong. Sure enough, the man walked straight to Chunmei, pulled her over, and covered her mouth and nose with the handkerchief. Chunmei struggled for a few times, then fainted.

Zhang Tianai saw this and realized her mistake. She took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. As the men approached her, she offered no resistance, simply holding her breath. She understood that these men didn't care about the child in her womb. Soon after, she lost consciousness as well.

When she woke up again, the carriage had stopped. The interior was pitch black, the curtains tightly blocking out the outside light. She groped around, but found Chunmei was gone.

At this moment, the carriage door was opened, but not immediately closed, and a few steamed buns and a pot of water were thrown in.

In the dim light outside, she saw that it was pitch black, with only the flicker of a fire. And the man's back gradually walked away. She knew in her heart that they had been taken to an unknown place.

She gently called Chunmei's name, but she didn't respond. She laboriously picked up the water bag and steamed buns from the ground. She wet the handkerchief and gently wiped Chunmei's cheek. She knew water was precious to them and couldn't be wasted.

Their hair was wet at noon and only dried slowly later.

Finally, Chunmei slowly opened her eyes. Her gaze wandered around the surroundings, as if she was still trying to adapt to everything. Zhang Tianai quickly handed the steamed bun to her.