Dethroned the Crown Princess? Then she became your mother

Wisdom and opportunity often go hand in hand, and those women who are both beautiful and intelligent are like the brightest stars in the night sky, attracting attention. However, she not only possesses these qualities, but also stepped forward at the critical moment to save the emperor.

She is He Qing, a woman whose name may be ordinary, but whose actions are extraordinary. Her beauty lies not only in her looks, but also in the courage and wisdom she displays in times of crisis.

In the eyes of everyone, she bears some resemblance to Concubine Liang, as if she were a shadow from another world. People can't help but speculate that such a woman might become Concubine Liang's strongest opponent in the harem.

As Eunuch An gradually disappeared from sight, He Qing's eyes flickered with mixed emotions. She was not completely ignorant of the power struggles within the palace, but she had never taken them to heart.

The Empress, the Empress Dowager, and even the entire harem were merely passing guests. She cared only about Concubine Liang and the Emperor. The Emperor, in particular, should have been summoned immediately after her rescue, but he hadn't yet, leaving her feeling somewhat suspicious.

She turned to look at the two palace maids beside her, their eyes full of curiosity.

He Qing knew that she was now in a place with little information. If she wanted to know the situation outside, she could only rely on these palace servants.

So, she asked softly, "Eunuch An said I can't see anyone now, but I want to know the news outside. Can you tell me?"

The palace servants looked at each other and finally shook their heads.

Seeing this, He Qing couldn't help but feel powerless.

Elsewhere, the queen was sitting in front of a mirror when a palace maid hurried in and whispered something in her ear. A flash of surprise crossed the queen's face, but she quickly regained her composure.

She asked softly, "Is that person awake? Is it her?" After receiving a positive answer, the queen was silent for a moment, thinking secretly in her heart.

It turns out that the woman who saved the emperor was actually He Qing. The Queen felt mixed emotions: she was amazed at He Qing's bravery and wisdom, but also worried that she would become a threat to her in the future.

However, since the Emperor had already decided to protect her, the Empress didn't want to cause any more trouble. She took a deep breath and said to the palace attendant, "Since it's her, then forget it. However, I still want to know how the Emperor will handle this matter."

At the same time, as a mother, the Queen Mother could never completely let go of her worries. Whenever someone came to visit her, she would pretend to be faint to hide her feelings. Only when no one was around would she reveal her true emotions.

Nanny Qin walked into the tent and saw the Queen Mother's worried face. She asked softly, "Queen Mother, are you worried about the Emperor again?"

The Queen Mother sighed and said, "Yes, Nanny Qin, I'm always worried about him. But fortunately, the Emperor has sent someone to tell me that he is fine."

Hearing this, Nanny Qin felt a little relieved. She suddenly thought of He Qing and said, "Empress Dowager, I heard that the girl who saved the emperor has woken up."

The Queen Mother was startled when she heard this, then remembered He Qing. She asked, "Is the girl awake? That's great. I was always worried that something might happen to her."

Nanny Qin nodded and said, "Yes, Empress Dowager. Now that the girl has woken up, the Emperor will surely make some arrangements. You don't have to worry about her anymore." The Empress Dowager felt a little relieved. She knew that the Emperor was a man of love and loyalty, and he would definitely reward those who saved him.

At He Qing's maternal grandparents' home, everyone was also extremely anxious. They had been asking for news about He Qing, but they never received a definite answer.

Concubine Xian also didn't know He Qing's situation. Her information channels were relatively closed, so she could only keep asking. However, no matter how hard she tried, she didn't get any useful information.

Concubine Xian thought that Eunuch An might know something, but she was worried that he would misunderstand that she was asking for Concubine Liang's help. She didn't want Eunuch An to have such a misunderstanding, so she had to give up.

She sensed something was amiss in the atmosphere of the enclosure, and told Wan'er not to run around. At the same time, she learned from Wei Qian that her family was still running around trying to gather information.

-

Meanwhile, Zhang Tianai was enjoying a peaceful pregnancy. Every day, she drank nourishing soups and took medication to maintain her pregnancy. With ample rest and nutrition, her complexion gradually became rosier. The baby in her belly was moving more and more frequently.

Chunmei's heart was also filled with joy. She whispered, "Master, you look getting better and better." Upon hearing this, Zhang Tianai showed a gentle smile on her face.

Doctor Li has also been taking care of Zhang Tianai in the village. He is very pleased to see that his wife's condition is getting better and better.

He said, "Madam, you can stay here to take care of your pregnancy until you give birth. The village's simple and peaceful environment is perfect for pregnancy."

However, Zhang Tianai shook her head and said, "It's impossible. I still have to go home. I can't keep giving birth outside." She insisted on returning to the emperor to give birth because in her heart, the emperor was her most important support.

Chunmei nodded in understanding. Doctor Li also understood Madam's intentions and said, "Then I'll go off for a bit and see the messenger. Madam, would you like to meet him?"

Zhang Tianai thought for a moment and said, "You can contact him, but be careful. First, see if there are any suspicious people around him, and then decide how to act."

Doctor Li simply responded with a soft nod, neither a yes nor a no. When asked if he could proceed, he simply replied, "Yes."

Chunmei's face was filled with worry, while Zhang Tianai fell into deep thought: "Can I get in the carriage now? Should I be able to move around a bit? If so, can we go directly to town?"

Doctor Li understood her intention and nodded, but still kindly reminded her, "Madam, you'd better get more rest."

Chunmei interrupted anxiously: "Madam, your belly..."

Zhang Tianai looked at Doctor Li firmly. "I also want to rest more, but I can't stay here forever. I want to go with Chunmei. But when we get to town, we can wait for you at another place and send someone over. That way, if anything happens, we can leave at any time."

Doctor Li hesitated for a moment and suggested waiting another day to observe the situation. He even suggested that it might be safer for him to go in person this time.

Zhang Tianai looked at him quietly without saying a word.

After a whole day of preparation, two days passed and Zhang Tianai's pulse became more stable.

After confirming that the baby in her belly was safe and sound, she and Chunmei boarded the carriage and left the quiet village. Before leaving, Doctor Li went to meet with several villagers alone, and when he came back, he told them that everything had been arranged.

Zhang Tianai and Chunmei didn't ask any more questions, but just nodded silently.

Doctor Li once again reminded them that if anyone came to ask about the situation, they should say that no strangers had ever come to the village. He also explained in detail how to respond if someone came to the door.

Zhang Tianai softly agreed, and the group slowly set off. The carriage moved at an unusually slow pace, stopping every few steps to rest. Zhang Tianai was anxious, wondering how long it would take to reach town at this rate. But she also understood that all this was for her safety, and she felt fine at the moment, without any discomfort.

Chunmei silently watched Zhang Tianai's every move. Doctor Li also came over from time to time to inquire about her condition.

"It's okay, Doctor Li." Zhang Tianai conveyed his gratitude through Chunmei.

After Chunmei returned, Zhang Tianai peered through the drawn carriage curtains at the biting cold wind outside, and couldn't help but think of the approaching winter snow. November was approaching, the days growing shorter and the nights longer. By afternoon, the sky was rapidly darkening.

The weather was getting worse, with sunny days becoming rare. Chunmei considerately asked Zhang Tianai if she needed some water, but she shook her head. They anxiously awaited Doctor Li's return.

However, half a day passed and Doctor Li still did not show up. Logically, it shouldn't take him that long to get to town.

"Master." Chunmei lifted the curtain of the carriage again and looked out, but still did not see Doctor Li.

Zhang Tianai couldn't help but glance outside. Before long, they finally saw Doctor Li.

The moment they saw Dr. Li, they both breathed a sigh of relief, as they had thought something unexpected had happened in the town.

"Doctor Li." Chunmei shouted.

Zhang Tianai also stared at him closely.

"There's nothing wrong in town," Doctor Li replied briefly. He then suggested they go into town together. After entering the town, Doctor Li didn't take them back to the clinic, but instead took them to a secluded courtyard.

He explained that originally they had planned to go back to the clinic as the safest option, but considering that someone might be watching the clinic, it was safer to go to the inn. After some thought, he decided to take them to a friend's house.

His friend went out of town and gave him the house to take care of. This place is very secluded, no one knows about it, and he himself rarely comes here.

"Okay." Zhang Tianai nodded in agreement.

Although Chunmei was still a little worried, she did not raise any objections.

When they arrived at the courtyard, they found it to be very small and quiet. Chunmei thought it was ordinary, but Zhang Tianai was very satisfied. Doctor Li asked them if they were satisfied with the place.

"We have no choice but to bring the wife here," he said. "It should be safer here than in the village."

"Without Doctor Li, we wouldn't even be able to find a place like this," Zhang Tianai said gratefully. "You are truly our benefactor."

Chunmei finally agreed.

-

Back at the enclosure, Murong Shuo returned once more. After a night's rest, he discovered the situation had become increasingly chaotic. Both the upper and lower levels were in turmoil.

After listening to Eunuch An's report, he stepped in to deal with several troublemakers, rounded up several suspects, and secretly monitored several suspicious people.

Meanwhile, news arrived from the capital, revealing some clues. He decided not to act for now, firstly because he wanted to wait and see if any more leads emerged, and secondly because he didn't have time to address these matters because he hadn't yet found Concubine Liang. He could address these matters after finding her.

The Empress Dowager sent someone to see him, mentioning that the girl from the He Mansion had woken up, and asked him if he wanted to go and see her and give an explanation.

Murong Shuo didn't understand what his mother wanted to say. He had already recognized the woman, but because he recognized her, he didn't want to see her even more. The image of Concubine Liang emerged in his mind.

The Queen Mother and the Empress both hoped that he would give the woman a legitimate status. The woman herself was also asking about this matter. Xianfei also came to see him and asked about the woman's situation.

Murong Shuo asked who brought the woman, and after learning that she was from her maternal grandparents, he asked about her maternal grandparents' situation and how many people wanted to see him. Eunuch An reminded him to go see the woman.

"What are you meeting?" Murong Shuo said impatiently. He then left.

In town, after Zhang Tianai and Chunmei checked in, Doctor Li didn't stay long. He went out and found the person who had delivered the letter and waited for him to show up. After meeting him, he carefully inquired about the situation.

After returning to the courtyard, he carefully told Zhang Tianai and Chunmei what he had learned.

After listening to Dr. Li's report, Zhang Tianai decided to let him meet the messenger again.

The next day, Doctor Li went there as she instructed.

Zhang Tianai and Chunmei waited anxiously. Time seemed to stand still as they waited for Doctor Li's return.

Finally, Dr. Li came back and told them that he had done as he was told.

Zhang Tianai and Chunmei continued to wait. Night fell and the rain began to fall again.

Zhang Tianai didn't know how long the rain would last, nor when the emperor would arrive. Chunmei was also tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Suddenly, a loud noise came from outside...

Inside the cabin, Zhang Tianai could clearly hear these sounds.

Chunmei heard this, her tone mixed with anxiety and panic: "Who could it be?"

A thought flashed through Zhang Tianai's mind: Could it be the emperor himself?

Chunmei seemed to have realized this possibility and blurted out, "Is it the Emperor who has arrived?"

Then, the sound of horse hooves became clearer and clearer, as if it was right in front of us.

Doctor Li was also awakened by the sudden noise and hurried over to ask if they were all right. He then cautiously walked to the door and peeked out. He saw a man on horseback, holding a long sword and moving with great agility.

He stepped back silently, conveying this message to them.

Chunmei reflexively stood in front of Zhang Tianai, eager to protect her master.

Zhang Tianai came back to her senses, but before she could think about it, another burst of rapid horse hooves sounded, followed by the crisp sound of weapons clashing.

Doctor Li looked outside again, his expression solemn: "Another group of people has arrived, and they are fighting."

Zhang Tianai's mood was unusually calm at this moment, as if everything was as expected.

Chunmei called softly: "Master..."

Zhang Tianai was about to tell Doctor Li not to look anymore, but suddenly, the outside of the house became quiet, with only the sound of horse hooves coming from far away, accompanied by a loud bang, as if the courtyard door was violently pushed open.

Then, Doctor Li asked, "Who are you?"

But no one answered.

The footsteps approached slowly, familiar yet strange.

Zhang Tianai and Chunmei pushed open the door, and what came into their sight was a man approaching step by step in the light of the fire.

Chunmei's eyes widened, her voice trembling: "Master, it's really the emperor!"

Zhang Tianai looked at the familiar figure, a hint of disbelief flashed in her eyes, and then her body swayed and she fainted on the ground.

Chunmei was shocked and called out in panic: "Master, Master!"