Dethroned the Crown Princess? Then she became your mother

Chapter 516 Making something out of nothing

Eunuch An reiterated that he would personally oversee the poison testing, ensuring that every dish presented to Concubine Liang was rigorously inspected, just in case, to ensure no potential risks would threaten Concubine Liang's safety. This was a directive from His Majesty himself, and he dared not slack off in the slightest.

"Test poison? Test poison again?" Zhang Tianai raised her eyebrows slightly when she heard this, with surprise written all over her face.

Chunmei was also stunned, obviously not expecting such strict precautions.

Eunuch An replied respectfully, "Yes, Your Majesty. This is a special order from His Majesty. Your safety is of paramount importance, and no further missteps are allowed. We were indeed negligent in the past, and we must be doubly careful now."

"Your Majesty..." Zhang Tianai hesitated to speak, thinking secretly in his heart.

Seeing this, Eunuch An took his leave and went to arrange the poison test. A moment later, he returned to the house and bowed to Zhang Tianai, saying, "Your Majesty."

"Eunuch An, I have something I want to ask you." Zhang Tianai suddenly smiled. There were some topics that she was not in a position to ask the emperor directly, but Eunuch An might be able to provide some clues.

"What instructions does the Empress have?" Eunuch An asked, bowing and holding a whisk.

"The Emperor has been out so often lately. Who is he meeting? Things are so busy here at the enclosure, and he always seems to be unable to get away," Zhang Tianai asked tentatively. When she regained her memory, the Emperor had mentioned a backlog of business at the enclosure, but she still had doubts about his whereabouts.

Upon hearing this, Eunuch An secretly speculated on Concubine Liang's intentions. He carefully considered his words and said, "If your Highness wishes to know, you can simply ask the Emperor. If the Emperor wishes, he will inform you."

Zhang Tianai sighed softly and said, "I just woke up not long ago, and the relationship between the emperor and me is still a little unfamiliar. There are some things I really don't know how to bring up. Besides, is there anyone in the enclosure who I can trust? Is the emperor... okay?"

There was a hint of concern in her words, which made Chunmei look sideways. Seeing this, Eunuch An was secretly relieved. It seemed that Concubine Liang was not completely heartless towards the Emperor, which comforted him a little.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured. The Emperor is blessed by heaven. As for the people in the enclosure, Your Majesty can trust them. As for who they are specifically, well..." Eunuch An hesitated to speak, as if he had something to hide.

"What's wrong?" Zhang Tianai asked.

Chunmei also noticed something in her heart, but she didn't say anything.

"All the ladies in the palace and the princes and ministers are in the enclosure, and Chunmei also knows about the situation." Eunuch An finally spoke, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere.

Chunmei nodded slightly to show that she understood.

Zhang Tianai, however, seemed more interested in another topic: "The Emperor once mentioned that I took the initiative to follow him and wanted to marry him. What on earth is going on? How come I don't remember anything at all?"

There was a hint of dissatisfaction in her words, as if she disagreed with the emperor's statement. Chunmei and Eunuch An were both stunned when they heard this.

Chunmei wanted to say something, but ultimately chose to remain silent. Eunuch An carefully explained, "Your Majesty, this may be a misunderstanding. Regardless, the friendship between you and the Emperor is undeniable. The Emperor loves you deeply, so why dwell on the past?"

Zhang Tianai was furious when she heard this: "I will never marry the Emperor on my own initiative! I absolutely do not believe such talk! If anyone really wants to take the initiative, it should be the Emperor who approaches me!"

There was a hint of anger and stubbornness in her words, which made Chunmei and Eunuch An feel a little embarrassed. They opened their mouths, wanting to dissuade her, but they didn't know where to start.

"It can't be true?" Zhang Tianai muttered to herself. She was secretly glad that she had lost her memory. She could make up stories at will, and the emperor would be more tolerant because of her memory loss.

Eunuch An nodded helplessly and said, "Your Majesty, please calm down. The reason may not be what you think. But no matter what, you are the emperor's beloved."

Chunmei also hurried to comfort him: "Master, please don't think about it. Let the past be the past."

Zhang Tianai, however, seemed unwilling to give up: "Eunuch An, during the time I was missing in the enclosure, did the Emperor favor other concubines? I always feel that something is wrong."

There was a hint of tentativeness and unease in her words, which made Eunuch An secretly wary. He quickly denied it, "That's not true! Your Majesty, please rest assured. The Emperor only has you in his heart."

Zhang Tianai felt a little relieved upon hearing this. But she still felt a little worried and asked, "Who was responsible for the Emperor's assassination? Who else doesn't want me to have a good life? And who is the person who is taking care of the Emperor?"

Eunuch An pondered inwardly, remembering the He family girl. But why did Concubine Liang suddenly ask about this? Could it be that she still retained some intuition after losing her memory?

Chunmei quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, "Master, don't overthink it. The Emperor knows how to handle these matters."

Zhang Tianai stared at Eunuch An intently, "Why isn't Eunuch An saying anything? Is there something hidden?"

There was a hint of pressure and questioning in her words, which made Eunuch An feel a little uncomfortable. But he still forced himself to deny it calmly, "That's not true! Your Majesty, please don't worry too much."

He quickly gathered all his thoughts and ideas, and returned to his normal expression and tone. Seeing this, Chunmei also breathed a sigh of relief.

However, Zhang Tianai continued to stare at him, as if trying to read something from his eyes. Eunuch An was a little uneasy under her gaze and could only smile awkwardly.

"Empress Liang, please enjoy your meal." He quickly changed the subject.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Tianai had no choice but to look away and out the window.

Just then, Eunuch An heard footsteps outside the door and hurried out to greet them. A moment later, he walked in with several palace servants carrying breakfast.

"Empress Liang, breakfast is ready. It has been tested for poison and is clear. You can enjoy it without worry," Eunuch An said respectfully. The palace servants came forward and placed the breakfast on the table.

Zhang Tianai looked at the delicious food on the table, but she had no appetite. However, she still nodded reluctantly, signaling Eunuch An to leave.

Seeing this, Eunuch An ordered the palace servants to withdraw and wait outside the door. After they left, Zhang Tianai and Chunmei walked to the table and sat down.

Zhang Tianai asked Chunmei to have dinner with her, but Chunmei didn't dare to go beyond the rules. She looked at Eunuch An and then at Zhang Tianai, looking a little embarrassed.

Zhang Tianai noticed her hesitation and uneasiness, and turned to look at Eunuch An. Seeing this, Eunuch An quickly told Chunmei, "You can accompany the Empress to have dinner."

Chunmei was delighted upon hearing this and quickly thanked Eunuch An and Zhang Tianai. Then the two of them began to enjoy their breakfast. Although the atmosphere was a bit awkward and dull, it was at least a peaceful breakfast.

Yet Zhang Tianai's heart was still filled with doubt and uneasiness. She wondered what the emperor was hiding, and what dark secrets lay hidden within the enclosure.

Afterwards, she began to enjoy breakfast, and Chunmei also tasted some with her. The dragon tent was extremely spacious, with a clear distinction between inside and outside, giving people a unique sense of tranquility.

The taste of breakfast seemed particularly familiar, as if it had come from Dr. Li's handiwork. "It seems, this taste is a little familiar?" she said softly.

After hearing this, Chunmei also tasted it carefully. It was indeed quite similar to Doctor Li's craftsmanship, with only slight differences.

Zhang Tianai looked at Eunuch An. Eunuch An asked about this and learned that the breakfast was indeed carefully arranged by Doctor Li.

Speaking of Doctor Li, Zhang Tianai said softly, "Doctor Li, he has worked so hard."

Chunmei felt the same emotion. After breakfast, Eunuch An and his attendants left.

"We can't go out for the time being, right, Eunuch An?" Zhang Tianai and Chunmei asked in unison.

Eunuch An pondered for a moment and said, "Yes, not yet. But if Your Majesty has any other needs, please let me know."

"Other needs?" Zhang Tianai frowned in confusion. "What could you possibly want? You always ask for something, but you can't fulfill it."

Her thoughts drifted to Consort Xian. She and Wanwan should be in the enclosure right now; she had asked them to come along. It had been ages since they'd last seen each other, and she wondered how they were doing. She hadn't been in touch for so long, and Consort Xian might be worried about her.

However, no one has mentioned the virtuous concubine yet. How can she ask for a meeting? Even if she does, will it be safe?

Chunmei looked at her master's unpredictable expression, her heart filled with confusion.

"I'm in the enclosure. Do I have any close sisters?" Zhang Tianai asked softly, asking both Eunuch An and Chunmei.

In this deep palace, does she have any sisters to accompany her? The images of Concubine Xian and Miss Mu appeared in Eunuch An's mind, and Chunmei also thought of them.

"Could it be that there is none? Why is my popularity so bad?" Zhang Tianai took a step back and tried again.

Eunuch An looked at Chunmei. Apparently, Chunmei hadn't mentioned this to Consort Liang either. The Emperor hadn't mentioned it either, so if he had, he would have made it clear.

Chunmei finally spoke: "Yes."

"That's true." Eunuch An agreed.

"But I'm afraid it will be difficult for us to meet for the time being." Eunuch An seemed a little embarrassed.

"Who is it?" Zhang Tianai was full of curiosity.

"The virtuous concubine." Eunuch An replied.

"Xianfei? What kind of person is she? Is she close to me? Does she have any good friends in the palace?" Zhang Tianai fell into deep thought, then shook her head: "I can't remember. She feels both familiar and unfamiliar."

Eunuch An consoled her, "My Lady Liang, there are countless people who wish to befriend you, but My Lady Xian is different. She has a deep bond with you. Just ask Chunmei and you'll know."

When Chunmei mentioned the past, a gleam of light flashed in Zhang Tianai's eyes: "In that case, I really want to meet her."

"This..." Eunuch An hesitated again.

Chunmei thought this was feasible.

"Well, you can leave now." Zhang Tianai looked slightly disappointed and dissatisfied. Eunuch An hesitated to speak, but finally flicked his whisk and declared that he would consult His Majesty. Then, he withdrew with his attendants.

After Eunuch An left, Zhang Tianai called out softly, "Chunmei."

"Master." Chunmei looked focused.

"Go and find out if there is anything in the enclosure that we don't know about. Whether you know it or not, find out clearly." Zhang Tianai ordered, but she felt a little uneasy in her heart. Can Chunmei do it?

This is the enclosure, and Chunmei is not Madam Li after all. If Madam Li were here, she wouldn't be so worried.

"Can you do it?" Zhang Tianai asked expectantly.

"Yes." Chunmei nodded firmly.

Zhang Tianai hugged her gently and warned her, "Don't rush for success. Take your time. There's plenty of time. Don't let anyone find out."

Her belly was getting bigger and bigger, and she felt a little uncomfortable. She let go of her hands and leaned back. Chunmei looked at her quietly.

"My belly is so big, it's really inconvenient to hold it." Zhang Tianai said softly.

"Master." Chunmei called softly.

Soon, Murong Shuo walked into the bedroom, stood alone, and stared at Zhang Tianai.

Zhang Tianai noticed something and knew that the man had returned. She was talking to a palace maid when Chunmei quietly left.

"Have you finished your breakfast?" Murong Shuo approached and asked softly.

Zhang Tianai nodded slightly, looked up at him, called out, and was about to salute.

The man came over, gently held her hand, and motioned her not to be polite. At the same time, he looked at the palace maid beside him and motioned her to leave.

"Why let the palace maid in?" Murong Shuo asked softly.

"To ask some questions." Zhang Tianai explained that Chunmei and the others did not know these things and had never told her.

"Is there anything that Chunmei and the others don't know? And they haven't told you?" Murong Shuo stared at her.

Zhang Tianai shook her head, indicating that she didn't know.

"Do you want to see Concubine Xian?" Murong Shuo asked again.

Has Eunuch An told him yet? Zhang Tianai looked at him nervously: "Is it okay?"

"Maybe in a few days." Murong Shuo replied.

"After a few days?" Zhang Tianai thought to himself.

The man did not leave the entire afternoon, and stayed with her all day, as if everything was normal. The night passed, and it was another peaceful night.

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