After traveling through time, I was raised by a little brat

Zhao Rui and Tang Wenshu were chatting happily. Before they knew it, Tang Wenshu's eyelids began to grow heavy, and she was about to fall into a deep sleep. However, at this moment, as if she suddenly remembered something important, she woke up instantly and said with full vigor, "It's been five whole months! I wonder how His Majesty is doing now?"

Hearing this, Zhao Rui's heart tightened. Various thoughts flashed through her mind, and suddenly she realized, "No, if my father is fine, how dare the queen attack me so blatantly? I think something must have happened to my father!" Thinking of this, Zhao Rui stood up with a serious expression and said decisively, "Come with me to the Yangxin Palace to see what happened!"

The two men hurriedly stood up and headed for the door. But just as they crossed the threshold, a group of guards blocked their path. The leading guard bowed respectfully to Zhao Rui and said, "Your Highness, the Empress has specifically instructed that you should rest and recuperate after the hardships you've endured on this expedition. If you're having trouble sleeping, you can go to Kunning Palace and have a good chat with the Empress."

Zhao Rui frowned slightly upon hearing this, secretly pondering the deeper meaning behind the Queen's actions. After a moment's reflection, he decided to proceed as the Queen instructed. Turning to Tang Wenshu beside him, he whispered, "Since that's the case, let's go to Kunning Palace to see the Queen first." Tang Wenshu nodded gently in agreement. With that, Zhao Rui and Tang Wenshu changed direction, slowly heading towards Kunning Palace. Along the way, both of them felt particularly heavy-hearted, unsure of what awaited them...

As soon as Zhao Rui entered the solemn and imposing gates of Kunning Palace, he keenly sensed something unusual. Inside, he saw several ministers gathered with the Empress, seemingly discussing some important matter. This scene was completely unheard of for Zhao Rui. After all, in the State of Zhao, the iron rule was always that the harem should not interfere in state affairs. Even when His Majesty was seriously ill, several highly respected cabinet ministers would discuss state affairs. When had the Empress ever been allowed to take charge of government?

"Your Majesty, this matter cannot be concealed any longer! Now that His Highness has returned, we must make all necessary preparations for him to inherit the throne!" The speaker was the Minister of Rites, his face filled with anxiety and his words earnest. Zhao Rui could not help but secretly survey the ministers in the hall. Aside from the familiar General Zhao, he didn't recognize any of the others. Good heavens! It must have been during these few months of his absence that the Empress had the audacity to overhaul the entire court! Yet, at this very moment, his father was still alive!

Wait! What could have happened to such an extent that it could no longer be concealed, that I was even required to inherit the supreme throne? Could it be... could it be... No, no, nothing could happen to my father, right? However, once this thought arose, it spread like wild weeds through Zhao Rui's mind, leaving her feeling uneasy and restless. Her once calm state of mind was instantly shattered, replaced by a growing unease and fear.

Finally, Zhao Rui could no longer contain the surging anxiety within her. She abruptly stood up, her movements so swift that they sent a gust of wind whizzing by. Then, with a flash of lightning, she dashed towards the palace like an arrow from a bowstring at astonishing speed. In the blink of an eye, Zhao Rui was before the queen.

At this moment, Zhao Rui's right hand tightly grasped a long sword that gleamed with cold light. The sharp tip of the sword pointed directly at the Queen's heart, as if it would pierce through the thin clothes and penetrate her heart at the next moment. Her beautiful eyes were wide open, and her eyes were burning with anger. She glared at the Queen with anger and demanded in a stern voice: "Tell me! What have you done to my father? If you tell me a lie, don't blame me for being ruthless with my sword!" Zhao Rui's voice was deafening, echoing throughout the palace, as if it would break through the heavy roof and reach the distant sky.

At that moment, a minister hurried to Zhao Rui's side, his face filled with fear. He stretched out his hands, trembling, and carefully grasped the gleaming sword tip, trying to stop Zhao Rui from taking any further action. However, Zhao Rui used too much force, and the minister's palm was cut by the sword tip. Crimson blood immediately flowed out, splashing drop by drop on the cold ground with a crisp and heart-pounding sound.

Tang Wenshu, following closely behind Zhao Rui, watched the scene unfold with a wave of astonishment. Normally, the Crown Princess was a calm and composed person, never panicking. So why was she acting so impulsively today? Was she truly so worried about her father's safety that she'd lost her mind?

"You are so bold, Your Majesty! Now, I'm afraid that everyone in the palace and outside the palace has been replaced by your trusted minions! That's why you dare to openly stop this princess from visiting my father!" Zhao Rui said gritting his teeth, and at the same time, he extended the long sword in his hand forward a few more inches, scaring the queen so much that she turned pale and retreated repeatedly.

Today, the sun was obscured by thick clouds, and the entire palace was shrouded in an oppressive atmosphere. Zhao Rui, clad in armor and holding a longsword, stood before the palace gates with bloodshot eyes. His deep, resolute voice resounded through the clouds: "Today, even if it costs me my life, I will hold the Empress hostage and break into this Yangxin Palace to see what is truly happening!"

Her words echoed in the air like thunder. The ministers present were so frightened that they turned pale and retreated involuntarily. However, they did not dare to go far away and could only follow Zhao Rui and the queen tremblingly.

The queen stood there quietly, her beautiful face a solemn expression. She raised her head slightly, her gaze darting in the direction of General Zhao. Her lips moved as if about to say something, but she remained silent. However, a moment later, as if making a profound decision, she took a deep breath and said, "Don't bother. If you want to see, go ahead." With that, she gently reached out and pushed away the sword that Zhao Rui had placed against her neck.

The empress then turned, straightened her body, and led the way toward the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Her graceful steps remained unhurried, as if the tense atmosphere around her had no effect on her. Zhao Rui was startled at first, then followed closely behind, his sword still tightly gripped in his hand, ready for any unexpected situation. The ministers looked at each other in confusion, and after much hesitation, they reluctantly followed.