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

"What did you say? They actually had a love affair? This is really unexpected! No wonder I always felt that there was something wrong with the way the Queen looked at General Zhao at that time." In the Yangxin Palace, Tang Wenshu shouted loudly with a look of surprise on his face.

Zhao Rui on the side frowned and muttered to himself thoughtfully: "But then again, it's hard to say whether General Zhao has hidden his emotions too deeply and too well, or he is just a heartless person." At this time, Zhao Rui was wondering whether this incident could become a breakthrough point to help him take back the supreme imperial power from the queen.

Suddenly, Zhao Rui seemed to remember something and asked, "By the way, did the Queen Mother give you any trouble?" You know, today's morning court session was also the time when the concubines in the harem went to see the Queen Mother every day. After all, paying respects to the Queen Mother and visiting her every morning and evening was a custom passed down by our ancestors, and it was absolutely impossible to neglect it.

As Tang Wenshu spoke, she recalled the scene. She clearly remembered that while she and the other concubines were waiting in the snow, the head maid from the Empress Dowager's palace slowly emerged with a message, saying that the Empress Dowager was resting due to a headache, and so, Tang Wenshu and the others were asked to wait. At that moment, the four concubines who had been at odds with Tang Wenshu were confined and unable to come to the audience, and the remaining concubines of lower rank began to mock Tang Wenshu.

"Hmph! How dare they say in such a sarcastic tone that the Queen Mother doesn't like me at all? This is outrageous! I, Tang Wenshu, will not bother with such ignorant people. It's simply a waste of my time and energy. So, I turned around without hesitation and left without looking back." Tang Wenshu's delicate face was full of disdain. She opened her red lips slightly and said indignantly.

"However, not long after I left, the almighty and noble Empress Dowager immediately issued an imperial decree to invite them to the palace! Oh, this is really a pity!" Tang Wenshu shook his head slowly, with a look of deep regret on his face.

"That's right! It makes me feel suffocated just thinking about it. It would be great if we could leave them outside to freeze for a while, let them taste the hardship, and know how powerful we are!" Zhao Rui, who was standing aside, had actually seen through Tang Wenshu's little calculations a long time ago. At this moment, with a smile on her lips, she took over Tang Wenshu's words.

Hearing Zhao Rui's words, Tang Wenshu couldn't help but nod repeatedly in agreement. "Yes, yes, you understand my feelings best!" Then, she gently turned her neck, shifting her gaze to Zhao Rui, who looked both familiar and unfamiliar. Tang Wenshu stared at him, a complex mixture of emotions quietly flowing from the depths of her eyes. After a moment's silence, she finally summoned the courage to ask, "Um... I wonder if I can still address you as affectionately as I used to?"

Zhao Rui was stunned for a moment as he listened to the other person's words. Then, the corners of his handsome face slowly lifted into a playful smile. He parted his lips and replied in a teasing tone, "Oh? What was it like before? Did you sweetly call me Crown Prince Sister or Crown Prince Brother like those little kids do? Haha, but things are very different now. I'm afraid it's not appropriate to call me that anymore!"

When these words reached Tang Wenshu's ears, her charming little face, once brimming with anticipation, instantly turned dull and lost, like a flower struck by frost. Her star-like eyes dimmed, and she seemed to have lost all her energy and spirit, even her petite frame seemed to be shaky.

However, none of this escaped Zhao Rui's notice. Noticing Tang Wenshu's obvious change, a wave of tenderness and pity welled up in his heart. He quickly dropped the playful expression on his face and spoke in a comforting tone, "Oh, don't be like that. Actually, although I'm no longer the crown prince, if you truly like being called that, go ahead. Anything is fine, as long as it makes you happy!" He then gazed at Tang Wenshu with a gentle, encouraging gaze, hoping to rekindle the joy deep within her heart.

"Then, my husband~" This gentle, melodious call was as clear and melodious as the sound of a yellow oriole leaving a valley, yet it also pierced the silent night sky like a flash of lightning, instantly causing a strange ripple in their eyes. Time seemed to freeze at this moment, the whole world was silent, and only the sound of each other's breathing and heartbeat was clearly audible.

After a long time, Zhao Rui finally broke the silence and slowly said: "Shushu, to be honest, I was born a barren woman. I can't give birth to children for you and carry on the family line like other women. I have delayed you... but please believe me, when I find the person who can take on the throne, I will leave this cage that binds my body and mind with you, and join you in appreciating the magnificent mountains and rivers of Zhao State and experiencing the beauty of the world." After that, she gazed at Tang Wenshu affectionately, her eyes full of guilt and attachment.

Tang Wenshu felt a pang of sadness upon hearing this, but even more so, a wave of affection for Zhao Rui. She gently walked forward, opened her arms, and gently embraced Zhao Rui, whispering, "It's okay. No matter what, I will always be by your side." Those three simple words—"Okay"—contained a thousand words, as well as endless love and determination.

"I'll have to trouble you to deal with those shameful things in the harem. I will take care of the affairs of the front court, and you will take care of the harem. We, as husband and wife, will work together to restore a prosperous and peaceful era to Zhao State, and we will never let the great reputation of Zhao State be tarnished!" Zhao Rui said earnestly.

Late at night, as Tang Wenshu gradually drifted off to sleep, Zhao Rui carefully extricated himself from her embrace and tiptoed out of bed. Then, she lit a candle, returned to her desk, and began diligently reviewing the mountain of memorials. The dim candlelight illuminated her slightly exhausted yet resolute face. She was no longer just a fragile woman, but a monarch shouldering the fate of an entire nation.