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

Amidst this magnificent and splendid palace, Chen Yingda was as insignificant and insignificant as a speck of dust. Lowly in rank, powerless, and eclipsed by the numerous concubines and palace maids, she paled in comparison. Tang Wenshu simply disdained to expend excessive energy on such a minor figure as Chen Yingda. In her eyes, Chen Yingda was merely a tiny pebble used by others to test the waters, unable to stir up much of a ripple.

At this moment, Tang Wenshu leisurely sat back in the exquisitely carved, magnificent pavilion. She leaned lazily against the back of her chair, one hand gently resting on her cheek, the other nonchalantly fiddling with the crystal-clear teacup in her hand. Though her gaze appeared casual and unfocused, in reality, her bright eyes remained alert, closely monitoring any movement around her.

At that moment, a graceful figure suddenly approached from a distance. A closer look revealed the graceful Concubine Liang! She was clad in a magnificent palace dress, her skirt flowing in the breeze, evoking the ethereal grace of a fairy descending from the heavens. Her steps were graceful and elegant, each one perfectly showcasing the demeanor and elegance of a lady from a noble family. At her side followed several respectful and humble palace maids, carefully surrounding their mistress. They slowly walked along the bluestone path, treading with dignified steps towards the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Seeing this, Tang Wenshu couldn't help but wonder, "Why is Concubine Liang dressed so lavishly today? Could she have come up with some new trick?" Thinking of this, Tang Wenshu raised her delicate hand and waved it gently, winking at a nearby palace maid. The maid understood, bowed, and quickly followed Concubine Liang and the others, ready to investigate.

About a quarter of an hour later, the palace maid who had gone out to gather information hurried back and reported to Tang Wenshu, "Your Majesty, Concubine Liang has specially sent a carefully prepared medicinal meal to Your Majesty. Unfortunately, she was stopped by the guards before she even entered the palace."

Hearing this, Tang Wenshu's mouth curled up slightly, revealing an interested smile, and said, "Oh? Very interesting! In that case, we might as well go over and join in the fun." After that, she stood up and adjusted her men's attire. After thinking about it, she decided to go back and change into a palace dress, and then strode towards the Yangxin Palace.

The spring air was still chilly. Though spring had arrived, the chill had not yet completely dissipated, and wisps of cold wind snaked through every corner of the palace. Outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Concubine Liang stood alone in the draft, as if she were being punished. Her frail figure trembled slightly in the cold wind, making her look even more pitiful.

Just then, Tang Wenshu slowly approached. She was dressed in a gorgeous palace dress, her gait graceful, and a subtle hint of arrogance on her face. When she saw Concubine Liang, she stopped, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "What are you doing?" Her voice was crisp and cold.

When Concubine Liang saw Tang Wenshu, she hurriedly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, may you be well! I heard that Your Majesty has been very busy with government affairs recently and has been overworked, so I came here specially to bring Your Majesty a bowl of medicinal porridge to express my concern." As she spoke, her eyes were always lowered, not daring to look directly into Tang Wenshu's eyes.

However, Tang Wenshu just smiled coldly and said contemptuously: "Oh? Your Majesty's diet is specially supervised by the imperial physician. You can't just eat anything sent by anyone." After that, she glanced at the food box in Concubine Liang's hand, her eyes full of disdain and suspicion.

Upon hearing this, Concubine Liang was instantly filled with rage. However, she knew her low status meant she couldn't easily offend the powerful Empress. So, she suppressed her anger and replied with a smile, "Your Majesty, this medicinal porridge was made by me personally. The ingredients used were carefully selected and prepared. Please rest assured, Your Majesty." Although she was already gritting her teeth with anger, she tried to maintain a gentle and respectful appearance.

Tang Wenshu's expression was indifferent, as if she hadn't heard Concubine Liang's words. She raised her hand slightly, a graceful gesture. The maid beside her understood and hurried forward, respectfully presenting a slender silver needle. It gleamed faintly in the sunlight, looking incredibly delicate.

Concubine Liang stared at the silver needle in Tang Wenshu's hand with wide eyes, a sense of foreboding welling up in her heart. However, before she could react, Tang Wenshu had already swiftly taken the dark silver needle and, without hesitation, inserted it into the medicinal porridge Concubine Liang had just delivered. The entire process was as smooth as flowing water, leaving no one present able to stop him.

Time seemed to freeze at that moment, everyone's eyes fixed on the bowl of medicinal porridge and the silver needle. Concubine Liang held her breath nervously, a thin layer of sweat even breaking out on her forehead. She silently prayed that nothing unexpected would happen. But contrary to her wishes, just a moment later, when Tang Wenshu picked up the silver needle again, it still retained its original dark color, without any change.

"How dare Concubine Liang! How dare you send His Majesty a poisoned meal? This is a heinous crime! Come, banish her to the cold palace immediately, without fail!" Tang Wenshu shouted in a stern voice, echoing throughout the palace. Concubine Liang's face paled, and her body trembled uncontrollably. She couldn't understand why the Empress would so brazenly frame her in broad daylight, in full view of all. Adding to her despair, the extracted silver needle had indeed turned pitch black, leaving her no room for explanation.

"Your Majesty! Please, please help me!" Concubine Liang cried out at the top of her lungs, as if this was her last straw. Her delicate body trembled slightly, her face was covered with tears, and her eyes revealed endless fear and despair.

At that moment, a short eunuch emerged from the Hall of Mental Cultivation. With a deadpan expression, he relayed the Emperor's message to Concubine Liang: "Your Majesty, I'm here on His Majesty's orders. He's already stated that matters concerning the harem are always under the control of the Empress." With that, the eunuch bowed slightly, gestured for permission, and continued, "Your Majesty, please return."

Upon hearing this, Concubine Liang froze in shock. She stared at the tightly closed gates of the Hall of Mental Cultivation in disbelief, her heart filled with grief, anger, and resentment. Concubine Liang watched helplessly as Tang Wenshu and the chief eunuch entered the Hall, chatting and laughing, finally stepping unimpeded through the very door she had waited so long to enter. In that moment, Concubine Liang felt as if her entire world had collapsed. Her heart felt like it was being pierced by thousands of sharp blades, the pain choking her breath.