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

Inside the magnificent palace, adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, a bevy of beautiful concubines, each dressed in richly embroidered garments, each delicately made up and as delicate and charming as a blossoming spring flower, moved gracefully with delicate steps, casting affectionate glances at the Empress Dowager and Empress seated on the high throne.

Originally, the Shangsi Festival should have been filled with laughter and joy, a cheerful and lively atmosphere. However, the concubines' deliberate actions gradually altered the originally joyful atmosphere, adding a sense of strangeness. Unfortunately, everyone present was already preoccupied with their own intrigues, completely ignoring the magnificent performance. As a result, despite the brilliant performance, it could not bring true satisfaction.

To stand out from the crowd of beauties and capture His Majesty's attention, the women of each palace tirelessly employed their talents. Some relied on their stunning looks, others on their melodious voices, still others on their graceful dance moves... It was truly like the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each showcasing their unique talents. The overt and covert struggles within the palace were like a never-ending war, raging fiercely at all times.

Years slipped away silently amidst the daily strife and calculations, as if the pace of time itself had become exceptionally slow and heavy. However, for those caught within this maelstrom of power and desire, it was a fate they could not escape.

The day finally arrived when Tang's father returned to Beijing. He had been in charge of post-war affairs on the frontier, and only after securing all necessary arrangements had he returned to Beijing to present his position to the Emperor. Tang Wenshu, overjoyed at his father's return, prepared a heartwarming family dinner at Kunning Palace. Only Zhao Rui and Tang's father were invited to the feast; after all, their gathering was not only for family ties but also to discuss important political matters.

Yet, in such a solemn setting, Tang Wenshu appeared remarkably relaxed and at ease. She leisurely sipped her wine, a sweet smile plastered on her face. However, Tang Wenshu seemed to have forgotten her meager alcohol tolerance—after just one glass, she was already tipsy. She staggered over the table, mumbling, "Sister Rui!"

This sudden cry was like a bolt from the blue, instantly exploding in Tang Jilian's ears. Fortunately, there were no other strangers in the hall at the time, otherwise the consequences would have been disastrous. But then again, this might not be the best time to confess the truth. But now that things have come to this, instead of racking his brains to fabricate lies to cover up the truth, it would be better to simply tell the truth directly. Perhaps, this way, he could even gain a powerful and reliable support.

"Lord Tang, I've actually been disguising myself as a man!" Finally mustering the courage to speak, Zhao Rui unleashed a torrent of tales. She recounted how, despite her father's successful ascension to the throne, he had suffered a serious injury during the struggle for it, leading to his declining health. Even more tragically, she was his only child, a girl. In desperation, he had to raise her as a boy.

The years passed by quickly, but she never forgot her father's admonition full of affection and expectation: "My child, no matter what, you must find the posthumous child of your siblings!" This simple yet heavy sentence was deeply engraved in her heart like a brand.

Sadly, this wish remained unfulfilled until her father passed away with endless regrets. At that moment, she felt as if the sky had fallen, and the hand of fate had mercilessly placed this unfinished mission heavily upon her fragile shoulders.

So, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, she resolutely ascended the throne, symbolizing supreme power, and from then on shouldered the fate of the entire nation. Every decision, every trade-off, weighed heavily on her heart like a thousand-pound burden.

At this moment, Zhao Rui continued to talk non-stop, her words surging like a flood, as if she wanted to pour out all the words that had been pent up in her heart for a long time, without reservation. Perhaps it was because the moonlight tonight was particularly charming and the surrounding atmosphere seemed so unique; or perhaps it was because the person in front of her was a close friend and confidant she trusted so much that she was able to temporarily let go of her usual unbreakable defenses and noble and reserved attitude.

After all, as the ruler of a nation, she possessed a status and power unattainable by ordinary people, yet she also endured immense pressure unimaginable. This pressure, like a towering, weighty mountain, constantly weighed on her body and mind, nearly suffocating her. Yet, despite this, she gritted her teeth, silently steadfastly persevering at her post, supporting the country that belonged to them with her frail shoulders.

At this moment, Tang Jilian suddenly interrupted, "Actually, Qi'er's true identity is the posthumous child..." He then slowly recounted how he had saved the former Crown Prince's concubine. It turned out that when the former Crown Prince met his end, the concubine was already pregnant. Upon learning of this, Tang Jilian secretly protected the mother and child, bringing the child back to his palace at an opportune moment. To conceal his identity, he publicly announced that Tang Qi was his eldest son. Thus, Tang Qi grew up safely.

"Brother! He's not my biological brother at all!" Tang Wenshu, who had been sitting quietly in her chair, suddenly shot up from her seat as if sprung from a spring. Her eyes were blurry and panicked, and she kept muttering, "I'm going to find my brother! Don't stop me!"

Zhao Rui, who was standing by, saw this and quickly stepped forward to support the unsteady Tang Wenshu, softly saying, "Shushu, you're drunk. Be good and don't act up, okay?" As she spoke, she carefully lifted a bowl of hangover soup and placed it to Tang Wenshu's lips, patiently coaxing her to drink it. After Tang Wenshu calmed down a bit, Zhao Rui turned to the eunuch in charge of the seal and instructed, "Hurry and go to the Tang Mansion to pass on the order. Have Tang Qi come to the palace as soon as possible to see the emperor. Tell him that the empress is homesick and wants to see Master Tang."

It was past curfew, but Tang Qi, having received the imperial decree, dared not delay and rushed to the palace as quickly as possible. When he arrived at the palace gate, Zhao Rui was standing there waiting for him. Seeing Tang Qi approach, Zhao Rui hurriedly stepped forward, extending his hands to help Tang Qi, who was about to pay his respects, rise. He smiled and said, "Brother! We are all family. No need for such formalities!"

During this moment of support, the atmosphere seemed unusual. Zhao Rui's "Big Brother" seemed to carry a deeper meaning and emotion, stirring up speculation. Meanwhile, Tang Wenshu, still drunk, staggered towards Tang Qi, constantly shouting, "Big Brother, I want you!" Her cheeks flushed like a rosy cloud, as delicate and alluring as a ripe apple. Her drunken, naive appearance stunned Tang Qi for a moment, his gaze fixed on her, unable to look away.