The life swap begins with Consort Hua becoming Lady Qin.

The orphanage was bustling with activity.

Two large pots were set up under the eaves, their medicinal vapors rising and mingling with the aroma of hot rice porridge, wafting outwards in waves.

Several rows of bamboo sheds were temporarily erected in the courtyard, and several well-dressed old women were distributing quilts, old clothes and hot water. They were all sent by the wives of noblemen from various families.

In the corner, several homeless women sat around mending clothes, with two children lying nearby, their fevers still rising, their cheeks flushed red, and their sleep restless.

Langhua stood under the corridor, looking down at the list in her hands, occasionally looking up to ask a few questions.

"These two children coughed badly last night, so we'll move them to the east wing first, where they're sheltered from the wind, and we'll add a thin blanket for them tonight."

"Those three women used to weave hemp thread in the village. If they recover, they will be sent to the estate first, as the weaving workshop is currently short of manpower."

"Aunt Yuan has difficulty walking, so don't let her do heavy work. Let her stay at the orphanage to help take care of the children. She will still get paid at the end of the month."

She spoke slowly and deliberately, meticulously assigning each task that needed to be done at the moment.

The old women were originally just following orders from their master to join in the fun and go through the motions, but they never expected that this third young lady of the Wang family would be so impartial and self-righteous in her use of people. They were dissatisfied, but they couldn't help but listen to her arrangements.

Zhao Zhen stood at the end of the corridor and looked at her for a long time.

After the commotion subsided, Langhua handed the roster to Achang beside her, gently rubbed her slightly sore wrists, and turned to head towards the small courtyard to the west.

The place was mostly for frail women and young children; it was quieter and easier for doctors to examine them.

As soon as she entered the moon gate, she heard someone behind her say, "Third Sister."

The voice was gentle.

Langhua turned around and saw it was him. She wasn't surprised at all, and just nodded slightly: "So it's Young Master Li."

Zhao Zhen took a few steps closer, his gaze sweeping over her slightly tired face, and said gently, "I just saw you arranging people ahead, all very methodically. You even thought of a way out for these women and children."

Langhua smiled gently upon hearing this.

"Emergency relief can only provide temporary relief." She looked up at the children squatting by the wall in the courtyard, drinking porridge, and said softly, "If we can't think about their future, this pot of porridge and this dose of medicine will be gone once they've finished eating."

Zhao Zhen looked at her.

A breeze blew through the courtyard, and the strings of bamboo bells hanging under the eaves jingled softly, so faintly that they made the corner even quieter.

Langhua glanced at Zhuling, as if she had thought of something, and sighed softly: "When I was young, in Sichuan, I often went out with my aunt. She had a sharp tongue, but she was very kind-hearted and would always help those who came to her for help."

She paused, a faint smile appearing on her lips, as if recalling the expression on her aunt's face when she said those words: "But after the relief was finished, my aunt always forced people to work to pay off their debts. My uncle said that she had clearly done a good deed, but she didn't give them a kind look, which was really counterproductive. But she said that she didn't care whether these people remembered her kindness or not; what she wanted was for these people to get back on their feet and live a good life from now on."

"The food and clothing she provides will eventually run out. Helping these people find a way to make a living and support themselves is the long-term solution."

Zhao Zhen's heart stirred slightly.

"Your second aunt is a kind person."

Langhua nodded without hesitation: "I have never met a better woman than her."

Zhao Zhen remained silent for a moment before carefully speaking, "Your Majesty is currently choosing an empress."

Langhua turned her head to look at him.

Zhao Zhen mustered his courage and met her gaze, speaking softly but firmly: "In my opinion, if we consider character and vision, Third Sister is worthy of the title."

Langhua raised an eyebrow slightly, as if amused by these words.

"An empress is meant to be a model for the nation, I dare not accept that title."

Zhao Zhen disregarded her self-deprecating remark and instead asked, "Third Sister, just tell me, if one day an imperial edict is issued choosing you as Empress... would you be willing?"

Langhua glanced at him, her tone softening slightly: "To be the Empress of a nation is such an honor... Why does Lord Li think that I am unwilling?"

Zhao Zhen: "From what I see, Third Sister, you don't seem to be someone who craves honor and wealth. What you seem to like isn't the pretense of a grand mansion, but rather the real, lively energy of this world. Although the palace is prestigious, it's ultimately heavily guarded and locked. I dare not answer your question on your behalf."

Langhua was taken aback, but her gaze towards him gradually warmed.

"The outside world is naturally lively."

"But a person lives a lifetime not just to listen to the wind, see the scenery, and seek freedom."

"If I were in a high place, I could protect more people, and prevent many women and children like them from becoming homeless and destitute..." She paused, her voice growing softer yet clearer: "Even if I were locked away in the deep palace, what would it matter?"

"Besides..."

She looked at him and smiled faintly: "Doesn't the queen of a country also have the king by her side?"

"As long as you are surrounded by like-minded people."

"No matter how deep the palace is or how high the position is, one will never be lonely."

Zhao Zhen's heart skipped a beat.

she knows.

She actually knew.

I know who he is, and I know what he is asking.

But they were willing.

I am willing to walk this path, side by side with him.

Zhao Zhen felt a burning sensation in his chest, and even his fingertips felt slightly numb.

He looked at her, his eyes barely able to contain his joy, and the corners of his lips finally began to curve upwards.

"Third Sister..."

He called out softly, wanting to say something more, but couldn't get the words out.

Langhua chuckled: "If Your Majesty wishes to avoid revealing your identity when you go out in the future, please remember to remove that piece of white jade with dragon patterns."

Zhao Zhen looked at the pendant at his waist, and while he suddenly realized what was going on, he was even more convinced: "Others may not have such a clever mind as Third Sister."

After saying this, he hesitated for only a moment before resolutely taking off the jade pendant and carefully taking her hand.

He placed the jade pendant in her palm.

Langhua's fingertips trembled slightly.

Zhao Zhen looked at her solemnly: "Third Sister is intelligent and must have sensed my feelings."

As soon as those words were spoken, it seemed as if even the wind in the courtyard went still for a moment.

Zhang Maoze, who was hiding not far away, had already quietly lowered his head and even softened his breathing.

Langhua held the jade pendant and finally looked up at him.

Looking into his own eyes, he saw caution, appreciation, and an almost clumsy honesty.

These were all the things she had most wanted to see in Hongli's eyes.

"Third Sister, are you willing?"

"girl."

Ah Chang was calling her, his voice urging her on.

Langhua withdrew her hand.

She should leave. Even though this is a corridor, open and with other people around, it doesn't count as a private meeting. But if it goes on for too long, it might attract gossip.

"Third Sister!"

Zhao Zhen called out to her, his voice urgent.

Langhua glanced at him, smiled sweetly, nodded gently, and then drifted away.

Zhao Zhen's smile widened to its maximum, and his eyes shone with an astonishing brightness.