The life swap begins with Consort Hua becoming Lady Qin.

The person who reacted most strongly to the marriage proposal from the Marquis of Dongchang was Wang Ruofu, the person involved.

At that time, she was clumsily trying to divide a pot of orchids that were growing too wildly.

Ah Chang rushed in and excitedly told her the good news. Wang Ruofu's hand trembled, and she almost dropped the small shovel in her hand.

"W-what?" She looked up, her round almond-shaped eyes filled with astonishment. "Ah Chang, say it again? Who... who is proposing to whom?"

"It's the Dongchang Marquis's Mansion. Marquis Qin of the manor is here on behalf of his second son, the elder brother of Miss Shilan, to propose marriage to you!"

Ah Chang was both anxious and delighted, and his voice rose uncontrollably.

Wang Ruofu was completely stunned.

The orchid potted plant in my hand fell to the ground with a "thud".

"Qin...Second Brother Qin? To me?"

An indescribable panic rose from the bottom of my heart, not a feeling of surprise.

"How could this be...?"

She murmured to herself.

She knew that girls always had to get married.

She had heard these words countless times since she was old enough to understand.

When she was at her uncle and aunt's house, her aunt would often stroke her head and say with pity, "Girls are pampered guests. The good days at home are only so many years, so you have to spoil them."

This led her to expect her brothers to be more accommodating and doting on her, giving her the best food and toys first.

So she gradually came to understand that getting married meant going through a hard life.

As she gets older, her worries about marriage grow day by day.

She knew she wasn't particularly clever. Many rules, principles, and social customs that were taken for granted by her mother, older sister, and even the servants were things she couldn't understand, or that took her a long time to grasp.

She has a quick temper and is very straightforward; she can't hide what she's thinking on her face, let alone on her lips.

When she went out to visit friends with her mother, she made so many funny mistakes that she lost count of them.

She could feel the disappointment in her mother's eyes and the snickers of others.

Therefore, she understood early on that the most suitable place for her to settle down was a family of equal social standing, preferably the second or youngest son of the legitimate wife, who would not have to inherit the family business and would be gentle and able to tolerate her clumsiness and naivety.

The two may not have much affection for each other, but if they can treat each other with respect and live a simple and ordinary life, that's enough.

Marrying up? That's something only someone as shrewd and insightful as the eldest sister should even think about.

A noble family? That's something only found in plays, a distant and unattainable family.

Even though she was on good terms with Sister Shilan, she never dared to dream of such a thing.

So... how could it be Qin Zhengyang?

He is the legitimate son of the Marquis's family, a sure-fire future Marquis.

He is good at studying; although he didn't pass the exam this time, his knowledge is certainly excellent.

He was skilled at archery and polo, and played such beautifully that he seemed to shine on the field.

He was also good-looking, with a tall and straight posture, clear eyes and a pleasant smile.

Most importantly, he is Shilan's brother! The brother of such a capable, bright, and flamboyant woman as Shilan!

How could someone like that... fall for her?

"Girl, what's wrong?" Ah Chang looked at his daughter, who was first stunned, then frowned, her face full of disbelief and incomprehension. He couldn't help but laugh, but also felt a little sorry for her.

She picked up a damp cloth and gently wiped the dirt from Wang Ruofu's hands, her voice soft: "What's there to not understand? No matter how many good qualities Prince Qin has, in my opinion, none of them compare to his good judgment!"

Wang Ruofu looked up at her blankly.

Ah Chang continued, his tone filled with sincere pride: "Young lady, you have no idea how wonderful you are! Yes, you're impatient with all the formalities, but you started learning household management from Miss Shilan when you were ten! Miss Shilan is incredibly capable, yet she considers you her right-hand woman and entrusts you with important responsibilities. All those shops we own, the small estate outside the city, and the money we have hidden away—weren't they all earned by you yourself? Looking across the entire Bianjing city, which other young lady is as adept at making money as you, earning such a generous dowry on her own? Not to mention, you're kind and gentle, never harsh on your servants. Everyone in our courtyard speaks highly of you! Young lady, you are clearly the best young lady in Bianjing city. That Second Master Qin who wants to marry you truly has exceptional taste!"

Wang Ruofu blushed deeply at her words: "How can you talk about your own daughter like that? You're so shameless."

"Speak the truth, what's there to be ashamed of?" Ah Chang leaned closer, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous yet certain light. "Miss, I have something else to say, something I've been keeping to myself for a long time, but I have to say it today. You're so naive, you might not realize it yourself, but I saw it clearly—that Prince Qin has long had feelings for you!"

With a "boom".

Wang Ruofu felt a sudden heat spread from her ears to her entire face, even her neck turned crimson.

Ah Chang's words were like a key, unexpectedly unlocking a floodgate in her memory.

Fragments I'd never noticed before suddenly flooded my mind...

Those details that she attributed to Shilan's gentle personality and Qin Er's polite manners were now revealed by a single sentence from Achang.

It felt like a piece of rock candy had been thrown into my heart. At first, it was a hard, startling lump, but slowly, it melted away in the warm memories that kept flowing out, seeping out a sweet, honeyed feeling that gradually permeated my entire heart.

The initial panic and inferiority in my heart were gradually diluted by this sweetness, replaced by a tingling, blushing, and joyful feeling that made me feel helpless yet unable to resist smiling.

So, in Qin Erge's eyes, she wasn't so bad after all?

How could someone as good as him think she... is good?

Later that day, Madam Wang called her youngest daughter into the room, dismissed the servants, and left only the mother and daughter.

Looking at her daughter's still flushed cheeks and her clear, yet somewhat evasive, eyes, Madam Wang understood. She asked softly, "Fu'er, you already know about the marriage proposal from the Marquis of Dongchang. I summoned you here today to ask for your opinion. You are also acquainted with Qin Zhengyang, the heir of the Qin family. What...what do you think of this marriage?"

Wang Ruofu lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting her sash, her heart pounding like a drum.

The image of Qin Zhengyang's slightly reddened earlobes when he supported her flashed before her eyes, as did his focused gaze as he listened to her speak, and Ah Chang's words—

"He's had feelings for you for a long time."

She opened her mouth, her voice barely audible, but without any hesitation:

"Daughter...Daughter will leave the decision to her parents."

Even so, her clear almond-shaped eyes, which could never hide her thoughts, reflected her true answer without exception—she was willing, absolutely willing.

Seeing her youngest daughter's demeanor, Madam Wang's last bit of annoyance caused by her eldest daughter's tantrum dissipated, replaced by a complex emotion of relief,感慨, and blessing.

In the flickering candlelight, Madam Wang gently took her youngest daughter's hand and patted it.

"Alright, alright. Fu'er, since that's the case, let me tell you what's on my mind. Your father and I have discussed this in detail. The Qin family were founding heroes, and although they seem to be declining, it's because their ancestors were too glorious, and their descendants are mediocre. After you marry into the family, don't rush to push your husband to be more ambitious. He comes from such a wealthy family, yet he hasn't picked up any spoiled habits. Instead, he studies diligently and has passed the imperial examinations, which already surpasses many people. Whether someone is suited for studying is determined by fate. Look at your second brother; you should understand that too. Don't push him to the point where you can't achieve anything and end up ruining your relationship."

"After you move in, just live your good life, be loving with your husband, be filial to your parents-in-law, and treat your sister-in-law well. When you have a son or daughter, teach them carefully. As long as they don't become a wicked and wasteful brat, wealth and honor for a hundred years is not just empty talk..."

Wang Ruofu listened to her mother's earnest teachings and nodded vigorously once again.

The girlish shyness and joy in her heart gradually settled into a sense of grounded and warm anticipation.