The life swap begins with Consort Hua becoming Lady Qin.

"Zhang Bihua?"

Langhua murmured the name softly, a hint of realization flashing in her eyes.

Yes, she should be in the palace by now.

However, Zhang Bihua at that time was not yet the empress who would later be recorded in history books as having both died and been reborn, nor was she Zhao Zhen's most famous favorite concubine.

Now, she is just a young girl of about eleven years old.

Thinking of what her second brother, Wang Shi'an, had just said, Langhua felt a little strange again: "Did she mean that she choreographed a dance for me as a way of repaying me?"

"yes."

Wang Shi'an recalled the stubborn look on the young girl's face, her eyes red-rimmed, yet she refused to plead her innocence, and couldn't help but chuckle again: "I think she's got a fiery temper. You don't know, when she beat that other palace maid, she really went all out. She was clearly very wronged, but she didn't want me to stand up for her, she just asked me to pass on this message to you."

Langhua said thoughtfully, "But I don't know her."

Hearing this, Ah Chang finally couldn't help but speak up: "Your Majesty doesn't recognize her because Your Majesty bestows kindness without expecting anything in return, and performs many good deeds without taking them to heart. But I do remember this young lady."

Upon hearing this, both Langhua and Wang Shi'an couldn't help but turn to look at her.

Ah Chang continued, "Speaking of which, her background is truly pitiful. Originally, she had both parents and was well-off, but her father died when the earth trembled that year. Her uncle actually drove them out, leaving her and her mother with nowhere to go. Fortunately, the Empress at that time allowed the orphanage to take in women and children and provided them with food and clothing. Among them were her and her mother."

Wang Shi'an became interested: "You remember it clearly."

Ah Chang laughed and said, "To be honest, Second Master, the reason I remember it so clearly is all because this young lady was so beautiful. I was the one who wiped her face. When she first arrived, her face was covered in dust and dirt, looking like a mud doll. But as soon as I wiped it with a handkerchief, I watched as a pretty little face emerged from the mud. The mud doll turned into a pink doll in the blink of an eye. How could anyone forget that?"

"Later in the palace, I saw her twice from a distance. But because of the strict palace rules, I couldn't go up and greet her."

After listening, Wang Shi'an stroked his chin: "So, she really did come to repay her sister's kindness?"

He couldn't help but look at Langhua: "Sister, should we transfer her to our side? I think she's impulsive, but also straightforward. Her likes and dislikes are written all over her face, making her easy to read at a glance."

Langhua glanced at him and suddenly smiled.

Wang Shi'an was puzzled by her laughter: "What are you laughing at, little sister?"

Langhua said, "It seems that brother was just putting on an act for us all along."

Wang Shi'an was taken aback.

Langhua said slowly, "Mingming is very shrewd."

Wang Shi'an chuckled and fell silent.

Langhua then suppressed her smile and said gently, "The palace has its own rules. There are many people who want to serve in my Kunning Palace, some with more seniority than her, and some with more meticulous work skills. How can I promote her out of turn just because of a momentary liking or dislike? Wouldn't that be setting a bad example?"

Wang Shi'an thought about it and realized that this was indeed the case.

Langhua then instructed Achang: "Go and prepare two sets of clothes and a set of pearl hairpins, and send them to her. Also, have someone investigate the matter of her dance costume being damaged and the rabbit being harmed today. If it is true, we certainly cannot let her suffer in vain. The person who deliberately did these things is not a pure person. If we let them stay in the palace, they may cause trouble. We should simply kick them out."

"If she misunderstands someone else, she should apologize properly to avoid creating further estrangement between her and the other young lady. They are colleagues, and if they clash while doing their duties, it will definitely cause more trouble. It's best to avoid it if possible."

Ah Chang readily agreed.

Langhua added, "Tell her the results later, just say it was me who said it. There are many places to go in the palace. But I will arrange an assessment every year. If she can pass the test, she can come to Kunning Palace to see me."

Ah Chang smiled and curtsied: "This servant understands, I will take care of it right away."

Listening from the side, Wang Shi'an couldn't help but sigh, "She's definitely my sister; she's more thoughtful than most people."

He had oversimplified things. Seeing that the girl was interesting and so devoted to her sister, he thought that if she could stay by her sister's side as a confidante, she might be a great help.

But now that I think about it, that kind of personality was ultimately too reckless.

Venting personal grievances through fighting may feel satisfying, and she may very well be in the right, but there is no real evidence to back it up.

What if she really didn't do it, and she just misunderstood?

If she acts so rashly that she is not reprimanded but instead praised, then there is no way she will learn to be less rash and impulsive in the future.

The younger sister's approach is the best; if the child is truly wronged, she can stand up for her.

It can both set things right and win back a wave of support.

If it was all just a misunderstanding, it can be considered a lesson for her, so that she can be more prudent in her actions in the future.

Seeing that his sister had handled the matter so well, he decided to let go and leave it to her. The two siblings then chatted for a while longer.

Wang Shi'an still cared about Jingning after all. After holding the little princess, he lowered his head and kissed her forehead several times.

Jingning wrinkled her little nose from the kiss and waved her little hands haphazardly, as if she found her uncle annoying.

Wang Shi'an, however, was extremely pleased with it.

"Hey, little girl, you're really strong, just like me!"

After praising himself, he reluctantly handed the child back to the wet nurse and said, "I'm going back to Qingzhou tomorrow. My sister must take good care of herself."

Langhua felt a pang of sadness, but she knew he held an official position and it was not appropriate for him to stay any longer.

"Brother, please be careful on your journey. Once you reach Qingzhou, be cautious in everything you do, and don't always rely on your intelligence without considering the consequences."

Wang Shi'an laughed and said, "I know, I know."

After he finished speaking, he glanced at Jingning one last time before reluctantly taking his leave.