The life swap begins with Consort Hua becoming Lady Qin.

Zhang Bihua quickly curtsied and said in a clear voice, "Your Majesty, I, Zhang Bihua, was the best in the palace assessment before the New Year, which is why I was assigned to serve the princess in Kunning Palace. It has only been two months now."

When she mentioned the phrase "top performer in the assessment," she tried her best to suppress it, but her words still carried a hint of undisguised pride.

Zhou Wanru's smile grew even more amiable as she listened. "Well, what a vibrant and bright young lady!"

"Sister Han, I'm hungry."

Jingning suddenly tugged at her dress, tilted her head back, and said in a soft, sweet voice.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Bihua quickly apologized to Zhou Wanru, saying, "You must be hungry after playing for so long. This servant will take the princess to the side hall for some snacks."

Zhou Wanru readily agreed, and Zhang Bihua bent down and picked up Jingning. As she walked, she looked down and asked Jingning if she wanted to drink apricot milk, and carefully adjusted her clothes. Her thoughtful, meticulous and gentle manner made Zhou Wanru like her even more.

When Ah Chang escorted Zhou Wanru out of the palace, the latter was still thinking about it the whole way.

"How old is she this year? Who else is in her family? Is she engaged?"

Ah Chang answered each question, and finally couldn't help but tease, "Madam, are you perhaps considering acting as a matchmaker?"

Zhou Wanru was about to nod when she suddenly seemed to remember something. She looked around, then leaned closer to Ah Chang and whispered, "Our Third Mistress isn't so generous as to personally send someone to the Emperor, is she?"

Ah Chang almost burst out laughing when he heard this.

"Don't worry, Madam. That's not true. Her Highness has no such intention, and neither does Bihua herself."

Zhou Wanru's eyes lit up immediately, and she perked up instantly.

That means she can now confidently act as a go-between?

She loves doing this.

Firstly, perhaps it's due to a kind heart, something they were born with.

Secondly, she knew that her third mistress was very good at using people; none of the palace maids she selected to serve her were bad. They were all good-looking and capable.

Since they would all have to leave the palace when they reached a certain age anyway, she helped them find husbands in advance, which could be considered as forming a good relationship.

Furthermore, if any of these people have such thoughts in the future, they might be able to return to work after getting married.

By then, they'll all be our own people, so we can use them with more peace of mind.

Thinking of this, Zhou Wanru looked at Achang again and said with a smile, "Don't worry, I haven't forgotten you either. I remember what happened between you and Wang Yingsheng's second son. Now I've given him a good job. Once he's made something of himself, I'll promote him to manager, so he'll be a good match for you."

A-Chang was both ashamed and delighted by those words.

"lady!"

Zhou Wanru just laughed happily, completely ignoring her shyness.

-

The next morning, at the Sheng family.

Sheng Hong slept soundly through the night, feeling all the fatigue from his journey completely gone. As soon as he got up, he heard his son's happy laughter playing in the courtyard. Looking up again, he saw Wang Ruoyu sitting in front of the mirror, dressing her hair, her clothes brand new.

The thought of visiting his future in-laws, who were now married, filled Sheng Hong with excitement.

On a whim, he stepped forward himself, took the eyebrow pencil from the maid, and drew Wang Ruoyu's eyebrows, eliciting a series of coquettish reproaches.

After the couple finished getting ready, they went to the Xu family's courtyard together. Behind them was the little maid who had brought them from Dengzhou, carrying Sheng Changsong. The wet nurse and the old woman followed behind. From a distance, they looked like a respectable couple with a harmonious family.

However, when they arrived at the entrance of the Xu family compound, the first person to greet them was Lin Qinshuang.

"Good morning, brother and sister-in-law. Did you sleep well?" She curtsied, her voice sweet and gentle. "You've arrived just in time. Breakfast is ready; please take your seats."

As she spoke, she stepped forward naturally and led the two inside.

Her warm and welcoming demeanor made it seem as if she were the most sensible and considerate hostess in the courtyard.

Wang Ruoyu's face immediately darkened.

Sheng Hong also felt a little awkward.

But as the saying goes, one can't hit a smiling face, and Lin Qinshuang's smile was so pleasing to the eye, he could only force a smile and reply, "Thank you for your trouble, sister."

Everyone entered the house, and Madam Xu had just gotten up.

Sheng Hong and Wang Ruoyu led Sheng Changsong forward to pay their respects. Madam Xu greeted them indifferently, her expression remaining lukewarm.

Breakfast was served quickly and in turn.

Lin Qinshuang obediently busied herself, helping to arrange all the dishes properly.

She seemed to have memorized everyone's preferences. In front of Sheng Hong was a light soup, and next to Xu Shi was a plate of soft and easy-to-eat side dishes. Wang Ruoyu avoided eating anything too cold or too greasy. Even the sweet and soft rice cake that Sheng Changsong liked was cut into a small piece and placed within his reach.

Sheng Hong glanced at it from the side and couldn't help but secretly admire it.

What a clever idea to call a "younger sister".

Madam Xu saw this and nodded to herself.

In terms of keen observation and meticulous care, Sister Shuang is probably unmatched.

But Madam Xu simply said, "Don't bother. You're not the housekeeper I hired. Sit down and eat with us."

Upon hearing this, Lin Qinshuang's eyes lit up as if she had received a great favor. She quickly smiled and said, "Yes, yes, I was just happy and forgot my limits for a moment. Please don't take offense, brother and sister-in-law."

As she spoke, she obediently sat down to the side, her voice soft and gentle: "I have been fortunate enough to stay in this mansion for more than two years thanks to the kindness of Madam. In previous years, Madam would invite me to dine with her during festivals, but I always felt that this house was still a bit cold and lonely. Although Madam did not mention it, I knew that she was thinking of my brother."

"Now that my brother and sister-in-law have brought our son back, the courtyard has suddenly become lively. We can finally have a family reunion this year."

She said with a smile, appearing genuinely happy for the mother and son.

Hearing this, both Xu and Sheng Hong felt a slight stirring in their hearts.

After more than a decade of companionship, no matter how much we weigh the pros and cons or make an equal exchange, there are always moments of warmth.

It's like when Sheng Hong was a young man, he would read late into the night, and Xu would send him hot soup.

For example, when Xu was sick, Sheng Hong stayed by her bedside, carefully brewing medicine.

It's like a Mid-Autumn Festival or Lunar New Year's Eve when other families are reunited, but only a mother and child are spending the night together.

The atmosphere in the room had just eased when it was interrupted by Wang Ruoyu's cold snort.

Sheng Hong glanced at her unhappily, his eyes carrying a hint of sarcasm.

Wang Ruoyu simply lowered her head and fiddled with the rim of the bowl, as if she hadn't seen anything.

Suppressing his displeasure, Sheng Hong personally ladled out a bowl of soup and said gently, "My sister is absolutely right. Mother, it is your son who has been unfilial all these years."

As he spoke, he was about to bring the bowl of soup to Xu Shi.

But before the soup could be delivered, it was gently stopped by Lin Qinshuang.

Sheng Hong was taken aback.

Lin Qinshuang also looked as if she had just realized what she had done, and hurriedly said in a panic, "I, I didn't mean anything by it, it's just that, it's just that Madam can't eat this now."

Sheng Hong froze.

Lin Qinshuang seemed to sense his confusion and quickly added softly, "Madam's stomach has been weaker these past few years. She feels unwell at night after eating soups with a strong fishy smell. It's not my fault, brother. You've been loyal to the country for many years and have been away from home. It's understandable that you don't know."

She spoke gently, even making an effort to defend him.

Sheng Hong's face involuntarily flushed.

Even if one has been away from home for many years, one should still write a letter home every month to inquire about one's mother's well-being.

How could you be completely unaware that your mother's digestive system had changed and what she could and couldn't eat?

If one knows nothing, how can one be worthy of calling oneself a filial son?

Amidst his embarrassment, Sheng Hong couldn't help but glance at Lin Qinshuang out of the corner of his eye.

Innocent, gentle, and kind.

Yet, for no apparent reason... it stirred a strange feeling within him.