The life swap begins with Consort Hua becoming Lady Qin.

Lin Qinshuang was naturally very good at reading people's expressions and understanding their preferences. If she really wanted to be nice to someone, her thoughtfulness would be like spring rain nourishing the earth, making it impossible for the person to refuse.

Every morning, she would personally bring the food box over.

The food box contained either congee and side dishes, or stewed chicken soup and mutton soup, and occasionally a bowl of medicinal cuisine.

Wei Jing'an was initially flattered and waved his hand to refuse, saying that this favor was too much.

Lin Qinshuang then looked up at him.

She was born delicate, with her eyes being the most captivating feature, evoking tenderness even before she spoke.

His opening words were utterly scathing: "What do you mean, brother? Could it be that even now, you still haven't truly agreed to take our promise seriously?"

Wei Jing'an was taken aback.

"That's not what I meant..."

"I don't have any other strengths." Lin Qinshuang placed the food box on the table and laid out the food one by one, her tone gentle but with a hint of stubbornness.

"There's only one thing I've promised: I will do my best. Since you promised me to take good care of my health and do well in the imperial examination, I should naturally do my part as well. I hope you will too."

Wei Jing'an's face felt hot.

Her righteous and eloquent words only made him seem more indecisive, hesitant, and lacking in any spirit.

He bowed respectfully in shame, saying, "You are right, young lady. I was narrow-minded."

Lin Qinshuang then smiled again.

"It's good that my brother understands."

So after that, she was the one who brought him meals, tidied his desk, and mended his torn sleeves with needle and thread.

When Wei Jing'an was studying, she would sit by the window and grind ink and add fragrance for him.

The candlelight flickered gently as she pressed one hand against her sleeve and used the other to add incense to the incense burner with a silver spoon.

A wisp of smoke rose, highlighting the gentleness of her profile and the serene beauty of her eyes.

Wei Jing'an was initially distracted.

But every time he looked up and saw Lin Qinshuang with a dignified expression and a calm demeanor, he felt even more that he shouldn't have done that.

The girl was sincere; she wanted to help him with his scientific research.

Instead, he's indulging in wild thoughts; how filthy!

So he studied even harder.

He could sit for half a day by simply turning the pages of a book.

Once the policy essay was written, the sound of snowflakes hitting the bamboo curtain outside the window was no longer audible.

After that, no matter how much Miss Xu's actions aroused speculation, he resolutely refused to think too much about it!

For example, she made a new pair of shoes. The upper was made of very plain blue satin, but the opening was delicately embroidered with cloud patterns, the stitches were unusually dense. She deliberately placed the shoes next to his old shoes so that anyone could see them at a glance.

Wei Jing'an did see it.

He was taken aback for a moment, then solemnly accepted the gift, saying, "Thank you, young lady. I will remember this."

For example, when she borrowed a book from him and returned it, she left a note with one of his annotations copied down.

The handwriting was delicate and there was a faint fragrance lingering in it.

When Wei Jing'an flipped it over, his fingertips paused, and his ears instantly turned red.

But after looking down for a long time, he carefully put the letter back in its original place and forced himself to remain calm as he continued reciting.

Lin Qinshuang: ...

She was both annoyed and amused.

What a fool!

It's an overcorrection!

But she didn't push too hard.

Although Wei Jing'an's health has gradually recovered, he is still weak, and his injuries from some time ago had been prolonged. Although his face has regained some color, his wrists are still thin.

In addition, it's getting colder outside every day, and the spring imperial examinations are getting closer every day, so now is really not the time to rush things.

She just wanted a child; she wasn't trying to kill him.

If you manage to deceive someone at this point, what if they become restless and lose their focus on the imperial examinations, or even die in the examination hall?

Besides—

Lin Qinshuang glanced at Wei Jing'an while looking for needle and thread.

Her body is still a bit too frail.

If you have a child at this time, don't let your sickly body and not-so-bright mind be passed on to her child.

That would be so unlucky.

Thinking this, she still smiled gently and turned to instruct the kitchen to make him a nourishing soup.

"Brother has been studying hard lately, so drink this soup while it's hot."

Looking at the steaming soup, Wei Jing'an felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

But the more this was the case, the more he had to remind himself not to have any improper thoughts.

What Ms. Xu and her daughter valued was his character, his willingness to study hard, and his integrity as a scholar.

They treated him with sincerity, so he should study even harder, pass the imperial examinations, and make a name for himself so that he can repay them in the future!

Therefore, Wei Jing'an worked even harder.

But this hard work only made others more and more displeased with him.

Several scholars preparing for the exams also lived in the adjacent side rooms.

Some were acquaintances with him, while others had always looked down on his shabby and aloof nature.

That afternoon, Wei Jing'an returned from fetching books outside. As he walked down the corridor, he heard one of the men say with a sarcastic tone, "So that's why you're so stubborn, Brother Wei. A wealthy merchant was practically begging you to be his son-in-law, but you wouldn't even agree. It turns out it wasn't because you thought money was vulgar, but because you already have a sweet, sensible, and devoted sweetheart hidden away."

Another person laughed, "Isn't that right? He brings us meals every day, adds incense constantly, and even provides shoes and socks. Brother Wei's good fortune is unmatched by anyone else."

Wei Jing'an paused in his steps.

He turned to the group, his expression unusually cold: "Gentlemen, you are all scholars who have studied the classics. How dare you speak ill of a woman's reputation so casually?"

The scholar scoffed, "What? Brother Wei dares to do it, but people aren't allowed to say anything?"

Wei Jing'an said in a deep voice, "Miss Xu and her mother took pity on my illness and helped me to recuperate and prepare for the exam. This is a kind and righteous act. I hope that you will not learn from those gossipy people in the marketplace and spread rumors, thus losing the demeanor of gentlemen."

The man, embarrassed, sneered, "Brother Wei is certainly protective."

"An innocent person should protect their innocent reputation." Wei Jing'an said, word by word, "If even a single word of what you all said today were to spread and damage Miss Xu's reputation, I, though of humble status, would certainly not stand idly by."

The corridor was quiet for a moment.

Those men were just being sarcastic, but seeing how serious he was, they awkwardly shut up.

When Wei Jing'an turned around, he realized that Lin Qinshuang was standing not far away.

She was still carrying a food box, so she had obviously been listening for a while.

Wei Jing'an's heart tightened.

Lin Qinshuang simply watched him quietly.

She originally thought that, given this fool's temperament, upon hearing such words, he would probably feel awkward, want to avoid suspicion, and might even start to distance himself from her for the sake of her reputation.

To everyone's surprise, instead of dodging, he stood up for her in public.

Then, the next moment, she heard Wei Jing'an say in a low voice, "Miss Xu."

He walked over and took the food box from her hand with grace and poise.

Lin Qinshuang blinked and looked at the scholars who were speaking. The scholars quickly looked away and hurriedly went back into the house.

Lin Qinshuang smiled and followed Wei Jing'an back into the house. Just as she closed the door, she heard another voice behind her:

"Miss Xu."

She turned her head, amused, with a hint of teasing: "What's wrong, brother?"

Wei Jing'an looked at her, his fingers unconsciously tightening around the food box, as if he had finally made up his mind.

"Jing An cannot stand by and watch your reputation suffer because of me. If I am fortunate enough to pass the imperial examination this time, Jing An is willing to propose marriage to you. I wonder if you... would you be willing?"

Lin Qinshuang's expression froze for a moment.

She had imagined that this bookworm would be moved, feel guilty, feel awkward, avoid her, and even preach a bunch of profound principles to her while remaining polite.

But she never expected that he would propose in such a serious manner.

Seeing that she remained silent for a long time, Wei Jing'an's heart sank.

I was indeed greedy.

He lowered his eyes: "Miss Xu, just consider it a slip of the tongue and forget what I said."

He was filled with intense regret.

We should at least wait until after the results are announced.

How can you be so impatient?

But the next moment, Lin Qinshuang suddenly stepped forward and threw herself into his arms.