The life swap begins with Consort Hua becoming Lady Qin.

The candles burned quietly in the hall, the night outside the window was deep, and the occasional footsteps of palace patrollers could be heard in the distance.

After a long while, Zhao Zhen finally let out a soft sigh.

He took Langhua's hand and whispered, "You're right."

"Jingning will always be our daughter. If one day she is truly tired and weary and wants to come back, I will naturally still be able to support my daughter. Tomorrow, I will send that Yang boy to the palace to investigate his strength and see if he has the guts to marry our precious daughter."

A smile appeared in Langhua's eyes, and she nodded gently.

The next day, when Jingning learned of this news, she could hardly believe it.

She opened her eyes wide and looked at Langhua, her voice even softening slightly: "Mother, really?"

Langhua smiled and nodded: "Really."

Jingning was stunned by the sudden joy, and for a moment she didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Langhua continued slowly, "However, your father and I both feel that he should be the one to bring this up. Whether it's for our sake or for his own pride, it's only right. Besides, you have Huirou and Jingse behind you, and I should think more about them too."

Jingning nodded hurriedly: "Mother, I know. I am already overjoyed that Father and Mother are willing to grant me this much. How could I ask for anything more? Besides, everyone has their own ambitions. I am willing to marry into the Yang family and give up some of the glory that a princess should have. That is my business. My sisters should not suffer in the future because of me."

Looking at her, Langhua felt even more gratified.

But then another thought crossed Langhua's mind, and she asked softly, "What if Yang Chenghu still refuses to agree even after we've come this far?"

Jingning's smile faltered slightly, and her gaze dimmed a little.

Langhua felt sorry for her and almost wanted to say something to comfort her immediately, but she held back the words.

Love between men and women, mutual affection, is the most irrational thing in the world, and the only thing that imperial power cannot suppress.

Emperor Zhao Zhen could issue an imperial decree to grant the marriage, bestow honor upon the Yang family, and silence all the officials in the court, but he could not force Yang to truly agree.

Jingning was silent for a moment, then suddenly looked up and said, "Mother, could I see Father and say a few words to him before Father summons him?"

Langhua looked at her: "What if you tell her and still can't get what you want?"

Jingning lowered her eyes, her fingers gently gripping her sleeve.

After a long while, she raised her head and said seriously, "Then I won't get married. My parents gave birth to me and loved me dearly. I can't belittle myself and keep chasing after someone again and again."

She tried once, twice, because she was deeply in love and sincerely devoted herself to it.

If they persist in their pursuit, it would be tantamount to trampling on the dignity of her parents who truly care about her.

Langhua nodded gently: "Remember what you said."

Jingning gave a soft "hmm".

-

In the afternoon, in a side hall of the Chuigong Hall, the palace servants led Yang Chenghe in and then quietly withdrew.

As the door closed behind him, Yang Chenghe subconsciously frowned.

He turned and examined the door.

Just then, a voice carrying laughter came from behind: "The Chuigong Hall is right next door, the residence of the Emperor of our Great Song Dynasty. If you try to break down the door by force, you'll make a big fuss and be mistaken for an assassin."

Yang Chenghe turned around abruptly.

Jingning emerged from behind the screen. Today, she was not wearing a princess's formal dress, but only a light-colored palace dress. Her hair was also simply styled, and she appeared calm, but her hands, hidden in her sleeves, were clenched slightly with nervousness.

Yang Chenghe frowned even more deeply and immediately bowed, saying, "Princess."

Seeing his full guard, Jingning couldn't help but smile: "Don't worry, I just want to say a few words to you, I won't do anything to you."

Yang Chenghe remained respectful: "Princess, please give your orders."

Jingning didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point: "Father will summon you later to recruit you as his son-in-law. Just agree, but remember to mention that you are willing to give up the honorary title of Imperial Son-in-Law Commandant, and only ask to join the army in the northern border in the future. He will definitely agree."

Yang Chenghe remained silent.

When he spoke again after a long silence, his voice was low and somber: "I am afraid I cannot comply. I believe I have already made myself clear to the princess last time. I have no intention of marrying you, nor am I a suitable match. I urge you to choose someone else. There are many talented men in Bianjing. With your status, princess, you can have whatever kind of husband you desire."

"You need a wife to marry and have children for you, don't you?"

Jingning suddenly interrupted him.

Yang Chenghe paused for a moment before saying, "...Yes."

Jingning looked at him and continued, "But you're afraid that your wife and children will become your weakness, making you cowardly and hesitant to give it your all. Yet you're also afraid that if you do give it your all, you'll leave them, a widow and orphans, at home, struggling to make ends meet, isn't that right?"

Yang Chenghua: "...Yes."

"Then there is no one in the whole world more suitable for you than me."

Yang Chenghe finally looked up at her: "Princess?"

Jingning met his gaze, her tone even calmer than before: "You said it yourself, I am a princess, raised in luxury since childhood. I'm not marrying you to find someone to rely on. I just want you to take me with you when you travel to explore the world, to have me by your side when you study maps and military intelligence at night, and to have me accompany you when you practice swordsmanship, drink wine, and write poetry."

I only want you as a person, and I want to experience a different life with you. Before I have your child, you always manage to give me what I want, don't you?

Yang Chenghe stared at her blankly.

Jingning neither dodged nor avoided the question, and continued, "So when it's time to go to the battlefield, just go. And when you go, give it your all. If you return victorious, you'll be a great hero who will be remembered in history, earning me the envy of countless people. But if you can't..."

As she said this, her voice softened slightly, but she did not back down.

"Even if you never return, I will still be a princess of the Great Song Dynasty. As long as I am here, your children will not be bullied, and your family will still be protected. As for me, I have my father and mother. If I do not wish to remain a widow, they will take me home, and perhaps in a few years, they will find me another husband."

Yang Chenghe's eyes flickered slightly.

Jingning said, "In short, my life will be better when you're here. I'll also be better off when you're not. Yang Chenghe, marry me, and all your worries will be resolved."