The life swap begins with Consort Hua becoming Lady Qin.

Jingse sent someone to investigate Cao Ping's affairs, thinking she had done it very discreetly, but by evening the news had already reached Kunning Palace.

At that time, Langhua was sitting under the lamp, holding a list in her hand, choosing a candidate for the Crown Princess for her son.

This is a sweet trouble.

In her past life, she also had two sons and two daughters, but apart from Jingse, none of her children survived to adulthood. Now, she is able to personally choose the people who will accompany them for the rest of their lives.

Thinking of how Jingning had rushed into her arms with a big smile before leaving last time, Langhua couldn't help but smile too.

Now, there's even news about Jingse and Huirou?

After listening to Ah Chang's explanation, Lang Hua slowly pushed the booklet away from her hands.

Cao Ping.

This name didn't ring a bell for Wang Ruofu, but as Empress, Langhua certainly remembered this heir of the Duke of Lu, and even had a fairly strong impression of him. Because, to be precise, his aunt was Cao Danshu.

If she hadn't appeared in this life, she would have been the empress recommended by all the ministers, the Empress Cao in history books who was said to be ugly but not capable of bewitching the emperor.

Speaking of Cao Danshu, her life was quite peculiar. As recorded in historical texts, when she reached a certain age, she was married to Li Zhi by her parents' arrangement. However, Li Zhi was obsessed with cultivating immortality and refused to break his vows. On their wedding night, he jumped out of the window and left. Those who did not know the truth simply laughed at Cao Danshu for being ugly and frightening her husband away on their wedding night.

Unable to bear such humiliation, the Cao family personally intervened and urged the two to divorce.

After returning home, Cao Danshu had no intention of remarrying. Instead, she began to study the military books and strategies left by her ancestors and traveled around the world.

While others travel to places with beautiful mountains and clear waters, or bustling and lively areas, Cao Danshu specifically sought out places with strong winds and sandstorms, and close to the flames of war.

For several years prior, he had lingered on the Northwest battlefield and refused to return to Beijing for a long time.

However, she saved lives and performed countless good deeds along the way. She even helped a county town repel several scattered Western Xia soldiers, saving the county's people from slaughter. After the incident was reported, Cao Danshu's reputation soared, and Zhao Zhen also looked at her with new respect, specially bestowing upon her the title of County Princess.

Nowadays, Cao Danshu is considered a highly sought-after female tutor in Bianjing City.

Many young ladies from military families took pride in learning riding, archery, polo, and proper etiquette from her.

However, she was naturally carefree and had plenty of money, so it was difficult to hire her. After casually teaching two of her own nieces, she only took a liking to Di Qing's second son's eldest daughter, Minglan, the child born to Wei Shuyi, and accepted her as a disciple.

Thinking of this, Langhua couldn't help but sigh.

My actions have stirred up a whole pool of water and truly changed so much.

However, Cao Ping is not a bad match.

The Cao family were descendants of founding heroes, and their family traditions were upright. Cao Ping himself was also refined and handsome, and he was very gentle in his dealings with others. He was a true gentleman.

If Jingse really takes a liking to him, it wouldn't be a bad thing.

Langhua then asked with a smile, "What exactly did Jingse do today, and how did she become acquainted with Cao Ping?"

As soon as she finished speaking, she remembered something and raised an eyebrow, saying, "What about that Duan inkstone? Aren't you treasuring it anymore?"

Ah Chang couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this, and quickly said, "Your Highness has misunderstood. The Fifth Princess is not investigating for herself, but for the Fourth Princess."

Langhua was taken aback.

Then she realized, "It's Huirou."

After she finished speaking, she laughed at herself.

"That's fine. Huirou and Jingse are close in age, and the two sisters have been close since childhood, so their marriages will definitely be close together."

She thought for a moment and then instructed, "Let them investigate on their own. Have someone keep an eye on them, and let them do whatever they want, just make sure they don't do anything really stupid."

Ah Chang responded.

Langhua added, "The same goes for that Duan inkstone."

Ah Chang finally couldn't help but cover his mouth and chuckle softly, "Yes."

Looking at the candlelight, Langhua couldn't help but smile.

These young people, a piece of Duan inkstone, a bottle of ointment, can stir the purest ripples in their hearts.

After a moment, she took the booklet she had just pushed aside back, her gaze falling on one of the names, and remained silent in thought.

When Zhao Zhen arrived, Langhua was engrossed in watching.

Upon hearing the announcement from outside, she smiled and rose to greet him. After Zhao Zhen entered the hall, he removed his crown and changed his clothes. Only a few people remained in the hall to serve him closely, and they all moved very quietly.

After changing his clothes, Zhao Zhen made no attempt to hide it, lying down on the couch with his head resting on Langhua's lap, his tone tinged with weariness: "What is Third Sister doing?"

Langhua looked down at him and smiled, "I'm looking at the roster. The children are all growing up, and their marriages can't be delayed. Jingning is married, so according to the order of birth, she'll be the second son, then the third son, the fourth daughter, the fifth daughter... In the next few years, the Emperor will have plenty of celebratory feasts to enjoy."

Zhao Zhen chuckled softly, "Time flies."

"Who can argue with that?"

Langhua reached out and pressed his temples: "It's better if things go quickly. Life is easier when it's smooth and easy."

"Third Sister is absolutely right. These little devils are all grown up now, it's time for them to get married and have some more little devils, so they can know how hard it is for us parents."

Langhua couldn't help but chuckle, yet couldn't help but retort, "Then who spoiled these troublemakers? Doesn't His Majesty mention it at all?"

Zhao Zhen also laughed.

The couple chatted casually, marveling at how quickly time had passed. It seemed like only yesterday that their children were still little, with Jingning clinging to her in her arms like a cloth tiger, and Zhao Xuan being taught to read by Zhao Zhen on his lap. In the blink of an eye, they had all reached the age of marriage.

Zhao Zhen closed his eyes, enjoying her massage. After a moment, he asked, "Third Sister, is there anyone you fancy?"

Langhua took the booklet and turned to one of the pages: "The eldest daughter of the Duke of Yingguo, the young lady of the Zhang family. As the descendant of a meritorious official and the only legitimate daughter in the family, she is naturally pampered and carefully raised. I have met the child a few times. She is very upright and honest. Her speech reveals her extraordinary demeanor, outstanding character, and pure mind."