The life swap begins with Consort Hua becoming Lady Qin.

Changbai, seemingly oblivious, continued, "I suspect that at first, they were indeed wary of the Song people, after all, the Song Dynasty had a vast territory and was once a powerful and well-equipped army. But year after year, the tribute was still sent as usual, and all they had to do was station troops on the border and make threats to obtain countless amounts of gold, silver, and silk."

"In the eyes of the Liao, Jin, and Western Xia people, this was the Song people wagging their tails and begging for mercy, the strong Song becoming the weak Song, the jackals turning into sheep, gradually becoming docile, yet always plump and delicious."

"Their fear will eventually fade, and they may even breed more greed! If they can take a bite today, why not take another tomorrow? Since it never dares to resist, why not devour it as soon as possible?"

Su Peisheng quietly held his breath.

Changbai, however, was not afraid at all. He looked at Yongzheng and said seriously, "These are just some thoughts after I finished reading the history books. I am young and my knowledge is limited. If there are any oversights, please forgive me, Grandfather."

Yongzheng remained silent. He sat behind his desk, his gaze fixed on the letter from the Dzungar Khanate requesting marriage, and did not look away for a long time.

After a long time, he slowly reached out and touched Yongheng's head.

"Brother Bai, you're a good man."

Changbai's small face remained expressionless, and he simply bowed again, saying, "Grandson dares not accept such praise."

That day, after Yongheng left the Imperial Study, Yongzheng sat alone for a long time.

He then summoned all the Grand Councilors back once again.

The lights in the Imperial Study stayed on all night.

No one knows what was debated inside, only that the emperor finally made a decision at the morning court the next day: the Qing Dynasty would not send princesses to marry far away.

Since the Dzungars sought a marriage alliance between the two regions, they joined forces with other Mongol tribes to select young men who were both literate and skilled in martial arts and of outstanding appearance to go to the capital and openly compete for the position of imperial son-in-law of the Qing Dynasty.

Regardless of their origin, as long as they excel in talent, martial arts, and character, and gain the favor of the Qing princess, they can marry the princess.

Once the consort is selected, he will remain in the capital and enjoy the honors of a prince. His own clan can also form marriage alliances with the court and receive imperial favor.

If the Dzungars truly considered the marriage proposal to the princess as an honor bestowed by the Qing Dynasty, they would naturally have no reason to refuse.

If you refuse—

This shows that what they originally sought was not marriage or goodwill.

Leaving aside the shockwaves that swept through the court and the public after this decision, Consort Xi of Yongshou Palace, upon learning of this, was overjoyed and wept tears of joy. She chanted Buddhist prayers repeatedly and immediately ordered the storeroom to be opened, selecting lavish gifts to be sent to Prince Bao's residence, specifically specifying that they were for the eldest princess and the eldest prince.

Upon receiving the news, Hengchu disregarded her princess demeanor and ran all the way to Yongshou Palace, where she threw herself into her mother's arms.

The mother and daughter hugged each other and cried their hearts out.

The fear that had been weighing on my heart for days has finally found an outlet.

Consort Xi wept as she patted her daughter's back: "Alright, don't be afraid anymore. You won't get married. We won't go to such a far place. You'll stay by your mother's side, and your mother will choose the best consort for you."

Hengchu wept uncontrollably, clinging tightly to her mother.

It wasn't until dusk that Consort Xi finally managed to coax her daughter, who was beaming with relief, back to rest.

After everyone left, she sat on the couch and cried and laughed for a long time.

Fu Jia felt very sorry for her and personally brought her a cup of calming tea: "Your Majesty hasn't had a good night's sleep these past few days. Now that things are finally resolved, you can finally get a good night's rest tonight."

"That's right."

Consort Xi took the teacup, her eyes still red, but a smile on her lips: "This time, we owe it all to Brother Bai."

Consort Xi looked down at the tea in her hand and suddenly fell silent.

After a moment, she said softly, "Fujia, perhaps I misunderstood before."

Fu Jia asked, puzzled, "What does Your Highness mean?"

Consort Xi said slowly, "When Hongli came to my side, he was already around ten years old. Not only did he remember things, but his temperament was also set. Although I protected him and planned his future, to be honest, I can't really call it a true act of raising him. It is precisely because of this that I have always felt that there is a layer between me and my son, and it is difficult to be truly close to him."

Consort Xi gently turned the teacup in her hand: "This can be seen from the fact that he insisted on defying me and getting involved with Qingying."

"After the selection of concubines, I prided myself on seeing through Hongli. Even though Fucha was my personally chosen daughter-in-law, and even though this marriage was a deal I painstakingly arranged with Fucha Maqi, I never truly considered her one of my own. After all, husband and wife are a united entity; she and Hongli are husband and wife. If Hongli is still wary of me, how much more so of her?"

Fogg listened quietly.

The confusion in Consort Xi's eyes gradually faded, and a smile appeared on her lips: "But now, I realize that I was wrong."

She raised her head, her eyes gradually brightening: "Hongli is weak, and he is two-faced. He talks about affection and gratitude, but when faced with a problem, he only weighs the pros and cons. But so what? In the eyes of the world, he is my son. He is my son, rightfully registered under my name. Even if it's just out of filial piety, he must respect me and obey me."

"Then Lady Fucha is naturally my daughter-in-law, and the children she gave birth to are all my grandchildren, of my blood."

The more Consort Xi spoke, the more resolute her voice became: "How could the children know what happened ten or twenty years ago? How could they know who the deceased Li Shi in the other courtyard really was? In Hua Lan and Yong Heng's eyes, I am their aunt, and their aunt is only me. Heng Chu and Heng Ti are their own aunts!"

Consort Xi suddenly laughed: "We are connected by blood, aren't we, Fu Jia?"

Fu Jia immediately smiled and said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. The children are naive and have the purest minds. If we treat the eldest prince and the eldest princess well, we can always win them over. This is exactly what the eldest prince said to the Emperor this time."

Consort Xi nodded: "Bai-ge'er is a good child."

Her tone held a newfound genuine affection and pride: "Just like the name His Majesty gave him, he is balanced and upright."

Unlike someone else.

A faint hint of mockery suddenly flashed across her eyes.

Fu Jia naturally understood who she was referring to, but she didn't point it out. She simply smiled and curtsied, saying, "Yes. Congratulations, Your Majesty. You are truly blessed to have such a good grandson."

Consort Xi gently stroked the teacup, smiling contentedly.

"Yes, I have a good grandson."

Such a wonderful grandson belongs to me.

……

In the latter half of the twelfth year of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign, Princess Hengchu's grand search for a husband finally came to an end.

In the end, a prince consort was indeed chosen who was both literate and martial, outstanding in appearance, and very gentle in nature.

Most importantly, Hengchu was very satisfied.

The wedding date was set, and the procession stretched for miles in red.

The emperor specially ordered the construction of a magnificent princess residence in the capital, not far from the palace. After the marriage, Hengchu moved into the residence. Her husband was considerate and willing to listen to her opinions. The couple, one cheerful and the other gentle, lived a harmonious and happy life.

Consort Xi could summon her daughter to the palace every few days.

This incident brought Yongshou Palace and Prince Bao's Mansion even closer together.

Hua Lan was often invited to the palace to play with Heng Ti, and Chang Bai was invited to stay for meals by Emperor Yongzheng and Consort Xi every few days.

Sometimes, when returning to the mansion, a group of eunuchs would follow behind, carrying the latest rewards from the Emperor and Consort Xi.

If you do not see it, you will be both proud and distressed.

He was proud of his son's success, but worried that the family's storeroom was almost full.

Life is getting better and better.

In September, the Jade Clan's envoys came to pay tribute.

In the group, there was also a stunningly beautiful woman, charming and graceful.