The life swap begins with Consort Hua becoming Lady Qin.

Hailan entered Changchun Palace, and as soon as she entered the main hall, she saw Ruofu writing furiously at his desk.

May Your Majesty be well.

When Ruofu looked up and saw it was her, his face immediately lit up with a smile: "Come, come, I've been waiting for you!"

Hailan stepped forward and said gently, "I just heard Zhaoying say that Her Majesty has something to tell me?"

"Something's up." Ruofu grabbed her hand, smiling warmly. "I've made up my mind. I'm appointing you as the Palace Attendant!"

Hailan was momentarily stunned.

Ruofu, however, grew increasingly satisfied: "Just as you managed the Prince's Palace for me before, you should manage this harem for me now. Investigate the palace maids and eunuchs, the allowances and accounts, the palace rules and rewards and punishments—all must be properly observed and punished. I want this harem to be clean and orderly, with everyone fulfilling their duties and staying in their proper place, without the slightest hint of shady dealings!"

A glint of light flashed in Hailan's eyes.

"It's not just you." Ruofu turned around again and called Lianxin, Ruixin, and Zhaoying to her side: "The rest of you too. Since you've all made up your minds to stay in the palace and marry, I'll treat you as my trusted confidants. Hailan will be in charge of all palace affairs, and you'll each help her in your own way. Whoever is good at accounts will oversee the accounts, whoever is familiar with personnel will manage people, and whoever is fast on their feet will run around to more places."

She paused, then patted her chest with great pride: "All of you, do your jobs well! I, the Empress, will never mistreat you. Your monthly wages will increase, your ranks will be promoted, and when you get old and can no longer work, I will save up a large sum of money for each of you to retire in, and I will also select a few sensible young maids to serve you, so that you can retire in style!"

Zhao Ying was the first to burst into laughter: "This servant thanks Your Highness for the generous pension."

Lianxin smiled with her lips pursed, Ruixin's eyebrows curved, and even Hailan's eyes showed a smile.

The women exchanged glances and bowed in unison: "Yes, we will do our best to fulfill our duties."

The reorganization of the six palaces began in a flurry of activity.

If no new rules were created out of thin air, and the original rules of Prince Bao's mansion were slightly modified and supplemented, and then copied into the palace, that would be sufficient.

Palace maids and eunuchs are not allowed to wander around without a valid reason, let alone visit other palaces without permission.

Medicines, food, spices, and charcoal—these are the easiest things to tamper with. Every time something goes in or out, a record must be kept. No one is allowed to take them away at will, and palace servants are strictly forbidden from exchanging them privately.

The items sent out by the Imperial Kitchen must be recorded, the prescriptions issued by the Imperial Hospital must be kept, and the amount of charcoal, cloth, and candles received by each palace must be checked monthly.

As for medical consultations in the palace, Ruofu thought for a moment and added another condition: at least two people must consult on the case.

The Forbidden City is much larger than the Prince's Mansion, and it's impossible for Hailan and a few others to manage it all. So Ruofu simply let go and promote people.

Whether they were palace maids or eunuchs, the first choice was those who could read and do accounting, and the second choice was those who were quick-witted and efficient.

A distinguished family background isn't necessary; since it's all about holding a position, the most important thing is to be discreet, steady-handed, and know the rules.

If there are palace maids who were originally low-ranking but could write beautifully, or eunuchs who could calculate abacuses very quickly, they should all be recorded and promoted accordingly.

As soon as someone is promoted, the Imperial Household Department's accounts are investigated.

The investigation revealed numerous obstacles.

Over generations, the Imperial Household Department had managed the area, and many locations had become the private property of certain bondservants.

The account books look neat and tidy, and when you ask, you find out that it's an old family tradition. If you ask further, they say that it has always been this way.

They either want to use minimal effort to achieve maximum effect, or they want to rely on their seniority, or they band together to protect each other.

Ruofu didn't stand on ceremony with them and wrote a letter that same day to send back to the Fucha family.

Her second uncle, Ma Qi, was still alive, and her second aunt was no pushover either. Her brothers and sisters-in-law each had their own connections, and they would send her manpower or thugs if she needed them.

Those in the Imperial Household Department who are willing to back down are fine, but those who refuse to back down are even better off; we'll just investigate their assets!

When the mountain of gold and silver treasures appeared, and then looking at the stacks of land deeds and property deeds, including many that had been clearly recorded as imperial tribute items with losses, Hongli's eyes turned red, his hands trembled, and his voice shook:

"My money!"

"It's all my money!"