The life swap begins with Consort Hua becoming Lady Qin.

Hailan hesitated for a moment. Over the years, she had gotten used to telling the Empress everything.

The Empress trusted her, and her trust grew stronger, and she never wanted to betray that trust.

But the person before her was no stranger; it was someone the Empress truly cherished as her own life.

Hailan paused for a moment before finally saying, "The First Prince only asked for things that should have been registered in Yanxi Palace; he didn't ask me to do anything against the rules. This matter isn't serious, and I can hold off on reporting it for now. But I have something to say upfront: if I myself discover anything from this, even just a tiny bit that proves Yanxi Palace truly has ulterior motives... then I will have no choice but to report it truthfully to Her Majesty the Empress."

Upon hearing this, Changbai showed no displeasure; instead, a hint of satisfaction appeared in his eyes.

"That's only right, then thank you for your hard work, Aunt."

Hailan bowed her head in return: "This is my duty."

No sooner had the two finished speaking than Ruofu's powerful voice suddenly rang out from the main hall.

"That's enough! Have you finished cleaning up Xianfu Palace yet? All you do is come here to freeload and ask for rewards!"

Immediately following was Gao Xiyue's extremely aggrieved voice.

"Your Majesty! It's been almost half a month since I've properly seen you! Besides, I don't believe Your Majesty doesn't miss me! Humph~"

Ruofu seemed utterly disgusted by her: "Either speak properly, or get back to your Xianfu Palace right now!"

"I won't!"

There was another burst of laughter from inside.

Hailan and Changbai turned around at the same time. Ruofu leaned against the couch, laughing and scolding. Gao Xiyue held onto one of her arms and refused to let go. Hualan laughed so hard she almost fell over. Yonghuang had a small piece of milk crisp stuffed into his mouth again.

The hall was filled with the sounds of people and the warmth of the atmosphere.

It looks just like a pot of charcoal burning brightly in winter.

Hailan's gaze gradually softened.

Changbai watched quietly for a while.

Such good days and such good people deserve to be cherished.

-

After leaving Zhongcui Palace, Ruyi did not immediately return to Yanxi Palace, but instead went to Qixiang Palace.

"Why is my sister here?"

As soon as she entered the courtyard, Jin Yuyan greeted her warmly: "I've been thinking about you these past few days, sister, but my health is really failing me. I get sick every time the seasons change, and the imperial physician told me to move around less. But then there's the national mourning period, and I thought that everyone in the palace had to follow the rules, so I didn't dare to visit other people's homes casually."

She looked apologetic: "I was planning to visit you in a few days when I felt better, but I didn't expect you to come see me first. Please don't be angry, sister."

Ruyi hadn't come for this reason, and upon hearing this, she simply smiled faintly.

"Sister, you're overthinking it. Your health is the most important thing. Don't bother with these formalities."

Jin Yuyan immediately smiled and said, "Sister is so kind."

The two entered the main hall and took their seats.

The palace maid served tea and then brought out several plates of pastries.

After a moment, Ruyi said softly, "There is actually something else I wanted to tell you, my sister, today."

Jin Yuyan thought to herself, "As expected," but immediately put on a serious expression: "Sister, please speak freely."

"It's for that bowl of contraceptive soup."

Jin Yuyan's smile faded slightly, as if she still felt lingering fear when the matter was brought up.

Ruyi said sincerely, "To be honest, I haven't properly thanked you yet, sister. If you hadn't told me that day, I don't know how much longer I would have been kept in the dark."

Jin Yuyan quickly said, "Sister, please don't say that. I only found out by chance. I thought it concerned your whole life, so I couldn't just keep it from you knowing."

Ruyi's gaze softened as she looked at her.

"I've thought about this carefully these past few days, and I realize that we're actually in the same situation now."

Jin Yuyan looked bewildered: "What do you mean by that, sister?"

Ruyi's face naturally revealed a knowing look: "My sister is beautiful and young, and coming from the Yu clan, she wouldn't be unfavored. How similar she is to me! And yet, it's precisely you and me who haven't heard from each other for so many years. I don't believe that the contraceptive soup she drank was only for me."

Jin Yuyan's face paled at that moment: "Sister, do you mean that I... I also unknowingly... Yes, yes, I've always been healthy at home, my days have always been regular, and I've never suffered much. But since coming to the Qing Dynasty... I originally thought it was just a change in environment! Sister, what should I do?"

Seeing her panicked state, Ruyi became even more certain.

"Don't panic. I'm here today to discuss some guidelines with you. Although she is the Empress and in charge of the six palaces, we concubines should naturally respect her and abide by the rules. But everything must have its limits."

She said, word by word, "If we can't even have our own children, then this rule is too much. We need to expose this to her. Only by putting things in the open can we make her realize the consequences and know where to draw the line."

Jin Yuyan secretly rolled her eyes so hard they almost popped out.

That's really something. They've been giving you contraceptive soup for years, and you're still childless and all alone, while they're having one child after another. And all you can say is that it's over!

Even when it's revenge, all they think about is making people know their limits?

What a piece of trash!

Ruyi continued, "But this matter cannot be rushed. I have a vague idea in mind, but it is not yet complete. My sister and I are in similar situations. Since we may both be victims, we should naturally help each other."

After listening, Jin Yuyan wanted to roll her eyes again. It sounded nice, but she just didn't know what to do and came to her for advice.

She insisted on making it sound like she had everything planned out and was just waiting for someone to help her.

But the worry on her face didn't lessen at all; instead, her brows were furrowed, as if she were racking her brains.

"Alright, I'll start by throwing out an idea to get the ball rolling."

Ruyi suddenly said, "I plan to reinstate Yuanxin. I was too impulsive a few days ago. After discovering something was amiss with the person around me, I became disheartened and gradually stopped letting her get close. Now that I think about it, I've alerted her. I might as well give her another chance, let her think that I no longer suspect her... and reveal a sufficiently important piece of information so that she feels she must immediately report to the person behind her. Perhaps then we can follow the clues and find out more."

Jin Yuyan: ...

You're only finding out now? You've been leaving that girl hanging for so long! She's not stupid; she's probably been lying in bed every night wondering where she slipped up.

You're only now thinking of putting on an act? Do you think people will believe you?

However… Jin Yuyan narrowed her eyes slightly.

The harem is far too quiet right now, so quiet it's almost stifling.

After the Empress's new set of palace rules were implemented, it was as if the entire sky had been solidified.

Someone records everything you do, from leaving the palace gates to taking a piece of fabric. Even if you just send someone out a bowl of soup, they'll write down exactly who it's for, why it's for, and where it came from.

The entire harem seemed to have suddenly turned into a tightly sealed turtle shell; she wanted to reach out and stir it up, but she couldn't find a crack.

Ruyi spouted nonsense, but she was right about two things: most of the women in high positions in the harem had children. Gao Xiyue, Fucha Zhuying, and even Su Luyun all became concubines, and they were all above her!

If she just stays there obediently and waits for those people's children to be born one after another and grow up safely, what chance will she have?

How can you catch fish if the water isn't murky?

If a few people at the top don't fall down, how can she climb up?

Thinking of this, Jin Yuyan's eyes flickered slightly.

"Sister is indeed exceptionally clever; this is certainly a good idea. But what kind of news could make her so restless, knowing that you've been neglecting and suspicious of her lately, that she still feels compelled to find a way to send the message out?"

The more she spoke, the slower and slower she became, and the brighter her eyes shone.

The waters of the harem need to be murky, and it would be best to also implicate the Empress, Consort Xian, Empress Dowager, Emperor... and all women, even pregnant women.

Let them all get involved!

"Sister, have you heard of your son?"