The life swap begins with Consort Hua becoming Lady Qin.

Shilan got up, but before leaving, as if possessed, she turned back to the dressing table and examined herself in the mirror.

Double-check that there are no issues with the makeup.

Shilan raised her hand to put a stray strand of hair back in its place before turning and walking outside.

The side gate wasn't far from her courtyard; it would take less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. But the closer she got to the rather plain ebony door, the slower her steps became involuntarily.

Looking at the door just a few steps away, she suddenly felt a mix of anticipation and trepidation for no apparent reason.

"girl?"

Songzhi called out softly, puzzled, from beside him.

Shilan came to her senses, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled before climbing the steps.

She slowly reached out and pushed the door open a little.

A tall figure almost immediately filled her field of vision.

Her gaze slowly rose, and what came into view was a long-lost young face, but compared to the fair and slightly immature appearance in her memory, the lines of this face were more rugged.

It's Zhang Yun.

The moment he saw her, his eyes lit up, and the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up, revealing an unreserved and extremely radiant smile.

Shilan then noticed the glistening snowflakes on the shoulder of his black fox fur coat.

The snow inside the city had long been swept away, except for the suburbs.

This means that he had just arrived in Beijing.

She came straight here without even going home to wash up.

This realization made Shilan's heart tighten again.

She opened her mouth, but didn't know what to say.

She suddenly realized that it had been almost three years since she had seen her parents after their brief meeting at the funeral hall.

For the past three years, what they have been exchanging are dried flowers and candied fruit sent from the border, simple greetings that arrive on the fifth day of each month, and heartfelt promises of waiting for me.

But ultimately, it's not a real person.

Now, with this person truly standing just inches away, she can't help but feel a sense of estrangement.

Zhang Yun spoke first.

"Those...leathers and beads, are they to your liking?"

Having found a topic to discuss, Shilan breathed a sigh of relief before speaking: "These are all extremely valuable and rare items, how could they not suit my taste?"

She stepped aside: "It's cold outside, want to come in and have a cup of hot tea?"

"No, thank you." Zhang Yun quickly waved his hand, even subconsciously taking a small step back. "It would be too impolite for me to go in like this. Tomorrow, I will definitely pay you a visit tomorrow."

Just kidding. He finally got engaged and had a formal status, and he wasn't going to be like those unruly fools who would upset his brother-in-law over a little carelessness.

Moreover, he would rather Shilan be criticized than be told he didn't know the rules.

If he wants to enter the Qin family to see Shilan, he must do so openly and honestly through the main gate.

More importantly, after traveling at such a fast pace, he must be smelly. What if he accidentally offends someone with his stench when he turns away?

Thinking of this, he seemed to smell a faint fragrance emanating from Shilan.

He secretly took a deep drag, while quietly taking a step back, his voice unconsciously lowered so that only she could hear him:

"I just... wanted to see you first."

One glance is enough.

It's enough to see her safe and sound with my own eyes.

Shilan felt as if a feather had gently tickled her heart.

Before she could react, Zhang Yun suddenly pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to her.

Shilan stared intently at it.

It was a wooden carving about an inch tall.

The wood is smooth, and it is obvious that it is often held and rubbed in people's hands.

The sculpture depicts a young girl riding a horse, with the horse's front hooves off the ground, while the girl makes a swinging motion as if hitting a ball.

Shilan examined it closely and was shocked to discover that the girl's face vaguely resembled her own.

That's how she looked on the polo field back then!

"It's for you." Zhang Yun's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible embarrassment, but his eyes shone brightly: "Back then... I wanted to give it to you."

He paused, then said, "When spring comes and the grasslands turn green, let's go for another game, shall we?"

Shilan took the small wooden carving in a daze.

The delicate wood grain still carried his body heat, which traveled along her fingertips and warmed her heart.

She lowered her head and whispered, "Okay."

The sound was very soft, yet it was like a pebble thrown into Zhang Yun's heart, stirring up ripples of joy.

His smile grew even brighter: "I'll go home first. Tomorrow... I'll pay a formal visit tomorrow."

Having said that, he turned around nimbly and strode toward the horse that was tied to the side.

The movement of flipping over was still agile, smooth, and crisp.

Shilan watched him quietly.

Three years have passed. After experiencing the hardships and bloodshed on the frontier, he has grown into a broad-shouldered, mature man who can stand on his own.

Yet, the way he mounted the horse still carried the dashing spirit of youth.

He turned around on his horse and saw her still looking at him from inside the door. His smile grew even brighter, and he raised his arm high and waved vigorously at her.

Shilan responded with a smile.

Only after watching the man and horse turn the corner and disappear completely did Shilan come back to her senses.

Looking at the lifelike wooden carving in my hand, I recalled the way he had looked earlier, with snow falling on his shoulder and his eyes shining like stars.

The corners of her mouth gradually turned up, and her eyebrows and eyes slowly relaxed.

He chuckled softly.

-

The next day, Zhang Yun arrived as promised.

Accompanied by Madam Chen Ning, the Duchess of England, he was dressed in a brand-new royal blue brocade robe, his hair tied up with a jade crown, and his appearance was impeccable as he formally paid his respects.

Shilan also met with him, accompanied by Wang Ruofu.

Zhang Yun's eyes were still clear that day, but he was more restrained and composed than the day before. Only when no one was paying attention did he wink at her quickly, revealing a bright smile that belonged only to the two of them.

Qin Zhengyang, who happened to capture this moment, instantly lost his smile.

A hint of wariness crept into his eyes as he looked at Zhang Yun.

Then a little tail was thrown to Shilan's side.

-

Around the New Year, Zhang Yun became a frequent visitor to the Dongchang Marquis's residence.

He seemed determined to make up for the three years he missed, little by little, in this way.

Upon hearing that Shilan was preparing lanterns for the Lantern Festival, he volunteered to help.

Shilan then realized that he was not only skilled in wood carving, but also adept at making lamp stands out from bamboo strips and silk gauze.

He can make lifelike rabbit lanterns, adorable kitten lanterns, and even majestic raptor lanterns modeled after the eagles he's seen at the border...

Hua Jie'er was completely captivated by him, following him around at all times. To keep the army of animal lanterns behind her growing, she would serve him tea and water without hesitation, and even get anxious and impatient.

A crisp, clear voice called out, "Uncle!"

It came out without thinking.

Shi Lan and Zhang Yun were both taken aback.

immediately--

"Why!"

Zhang Yun readily agreed, praising her generously: "Our Hua'er is indeed clever! Tell your uncle what else you want, and your uncle will make it for you!"

Hua Jie was overjoyed and started placing orders like crazy.

They called him "uncle" repeatedly, as if it were free.

Shilan was filled with shame and anger upon hearing this.

Zhang Yun responded to each call with a smile, his eyes growing even more amused, and he worked even harder.