The life swap begins with Consort Hua becoming Lady Qin.

But after that thought lingered in her mind, Jin Yuyan suppressed it herself.

Who else could it be but the Empress?

Aside from the Empress, who else would go to such lengths to control the number of imperial offspring? And why keep such a close eye on Ruyi, a mere concubine, from the very beginning, preventing her from having any joy?

Who else has such ability?

She is naturally the empress, and can only be the empress.

As for her frankness and outspokenness, there's nothing surprising about it. She herself is always smiling and speaking her mind in front of others.

Only in this way can one easily gain the trust of others.

Only by gaining people's trust can you prevent them from being wary of you.

Thinking of this, Jin Yuyan felt even more strongly that Ruyi had to take the lead. Otherwise, facing the Empress, who was so scheming and held the power of the six palaces, she would have no chance of winning if she went it alone.

It would be better to let Ruyi go and try it first, while she observes quietly for a while and then waits for the right opportunity.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside.

Lianxin lifted the curtain and entered, first bowing to Ruofu before saying, "Your Majesty, someone has arrived from Ruyi Pavilion. It was sent by His Majesty. His Majesty wants to ask if Your Majesty is free today. If Your Majesty wishes to go in person, Ruyi Pavilion can hold off for now, and His Majesty can come along to accompany Your Majesty in the painting after he has finished his official duties. If Your Majesty has other matters to attend to and is impatient to sit for a long time, you can find a palace maid of similar stature to Your Majesty, have her change into Your Majesty's auspicious robes, and go ahead to be painted. His Majesty said that he will also have Eunuch Li do the same."

Gao Xiyue's eyes lit up immediately: "Ruyi Pavilion? Is that Lang Shining's Western paintings?"

Lianxin nodded: "Exactly."

Gao Xiyue became interested: "These foreign paintings are quite interesting. They have no artistic conception whatsoever, and no charm whatsoever, but the landscapes and portraits are all very lifelike. Even the patterns on the clothes, the light on the jewelry, and even the light and shadow on the face are painted so realistically that it is hard to tell the difference. The colors are also very bright."

As she spoke, she smiled and looked at Ruofu: "His Majesty's arrangement is clearly just waiting for Your Highness to join the painting. He even said that state affairs can be put aside for now. He is truly thoughtful."

Ruo Fu felt relieved, but he kept a straight face, pressing his lips down repeatedly: "What do you mean by intentional or unintentional? It's just a painting."

Jin Yuyan caught a glimpse of Ruyi out of the corner of her eye. Sure enough, Ruyi, who had been keeping her eyes down, seemed to have developed a fine crack on her face.

Jin Yuyan's mind raced, and she immediately asked with a smile, "Is such a good thing only available to Her Majesty the Empress? What about us?"

Gao Xiyue replied with a proud expression, "Of course, only Her Majesty the Empress has this privilege. As the Emperor's principal wife, Her Majesty's presence in the painting alongside the Emperor is a unique honor, unmatched by anyone else."

After she finished speaking, she generously added, "But once Her Majesty the Empress's painting is finished, we can each paint our own solo portraits."

The crowd was also intrigued and chimed in, all talking about how much effort Hongli put into Ruofu.

They eagerly sent all the good things they got to Changchun Palace, and no matter how busy they were with government affairs, they would still send a handwritten letter and painting to the Empress.

"I've heard that His Majesty only displays flowers arranged by Your Highness yourself in his study."

As soon as Su Luyun finished speaking, she found that the surroundings had fallen silent.

The lively atmosphere just moments before suddenly fell into a stalemate.

Ruofu's lips, which had been gradually curving upwards from being coaxed, suddenly drooped down.

When Su Luyun was at a loss, Ruofu cleared her throat, adopted the air of an empress, and spoke softly, abruptly steer the conversation back on track: "It's just something foreign, something we're not used to, so it looks novel. In terms of painting skills, Wanyin is still superior. Whether it's figures or flowers and birds, they are much more lively than before. If you ask me, she may not be inferior to Lang Shining."

Chen Wanyin was immediately a little embarrassed: "Your Majesty flatters me. How could I possibly compare to a court painter?"

"What's there to be afraid of?" Ruofa said dismissively, "They each have their strengths. He has his Western methods, and you have your artistic style. But he has come all the way from overseas, bringing some new things that we don't have here. It's alright to treat him with some courtesy. As for the other praise, just listen to it."

Everyone laughed, and Chen Wanyin looked pleased, making the atmosphere cheerful again.

Ruofu then looked at Lianxin again: "I'm too impatient to go. I've only been sitting for a short while and my back is already aching. How can I possibly sit in Ruyi Pavilion for half a day? Go and see which of you, you or Xinxin, is free today. You're about the same size, so change into my auspicious clothes and go over."

Lianxin curtsied and replied, "Yes, this servant will arrange it immediately."

This greeting has come to an end, and it's about time to call it a day.

Ruofu took another sip of tea and instructed, "I've been feeling increasingly unwell lately, and the imperial physician also said I should avoid strenuous activity. From now on, you don't need to come to pay your respects every day. Just come once on the first and fifteenth of the month, so you don't have to get up so early and cause me to lose sleep."

She paused, her expression becoming more serious: "The mourning period is not over yet, so keep a low profile. You've only just entered the palace, and the rules are still being implemented. Familiarize yourself with the new palace rules first. Don't think that just because you've been with me for many years, I'll make an exception for you. Remember what I said on the day you first entered the palace: I won't make things difficult for those who follow the rules, but those who don't, don't blame me for being heartless when you're punished."

The laughter in the hall subsided somewhat.

Everyone's expressions turned solemn, and they all stood up in agreement.

Only Ruyi sat there, not saying a word, only lowering her eyes and pursing her lips.

Everyone took their leave one after another.

Gao Xiyue had been sitting for a long time today and felt a little tired. After leaving Changchun Palace, she said she wanted to go back to Xianfu Palace to rest for a while.

Fucha Zhuying was worried about the child, so she walked quickly. Su Luyun was even faster; as soon as she stepped out, she asked the palace maid Yongzhang if he was awake yet, wishing she could sprout wings and fly back to Zhongcui Palace.

Chen Wanyin was somewhat curious about the Ruyi Pavilion and Lang Shining that everyone had been discussing, but no matter how curious she was, she would never dare to go see an official alone. After hesitating for a moment, she followed Su Luyun.

Jin Yuyan walked slowly behind, her eyes gradually turning cold as she looked at the groups of people ahead of her.

The more chess pieces one has, the better. Unfortunately, after she came to the Qing Dynasty, including the year she spent in the Prince's residence, she could only barely find one Ruyi who was usable.

Gao Xiyue may be foolish, but she has firmly believed that the Empress is her backbone and has become so obedient to the Empress that she is almost fawning.

Fucha Zhuying had sons and daughters and held a high position, but she was intelligent yet lacked ambition, so she dared not easily speak to test him.

Su Luyun was originally a good knife, but she just happened to have Chen Wanyin by her side.

Thinking of this, a hint of displeasure flashed in Jin Yuyan's eyes.

Last time, she only said a couple of ambiguous things, and Chen Wanyin's gaze towards her changed. Even though she immediately realized something was wrong and quickly covered it up, pretending it was just a casual remark, Chen Wanyin still became noticeably distant from her after that.

That woman was usually quiet, but she was more difficult to deal with than anyone else.

Therefore, only Ruyi remains.

Jin Yuyan looked up at the slender figure in front of her.

Hopefully, this person will be of some use.