The life swap begins with Consort Hua becoming Lady Qin.

When Changbai came in, the stools that people had just sat on had been mostly put away, and several pipa players were huddled in the most inconspicuous corner, holding their pipa, like clay or wooden sculptures.

Emperor Hongli, still not satisfied, quickly had Wang Qin bring over a collection of poems, which he casually spread out on the table, pretending that he had just stolen a moment of leisure to listen to a little tune.

But after Changbai entered, he didn't look to the side, but simply bowed properly: "Your subject greets Your Majesty, may Your Majesty be blessed with ten thousand years of happiness and peace."

Hongli tried his best to suppress the inexplicable guilt in his heart, but still put on a very kind smile: "Get up, why did you come at this hour?"

Changbai stood up straight, his voice calm and steady: "Your subject dares to ask Your Majesty for a favor."

Hongli felt a sense of relief in his heart, and his smile became even more benevolent, even carrying a hint of ingratiation: "What favor?"

Changbai said, "These days, Yonghuang and I have been studying very hard. Although the lessons arranged by the teacher are heavy, we have put in our best efforts and got first place in the exam. Now that it is autumn, the sky is high and the air is crisp. I was thinking that if Father Emperor would allow it, I would like to take Yonghuang and stay in the garden for a couple of days, and also take my elder sister and Aunt Hengti with us. The racecourse there is spacious and the scenery is beautiful, which is perfect for us juniors to relax."

Hongli raised an eyebrow slightly upon hearing this: "You're taking those mischievous kids to the garden for a ride and some fun? Not to have them practice archery and martial arts?"

"As the master said, only by maintaining a balance between tension and relaxation can one achieve longevity."

Changbai said in a serious tone, "Working too hard is not necessarily a good thing. Excessive mental exertion can easily lead to less effective results. I think that when we get to the garden, we can ride horses and play ball with Yonghuang. This will not only provide some fun but also help us stay healthy. If we find those too tiring, we can also take a walk along the lake or go boating on it."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Of course, everything has its time and its limits. Indulging in pleasure is certainly not a good thing. Therefore, I will only take them to the garden for a maximum of five days. After they return, they should study harder and, ideally, each of them should write a travelogue, so that the trip will not have been in vain."

Hongli: ...Who should I call?

His eyes involuntarily glanced at the group of pipa players in the corner, a slight lump forming in his throat, but he still had to maintain that fatherly smile on his face.

"My son is indeed upright and honest."

He recalled the Empress's usual praise and agreed for the 108th time, saying, "Then go! Take plenty of servants with you. There should be enough maids, eunuchs, and guards. Also, bring two more instructors. Hua'er and your Aunt Hengti aren't very skilled riders, so make sure someone is watching over them while they're riding."

Changbai respectfully replied, "Your subject obeys the decree."

After he finished speaking, he seemed to finally notice the commotion in the corner, and glanced over at it casually.

Hongli's heart skipped a beat, and before he could speak, he said first, "A balance of tension and relaxation, I understand!"

Wang Qin, sitting in the corner, silently closed his eyes.

Bai Ruiji also slowly lowered her head, not daring to look anymore.

The hall fell into an eerie silence.

Changbai glanced at Hongli, his lips twitching slightly, but his face remained as composed as his grandfather's: "Father is wise."

Then came another perfectly executed cupped-hand salute: "Then I will not disturb you any longer, Father Emperor. I take my leave."

Hongli's face darkened, but he was unwilling to face the embarrassment he had just suffered, so he quickly waved his hand and said, "Go."

Changbai withdrew.

Only when the curtain fell and the footsteps faded into the distance did Hongli's tense shoulders gradually relax, and he let out a long breath.

But when he looked up again at the row of pipa players by the wall, his earlier pleasant mood had completely vanished. Not only that, but a strange, inexplicable anger welled up inside him, and his face darkened: "Get out! Get out! All of you, get out! What are you all standing there for? Are you all dead? Wait until you've truly mastered your craft before you perform! I finally managed to find a little free time from my official duties to listen to some music, and you've ruined it all. Get out of here!"

The pipa players were stunned by the sudden reprimand, feeling utterly bewildered. It was as if disaster had struck them while they were sitting in the palace. They were still somewhat dazed when Wang Qin whispered a reminder from the side: "Didn't you hear His Majesty's order? Hurry up and leave! Our His Majesty is busy with countless affairs and has many important matters to attend to."

"Yes."

A group of pipa players then seemed to wake from a dream and filed out in the same order as when they came.

Bai Ruiji was unwilling to let such a rare opportunity slip away before she could seize it, so she slowed her pace.

You must leave at least one or two more words so that the emperor will remember you completely.

But as soon as he looked up, he met Wang Qin's warning gaze.

Bai Ruiji felt a chill run down her spine. She could only suppress her resentment and calculations, lower her eyes again, and obediently followed the others, clutching her pipa.

As she reached the door, she suddenly caught a glimpse of someone standing not far away.

The woman was dressed in a drab gray, very plain colors, and the style of her clothes was quite old-fashioned. But upon closer inspection, one could see that the fabric was of excellent quality, with a fine and smooth sheen and exquisite stitching.

She also appeared to be wearing several red gold bracelets on her wrist.

No wonder he serves in the Emperor's court.

Even a head maid is dressed so respectably.

-

Ruyi stood outside the Imperial Study, watching the pipa players leave one by one, carrying their instruments. She was about to go in when she heard Hongli's angry voice coming from inside:

"You lackey!"

A cry of pain followed immediately; it was Wang Qin's, as if he had been kicked.

"Next time something like this happens, arrange for someone to wait in a more distant location beforehand!"

The more Hongli thought about what had just happened, the angrier he became.

If word got out that a father was afraid of his son, where would he put his face as the ruler of the country?

But what he said was: "If I let the eldest prince in again and he sees this mess, it will offend my son's eyes. I'll skin you alive!"

Wang Qin knew the truth perfectly well, but dared not argue. He could only hide while repeatedly apologizing, "Yes, yes! This servant will remember. This servant will definitely make proper arrangements next time and will never let the eldest prince see this again!"

Hongli kicked him again, which finally helped him catch his breath.

However, after attributing the matter to his deep love for his son, Hongli's inexplicable shame and annoyance actually faded considerably.

Not bad.

Changbai is still young, and he has always been upright and prudent. He shouldn't be looking at those pretty girls and girls.

It wasn't that I felt guilty, but rather that Wang Qin had handled things poorly!

Thinking of this, Hongli sat back down, picked up his tea and took a sip, his expression regaining some composure.

After a moment of silence, he suddenly remembered something.