The life swap begins with Consort Hua becoming Lady Qin.

Dragon and phoenix red candles burn brightly.

The matchmaker, all smiles, uttered auspicious words and guided the newlyweds through the rituals of scattering the bridal bed curtains and drinking from the same cup. Seeing that everything was in order, she bowed and said with a smile, "The ceremony is complete. Your Highness should now go out and toast the guests. The bride should wait here for a moment."

Qin Zhengyang nodded, but let the matchmaker and maids go first, while he lagged behind. He quickly pulled Wang Ruofu, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, using the wide sleeves of his robe.

Wang Ruofu looked up, her large, watery eyes peering through the fan with a hint of surprise and confusion. Qin Zhengyang smiled brightly and walked away.

When only Wang Ruofu and Achang remained in the bridal chamber, she slowly opened her slightly curled palm—inside lay an oil paper package.

She carefully opened it and saw several exquisite pastries: pine nut candy, rose shortbread, and two pieces of her favorite osmanthus honey cake.

Wang Ruofu was taken aback at first, then a sweet smile spread from her eyes and blushed her cheeks.

"Oh!" Ah Chang came over to take a look, covered her mouth and laughed, "Young master is so thoughtful, knowing that the young lady is probably hungry today."

"No, that's not right." Ah Chang lightly slapped her mouth. "What son-in-law? He's clearly the young master, isn't he, Madam?"

"screw you!"

Wang Ruofu was both amused and annoyed by her affected manner, and gently scolded her.

After they finished playing around, Wang Ruofu said, "You'll have this day sooner or later. Don't think I don't know you have feelings for Wang Qi's second son. Don't worry, even though we didn't grow up together, I've seen all your efforts over the years since I came home. Before you got married, I talked to my mother and we agreed to find him a good job. If he can do it well and is of good character, I'll arrange for you two to get married without having to leave your family register, so you can have a grand wedding."

Ah Chang was stunned for a moment, then his face and eyes flushed red: "Miss!"

She stamped her foot and hurried towards the door: "Please have the pastries, I'll keep watch for you."

Wang Ruofu picked up a piece of osmanthus honey cake and ate it in small bites.

The fragrance of osmanthus and the sweetness of honey settled into my heart.

Looking at the girl whose eyes and brows were filled with sweetness, Ah Chang felt deeply gratified.

Her kind-hearted, silly girl deserves to live a sweet life, day by day.

-

The wedding banquet has begun.

Father and Mother Qin each greeted the male and female guests.

As an unmarried young lady, Shilan led the young ladies from various households to the flower hall next door to play and chat.

She had just led the young ladies into the flower hall and they hadn't even settled down when a commotion arose outside.

Qin Nanyan, supported by her maid, was seen clutching her lower back. Her face was pale, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead. She groaned, "It hurts... my stomach hurts terribly... Quick, go and fetch the imperial physician..."

The eyes of all the guests were instantly drawn to it, and the originally noisy wedding banquet fell silent for a moment.

Shilan's eyes darkened. Inviting the imperial physician on such a joyous occasion? Isn't that bad luck?

But with so many people around, she forced herself not to lash out, quickly walked over, and asked with concern, "What's wrong, eldest sister? Are you tired?" As she spoke, she gestured to Songzhi and the others, "Quickly, help eldest aunt to the back room to rest."

He quickly followed.

Once they reached a secluded spot in the backyard, Shilan's concern vanished instantly. She gave Gu Yankai, who had followed closely behind, a cold look and shoved him forward without any politeness: "Brother-in-law, my sister isn't feeling well. Aren't you going to take her home to get a doctor? I told you to go home a long time ago, but you wouldn't listen. On such a joyous occasion, you have to come and ruin things!"

Gu Yankai stumbled as he was pushed, and his face immediately turned extremely ugly.

He was, after all, the heir of the Marquis of Ningyuan. How could he not be angry when his sister-in-law treated him with such disdain and neglect time and time again?

"How dare you! You dare—"

You should reach out and push it back right now—

However, a hand with distinct knuckles gripped his wrist tightly, so firmly that he could not move.

Zhang Yun had appeared in front of Shi Lan without anyone noticing, his face cold and his eyes sharp as knives: "Young Master Gu, have some self-respect."

Gu Yan struggled twice but couldn't break free. He was both surprised and angry. He looked up and met Zhang Yun's threatening gaze, and his heart skipped a beat.

The power of the Duke of England's mansion was not something the increasingly weakened Marquis of Ningyuan's mansion could easily provoke.

His face turned purple from holding back his anger. Finally, he forcefully shook off her hand, scooped up Qin Nanyan who was still moaning in pain, glared fiercely at Shilan, and strode away.

Only after the couple disappeared from sight did Shilan turn around and look at Zhang Yun.

Seeing that there was no surprise or doubt on his face, as if her harsh words and actions towards her own sister and brother-in-law were perfectly normal.

Shilan was in a great mood.

The husband she chooses must be someone who blindly sides with her, regardless of right or wrong.

"From now on, avoid contact with this family. They're not exactly proper relatives."

Zhang Yun nodded without hesitation: "Okay, I'll do whatever you say."

He paused after speaking, then a smile appeared in his eyes.

Because of the "later" she mentioned.

Their future, naturally, is after they get married.

-

The dragon and phoenix red candles burned to their end, and the sky began to lighten with the first light of dawn.

When Qin Zhengyang woke up, his wife's soft body was in his arms.

Wang Ruofu was fast asleep, her cheeks still flushed from the previous night, and her breathing was light and even.

He watched quietly, his heart filled with an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and peace. He couldn't help but lower his head and place a very light kiss on her smooth forehead.

Wang Ruofu's eyelashes trembled slightly as she slowly opened her eyes, meeting her husband's gentle, smiling gaze. All the beautiful memories of last night flooded back into her mind. She let out a soft cry and pulled the blanket over her head.

"Still sleepy? Then sleep a little longer." Qin Zhengyang smiled and hugged her, along with the blanket.

"No, no, I still need to serve tea to Father and Mother." Wang Ruofu remembered the important matter of the day, poked her little head out, and threatened him, "You get up first, let Achang come in and serve me."

Qin Zhengyang said that they were already husband and wife, so there was nothing to be embarrassed about, but he couldn't persuade his shy new wife, so he reluctantly got up and got dressed.

The two got up one after the other to wash and dress, and Ah Chang and several newly appointed maids served them with exceptional care.

Wang Ruofu changed into a brand-new bright red jacket with butterflies and flowers embroidered on the sleeves. She styled her hair in a married woman's bun and wore a headdress inlaid with red gold and rubies. Her eyes were full of spring, and her dignified demeanor revealed the beauty of a new bride.

Qin Zhengyang stood behind her, looking at the two of them side by side in the mirror, his smile deepening.

In the main hall, Qin Muchuan and Ying Qiongfang were already seated in their seats, dressed neatly, their faces beaming with joy.

Seeing their son and daughter-in-law arrive together, the two men, a handsome couple and a beautiful pair, exchanged a glance, their hearts filled with joy.

"The son/daughter-in-law greets his/her father and mother."

The newlyweds knelt on the prepared prayer mats and respectfully kowtowed in greeting.

"Okay, okay, get up quickly." Ying Qiongfang personally stepped forward, helped Wang Ruofu up, held her hand and examined her closely, liking her more and more the more she looked at her.

In her earlier years, she indeed did not take the young Wang family girl seriously, regarding her only as the daughter of a minor official who had come to curry favor with her.

But as Grand Tutor Wang rose through the ranks and the Wang family gradually gained power while her own family declined, she lost all respect for him.

Around that time, Zhengyang had just turned fifteen and was at the age to be considered for marriage. Many children who had been close to Shilan and Zhengyang began to distance themselves, fearing that they would be implicated by their families.

Only Ruofu treated the two elders with the same respect and courtesy as always, and never forgot to send them handmade embroidery during festivals.

Such a pure and innocent heart is, as the master said, priceless.

She would be more than willing to become her own daughter-in-law.

After serving tea, the two elders each presented a valuable gift.

Qin Muchuan's jade pendants were of excellent quality, with a warm and lustrous texture and exquisite carving.

Ying Qiongfang's bracelets were made of pure gold and inlaid with eight treasures.

It was slipped directly onto Wang Ruofu's wrist; the bracelet was substantial and dazzling.

"Thank you, Father. Thank you, Mother." Wang Ruofu bowed again, a warm feeling flowing through her heart.

She could feel that her in-laws' love for her was genuine.

This undoubtedly made her feel at ease.

Finally, it was the turn of the peers to greet each other.

Shilan stepped forward with a smile and first gave a proper curtsy: "Younger sister greets sister-in-law."

Wang Ruofu blushed and quickly returned the greeting, saying, "Don't be so polite."

Shilan straightened up, a sly glint in her eyes, and suddenly said, "I hope you are well, sister-in-law."

This time, the way he called her "sister-in-law" was undoubtedly more playful than the previous one.

Wang Ruofu's cheeks flushed even more, and she gave her a quiet, reproachful look.