The life swap begins with Consort Hua becoming Lady Qin.

Even now, Gu Tingye can't let go of that moment. The young man clenched his fists tightly and secretly vowed in his heart: he must make a name for himself, marry a real noblewoman, earn the honor of being a titled lady for his mother and his future wife, and live a peaceful and happy life, making that person regret his past actions!

Although Zhang Yun was unaware of the many causes and consequences, after taking care of the child for so many years, he had a clear understanding of the child's true nature.

He has talent, but his inherent arrogance and unruliness cannot be concealed.

If it weren't for his mother, Lady Bai, constantly admonishing and suppressing him through her own suffering over the years, it wouldn't be surprising if he did anything outrageous and rebellious in Bianjing City, given his temperament.

For such a promising student, simply burying himself in books is useless. Even if he learns the principles in the books, he may not truly internalize them, and it may even encourage his arrogance.

Only in a military camp with strict discipline and rules above all else can this wild horse be truly tempered and tamed.

Thinking of Gu Tingye's excellent horsemanship and archery skills and his rather robust physique, Zhang Yun pondered for a moment before speaking, "If you are truly determined, I will write a letter recommending you to serve in the army of my third brother, your Uncle Yan, in Youzhou. You are not allowed to travel alone again; I will arrange two reliable guards for you. But you must think carefully: once you are in the army, you will start as an ordinary soldier, and no one will give you any preferential treatment because of your background. If you cannot endure that hardship, then give up the idea as soon as possible and come back safely."

Upon hearing this, Gu Tingye felt a surge of warmth in his heart, his eyes welled up with tears, and he solemnly clasped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your kindness, Uncle! Tingye will certainly not disappoint you!"

-

Outside the flower hall in the backyard, Shilan watched the girls playing and laughing in the courtyard and couldn't help but sigh to Hai Shi beside her, "Madam is so lucky. All four girls are so thoughtful and sensible, and so beautiful, like flower buds about to bloom. Just looking at them sitting together makes one's heart melt."

Madam Hai smiled faintly and replied politely, "Why does Madam Qin only praise others? Your two daughters are truly exceptional, especially their bearing, which is something that ordinary families could never cultivate."

Shilan smiled slightly, but thought to herself, "Of course."

One is the only daughter of the Marquis of Jingbian, and the other is the apple of the eye of the Duke of Yingguo's family. Both are the only pampered children in their families, growing up with endless love and care, naturally carefree and sunny, and full of confidence.

But it is even more remarkable that Heidegger was able to raise her daughters so well.

Not only is her eldest biological daughter, Jinglan, beautiful and intelligent with an elegant demeanor, but her three illegitimate daughters are also remarkable in their own way.

Looking at them sitting together, from their clothes and mannerisms, it would be almost impossible for outsiders to tell the difference between legitimate and illegitimate children unless specifically pointed out.

Shilan remembers that in the original story she recalled, although the three girls each had their own strengths, the difference between legitimate and illegitimate children and the differences in their upbringing were quite obvious.

Mo Lan is intelligent but jealous and competitive. She has learned her mother's seductive mannerisms, and it is obvious that she has ulterior motives.

Although Rulan is the legitimate daughter, her words and actions are composed like those of a legitimate daughter, but she also inherited the naivety of her birth mother, Wang Ruofu, and is somewhat clumsy.

Minglan was the most beautiful and intelligent, but because she had always kept her talents hidden, she could not shake off her petty and overly cautious manner for a long time.

But the scene before me was completely different.

She watched as Mo Lan, who was said to be the most competitive and ambitious, only caring about learning well herself and not caring about her sisters' progress, was now putting aside her own studies and patiently teaching her somewhat clumsy fifth sister, Wei Lan.

Then she saw the supposedly clumsy Vilan, her expression focused and meticulous as she trimmed the withered leaves on the flower branches. Her earnestness and immersion reminded Shilan of a saying: "A person with a simple mind is more likely to be single-minded in whatever they do, and thus achieves twice the result with half the effort."

Then there's Minglan, the little girl whose laughter is the most unrestrained and radiant. Taking advantage of being the youngest, she fawns over her older sisters, occasionally playing mischievous pranks that amuse and exasperate them. The whole courtyard is filled with their clear and cheerful laughter.

Shilan had to admit a fact: how a child grows up is ultimately inseparable from the guidance of their parents and the shaping of their environment.

Hai, the legal mother, clearly did an excellent job.

As Shilan gazed at Anjie'er's eyebrows and eyes, which were so similar to her own, and her radiant smile, she couldn't help but feel a slight stirring in her heart.

This is her beloved daughter, whom she has longed for for many years. She cherishes her as her own life, even more than her own.

From the moment she was born, she vowed to give her daughter the best of everything in the world and to do everything in her power to protect her and safeguard her for life.

But the memories of living a lifetime constantly remind her that simply pampering and protecting someone is far from enough.

Children will eventually have to walk their own paths.

Life is unpredictable, and people's hearts are fickle. No matter how hard parents try, they cannot pave a smooth and worry-free road for their children forever.

Back then, she was the apple of everyone's eye in the Nian family, but what happened in the end?

She subconsciously turned around and took a serious look at Hai Shi beside her.

I heard that although this Lady Hai was born out of wedlock, she was still very much loved by her family. Otherwise, the Hai family would not still be her strong support to this day.

Back then, Sheng Hong was the only person chosen by the Hai family after careful selection and extensive investigation. Before the wedding, he solemnly promised that he would not take a concubine until he was over forty and had no children.

And what was the result?

Lin Qinshuang entered the room with her pregnant belly still sticking out.

Now, she is not the only concubine in the Sheng family's backyard.

It is clear that no matter how much effort parents and elders put into planning and screening, the final outcome of life ultimately depends on one's own management and methods.

Thinking of this, Shilan turned to Hai Shi, her tone carrying a rare sincerity:

"Let's stop calling each other 'Madam,' it sounds too formal. My given name is Shilan, you can just call me Shilan from now on. And you?"

Hai was slightly taken aback. She looked up and met Shilan's clear and earnest gaze, realizing that the other party was extending an olive branch to her to make friends.

She paused for a moment and said softly:

"Mingyu, Feiquan Mingyu."

"Mingyu...a good name."

Its sound is clear and melodious, like jade striking against jade; it is calm yet possesses its own brilliance.

This was perhaps the first time in her two lifetimes that Nian Shilan had ever actively considered forming a genuine friendship with someone.

Not for the sake of currying favor, not for personal gain, and not even for the sake of relieving loneliness.

All I wanted was for her daughter, Anjie, to find a wise and understanding elder.

So that her precious daughter can receive better and better education and nurturing in the future.