Empress, Can I? [Transmigration + GL] - Chapter 18

Xuan Jingchi hadn’t expected that her birthday, due to transmigrating into the book, would shift from October to August. She secretly calculated and realized she had gone from being a gentle and elegant Libra to a regal Leo.

In the past, on her birthday, she would host grand banquets at the Princess Manor. Now that she was emperor, the celebrations took place in the main hall of Chenyuan Palace, where she entertained relatives and close friends.

Among today’s guests were her two elder brothers and three elder sisters: the eldest, Prince of Liang; the fourth, Prince of Yin; her full sister, the Grand Princess; as well as Princess Gaole and Princess Yongle.

Additionally, some close relatives attended, including her maternal uncle, Dugu Jinyu, along with cousins.

Looking at the assembled guests below, Xuan Jingchi thought to herself, Well, at least I don’t have too many relatives.

From the imperial genealogy and historical records, she had learned that her grandfather was exceptionally prolific in siring sons—sixteen in total—but only two daughters.

Of those two precious daughters, one died young, and the other was sent away in a political marriage.

The sixteen sons, however, all grew up safely without being married off for alliances. Instead, they fought fiercely among themselves for the throne.

In the bloody battles that ensued, twelve perished.

Of the remaining four, two were left disabled, and one constantly plotted to overthrow the old emperor and seize power—only to be executed by their grandfather in the end.

The emperor’s throne fell to her worthless, philandering cheap father.

Learning from his grandfather’s mistakes, her father didn’t want too many sons. Any child born too ugly to look at was ordered to be executed on the spot.

He preferred daughters and ended up having seven in one go.

Grandly calling them the Seven Fairies.

Xuan Jingchi was the youngest, the seventh daughter.

Her eldest sister Xuan Jingning had a rather unique fate. Since their father didn’t produce many sons, she was forced from childhood to practice martial arts and study military strategy. She lived up to his expectations, growing up to become the Grand Marshal commanding the empire’s armies.

Whether this was fortunate or not remained unclear.

Of the remaining five sisters, two unfortunately died young, one was married off for political alliance, leaving only Princess Gaole and Princess Yongle.

Xuan Jingchi glanced at her two surviving sisters – both beauties. Then she looked at the two sons her cheap father had left behind, her two brothers, and immediately shuddered in fright.

Good heavens! So ugly!!

No wonder father preferred daughters.

That day, Xiao Yueli was dressed in full regalia, her cloud-like hair adorned with flowers, truly living up to her status as the nation’s mother. Every gesture exuded the dignity of an empress.

During the banquet, brothers and sisters-in-law, sisters and brothers-in-law all raised their glasses to toast her.

Xuan Jingchi smiled and drank happily. Fortunately, ancient wine had low alcohol content, so even with her poor tolerance, she could handle a few cups.

She noticed her eldest brother Prince Liang Xuan Jingming seemed well-behaved, but her fourth brother Prince Yin Xuan Jingmou kept glancing intentionally or unintentionally at Xiao Yueli beside her.

Xuan Jingchi couldn’t help feeling angry inside. How dare you, so ugly, covet my Empress, your sister-in-law? You’re worse than an animal.

She mentally took out her little notebook and recorded this offense.

Just wait until I ascend the throne – you’ll be the first one I deal with!

As her gaze moved from Xuan Jingmou, she suddenly realized her eldest brother Xuan Jingming was no good either – he was eyeing Meng Wan standing behind her.

She glanced back at Meng Wan and saw her face filled with concealed disgust, though she couldn’t openly react.

Xuan Jingchi mentally took out her notebook again. Daring to make moves on my right-hand woman? You’ll be the second one I deal with!

Don’t you ugly creatures have any self-awareness at all???

As the banquet reached its peak with music and revelry, a troupe of dancers performed gracefully.

The palace-trained dancers were naturally all beautiful, with slender figures and elegant, charming movements.

Xuan Jingchi drank while watching the performance, thinking to herself: No wonder they talk about nightly revelries and extravagant indulgence.

Who wouldn’t want to live carefree and indulge in pleasures every day as an emperor? Who would willingly rack their brains over those complex and perilous court affairs?

She picked up a cup of wine, about to drink it, when she suddenly remembered something and switched to tea instead.

Xiao Yueli, noticing this, said softly, “Your Majesty, today is your birthday. You should drink a few more cups.”

Her voice was as clear and smooth as jade beads, exceptionally pleasant to the ear, especially with a faint hint of intoxication, making it all the more elusive and dreamy.

Xuan Jingchi whispered in her ear, “Empress, you may not know this, but drinking too much wine can dull the nerves. I don’t want my mind to grow sluggish—I still have use for it.”

Xiao Yueli: “…”

What nerves? What dulling of the mind?

Where did Xuan Jingchi come up with such notions again?

As the music ended, the dancers prepared to leave.

Suddenly, a young girl gasped.

Xuan Jingchi immediately looked over and saw her fourth brother, Prince Yin Xuan Jingmou, grabbing one of the dancers.

The dancer was strikingly beautiful, with an ethereal grace.

“Prince Yin!” The girl paled in fear, knowing his noble status as a prince and not daring to offend him.

She struggled to break free as he held her, but Xuan Jingmou refused to let go, even attempting to drag her to sit and drink with him.

“Prince Yin, this humble servant is plain and dull-witted. I fear I cannot serve you well. Please let me go!”

“You know you’re just a dancer, don’t you? It’s an immense honor for you to drink with this prince.”

The dancer frowned, her tone stiff. “No, please release me, Prince Yin!”

“How ungrateful!” Prince Yin Xuan Jingmou flew into a rage. Being publicly rejected by a lowly dancer was a humiliation beyond measure.

His already ugly face twisted further with anger, becoming even more repulsive.

He raised his hand, about to strike her.

Opposite him, Grand Princess Xuan Jingning’s expression changed, and she opened her mouth to intervene.

A sharp shout rang out: “Stop!”

Everyone froze, turning their eyes to Meng Wan beside Xuan Jingchi.

Meng Wan said, “Prince Yin, today is Her Majesty’s birthday. Aren’t you afraid of disturbing Her Majesty with such a scene?”

Xuan Jingchi smirked inwardly. Little Teacher, playing the hero and using me as a shield, are you?

Xuan Jingchi remained silent, curious to see how her dear brother would handle this.

Seeing the emperor say nothing and merely sip tea with a smile, Xuan Jingmou grew even more furious and shoved the dancer roughly to the ground.

Xuan Jingchi watched, a flicker of anger rising in her chest.

She despised bullies the most!

Xuan Jingmou sneered at Meng Wan. “Meng Wan, who do you think you are? Just a lowly attendant by the emperor’s side—a palace slave of humble birth!”

Meng Wan clenched her fists beneath her sleeves, her knuckles cracking audibly.

Just as she was about to retort, Xuan Jingchi stood up.

“She is my Edict Officer, and I have already freed her from servitude. Anyone who looks down on her looks down on me!”

Xuan Jingchi’s icy gaze swept over Xuan Jingmou as she slowly walked over and bent down to help the dancer up.

The dancer, overwhelmed by the emperor’s gesture, dared not accept her assistance and hurriedly scrambled to her feet.

“What’s your name?”

“Your Majesty, this servant is Leng Qiuci.”

Xuan Jingchi said, “Leng Qiuci, remember this: you are a subject of Daqing, just like this esteemed Prince Yin. You are both my people.”

She added, “In my eyes, you are all the same.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire assembly changed expressions.

Xiao Yueli’s eyes flickered slightly as she quietly observed Xuan Jingchi.

Xuan Jingmou said, “Imperial Sister, what nonsense are you speaking? I am a prince—how can I be compared to a lowly dancer?”

Xuan Jingchi looked at him. “You and I were merely fortunate to be born into the imperial family. But don’t forget, the fine clothes, jade-like meals, and all the luxuries you enjoy today are contributed by countless subjects like Leng Qiuci. Without their tireless labor and hardships, where would your privileged life come from?”

Xuan Jingchi continued, “Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it. Do you not understand such a simple principle? If you mistreat your own people today, how can you expect their genuine support in the future?”

Xuan Jingmou wanted to retort but found himself speechless. Veins bulged at his temples as he gripped the hilt of his sword, biting his lip hard to suppress his fury.

Xuan Jingchi raised her wine cup and addressed the gathering, “All of you here are imperial relatives, enjoying supreme honor. I hope each of you can start with yourselves—maintain integrity and cherish the people. This cup, I toast to you all.”

With that, she drained her cup first, then turned and left.