Empress, Can I? [Transmigration + GL] - Chapter 19

At night, Xuan Jingchi sat on the steps outside the palace, gazing at the stars.

The ancient sky was clear as if washed, with twinkling stars and a dazzling Milky Way.

Meng Wan came to give her a lesson, but Xuan Jingchi said, “Today I drank wine and want to rest. Wan’er, give me a day off.”

Meng Wan bowed and replied, “As you wish. Today is Your Majesty’s birthday—you should relax.”

Xuan Jingchi sighed. “That Miss Leng—have you settled her properly? She offended Prince Yin. Even if she leaves the palace, he won’t let her go.”

Meng Wan said, “I’ve considered that as well. Outside the palace, the only place that could shelter her is the Grand Princess Manor. I’ve already asked Miss Leng, and she is willing to stay in the palace to continue serving Your Majesty.”

Xuan Jingchi nodded, “Very well. How to handle it is up to you. Whether she stays or leaves is her choice.”

Meng Wan replied, “Understood.”

Xuan Jingchi said, “I wish to be alone now, Wan’er. You may withdraw.”

Meng Wan responded, “As you command,” before bowing and taking her leave.

The moonlight was hazy, tranquil as still water.

Beneath the gentle glow, Xuan Jingchi began humming a tune softly. It was no particular melody—just a random hum born of her current mood.

As the alcohol took effect, she felt her head grow dizzy, as if she might float away at any moment.

In this moment, she longed to dance—to move freely and release her emotions.

In this unfamiliar world, harboring secrets she couldn’t share with anyone, she knew nothing but loneliness.

Had she not fallen for the Empress, she might have found solitude more bearable.

But having fallen in love changed everything.

After longing came only emptiness.

Xuan Jingchi had some ballet training and would occasionally perform a few moves when the mood struck her.

When Xiao Yueli arrived, she saw Xuan Jingchi dancing gracefully under the moonlight, dressed only in a white underrobe.

Light leaps, swift spins—suddenly she soared, legs extended straight in a perfect line, tracing a beautiful arc through the air before landing lightly, only to spring up again.

This was Xiao Yueli’s first time seeing such a dance—if it could be called dancing.

She’d never imagined this Xuan Jingchi could dance.

The emperor seemed like a bird now—a white bird, nimble and lively yet sorrowful, as if with broken wings, accidentally fallen to the mortal realm.

Xuan Jingchi danced with complete abandon, utterly unaware her every movement was being watched by the Empress.

Only when she finished did Xiao Yueli approach. “Your Majesty.”

Xuan Jingchi started, “Empress?”

Suddenly realizing—had the Empress seen her ridiculous improvised dancing?

Testing the waters, she asked, “Empress, when did you arrive?”

Xiao Yueli lied without blinking: “I’ve only just come.”

Somewhat relieved, Xuan Jingchi walked over to pick up her discarded outer robe and draped it carelessly over herself.

“Did you need something, Empress?”

“Today being Your Majesty’s birthday, and having drunk wine, I came to check on you.” Xiao Yueli reached into her sleeve, hesitated, then withdrew her hand.

Xuan Jingchi nodded. “I drank little. I’m fine.”

Silence fell between them once more.

Xiao Yueli broke the awkwardness first with a curtsy. “I shall take my leave.”

Xuan Jingchi murmured, “Very well…”

Her voice was soft, trailing off, sounding particularly forlorn in the quiet night.

Just as Xiao Yueli turned to leave, she paused mid-step.

“Your Majesty! Your Majesty!” Nuanxiang came running in holding a candle. “Your Majesty, will this do?”

Now Xiao Yueli could see clearly—a large pastry on a plate with a red candle stuck in it.

“This will do perfectly.”

She heard genuine amusement in Xuan Jingchi’s voice as the emperor placed the pastry with its candle on the stone table. Nuanxiang then lit the candle.

What was Xuan Jingchi doing?

Who was she making offerings to?

Compelled by curiosity, Xiao Yueli found herself taking two steps forward.

In the candlelight, Xuan Jingchi’s face was bathed in a soft golden hue. Perhaps it was the warm, bright glow of the candle that chased away the loneliness that had lingered on her features moments ago.

She closed her eyes, clasped her hands before her, her expression sincere as if in prayer.

Just as Xiao Yueli thought she might bow in reverence, Xuan Jingchi suddenly leaned forward.

With a soft whoosh, she blew out the candle.

Xuan Jingchi turned back with a smile. “Making a wish! The gods told me that if you make a wish on your birthday, it might just come true.”

Nuanxiang chuckled beside them. “May Your Majesty’s wish come true this year.”

Xuan Jingchi grinned. “I hope so too. If it does, I’ll reward you with a night pearl.”

“This servant wouldn’t dare accept such a gift.”

“Why not? The palace has plenty of treasures.”

Xuan Jingchi watched as they pulled the candle from the large cake and sliced it into pieces. She picked up a piece herself and began eating. Noticing Xiao Yueli hadn’t moved, she held out a slice. “It’s my birthday cake, Empress. Won’t you share it with me?”

Xuan Jingchi turned her head to look at her, her enchanting face lit with an innocent smile, her eyes sparkling under the moonlight.

“Empress, let’s sit while we eat.”

Xuan Jingchi plopped down onto the steps, and with a faint smile, Xiao Yueli joined her.

Holding her slice, Xiao Yueli said softly, “May Your Majesty’s wishes come true. Then this humble consort may also receive a reward.”

Xuan Jingchi seemed extremely happy, her eyes crinkling with laughter. “With the Empress’s words, I will surely strive harder.”

“Your Majesty?”

“Hmm?”

“How did you come up with those words at the banquet?”

Xuan Jingchi froze momentarily, her face turning red. “Did I say something inappropriate again?”

“No, not at all…” Xiao Yueli averted her gaze. “This humble consort admires how Your Majesty sees things more clearly than any of us.”

Xuan Jingchi looked embarrassed. “R-really? I just spoke what was in my heart. The Empress must be laughing at me.”

Xiao Yueli shook her head and suddenly said, “Your Majesty will be a good emperor.”

Greatly encouraged, Xuan Jingchi smiled gently. “Thank you!”

Receiving the Empress’s affirmation on her birthday was both unexpected and immensely joyful for Xuan Jingchi!

Even the pancake she was chewing seemed to taste exceptionally delicious now.

Xiao Yueli suddenly asked, “Your Majesty, are you really Xuan Jingchi?”

Xuan Jingchi’s heart jolted violently, her smile freezing on her face.

Xiao Yueli watched the dancing shadows of trees under the moonlight, swaying unpredictably in the wind.

“Your Majesty, this humble consort only hopes you will care for the nation and its people, to be a good emperor. As for who Your Majesty truly is…” She turned to look at Xuan Jingchi. “Can you tell me your name?”

“My name is Xuan Jingchi,” Xuan Jingchi met her gaze unwaveringly, “who just happens to share the same name as Xuan Jingchi.”

She stood up and turned away. “Thank you for celebrating my birthday with me, Empress. One day, I will naturally tell you everything.”

With that, she walked step by step back to the main hall.

Just as she was about to enter, Xiao Yueli suddenly called out, “Your Majesty!”

Xuan Jingchi turned to see Xiao Yueli walking toward her under the moonlight.

Bathed in silver-gray light, she appeared both cool and gentle, radiant as if she herself were the moonlight of this night.

Finally, she took out a small object from her bosom. “This humble consort made a little thing as a birthday gift for Your Majesty. I hope you won’t disdain it.”

Xuan Jingchi’s eyes lit up. She walked over and took it to examine.

It was a Scent Pouch.

Xuan Jingchi held it carefully in her palm and said softly, “Thank you. I like it very much. I will always keep it with me.”