Empress, Can I? [Transmigration + GL] - Chapter 2

After examining and touching every artifact in her chambers, Xuan Jingchi, attended by two maids, prepared for bed.

Unaccustomed to having others undress her, she initially intended to do it herself. But upon seeing the intricate, multi-layered dragon robes—so complex they left her bewildered—she couldn’t even locate the buttons and had to let the maids assist.

Shedding the heavy robes and removing the weighty golden crown, Xuan Jingchi felt instantly lighter as she sat before the dressing table. Just as she was about to stretch, she noticed the two maids standing respectfully beside her and quickly retracted her half-extended arms.

After all, she was now the ruler of a nation—her demeanor and conduct had to reflect the dignity of the Son of Heaven, didn’t they?

She turned to gaze into the bronze mirror.

What she saw left her stunned.

It had to be said—the tyrannical and foolish Xuan Jingchi was blessed with striking beauty.

Her skin was fair, delicate, and radiant, her features bright and captivating. Already breathtakingly beautiful, she was further enhanced by a pair of peach-blossom eyes that exuded charm and allure.

Looking at this face, Xuan Jingchi immediately thought of the legendary Daji from Investiture of the Gods, and in that moment, she understood the meaning of “a beauty that brings ruin.”

She sighed.

She truly disliked such a seductive and enchanting appearance—it looked utterly improper. In her heart, she preferred the Empress’s cool elegance and cultured grace, which seemed far more dignified.

The two maids noticed the Emperor’s unusual behavior today. Instead of her usual enthusiasm upon seeing her reflection, she seemed sullen. Though puzzled, neither dared to question Her Majesty, serving her with even greater caution.

Everyone in the kingdom knew this female Emperor—one moment she might smile at you, the next she could exterminate your entire clan.

Xuan Jingchi turned to study the two maids. Both were lovely—one gentle and amiable, the other fresh and delicate.

Xuan Jingchi didn’t know their names but couldn’t outright ask. If she suddenly inquired about the names of her closest attendants, everyone would suspect something was amiss with this Xuan Jingchi.

After a moment’s thought, she suddenly said, “Summon all the attendants who regularly serve in my palace.”

The two maids’ hearts trembled. What did the Emperor intend by gathering everyone? Was someone about to face calamity?

They obeyed and soon the hall was filled with people—men and women crowding the chamber.

Xuan Jingchi gasped in shock—so many! There were actually this many people serving her?!

“Your Majesty, everyone has arrived.”

Xuan Jingchi spoke, “In my palace, there is no place for sycophants and flatterers! Today, I will take a good look at all of you.”

The news of the emperor punishing her most favored palace attendant in the empress’s quarters had already reached them. Now that the emperor had summoned them all together, no one knew what to expect. Their hearts pounded with unease, but none dared to lift their heads to look at the emperor, silently trembling inside.

Xuan Jingchi stepped down and stopped before the person at the far left of the first row.

“Each of you will introduce yourselves one by one. I want to get to know you all again. Starting with you.”

The palace maid shuddered in fright before stammering, “This servant is Chunlai.”

The others followed suit, announcing their names in turn: “This servant is Xiamo, this servant is Qiangwei, this servant is Guihua, this servant is Xuemei…”

As Xuan Jingchi listened, she studied each of them carefully, doing her best to commit their faces and names to memory.

That night, lying on the vast imperial bed, Xuan Jingchi felt as though she had been living in a dream all day.

She had finally achieved her long-cherished dream of joining Z&L Group. After all, working under the legendary genius Zhang Biling and serving the godlike CEO Lin Ai had been her dream throughout her academic years.

For this dream, she had studied diligently, pushing herself to excel, all for the sake of stepping into the hallowed halls of Z&L.

Who would have thought she would trip and kill herself just one step away from entering that sacred place?

Ah, Mom and Dad must be heartbroken…

Xuan Jingchi let out a heavy sigh, reminiscing about many moments from her past life…

Finally, her thoughts turned to Empress Xiao Yueli.

“Why does she hate me so much?”

“And why did I marry her?”

Then she remembered—she was now a tyrant, a female tyrant feared and despised by all.

How could a noble and refined young woman like Xiao Yueli not resent being married to a tyrant, especially a female one?

“Your Majesty, Your Majesty, it’s time to rise.”

A soft voice called out to her.

Xuan Jingchi rolled over, hugging her pillow tightly. “Don’t disturb me…”

After a brief pause, the voice spoke again, more urgently this time, “Your Majesty, Your Majesty, wake up quickly, or you’ll be late for court.”

“Court?!!”

Xuan Jingchi’s eyes snapped open, landing on the gentle and familiar face of the palace maid. Still half-asleep, she mumbled, “Nuanxiang?” Then reality hit her—she was now Xuan Jingchi, the infamous and ruthless tyrant.

“Your Majesty, today is your first morning court session. You mustn’t be late.”

Xuan Jingchi nodded, her drowsiness fading as she climbed out of bed. “Right, court session, court session. Can’t be late.”

Previously, she had always been attending school. Just when she thought she was about to start working, fate had other plans—now she was attending court instead.

She assumed they would leave immediately, but dressing and grooming alone took two full hours. While Chenxiang was styling her hair, she nearly dozed off again until Nuanxiang woke her.

Seated upon the throne, Xuan Jingchi looked down at the assembled ministers below with a mix of nervousness and excitement.

She had always been a studious person—never been in love, never managed anything, not even part of the student council. How to govern an entire country? She truly had no idea.

Yet seeing all these people waiting quietly for her opinion gave her an odd sense of satisfaction. In her memory, no one had ever truly listened to what she had to say.

What she heard most often was: “Jingchi, you can’t do this,” “Jingchi, you should do that,” “Jingchi, go handle XX…” No one had ever asked her what she liked or wanted to do.

Xuan Jingchi sat upright, listening attentively. Her serious demeanor surprised the ministers.

Everyone knew the former Princess Changle—now the exalted sovereign Xuan Jingchi—was a reckless, pleasure-seeking fool. Apart from her stunning beauty and figure, she had no redeeming qualities.

Her only interests were handsome young men, yet she’d somehow married the most beautiful woman in Qing Kingdom as her empress.

On this first court session, the ministers merely offered congratulations on her ascension while cautiously observing her attitude.

Xuan Jingchi’s calm gaze swept across the court, trying to discern who was sincere and who was pretending.

When court adjourned, the young female emperor declared: “You are all pillars of the state, receiving imperial salaries to share the ruler’s burdens. As I’ve newly ascended with limited experience, my wisdom falls short of yours. Yet entrusted by the late emperor with this nation, I shall not fail his expectations—devoting myself wholly to country and people. I hope you will all fulfill your duties with utmost dedication, assisting me in governance and upholding our land.”

Though her speech was unpolished, the ambition to be a good ruler shone through clearly.

The ministers reacted variously—some astonished, some doubtful, some smirking, others indifferent.

After court, the famished Xuan Jingchi finally ate. Having overslept, she’d sacrificed breakfast time for extra rest.

The imperial lunch was extravagantly sumptuous, featuring countless exquisite dishes. Xuan Jingchi ate heartily with great relish.

The poultry, fish and meat here were all natural, free-range and additive-free—far more delicious than anything from modern times. She finished a full bowl of rice before setting down her chopsticks contentedly.

The attending maids were astonished. The emperor, usually so picky that she’d frown at every bite complaining everything tasted bland, was actually eating with visible delight.

After the meal, Xuan Jingchi suddenly remembered something. “Why didn’t the Empress join us for the meal?”

Chenxiang replied, “Your Majesty, unless summoned by you, the Empress takes her meals in Phoenix Palace.”

At that moment, a young eunuch came running over, heading straight toward her.

Xuan Jingchi was startled, wondering, What does this little eunuch want?

The person whispered in her ear, “Your Majesty, Huang Lang has arrived and is waiting for you in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.”

Xuan Jingchi noticed the eunuch’s tone carried a hint of poorly concealed ambiguity, and his smile had a touch of “you know what I mean” to it.

She immediately sensed that there was more to this “Huang Lang” than met the eye.

“Who is Huang Lang?”

The eunuch froze, his smile stiffening. “Huang Lang! Huang Tingzhi! Your Majesty, don’t you remember last winter when you stood atop the city tower and saw that young man in a blue robe riding past below?”

Then, he sneakily winked at Xuan Jingchi.

Lowering his voice further, he added, “The fool didn’t know his place—he actually fled north. I took the liberty of having him captured and brought back for Your Majesty to… deal with as you please.”

He emphasized the words “as you please.”

Xuan Jingchi understood most of it but feigned ignorance. “How exactly did he ‘not know his place’?”

“To gain Your Majesty’s favor—who wouldn’t be overjoyed and rush to comply? Anyone else would—”

Before he could finish, the eunuch suddenly noticed the emperor’s expression darken.

“Audacious!” Xuan Jingchi stood abruptly. “The only one worthy of Our favor is the empress! Anyone who dares speak such insolence again will be… beheaded immediately!”

The eunuch trembled in fear, prostrating himself on the ground. “Spare me, Your Majesty! Spare me!”

Xuan Jingchi knew this man was merely acting according to the original body’s preferences. If anyone was to blame, it was “herself.”

The original owner was likely a libertine, lustful and debauched, who sought to possess any beautiful youth she laid eyes on.

Xuan Jingchi declared, “Guards, slap him fifty times.”

A eunuch immediately stepped forward, rolling up his sleeves to deliver the punishment.

But then, Xuan Jingchi realized a grave question:

Had the original owner actually engaged in such affairs? And if so, with how many people?

She dismissed everyone at once, leaving only herself and the young eunuch.

“Was Huang Lang the only one you found for me? What about before? Were there others? You know what I mean.”

Before? Wasn’t that back in the princess’s residence? The eunuch’s eyes darted as he suddenly understood—His Majesty was dissatisfied with his efforts for not finding more and better-looking young men.

He hastily kowtowed. “Your Majesty, back when you were in the princess’s residence, the Grand Princess restricted you at every turn. You had no choice but to endure. But now that you are the emperor, no one can control you anymore. This servant will spare no effort in finding suitable candidates for Your Majesty.”

He paused for a moment before continuing, “This servant wouldn’t dare slack off on Your Majesty’s orders. You told me to find Huang Lang first, then after growing tired of him, to look for others.”

Xuan Jingchi sneered, “Am I really that devoted and loyal?”

The young eunuch chuckled, “Your Majesty, you are indeed a devoted romantic—just not for very long.”

This was the first time Xuan Jingchi had heard such a creative spin on being a fickle scoundrel. It felt refreshingly novel and further lowered her opinion of the original host’s moral standards.

Still, learning that her promiscuous tendencies had been thwarted brought her immense relief. She silently resolved to prepare a grand gift someday to properly thank the Grand Princess for keeping the original host in check.

Xuan Jingchi said, “From now on, you don’t need to look anymore.”

“Ah???” The young eunuch doubted his ears.

Xuan Jingchi arched her delicate brows. “What? Do I need to repeat myself?”

“No, no, no! This servant understands, understands.”

Xuan Jingchi gazed at the sunlight streaming through the window.

She disliked staying in dark, cold places.

Slowly rising to her feet, she walked to the door, pushed it open, and was instantly greeted by a room bathed in dazzling sunlight.

Under the radiant glow and the refreshing breeze, she stepped outside.