Empress, Can I? [Transmigration + GL] - Chapter 21

When Xuan Jingchi returned to the palace, Xiao Yueli and Meng Wan were already waiting in Chenyuan Palace.

As soon as Nuanxiang and Chenxiang saw her, they hurried forward, one on each side, asking:

“Your Majesty, are you alright?”

“Your Majesty, how are you?”

Having attended to Xuan Jingchi’s dressing daily, they were intimately familiar with her clothing and accessories. At a glance, they noticed the South Sea pearls adorning her collar were all missing, and they were greatly shocked.

One asked, “Your Majesty, where are the pearls on your clothes?”

The other said, “Let this servant help you change into another outfit.”

Seeing their genuine concern without any pretense, Xuan Jingchi was deeply moved.

Since arriving in this world from the book, Nuanxiang and Chenxiang had been the closest to her, meticulously caring for her in every aspect of her daily life.

If she had family in this world, it would undoubtedly be Nuanxiang and Chenxiang first.

Xuan Jingchi’s eyes grew slightly warm as she took their hands and said, “I am fine. Don’t worry.”

She sniffled and smiled slightly. “Have the Imperial Costume Bureau sew another row of pearls for me. Perhaps I’ll need to treat someone to drinks again someday.”

Nuanxiang and Chenxiang were puzzled by her words but knew better than to ask further. They both curtsied in unison, “Understood.”

As Xuan Jingchi entered the hall, Meng Wan and Xiao Yueli brightened upon seeing her return.

It was clear they were relieved and happy for her safe return.

Xuan Jingchi’s gaze swept briefly over the Empress before settling on Meng Wan. She smiled and asked, “Why have you all come?”

Meng Wan rushed to her side in three quick steps, her face full of worry and concern. “Your Majesty’s safety is of utmost importance. Should anything happen to you, what would become of us? Please take care of your imperial well-being.”

Xiao Yueli stood quietly to the side, her eyes lowered without a word.

Xuan Jingchi observed this and thought to herself, When I disappeared from the palace, Wang Zhan was anxious, Nuanxiang and Chenxiang were anxious, Wan’er was anxious—but you, my Empress, alone… Hmph! Hmph!

Your indifference shows you don’t care about me at all.

I almost forgot—I nearly killed you and tore you apart from Yuan Zhao.

How could you care about me? You hate me, don’t you?

Even the sisterly affection that made you gift me that scent pouch was probably just because I’m the Emperor, and you had no choice.

“Alright, alright, I’m back. Must you keep nagging?” Xuan Jingchi suppressed the bitterness in her heart, forcing a smile as she spoke lightly to Meng Wan. “Wan’er, I just went out to have some fun. Why make it sound so serious? See, I’m back now—safe and sound. What’s all the fuss about?”

“By the way, we haven’t had lessons today, nor yesterday. Since you’re here, Wan’er, you might as well teach me now.”

With that, she turned to Nuanxiang and Chenxiang beside her. “Escort Lord Meng to the side hall and help me change.”

Nuanxiang and Chenxiang replied, “As you command.”

Xuan Jingchi strode toward her bedchamber. As she passed the Empress, she didn’t even glance at Xiao Yueli, her tone indifferent. “Empress, do as you please.” Then she walked straight into her chamber to change.

Phoenix Palace

In the courtyard, Xiao Fu whispered to Xiao Rong, “The Emperor hasn’t come here in days.”

Xiao Rong sighed softly. “Indeed. Before, Her Majesty would remember this place—sending gifts every now and then, or stopping by to chat.”

Xiao Fu frowned. “Why doesn’t she come anymore? Has she… stopped caring for Her Highness?”

Xiao Rong sighed again. “Since ancient times, how many emperors have been devoted? Most have three palaces and six courtyards, filled with concubines.”

Xiao Fu protested, “But the Emperor is a woman, not like those men. Besides, she has no consorts—only the Empress.”

Xiao Rong shook her head. “Hearts change easily, regardless of gender.”

Xiao Fu was stunned. “Then…”

Xiao Rong exhaled deeply. “I’m only worried about Her Highness. Ever since that day the Emperor returned to the palace and Her Highness left Chenyuan Palace, she’s been gloomy—not speaking to us, just burying herself in books.”

Xiao Fu’s temper flared. “The Emperor is truly unreasonable! We were all frantic when she ran off, and Her Highness waited anxiously for her at Chenyuan Palace. Yet when she returned, she didn’t even spare Her Highness a glance! How ungrateful!”

“Shh!” Xiao Rong quickly hushed her. “Don’t say that. Don’t make Her Highness feel worse.”

Xiao Fu pouted and fell silent.

Xiao Rong sighed once more. “In two days, it’ll be the ancestral observance. When the Emperor comes, Her Highness might feel better.”

She turned and entered the chamber, only to see the Empress sitting at her desk, lost in thought.

It was rare to see the former young lady—now Her Highness—wearing such a dazed expression.

The Empress had always been dignified, elegant, and composed, as if nothing could unsettle her.

Even when the imperial edict forced her into marriage, she wept once, then obeyed.

As she had said then, “If I refuse or take my own life, the Emperor will have reason to execute my entire family—my parents, my brother, and all of you. So if it must be, let the Emperor’s wrath fall on me alone.”

The tea had gone cold, untouched in its cup. Xiao Rong replaced it with a fresh one, her voice laced with concern. “Your Highness, are you alright?”

Xiao Yueli startled slightly, then nodded. “You may leave.”

Xiao Rong glanced at the Empress once more. Seeing her listless expression and reluctance to speak further, she didn’t dare press and quietly withdrew.

The room fell silent again. Xiao Yueli stared at the curling wisps of steam rising from her teacup, lost in thought once more.

Xuan Jingchi… You’re also called Xuan Jingchi.

Why did you storm out of the palace in such a fury?

Why are you so bright and warm to everyone, yet only toward me…

Could it be that in your eyes, there’s only Meng Wan?

Xiao Yueli shook her head, suddenly finding it all rather absurd.

Why should I dwell on such thoughts?

Her Majesty isn’t a man.

Even if Xuan Jingchi is extraordinary in every way, she’s still a woman.

At this realization, an indescribable frustration welled up in Xiao Yueli’s heart.

After a long silence, she let out a deep sigh.

That evening, after Meng Wan finished her lesson, Chenxiang saw her out before returning to remark to Nuanxiang, “Lord Meng is truly an outstanding woman—learned and talented.”

Nuanxiang smiled. “Indeed. Since we don’t understand such matters, we’ll focus on serving Her Majesty well.”

Just then, Xuan Jingchi emerged from the bath, clad in white undergarments, and the two maids attended to her dressing.

Nuanxiang reminded her gently, “Your Majesty, today is one of the ancestral observance days. You should visit the Empress’s palace.”

The Emperor had grown noticeably quieter lately, smiling less and rarely bantering with the palace maids.

Compared to before, she read much more diligently, often poring over books late into the night after Meng Wan’s departure.

Nuanxiang and Chenxiang observed this with mixed feelings—pleased by the Emperor’s studiousness yet worried about her health from constant late nights, always urging her to retire earlier.

Both thought privately: Perhaps tonight, with the Emperor visiting the Empress, she might rest sooner.

Upon hearing the reminder, Xuan Jingchi remained silent and turned toward the side chamber, suddenly saying, “It’s still early. I’ll read for a while before going.”

Nuanxiang and Chenxiang exchanged glances. It was already the hour of Hai—how could that be considered early?

Any later would approach midnight, and the Phoenix Palace might assume the Emperor wasn’t coming at all.

But seeing the Emperor’s demeanor, neither dared say another word.

Xuan Jingchi held the book open, her eyes fixed on the pages, yet not a single character registered in her mind.

If I go to the Empress now, I won’t be able to stop myself from looking at her.

And the more I look, the more my heart grows fond—making it even harder to forget her.

Xuan Jingchi put down the book and sighed inwardly.

I… I can’t go see her.

If I don’t see her, then I won’t think about her. Perhaps I can slowly forget her.

The thought of forcing herself to forget Xiao Yueli made Xuan Jingchi feel indescribably miserable, as if an invisible hand were ruthlessly twisting the flesh of her heart.

Xuan Jingchi, you don’t want to forget her at all, do you?