Empress, Can I? [Transmigration + GL] - Chapter 24

Half a year had passed since Xuan Jingchi ascended the throne.

With the intelligence Liu Jili had secretly gathered, Xuan Jingchi now had a clear understanding of who in the court belonged to Lin Zaifu’s faction and who still remembered that the Emperor of Qing Country bore the surname Xuan.

Lin Zaifu had held power for too long, monopolizing authority without legitimacy. Naturally, some resented him, unwilling to submit.

Among them, the most influential figure was her own maternal uncle—the Right Chancellor of the court, Dugu Jinyu.

A significant portion of the Six Ministries’ officials had once studied under him. A single word from him could stir up a storm in the court—his influence was truly pivotal.

Only he had the strength to stand against Lin Zaifu.

Now… the time had come.

That evening, as usual, Xuan Jingchi listened to Meng Wan’s lectures in the side hall.

Xuan Jingchi asked, “Wan’er, how is the compilation of the Minghua Canon progressing? Have you found any promising talents?”

Meng Wan replied, “Huang Tingzhi, the son of the Vice Minister of Rites, and Shen Yuzhi, the son of the Vice Minister of Revenue, are both capable individuals.”

“Huang Tingzhi?” Xuan Jingchi found the name somewhat familiar.

After a moment’s thought, she realized this was the very same Huang Lang whom Liu Jili had captured for her amusement.

Xuan Jingchi chuckled, “And you think he can be of use to me? I find that hard to believe. If he doesn’t curse me to my face, that’s already a blessing.”

Meng Wan replied, “Your Majesty, in my opinion, Huang Tingzhi is the most loyal among this group toward you. Though Your Majesty may not see it, I understand.”

“That day, when you released him and personally apologized, Huang Tingzhi has remained deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s grace. Tell me, throughout history, how many emperors have possessed such magnanimity?”

Xuan Jingchi shook her head, smiling. “I was the one at fault first—apologizing was only right. Since Wan’er trusts him, then let him serve. I trust your judgment.”

Moved by the emperor’s faith in her, Meng Wan knelt and said, “I will not fail Your Majesty’s trust.”

Xuan Jingchi stood and walked over, helping her up. “Enough, enough. No need to kneel at every turn.”

Then, taking both of Meng Wan’s hands, she said warmly, “Wan’er, I want you to know—you are not just my subject, but also my friend. The enduring stability of Daqing’s empire will rely on your counsel.”

When Xiao Yueli arrived, the palace attendants outside were about to announce her, but the Empress signaled them not to disturb. As she stepped inside, this was the scene that greeted her:

Xuan Jingchi affectionately holding Meng Wan’s hands, her face alight with a radiant smile, openly declaring Meng Wan her friend.

Xiao Yueli’s gaze froze. The sight of the two smiling at each other felt unexpectedly sharp to her eyes.

The Emperor regarded Meng Wan as a friend, placing such weight and trust in her.

Thinking of herself, Xiao Yueli suddenly felt lost.

In the Emperor’s heart, what exactly am I to her?

“Empress!” Nuanxiang, noticing the Empress’s sudden arrival, hurried forward to greet her. “This servant will inform His Majesty at once.”

As Nuanxiang turned toward the side hall, Xiao Yueli stopped her. “No need to disturb His Majesty’s studies.” She then turned to Xiao Rong behind her. “Give the items to Nuanxiang.”

Nuanxiang accepted them with a bow, inviting the Empress inside.

To her surprise, the Empress declined. “No need. I am tired. I shall return to my palace.” With that, she turned and left.

Xiao Rong followed closely behind, puzzled. Her Majesty had clearly come hoping to see the Emperor and speak with her.

She and Xiao Fu had gone to great lengths to persuade the Empress to visit under the pretense of delivering sweet soup—why leave so soon after arriving?

Some time later, Xuan Jingchi finished her lesson, and Meng Wan took her leave.

Xuan Jingchi personally escorted Meng Wan out of Chenyuan Palace before returning to her chambers to rest.

Nuanxiang approached, holding the food container the Empress had brought. “Your Majesty, the Empress came earlier and left this for you.”

“The Empress was here?” Xuan Jingchi was visibly surprised, blurting out, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Her tone carried a hint of frustration.

Nuanxiang shrank slightly, lowering her head. “The Empress forbade this servant from announcing her, fearing it would disturb Your Majesty’s studies.”

“Did she say anything?”

“No. She handed this container to me and left.”

Xuan Jingchi walked over and opened it. Inside was a delicate rouge-colored porcelain bowl. Lifting the lid, she found a serving of lily and lotus seed soup.

A thought struck her. “Nuanxiang, bring the container. We’re going to Fengyi Palace.”

Without question, Nuanxiang bowed. “As you command.”

Along the way, the Emperor walked swiftly, with Nuanxiang trotting behind, careful not to spill the soup from the bowl, forcing her to take small, quick steps while trying to maintain balance in her hands.

By the time they reached Phoenix Palace, it was already a quarter past the hour of Hai (9:45 PM).

Xiao Yueli stared blankly at her reflection in the bronze mirror, examining her own appearance seriously for the first time. Compared to Meng Wan, was there some aspect where she fell short in beauty?

Xiao Fu, noticing Her Majesty scrutinizing her own looks, smiled and said, “Your Majesty, you are truly beautiful! As lovely as a deity.”

In Qing Country, deities were revered—not only admired and longed for, but many spent their entire lives traversing famous mountains in search of immortality and enlightenment. To be accepted as a disciple by the Immortal Alliance was considered the highest honor, surpassing even the prestige of holding a high-ranking position in the imperial court.

Xiao Yueli shook her head. “Don’t speak nonsense. How can we mortals ever compare to deities?”

Just as she was about to remove her makeup and retire for the night, an announcement suddenly came: “The Emperor has arrived!”

Xiao Yueli was taken aback. Why had Xuan Jingchi come at this hour?

Beside her, Xiao Fu was also surprised but smiled. “Your Majesty, the Emperor is here! She must have missed you after not seeing you for several days.”

Xiao Yueli’s face flushed, and she frowned. “Nonsense! When will you learn to curb your reckless tongue? The Emperor is a woman, and so am I. Why would she miss me?”

Xiao Fu stuck out her tongue and helped Xiao Yueli up, saying, “Your Majesty, it’s time to greet Her Imperial Majesty.”

Xiao Yueli rose and walked to the doorway, about to kneel in welcome.

But Xuan Jingchi had already strode in quickly, bending to stop her. “Empress, rise.”

Xuan Jingchi then turned to Xiao Fu. “Xiao Fu, could you fetch me a bowl, please?”

By now, Xiao Yueli, Xiao Fu, and Xiao Rong had grown accustomed to the Emperor’s habit of frequently using polite requests like “please,” “could you,” or “would you mind.”

Xiao Fu suppressed a smile and left.

Xiao Yueli asked, “Your Majesty, what brings you here so late?”

Now, only the two of them remained in the room.

Xuan Jingchi said, “Yueli, why didn’t you call me when you came to see me? You made lily and lotus seed soup for me—shall we share it together?”

Xiao Yueli was astonished. “Your—Jingchi, you came here just for this?”

“Of course,” Xuan Jingchi replied, looking at her with a hint of pleading. “Let’s eat together. It’s no fun eating alone—it’s only enjoyable when shared with someone.”

When Xiao Yueli heard the words “it’s only enjoyable when shared with someone,” she faintly sensed an indescribable undertone in them.

Hazy, indistinct, yet subtly captivating.

Her face flushed slightly as she nodded and said, “Alright.”

Xiao Fu returned with the bowls, and Nuanxiang brought out the food box, dividing the sweet soup into two portions—one for the Emperor and one for the Empress.

“I’ve never had lily bulb soup before, Empress. The soup you made is delicious!”

“Your Majesty, it wasn’t made by me. The imperial kitchen prepared it.”

“Oh,” Xuan Jingchi quickly corrected herself, “but it was made because you ordered it. So, I’ll consider it as yours.”

Xiao Yueli lowered her head with a faint smile. “Your Majesty, what kind of soup do you like?”

“Any kind is fine—red bean soup, mung bean soup, white fungus and lotus seed soup… Oh, and that sweet soup with sweet potatoes and glutinous rice balls is quite nice too.”

“Then I’ll have the kitchen prepare it for Your Majesty next time.”

“Wouldn’t that be too much trouble?” Xuan Jingchi chuckled. “If Cheng Minzhi finds out, he’ll surely record it, calling me a pleasure-seeking tyrant.”

Xiao Yueli couldn’t help but laugh. “He won’t. If Minister Cheng really insists on recording it, I’ll plead with him on Your Majesty’s behalf.”

Xiao Fu, watching the two with smiles in their eyes, also felt happy—Her Majesty was truly joyful.

After finishing the sweet soup, Xuan Jingchi prepared to return to her palace. As she stood up, Nuanxiang stepped forward to adjust her robes.

Xiao Yueli said, “Your Majesty, it’s late. Why not rest here tonight?”

Xuan Jingchi wanted to stay so badly she nearly agreed immediately, but then she hesitated and asked tentatively, “Is that alright? I wouldn’t be disturbing you, would I?”

Xiao Yueli smiled faintly. “No.” Then, feeling her response might have sounded abrupt, she added, “All under heaven belongs to the sovereign. Your Majesty may go wherever you please—there is no question of disturbance.”

Xuan Jingchi nodded. “Then I’ll impose on you.”

With that, she turned to Nuanxiang. “Nuanxiang, you may return.”

“As you command.” Nuanxiang bowed and withdrew. As she stepped out of Phoenix Palace, two waiting palace maids immediately emerged to accompany her back to Chenyuan Palace.

That night, lying in bed, Xuan Jingchi felt an inexplicable sweetness in her heart—perhaps from the dessert she had eaten earlier.

Staring dreamily at the seemingly sleeping Empress, she suddenly blurted out, “Yueli.”

Hearing her name, Xiao Yueli opened her eyes and turned to look at her. “What is it?”

Caught off guard by her response, Xuan Jingchi quickly turned her head away in a fluster. “N-Nothing, nothing.”

Xiao Yueli gave a soft “Mm,” turned back, and closed her eyes—though the corners of her lips curled up ever so slightly.

A moment later, Xuan Jingchi called out again softly, “Yueli.”

“Mm?”

“Nothing. I just wanted to say your name.”

Soon after, unable to resist, she called once more, “Yueli.”

Xiao Yueli, eyes still closed, smiled and responded with another “Mm.”

Xuan Jingchi’s tender calls were like a kitten’s soft paws, gently tapping now and then.

“Yueli.”

“Mm.”

“Yueli.”

“Mm.”

“Yueli.”

“Mm.”

“I just wanted to call your name.”

“I know.”