Empress, Can I? [Transmigration + GL] - Chapter 49

Moments later, Chenyuan Palace was thrown into chaos.

The Imperial Physicians from the Medical Institute were practically dragged by the Guards as they rushed toward Chenyuan Palace.

“Hurry, hurry…”

The trembling physicians carefully cut away the clothing around the Emperor’s wound. The fabric was already soaked through with blood, though the crimson color made it less apparent. They tossed the cut pieces into a golden basin held by a palace maid.

Xiao Yueli stared at the blood-drenched fabric in the basin, her face etched with anxiety and worry. “How is the injury? How is Her Majesty?”

Despite the initial use of silver needles to stem the bleeding, the moment the physicians forcefully extracted the short arrow, blood gushed forth like a spring, splattering onto the bed curtains before seeping into the embroidered floral bedsheet, instantly staining the delicate blossoms a deep red.

Xiao Yueli’s usually calm and composed eyes were now filled with restless unease. She bit her lip so hard it turned pale, unaware of the pain.

The physicians, their faces pale with fear, employed every secret remedy and precious medicine from the palace stores, exhausting all means to stop the bleeding.

They knew all too well that if they failed to save the Emperor this time, the consequences would range from imprisonment to immediate execution.

Hearing the Empress’s inquiry, the lead physician replied, “Her Majesty’s injury has reached a vital area. The wound is deep, and the bleeding persists. I fear…”

At this point, his entire body trembled, breaking out in a cold sweat. He dared not continue and instead said, “We will do everything in our power to save Her Majesty!”

Xiao Yueli collapsed onto a chair, her face ashen…

After what felt like an eternity, the bleeding from Xuan Jingchi’s wound miraculously ceased, as if stopping from within. The physicians were baffled—how had the bleeding suddenly stopped?

With no time to ponder, they quickly applied medicine and bandaged the wound before turning to the Empress. “Your Majesty, the Emperor’s condition has improved. The bleeding has stopped!”

At these words, Xiao Yueli felt as though she had been granted a reprieve from certain doom. She stood up abruptly, her voice trembling. “Is it true?!”

“Your Majesty, we have successfully stopped the bleeding. Her Majesty now needs rest. If she wakes, she will overcome this crisis. With divine protection, Her Majesty will surely awaken.”

The imperial physicians had no real confidence in their hearts, their foreheads beading with cold sweat. Whether Her Majesty would wake up and survive this life-or-death crisis was something none of them could guarantee, so they could only attribute it to divine protection.

Xiao Yueli waved her hand, dismissing them to wait outside while the palace servants busied themselves cleaning the bloodstains from the floor.

Though the blood had been wiped away, a faint metallic scent still lingered in the air—a smell no medicinal powder could mask.

“All of you, leave,” Xiao Yueli said.

The maids retreated swiftly and silently. Xiao Rong cast a worried glance at Her Majesty before exiting as well.

Xiao Yueli walked over and sat by the bloodstained bed, gazing quietly at Xuan Jingchi. She grasped her slightly cold hand. “Jingchi, you won’t die, will you? You were chosen by the gods. You wouldn’t leave so easily, right?”

Yet Xuan Jingchi merely lay there with closed eyes, her pallid face devoid of any color, as white as paper.

Time passed slowly, and before they knew it, night had fallen.

Xiao Rong entered with tea and pastries. “Your Majesty, please eat something.”

Xiao Yueli seemed not to hear, remaining motionless.

Xiao Rong stepped closer and said softly, “Your Majesty, don’t worry too much. Her Majesty will surely wake up.”

By the end, her voice had grown so quiet it nearly broke into a sob.

She knew her words were hollow, as weak and pale as her own face at that moment. She had overheard the guards who brought Her Majesty back whispering in despair, “The arrow struck straight through Her Majesty’s back—a fatal wound. No one could survive such an injury…”

“Light all the lamps,” Xiao Yueli said. “Her Majesty prefers brightness. She dislikes the dark.”

“Yes,” Xiao Rong replied, moving to light the candlesticks one by one. Soon, the vast bedchamber was illuminated as brightly as day.

“Your Majesty, please rest for a while.”

Xiao Yueli shook her head absently. “I will stay with Her Majesty. You all tend to the Grand Princess outside. You may leave.”

Her tone was calm, but Xiao Rong felt a pang of sorrow. Gritting her teeth, she turned and withdrew.

That night, Chenyuan Palace was eerily silent—not a word spoken, not a sound made.

Xiao Fu whispered to Nuanxiang and Chenxiang, “Her Majesty will be alright, won’t she?”

At this, Chenxiang turned away, unable to answer, while Nuanxiang gave a quiet “Mm” and nodded, though tears spilled from the corners of her eyes.

Xiao Rong emerged from the chamber and approached Xuan Jingning, speaking gently, “Princess, please rest in the side hall.”

Xuan Jingning seemed not to hear, standing as still as a statue. She murmured, “Little sister, you mustn’t come to harm… you mustn’t…”

In the silent hall, the countless candles flickered softly, their flames wavering like voiceless sighs.

Under the candlelight, Xuan Jingchi’s face was as radiant and lovely as ever.

Xiao Yueli remembered how this woman always smiled at her—sweet, tender smiles, her peach-blossom eyes brimming with endless affection.

“Jingchi, won’t you wake up? Look at me…”

As she spoke, tears fell from Xiao Yueli’s eyes, hot droplets landing on Xuan Jingchi’s icy hand before cooling instantly.

Yet the woman on the bed remained peacefully asleep, as if lost in a long, deep dream from which she refused to awaken.

Xiao Yueli leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

The cold lips made Xiao Yueli’s heart ache, and tears once again fell, dripping onto Xuan Jingchi’s cheeks.

“Jingchi, don’t leave me. Wake up, please wake up…”

“Mmm…” The person on the bed let out a soft groan.

Xiao Yueli was overjoyed, hardly daring to believe it. Her heart pounded wildly as she stared unblinkingly at the figure on the bed, watching as she slowly opened her eyes.

“Jingchi! Jingchi!”

Then she heard that weak yet playful voice, “You forgot… Sleeping Beauty needs a kiss to wake up.”

Tears shimmered in Xiao Yueli’s eyes as she smiled and said, “As long as you wake up, I’ll kiss you as many times as you want.”

With that, she lowered her head to kiss Xuan Jingchi, once, then again…

Xuan Jingchi took the opportunity to embrace her, returning the kisses. Xiao Yueli, careful not to press on her injuries, supported herself with her hands on the bed as their lips and tongues entwined gently.

Only when Xuan Jingchi was breathless did she reluctantly let go.

“Jingchi, you’re finally awake.”

“I’m fine,” Xuan Jingchi suddenly remembered something and anxiously reached up to touch her right cheek. Feeling the smooth skin beneath her fingers, she sighed in relief.

“What’s wrong, Jingchi?”

Xuan Jingchi looked at Xiao Yueli, her peach blossom eyes brimming with laughter. “My face was scraped earlier. Good thing it didn’t scar—I was afraid you’d dislike me if it did.”

Xiao Yueli chuckled softly, leaning down to kiss her right cheek. “No matter how you change, I’ll always love you,” she whispered tenderly.

Xuan Jingchi beamed like a flower in bloom. “Really? So Yueli loves me this much!”

With that, she sat up and attempted to rise from the bed.

Xiao Yueli quickly stopped her. “You just woke up—don’t move carelessly. Be careful of your wounds.”

“I’m already better, don’t worry,” Xuan Jingchi said as she slowly got out of bed. Unable to dissuade her, Xiao Yueli stepped forward to support her carefully. When Xuan Jingchi turned and saw the bloodstained sheets, she gasped. “Did I lose all this blood?!”

Xiao Yueli replied, “You scared me to death earlier. The blood wouldn’t stop, and the imperial physicians were at a loss. I… I didn’t know what to do.”

Her face paled as she spoke, as if still shaken by the memory.

Xuan Jingchi turned and embraced her, gently kissing the top of her head. “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid. See? I’m perfectly fine.”

Xiao Yueli buried her head in her embrace, holding her tightly as if afraid she might disappear, clinging to her fiercely.

The two embraced in the tender, lingering glow of candlelight filling the room, neither speaking a word.

After a long while, Xiao Yueli said, “The Grand Princess is still waiting outside. Would you like to see her?”

“Elder Sister is still here? She hasn’t returned to her residence?”

“You took an arrow for her, hanging between life and death—how could she possibly rest easy?”

Xiao Yueli sighed. “Do you feel guilty because you’re not her real sister yet still hold onto the affection she has for her?”

Xuan Jingchi froze, pausing before replying, “No matter what she thinks, I truly regard her as my sister, as my closest family.”

Xiao Yueli sighed again, then turned and walked to the chamber doors. “Her Majesty has awakened. Grand Princess, please come in.”

Upon hearing that the Emperor had regained consciousness, everyone rejoiced.

Xiao Fu cried out excitedly, “Wonderful, wonderful! Her Majesty is awake! Sister Nuanxiang, Sister Chenxiang, did you hear?”

“We heard! We heard! The gods have blessed us! The gods have blessed us!”

The imperial physicians waiting outside also breathed a sigh of relief, wiping cold sweat from their brows.

Thank heavens, the Emperor had awakened! They had finally been spared their lives!

The moment Xuan Jingning heard the news, she swayed slightly before striding swiftly into the chamber. Seeing Xuan Jingchi seated at the table, she rushed forward and pulled her into a tight embrace. “Little Sister!”

That single utterance choked with emotion, her eyes welling with tears.

Xuan Jingchi smiled faintly in her arms. “I’m fine, Elder Sister. Don’t worry.”

“You foolish girl, why did you take that arrow for me? If anything had happened to you, how could I ever live with myself?”

“Elder Sister exaggerates too much. I’m perfectly fine now. Besides, you’re my sister—how could I not save you when you were in danger? I know if it were me, you’d risk your life to save me too.”

“Little Sister!” Xuan Jingning’s tears fell freely as she scolded, “Don’t ever be so reckless again, understand? You are the ruler of a nation, bearing the weight of the realm. You must never endanger yourself.”

Xuan Jingchi pouted. “I know, I know. I saved you, and instead of thanking me, you lecture me.”

Seeing her act spoiled just like in childhood, Xuan Jingning couldn’t help but smile. “Of course I must thank you. How would you like me to?”

Xuan Jingchi’s eyes sparkled mischievously as she pouted playfully. Already breathtakingly beautiful, her childish charm now made her even more enchanting. “I want you to promise me one thing.”

Xuan Jingning laughed. “Name it. Whatever it is, I’ll do it for you.”

Xuan Jingchi, however, said, “I haven’t thought of it yet. I’ll tell you when I do. And you mustn’t go back on your word.”

Xuan Jingning nodded. “I would never break my promise.”

Xuan Jingchi stood and took a few steps, stretching lazily. But as she raised her arm, the movement tugged at the wound on her back. She hissed in pain, her lovely face scrunching up.

“What’s wrong?”

Two voices rang out simultaneously, laced with unconcealed concern. Xiao Yueli and Xuan Jingning both stepped forward to support her.

Xuan Jingchi laughed and threw herself into Xiao Yueli’s arms, thinking inwardly, Sorry, Elder Sister, I choose the Empress. What can I say? I’m the type to favor beauty over family.

Xuan Jingning smiled and withdrew her hand, looking at the two of them. “I’ll leave my sister in your care, Empress. It’s getting late, so I’ll head back now and visit again tomorrow.”

With that, Xuan Jingning took her leave. Xuan Jingchi, however, remained clinging to Xiao Yueli’s neck, breathing softly against her skin and even giving it gentle nips. This caused Xiao Yueli’s cheeks to flush crimson as her body trembled slightly. She immediately snapped, “What are you doing? Let go!”

Instead of releasing her, Xuan Jingchi tightened her embrace even more, cooing, “I’m injured and weak, I don’t have the strength to let go.”

Having seen her shameless antics far too often, Xiao Yueli replied coldly, “Is that so? Since Your Majesty is unwell, this humble consort shall return to Phoenix Palace tonight.”

“What?! No, no, no,” Xuan Jingchi immediately let go and stood up from the Empress’s arms. “See? I’m completely fine now. No issues at all. I could even go three hundred rounds with the Empress tonight without a problem.”

Xiao Yueli, caught off guard by such brazen words from someone whose wounds hadn’t even healed, was both embarrassed and furious. She gritted her teeth and shouted, “Xuan Jingchi, you shameless, disgraceful tyrant!!!”

Outside, the palace servants exchanged glances upon hearing the Empress’s furious roar—Her Majesty was calling the Emperor a tyrant again.

A few days later, when Xuan Jingchi had recovered enough to move freely, she went to bathe and noticed that one of the three plum blossom marks on her chest had disappeared.

Xuan Jingchi sighed. The three lives granted to her by the Red-robed Immortal were now down to two.

Several more days passed, and Xuan Jingning shot down the fire phoenix. It was only then that everyone realized the deer’s shimmering red glow had been painted on with dye.

At this point, it became clear to all that someone had orchestrated an assassination attempt during the autumn hunt.

Lin Zaifu privately sought out the Prince of Yin. “Was this your doing again?”

The Prince of Yin looked aggrieved. “Father-in-law, this truly wasn’t me. After the last failed attempt, I’ve been contemplating other, more sophisticated methods.”

Lin Zaifu nodded but said nothing.

If it wasn’t the Prince of Yin, then the culprit wasn’t hard to guess.