Chapter 2: My New Identity (Part 1)
He delivered that icy line, then turned—leaving only a regal silhouette. I stared blankly as he vanished. Since when was he so… reasonable?
Before relief could settle, unease prickled my skin.
Wait. One second ago, I was gaming with my little brother. Now I'm nearly assaulted by a silk-robed lunatic in a place that looks like… My gaze swept the room. A massive bed draped in cascading rainbow silks. Is this a celestial palace?
No. More like… a period drama set.
Did I get teleported to a movie shoot?
Before I could unravel the mystery, beads clattered. A middle-aged woman in elaborate hanfu rushed in, seized my hands, her voice frantic: "Miss! What did you do? How could you drive the Emperor away on your wedding night?"
I gaped. Her clothes—straight out of historical fiction. Hair piled with ornate pins. Still beautiful, despite her age. But why was everyone here cosplaying? A delusional "Emperor." Now this "nanny" is calling me "Miss."
Gods. Send a manual. Or a translator.
Tears welled in her eyes at my silence. "Miss! What did His Majesty do to you? Look at you—so pale! This servant has failed you!" She thrust a bronze mirror at me.
Mechanically, I took it. And nearly screamed.
That's… me?
But I'm Luo Xiaoxiao—average face, invisible in crowds. This girl?
Is this… devastating beauty?
Porcelain forehead. Crescent brows. Lashes like trembling willow fronds framing obsidian eyes. Lips—ripe Persian cherries. Breasts like doves ready for flight.
Tear-swollen eyes only magnified her fragility—a rain-drenched pear blossom. Heartbreakingly exquisite.
Her frown mirrors mine. Her smirk—mine.
No. No. No.
The mirror thudded onto silk sheets. I grabbed her arms, voice raw: "Tell me. Who am I? Where is this?"
Fear flickered in her eyes. "Miss! It's me—Nanny Zhang! I raised you! Calm down."
But panic had me in its jaws. Logic drowned. I shook her, desperate. "Tell me! Now!"
Pity softened her face. "What did that man do to you…" She sighed. "Very well. I'll explain."
Hours later—as wedding candles guttered into wax puddles—reality crashed over me.
I'd done it. Pulled a cliché.
Transmigrated.
Not Luo Xiaoxiao—high school grad. Now: Xiao Chenyi. Sole daughter of the Imperial Chancellor. Empress of… Qin Empire.
And the man I'd kicked off the bed? Shangguan Mochen. The Emperor. Last night? Our wedding night.
So: I'd rejected my "husband," humiliated an emperor. In any era, this meant scandal. In this one? It meant ten severed heads wouldn't suffice.
Chapter 2: My New Identity (Part 2)
Nanny Zhang's voice lowered. "He never wanted this marriage, Miss. Only your father's political backing forced his hand. A new emperor needs allies."
And why?
Exactly as Shangguan Mochen spat: This body's owner was infamous. Xiao Chenyi wasn't just unchaste—she'd bedded half the nobility.
Seriously? I cringed. A chancellor's daughter acting like a brothel star? And now I'm stuck cleaning her mess? No wonder Emperor Hottie looked ready to vomit. Even beauty couldn't erase… shared history.
His parting threat echoed: Yongning Palace. Your cold prison.
Good. Freedom from competing for royal "favors." I'd take solitude over fake romance.
Since returning seemed unlikely… time to own "Scandalous Empress."
As my breathing steadied, Nanny Zhang relaxed. "Dawn breaks, Miss. The consorts will come to pay respects. Let your maids prepare you."
I nodded, letting her guide me to a vanity glittering with jewels—any piece worth a modern fortune. At least the Emperor funds his disgust in style.
Two maids entered with Nanny Zhang. Bowed. Began washing my face. Unfamiliar… yet delightful. Being pampered? Yes, please.
But beneath the luxury… an ache. Chenhao Gege. My big brother figures back home. Would I ever see him?
"Your Majesty?" A maid's voice cut through memory. Two more stood by the door, holding lacquered trays. "Your morning meal."
Even palace maids are pretty here? They blushed under my stare. "Your breakfast, Empress."
As they set trays on a nearby table, my jaw dropped.
Breakfast? This was a feast. Roasted pheasant. Jade-green vegetables. Crystal dumplings. A goblet of golden honey nectar. Extravagant. Wasteful. Shamelessly glorious.
The maids fussed, adjusting my robes. I faced the mirror again—and froze.
Jade pins coiled my hair into an imperial crown knot. A pearled hairpin dipped near my ear, its tassels brushing my cheek—each sway hypnotic.
The gown? Crimson silk embroidered with phoenixes. The neckline teased collarbones. The waist—cinched by a gem-studded belt—accentuated curves I'd never owned. Legs… endless.
This goddess is… me? Did heaven pity my past plainness? Fine. If I had this face, this body, this infamy… why not wield it? Flirt. Flaunt. Collect beautiful men like jewels.
But… Chenhao.
My reflection dimmed. Stop. A dream forever out of reach. Yet I craved it—
"Empress?" Nanny Zhang touched my arm gently. "The consorts await."
Right. Time to meet the harem.
What fresh hell is this?