The Flourishing Era of Female Merchants

"Oh? How can I help?" Nalan Jue noticed An Mi's expression flicker and became more serious.

“As far as I know, Rong Jincheng has more than one way back to the capital. If I were you, and I were truly worried about Qinglan’s safety, I would definitely disguise myself as Qinglan and take another route to divert those people’s attention.” An Mi raised the corners of her mouth and revealed her plan.

Nalan Jue's eyes narrowed. "Ha! You care about Qinglan's safety, but do you not value my life?"

An Mi smiled but remained silent, acknowledging Nalan Jue's accusation. She said calmly, "Now that we've discussed this, what Young Master Nalan wants to do is beyond my control."

After saying that, she turned to leave, but as she turned, a smile appeared in Anmi's eyes. She knew that this man would not disappoint her; at this moment, he had been moved by her!

Nalan Jue is the King of Southern Xinjiang and also knows how to manipulate Gu poison. No one is more suitable than him to be the bait.

That's all she could do for Qinglan; she just hoped to be able to help her.

Those people were led away by Nalan Jue, and Qinglan was safe and sound. Rong Jincheng also calmed down. However, she did not expect that something even bigger would happen that night, so shocking that it caught everyone off guard!

"Second Miss..." An Mi had only taken a few steps when she heard Nalan Jue's voice behind her.

An Mi stopped in her tracks, her brows furrowing slightly. "Is there anything else, Young Master Nalan?"

As soon as he finished speaking, rhythmic footsteps sounded behind him. Nalan Jue walked step by step toward An Mi, his hawk-like eyes fixed on her, as if scrutinizing her or searching for her. He stopped in front of An Mi and then spoke, "I will tell Qing Lan about this. He will be very happy."

Nalan Jue had misjudged An Mi. He thought she was just a woman who had attracted Qing Lan, but now it seemed that this woman was indeed different from others, as she could win Qing Lan's favor. She probably knew that he would not stand idly by by coming to him for help with Qing Lan!

An Mi heard his words, but only managed a slight twitch of her lips. "Young Master Nalan wouldn't!"

Nalan Jue stiffened, meeting An Mi's gaze. He felt somewhat embarrassed, as if he had been seen through. His eyes narrowed. Did she mean he wouldn't tell Qing Lan?

"Haha..." Nalan Jue suddenly laughed out loud. That's right, he wouldn't! He really wouldn't tell Qinglan about Anmi's concern. Although he promised Qinglan that he wouldn't hurt this woman, it didn't mean that he would bring Qinglan and Anmi together. He had already seen through Anmi's danger level from Qinglan's reaction that night. He was determined not to let Qinglan become more infatuated with Anmi.

An Mi glanced at him indifferently. She could easily guess what he was thinking. This King of Southern Xinjiang did not want Qing Lan to like him. His question just now was just a test!

"Farewell." An Mi nodded, ignored Nalan Jue, and walked out of the manor on her own.

Watching An Mi's retreating figure, Nalan Jue's smile faded. He murmured An Mi's name, his expression ambiguous. But after a moment, Nalan Jue recalled An Mi's words from earlier, and his eyes flashed. He had to admit that when An Mi proposed that plan, he had already made his decision: he had to go on this trip!

With a deep sigh, Nalan Jue turned and went into the house...

Anmi left the manor and did not return directly to the city. Instead, she went to the Widows' Village. When the sisters in the Widows' Village saw Anmi arrive, they immediately put down their needlework and came out to greet her, bringing out all the good food in their homes to treat her.

Anmi felt especially calm watching the enthusiasm of the women in the village. For her, this place was less the starting point of her career and more a sanctuary, a place that carried her hopes.

Anmi did not stay in the widow's village for long. After giving some instructions, she left the village.

On the way, Anmi in the carriage was thinking about the massacre of the Holy Physician Hall yesterday when she heard the sound of hooves coming from ahead. She frowned. Judging from the sound, there seemed to be quite a few people!

An Mi lifted the curtain and, sure enough, after a moment, saw a group of people, more than a hundred in number, all dressed like merchants. However, they gave her an overly sharp and cold feeling. An Mi frowned, a strange feeling rising in her heart. In the blink of an eye, she met the eyes of the leading man.

The man's face was covered, with only his eyes showing—eyes that sent chills down one's spine.

For some reason, An Mi felt that this man was extremely dangerous. Realizing that the man was staring at her, An Mi was slightly taken aback and clearly felt a murderous intent emanating from him. An Mi tugged at the corners of her mouth and gave a polite smile, then instructed the driver, "Hurry up, don't keep your family waiting."

The driver hesitated for a moment, but still replied, "Yes, miss."

After saying that, the carriage sped up. As An Mi lowered the curtain, she glanced at the leading man without leaving a trace, and breathed a sigh of relief. The man had finally restrained his murderous intent.

But who is that man? And who are these strange people...?

An Mi was startled and subconsciously thought of what happened at the Holy Doctor Hall last night. Could those people be the same group that came for Qing Lan?

Anmi pondered all the way, but found no answer; however, the unease in her heart grew stronger and stronger.

Inside the Buddhist hall of the Liu residence.

Liu Zhan entered the Buddhist hall and saw Madam Liu kneeling before the Buddha statue, paying homage to the Buddha. "Mother."

"What is it?" Madam Liu put down what she was holding, got up and sat down on the couch next to her. She used to never allow anyone to disturb her when she was worshipping Buddha, but now she was making frequent exceptions for Liu Zhan.

Compared to before, Madam Liu looked more haggard, and her brows no longer held the same majesty as before. Instead, the coldness and gloom in her eyes were particularly obvious. Even the servants of the Liu family could guess why Madam Liu was like this. Ever since the master brought the second wife and her son back to the mansion, the master had been staying overnight in the second wife's courtyard every night. Even when Madam Liu sent someone to invite the master to dine together, the master did not give her any face at all.

This was undoubtedly a heavy blow to Madam Liu, who was extremely possessive!

"Mother, I've already found out what you asked me to investigate," Liu Zhan said in a low voice.

"Oh? Where is it?" Madam Liu's eyes showed a hint of urgency.

"In a village outside the city, the widow's village, I never imagined that Miss Yan would set up her workshop there." Liu Zhan's eyes flashed with intense anger as he mentioned "Miss Yan." These past few days, he had gone to Shengshi Lieyan every day, but each time he was turned away, given no respect whatsoever. He, Liu Zhan, was, after all, the richest young master in Rongjin City…

What angered him even more was that the Grand Flame Embroidery Shop had only been open for a few days, yet it had already stolen a lot of business from Liu's Embroidery Shop. Many noblewomen and young ladies who used to order custom embroidery from Liu's Embroidery Shop had switched to the Grand Flame Embroidery Shop.