The Flourishing Era of Female Merchants

"Isn't that right?" Han Yu murmured. "I heard that Consort Rong was very happy when she saw the clothes that An Mi embroidered for her. I suppose Consort Rong will be arrogant again tomorrow."

Empress Feng's expression changed. "That wretched woman, I won't give her so many chances to be arrogant again."

At this point, Empress Feng narrowed her eyes, glanced indifferently at the peerless woman standing at the door, her eyes swirling with a whirlwind of emotions, as if she were plotting something. After a moment of silence, she finally spoke, "Hanyu, bring that dress up to me."

Han Yu responded with a "yes" and withdrew. When she returned not long after, she was carrying a garment, which was neatly folded. Even so, the mere sight of it was enough to amaze anyone.

"Your Majesty, this servant has brought the clothes up." Han Yu presented the clothes to Empress Feng and said respectfully.

While Han Yu was away, the stunning woman who had been standing at the door was now standing in front of Empress Feng, her brows furrowed and head bowed. Despite being dressed as a palace maid, she still managed to catch everyone's eye.

Han Yu glanced at Yun Xiu without leaving a trace. She didn't know much about this woman. She only knew that Yun Xiu was usually quiet and did whatever the Empress ordered her to do. She seemed very obedient and well-behaved. However, she had seen too many people. Some people who seemed the most obedient and harmless were the ones who made people the most wary.

Empress Feng reached out and gently stroked the exquisite brocade. The feel of it made her secretly admire it, "The craftsmanship of this Anmi is truly excellent, it's just a pity..."

Empress Feng stopped there, but her gaze towards the garment grew even more profound.

"Your Majesty, would you like to wear this dress tomorrow?" Han Yu had to admit how outstanding the dress was. This dress would enhance anyone's appearance, not only because of the embroidery, but also because of the fabric. Even the fabric purchased in the palace could not compare.

Consort Rong wanted to use the clothes that An Mi had hastily made for her to shine on the Ghost Festival tomorrow, but Her Majesty probably wouldn't let Consort Rong have her way.

Empress Feng smiled and slowly withdrew her hand from the dress, chuckling, "Hanyu, give this dress to Yunxiu. Tomorrow, Yunxiu will wear this dress and play music for the Emperor."

As soon as Empress Feng finished speaking, Han Yu was visibly startled, but Yun Xiu did not react much. She immediately knelt on the ground to express her gratitude, "Yes, Yun Xiu thanks Your Majesty for your kindness."

"Your Majesty..." Han Yu called out urgently, "This dress is yours..."

"Hanyu, stop saying anything more. I have bestowed this garment upon Yunxiu, so it belongs to Yunxiu now. Besides, there are no taboos regarding the embroidery on this garment, so Yunxiu will have no problem wearing it," Empress Feng said loudly, having already made her decision.

Tomorrow, she was determined to present Yunxiu to the Emperor. These past few days, every time the Emperor came to her palace, although he didn't ask about Yunxiu, she noticed several times that the Emperor was looking at Yunxiu intentionally or unintentionally. Hmph, it seems that beauty really does have some weight in a man's eyes.

Although she was jealous, for the sake of the bigger picture, she had no choice but to personally send other women into her man's arms.

She knew that with Yunxiu's beauty, she would surely shine brightly at the Ghost Festival tomorrow. However, what she wanted was an even bigger sensation. She wanted the Emperor to have Yunxiu in his eyes and not be able to tolerate Consort Rong.

Hmph, Consort Rong, so what if you scheme and plot during the Ghost Festival? I'll still make sure you fall so hard you can never get back up.

With a ruthless glint in her eyes, Empress Feng gave Han Yu a meaningful look. Han Yu dared not disobey any longer and could only hand the garment to Yun Xiu.

Yunxiu accepted the clothes and thanked the Empress again. Taking the opportunity, Empress Feng instructed, "Yunxiu, remember what you said that day. No matter how favored you become in the future, don't forget that your life belongs to the Feng family. Even in death, you must not betray the Feng family. Do you understand?"

"Your Majesty, I dare not forget a single word Yunxiu said, and I keep it in mind at all times." Yunxiu's gentle voice rang out in the air. Compared to Empress Feng's majesty, this woman, who possessed unparalleled beauty, gentle and quiet demeanor, and who looked like a fairy, had a voice that soothed people's hearts like a gentle breeze.

Empress Feng nodded in satisfaction. She had to admit that Yunxiu was indeed so beautiful that it made people jealous; she was born to seduce men.

Empress Feng made her decision and didn't want to see such a beautiful face again. She waved her hand, signaling Yunxiu to leave, and also dismissed Hanyu.

In another palace, Consort Rong looked at the pastries on the table. Just moments ago in Yanfu Palace, she had acted as if she wanted to devour all of these Phoenix Heart Pastries and taste them. But now, she was unusually calm, with a glint of light in her eyes.

Xinrou glanced at Consort Rong and tentatively reminded her, "Your Highness, didn't you want to try this Phoenix Heart Pastry? This servant will get it for you..."

Just then, Consort Rong glared at Xinrou, who shrank back in feigned fear, "Your Majesty, you..."

"You silly girl, sometimes you're a little clever, but other times you're incredibly muddle-headed. If you were as quick-witted as An Mi, I wouldn't have gone to such lengths to give that hairpin to her," Consort Rong said coldly, a hint of displeasure in her eyes. She said it was a sisterly gift, a keepsake, but deep down she didn't want An Mi to leave. Humph, she'd just take the hairpin back later.

"Your Majesty, this servant deserves to die, but these snacks..." Xinrou bit her lip, and this appearance earned her another eye roll from Consort Rong.

"This pastry? Humph, this was a gift from Empress Feng. Do you think it's edible?" Consort Rong said sternly, looking at the Phoenix Heart Pastry as if she were looking at Empress Feng, wishing she could burn her through.

"Then why did Your Highness take these pastries back?" Xinrou asked, feigning ignorance.

Consort Rong's lips curled up, a hint of calculation appearing in her eyes. "Why did I bring them back? Hehe, of course I have a use for these pastries."

"It's useful?" Xinrou frowned.

Consort Rong grew impatient. "Why are you asking so many questions? You've been a servant for so many years, don't you know the rules? What should you ask, and what shouldn't you ask? Can't you see clearly? Alright, get out of here. I'm going to sleep!"

Consort Rong got up and walked to the bed. Xin Rou glanced at the pastries on the table without saying anything, curtsied, and obeyed Consort Rong's order to leave, closing the door from the outside.

When only Consort Rong was left in the room, she did not go to sleep immediately. Instead, she took out a very exquisite porcelain bottle from under her pillow, walked to the table, opened the bottle, and a clear liquid flowed out, landing on the pastries. It quickly seeped into them without leaving a trace.