The Flourishing Era of Female Merchants

As Emperor Mingde spoke, his gaze swept past Anmi and landed on Bai Yi, who was standing not far from her. The look in his deep eyes darkened further.

An Mi curtsied, knowing she couldn't escape, and sighed inwardly. But Consort Rong had already affectionately taken An Mi's hand, "Let's go. You've done a great job this time. The Emperor might reward you for your contributions later."

An Mi tugged at the corners of her mouth and smiled faintly, but said nothing more. A reward? She didn't expect any reward. She only hoped to protect herself and that the scheming and infighting among these concubines wouldn't harm her, an innocent person.

Thinking of how Consort Rong had suddenly called her name, An Mi met Consort Rong's eyes. In her eyes, she seemed to see something unusually bright, a brilliance that made her feel uneasy.

Anmi frowned slightly, her vigilance growing stronger.

The banquet hall was set up in Chongguang Hall. Inside the hall, the palace servants had already prepared the banquet and were waiting for the guests to take their seats. Emperor Mingde led his officials and ministers into the hall first. Emperor Mingde and Empress Feng took the main seats. With Emperor Mingde's permission, Consort Rong and Empress Feng sat on either side of Emperor Mingde.

Consort Rong was clearly pleased with her position. Among so many concubines, she was the only one who could sit next to the Emperor. As for Empress Feng, not to mention that she was already old and faded, she was also injured today, with such an obvious cloth wrapped around her forehead. There was really nothing to look at.

Thinking of the dragon child in her belly, she thought, "If the Emperor knew today, he would probably spoil her even more in the future."

"Empress, is your head injury alright? Shouldn't you go back to the palace to rest? Don't push yourself too hard, or it might develop into something serious." Consort Rong frowned slightly, her concern tinged with worry.

Empress Feng felt a surge of displeasure. This Consort Rong truly showed her no respect whatsoever. Did she want her to leave so she could sit here alone with the Emperor? Was Consort Rong's ambition... to become Empress?

Humph, you overestimate your abilities!

"Thank you for your concern, Consort Rong. Your Majesty, I am fine. Today is a grand day for our Great Jin Dynasty. As the mother of the nation, how can I be absent?" Empress Feng said gently. How could she leave? She still had gifts to present today. Thinking of her plan, Empress Feng's smile deepened.

"It's alright, my dear ministers, please take your seats." Emperor Mingde gave a loud order, his deep voice resonating throughout the hall, adding to his imposing presence.

Having received Emperor Mingde's order, the officials took their seats one by one according to the positions arranged by the palace servants. An Mi glanced around and realized that there seemed to be no place for her in this hall. She couldn't help but frown. This Consort Rong had summoned her here, undoubtedly to subject her to even more humiliation.

Consort Rong realized that her goal with An Mi was to win her over. Seeing that An Mi was still standing there, she thought that An Mi would remember her kindness after she had helped her out of the predicament. Just as she was about to speak, she saw a tall figure walk towards An Mi and, in front of everyone, take An Mi's wrist and walk towards his seat.

"Someone, add a seat here." The person pulling An Mi was none other than Bai Yi. His domineering aura stunned everyone present. Under his strength, An Mi had no room to struggle and could only be led by him to the seat belonging to the King of Bohai.

For a moment, everyone's attention was focused on the woman being pulled along by the King of Bohai, and everyone's eyes were filled with strange looks.

Especially after Yu Ling'er's "introduction," this young lady, who didn't know much about An Mi, was quite dumbfounded. Yu Ling'er didn't say who An Mi was, but judging from her appearance, her background couldn't be that noble. Now that she was being pulled along by the King of Bohai, they had to re-evaluate this woman.

Emperor Mingde frowned, looking at Bai Yi holding An Mi's hand, the color in the depths of his eyes darkening further.

"Didn't you hear my orders?" Bai Yi saw the eunuchs standing there dumbfounded, and a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes. His imposing manner made all the palace servants present pause in surprise.

The eunuchs glanced at the Prince of Bohai, then at Emperor Mingde sitting in the main seat, seemingly trying to discern the Emperor's intentions. It was a joke; although they feared the Prince of Bohai's imposing presence, the Emperor was ultimately the most powerful figure in the palace. The Emperor's attitude towards the Prince of Bohai's casual gesture towards a woman was of paramount importance.

Emperor Mingde chuckled and said, "A seat is granted."

Following Emperor Mingde's instructions, the eunuchs quickly added a seat next to the Prince of Bohai. Bai Yi carefully helped An Mi sit down before sitting down beside her.

Everyone watching this scene had their own thoughts.

Anmi endured the gazes of the crowd, sitting calmly with her eyes lowered and her head bowed, showing no sign of panic. In fact, she herself had not expected that she would be so calm at this moment.

She knew perfectly well that everyone present would speculate about her relationship with Bai Yi because of his actions, and Emperor Mingde had previously warned her not to have any improper thoughts about the Prince of Bohai. Now, seeing the Prince of Bohai's actions, he would probably blame her again. However, feeling the familiar and charming aura emanating from the man beside her, her heart was surprisingly at peace.

When did his influence on her reach this level?

Anmi frowned, refusing to think too much. She was increasingly afraid that if she overthought things, the result would be something she would resist.

With so many people watching them, everything was peaceful and quiet. Bai Yi acted as if nothing had happened, but Qing Lan tightened her grip on the wine glass, so much so that her knuckles turned slightly white.

Just now, if he had acted first...

Her eyes narrowed, and the usually composed Qinglan tilted her head back and drank the entire cup of wine in one gulp.

Emperor Mingde naturally did not want those present to speculate too much about the relationship between Bai Yi and An Mi, so he immediately asked everyone to drink to divert everyone's attention. However, he glanced at An Mi without leaving a trace.

It seems that Bai Yi's concern for An Mi is somewhat beyond his expectations.

Perhaps, there were some things he had to do more of. Thinking of something, Emperor Mingde narrowed his eyes, and he had already made a decision in his heart.

"Your Majesty, today, I have prepared a grand gift for you," Consort Rong said, her eyes shining brightly.

"Oh? What kind of grand gift is it?" Emperor Mingde raised an eyebrow, also becoming interested. Everyone else present looked at Consort Rong, wondering what gift she would present to be worthy of such an occasion.

Consort Rong subtly touched her belly, but few people paid attention to the action. Empress Feng, of course, was unwilling to let Consort Rong seize the initiative first.