The Flourishing Era of Female Merchants

An Mi tugged at the corners of her mouth, not asking any further questions. Bai Yi, however, frowned slightly. He was waiting for her to continue probing so he could smoothly tell her that in his eyes, she was the only candidate for the title of the most beautiful woman. But… silence…

“Peace…” Bai Yi called out, but as soon as he uttered the two words, the music that had been echoing in the hall suddenly disappeared, and an eerie silence fell over the hall.

Bai Yi didn't continue with this "whisper," thinking that there would be plenty of opportunities later to make An Mi feel better.

When the music ended, everyone in the hall fell silent, seemingly still immersed in the music, unable to extricate themselves. Suddenly, a round of applause rang out, as if pulling everyone back from the music. Immediately, enthusiastic applause rose and fell throughout the hall.

Empress Feng felt a complex mix of emotions as she watched the scene unfold. Her goal today was to present Yunxiu to the Emperor, and the more outstanding Yunxiu's performance, the more advantageous it would be for them. However, jealousy was still creeping into her heart. She didn't know whether it was right or wrong to place such a talented and beautiful woman by the Emperor's side.

However, at this point, there was no turning back, whether it was right or wrong. Empress Feng glanced at the Emperor, and the obvious interest in his eyes caught her attention. Empress Feng took a deep breath and deliberately stood up, calling out loudly to the woman still sitting by the zither, "Yunxiu, come here quickly and greet the Emperor."

The woman who had been sitting behind the zither rose gracefully. Every movement seemed to captivate hearts. Under everyone's gaze, Yunxiu walked to the front of the main hall, curtsied, and spoke in a clear and melodious voice, "Yunxiu greets Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress."

Empress Feng smiled, while Emperor Mingde's gaze lingered on the woman in the hall. Consort Rong, sitting to the side, was somewhat displeased. She now understood that Empress Feng's intention was clearly to present a beautiful woman instead of a musical performance!

He glanced at Empress Feng indifferently, thinking to himself, "Has Empress Feng lost her mind? How can she be so eager to offer a woman into her husband's arms?"

Yunxiu? Probably another vixen! Consort Rong's gaze fell on the veiled woman, her eyes narrowing. She wanted to see just how much of a mystery Yunxiu was hiding behind that veil.

"No need, Miss Yunxiu is quite talented. Those two songs you just performed were truly excellent." Emperor Mingde picked up his wine cup, took a small sip, and his eyes were deep and unfathomable.

Upon hearing Emperor Mingde's praise, Empress Feng immediately said, "Since Your Majesty likes it, then from now on, Yunxiu will stay by Your Majesty's side and play music for you, so that Your Majesty can relieve your fatigue from all your hard work. What do you think, Your Majesty?"

Everyone was stunned, and they all understood the Empress's true intention. She said she would stay by the Emperor's side, but wasn't she just trying to help the Emperor take in concubines?

What were Empress Feng thinking?

Everyone waited for Emperor Mingde's reply, but Emperor Mingde just drank his wine, and no one could see his intentions. Consort Rong raised the corner of her mouth and said, "Empress, it seems that the Emperor does not like it. This decadent music is likely to disturb the Emperor's reading of the memorials."

Hmph, now look what's happened. The Empress sent a beauty, but the Emperor doesn't appreciate it. Isn't it all for nothing?

Empress Feng's expression stiffened, and she gave Yunxiu a wink, "Yunxiu, why are you still wearing your veil?"

Upon hearing this, Yunxiu lowered her brows and lifted her veil. When her face was exposed to everyone's gaze, a series of exclamations rose and fell in the hall. Even Emperor Mingde, who had seen Yunxiu's appearance before, had a brighter look in his eyes.

This woman is truly an absolute beauty; even the imperial harem, filled with beauties, has never produced a woman of such stunning looks.

Consort Rong accidentally spilled the tea from her cup. Looking at the woman's face, she subconsciously gripped the cup tighter and tighter. Having lived in the harem for many years, she naturally knew the destructive power of beauty. Wasn't it because of her youth and beauty that she had gained the emperor's favor and love?

This woman was younger and more beautiful than her. If she really entered the harem, she could almost imagine that her own position would be in jeopardy!

No, she couldn't let that happen; she couldn't stand by and watch another woman replace her.

Glancing at Empress Feng's smiling face, Consort Rong couldn't help but curse inwardly. That damned Empress Feng, this time, she really went all out.

What was her motivation?

Consort Rong frowned slightly. Empress Feng's gaze swept over them, and their eyes met in the air. The smugness in Empress Feng's eyes was so clear and undisguised. Consort Rong understood. Empress Feng's purpose was simple: she deliberately sent this stunningly beautiful woman named Yunxiu to replace her.

Empress Feng, oh Empress Feng, what a deep and cunning scheme you had.

As she stroked her lower abdomen, Consort Rong's heart instantly calmed down. What was she afraid of? She had an even greater bargaining chip within her—a beautiful woman who had not yet been recognized by the Emperor. What did she have to fear?

Empress, oh Empress, with your scheming, how could I possibly let you have your way?

"Your Majesty, how about bestowing upon her the title of Consort Yun?" Empress Feng spoke again. She had observed the reactions of everyone and the Emperor, and she was quite satisfied. Originally, she thought her goal for today would be easily achieved, but the Emperor had hesitated unexpectedly. But even if he hesitated, so what? She would not let what she wanted to accomplish go undone.

However, she overestimated herself. She didn't understand that Emperor Mingde would have gladly accepted a beautiful woman as a concubine, but her role in facilitating the marriage between the eldest sons of the Yu and Feng families in the Imperial Garden had already made him somewhat resentful.

In this grand hall, amidst the profound and deep contemplation, whose thoughts could rival those of Emperor Mingde?

Although Emperor Mingde didn't say anything about what happened in the Imperial Garden, he had already been plotting something in his mind.

Empress Feng was unaware that Emperor Mingde's silence at this moment was entirely intentional.

Emperor Mingde remained silent, and the atmosphere in the hall became somewhat awkward. Everyone couldn't help but wonder, "How could the Emperor not be interested in such a beautiful woman?"

However, Consort Rong, who had served Emperor Mingde for many years, knew that the Emperor wasn't simply looking down on Yunxiu; his eyes had long harbored feelings for her. Consort Rong was getting anxious; she feared that delaying would only give Empress Feng more opportunities, so…

"Ah..." A startled exclamation broke the silence of the hall, causing everyone to freeze in surprise. When they looked at the person who had exclaimed, they couldn't help but frown.