The Flourishing Era of Female Merchants

Bai Yi uttered just one word, his mind racing as he pondered the meaning behind An Mi's words. In fact, he had figured it out, but he couldn't quite believe that An Mi had such wicked intentions!

What shocked him even more was the potential consequences: "This would be a scandal for the royal family."

An Mi glanced at Bai Yi indifferently and shrugged dismissively. "If Your Highness cares about the royal family's reputation, then you should really marry Miss Yunxiu. An Mi thinks that Miss Yunxiu is incredibly beautiful, a true beauty, and Your Highness is handsome and dashing. You two are a perfect match..."

"You woman!" Bai Yi chuckled and shook his head, his eyes filled with doting affection. Her tone was clearly teasing, but as astute as he was, he could detect a hint of excitement in her words.

She doesn't want to marry Yunxiu, does she? Ha! Bai Yi immediately laughed like a cat that had stolen cream, "If I marry her, how can I marry you?"

An Mi frowned, meeting his mischievous gaze, but quickly looked away. Ever since Bai Yi's domineering kiss that night, she seemed less resistant to this man's feelings. Perhaps, in this life, she could try to accept a relationship, for the sake of... for the sake of how relentlessly he pursued her!

Thinking of this, a sweet feeling welled up in An Mi's heart, but her face remained indifferent. "Then does Your Highness think An Mi's suggestion is appropriate?"

Bai Yi smiled but remained silent. Although he did not want to have any involvement with Yunxiu, doing so might have a permanent solution in order to dispel his father's thoughts. Bai Yi's eyes flashed, and a mature plan quickly took shape in his mind.

Thanks to Mi'er's clever idea, Bai Yi nodded, "Of course I'll listen to you. I agree to marry Yunxiu."

After saying that, Bai Yi thought of Consort Rong who had just left and pressed An Mi to tell her what Consort Rong had said to her. An Mi just smiled and said it was nothing, but Bai Yi knew from the smile on her face that what Consort Rong had said must have angered An Mi.

Bai Yi frowned, knowing that An Mi was always one to hold grudges, and that An Mi would eventually retaliate after being provoked by Consort Rong.

Just then, a eunuch's summons came from outside, saying that the evidence had been presented and the imperial physician would test for poison on the spot. The door was then opened, and the eunuch who came to take An Mi to the main hall bowed to the King of Bohai. Seeing the King of Bohai's imposing aura, he did not dare to lay a hand on An Mi. "Miss An Mi, please."

An Mi nodded and calmly walked out. Even the eunuch who came to summon her couldn't help but admire her composure. This young lady An Mi was far too composed. Her departure was no different from going to the execution ground.

The atmosphere in the main hall was completely different from the previous celebration. Everyone present was too afraid to even breathe. When they saw An Mi enter, they all had different expressions. Was the Phoenix Heart Pastry incident orchestrated by Empress Feng, or did An Mi do something behind the scenes?

They didn't know, but they did know that no matter what the outcome, this peaceful life would likely end badly.

How could the Emperor tolerate someone who plotted to harm the prince in Consort Rong's womb?

An Mi, under the gaze of everyone, walked to the main hall and calmly bowed to Emperor Mingde, Empress Rong, and others. Her composure, however, elicited different reactions from these people.

Emperor Mingde glanced at Bai Yi, a hint of confidence gathering in his eyes. He believed that An Mi was a smart woman and might have already done as he asked.

On the surface, Consort Rong appeared pitiful and indignant, claiming that someone was trying to harm her unborn child. But in her heart, she was filled with anticipation for a good show. Empress Feng, this tranquility will be the boulder that drags you down with it.

Empress Feng was also somewhat flustered. Consort Rong had clearly come prepared. If she wanted to avoid being implicated in this matter, she could only push An Mi out and make her bear all the blame. Her eyes narrowed, and Empress Feng angrily said in front of everyone, "So this is An Mi! How could you harbor such a vicious intention? Before the Emperor, you still won't tell the truth. What were your intentions in using the Phoenix Heart Pastry that I bestowed upon you to harm the child in Consort Rong's womb?"

Empress Feng's preemptive strike caused Consort Rong and Consort An to frown. Consort Rong understood Empress Feng's intentions, but she was in no hurry. Consort An would naturally know what to do. She turned her gaze to Consort An, and sure enough, Consort An's voice slowly rang out, "Your Majesty, even if I had the greatest courage, I would not dare to harm the imperial child in Consort Rong's womb."

Consort Rong's face darkened slightly. Why didn't An Mi agree with Empress Feng and say that everything was done by Empress Feng?

“Anmi, you don’t need to be afraid. I know you wouldn’t dare to do such a thing unless someone instructed you. Who instructed you? Tell everyone.” Consort Rong said loudly, her meaning couldn’t be clearer.

Empress Feng glared fiercely at Consort Rong. This woman had clearly bribed An Mi to frame her!

That wretched Consort Rong, is she trying to frame her for murdering a prince? Hmph, as long as she doesn't kill her this time, she'll see how long the imperial heir in her womb can last. Thinking this, Empress Feng's nails even dug into her flesh. Looking at An Mi, Empress Feng's eyes narrowed slightly. She hadn't expected that she wanted to use An Mi to guard against Consort Rong, but now, her innocence was in An Mi's hands.

She knew that if An Mi insisted on this, based on the Emperor's excitement about the news that Consort Rong was pregnant, even if she was the Empress and not punished, the Emperor's attitude towards her would change drastically.

She had already lost the emperor's favor, and she could not bear any more rejection or dislike from him, especially since her son was vying for the throne. She could not bear even the slightest displeasure from the emperor, lest it affect her son.

Anmi, if you dare to collude with Consort Rong, I will make sure you suffer a terrible death.

"It's not even certain whether there's a problem with these Phoenix Heart Pastries yet. Isn't it inappropriate for Consort Rong and the Empress to make such a hasty conclusion?" Qinglan's voice suddenly rang out, unusually loud in the hall. She glanced at Anmi without leaving a trace, quite satisfied with her composure.

Everyone agreed with the eldest prince's words. The imperial physician was already waiting nearby. Emperor Mingde frowned and immediately announced, "The Phoenix Heart Pastry has been served. Imperial Physician, please check if there is any problem with it."

The imperial physician received the order and immediately stepped forward to examine the plate of Phoenix Heart Pastries. For a moment, everyone's attention was focused on the plate of pastries. Many people's expressions were unusually solemn, but Consort Rong and Qinglan were different from the others in their nervousness.

Qinglan's gaze fell on Consort Rong, as if she was waiting for something. The hall was so quiet that only the sound of breathing could be heard. Finally, after an unknown amount of time, the imperial physician gave his results.