The Flourishing Era of Female Merchants

Emperor Mingde, sitting in the main seat, had a face that was already incredibly gloomy. However, a cold feeling rose in his heart. He was the emperor, with so many people watching. He had waited for Old Master Feng for half a day. He wanted to see how Old Master Feng would explain his lateness!

Over the years, he had harbored resentment and forbearance towards the Feng family. He was just waiting to find a way to punish them severely, or at least teach them a lesson! Now, Old Master Feng had simply handed him this opportunity. If he didn't make good use of it, wouldn't that be a huge loss?

Everyone in the hall carefully observed Emperor Mingde's expression, and couldn't help but feel a little worried for Old Master Feng. This Old Master Feng was far too presumptuous. So what if the Feng family was large and powerful?

But he has now angered the Emperor! The wrath of an emperor can cause bloodshed for miles!

It seems that this time, Old Master Feng has run into a dangerous situation!

"Looks like there's going to be a good show later." An Mi, sitting next to Bai Yi, spoke in a low voice. Only Bai Yi, who was sitting next to her, and Qing Lan, who was sitting at another table only half a meter away from her, could hear her clearly.

Bai Yi and Qing Lan both smiled slightly, "Of course there's going to be a good show, but it's still unknown who will come out on top!"

Bai Yi's gaze narrowed slightly, and he spoke meaningfully. An Mi frowned slightly and couldn't help but glance at Bai Yi beside her. She met the sharp glint in his eyes, and her mind raced. Soon, she seemed to understand something.

Yes, even in her past life, she never had the chance to meet Old Master Feng. However, she had heard many rumors about Old Master Feng, both in her past and present lives. There's no smoke without fire; those rumors couldn't be without basis, could they?

Since Old Master Feng dared to make Emperor Mingde wait, he must have already prepared his excuses to leave Emperor Mingde helpless against him!

But what was Old Master Feng's purpose in doing this?

Anmi frowned slightly, secretly speculating in her mind.

Just then, a servant entered the hall, knelt on the ground, and announced loudly, "Your Majesty, Old Master Feng is outside the hall requesting an audience!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions changed, and some even looked out of the hall as if waiting for a storm to break.

An Mi's eyes flickered slightly as she glanced subtly at Emperor Mingde, who sat in the main seat. The anger on his face seemed ready to erupt at any moment. It seemed that Emperor Mingde already knew what she was about to do!

Anxi couldn't help but feel even more excited. She picked up the teacup in front of her and took a small sip. Just then, Emperor Mingde's deep voice slowly echoed in the hall.

"Xuan!"

At Emperor Mingde's command, the guard stood up and retreated. He shouted loudly at the entrance of the hall, but after a while, no one appeared. Seeing Emperor Mingde's face growing increasingly grim, everyone in the hall secretly gasped and couldn't help but mutter to themselves, "This old master Feng, even at this point, still maintains his dignity?"

Who in the world would dare to keep the Emperor waiting? But today, Old Master Feng kept the Emperor waiting for a whole afternoon, which already displeased the Emperor. Now that he has arrived, he is still so unhurried. This Old Master Feng is far too audacious!

I really don't know how Old Master Feng will bear the Emperor's wrath later!

Just as everyone was thinking this, Old Master Feng's voice finally came from the doorway. However, compared to his previous robust appearance, the old man who entered was pale and was even being supported by Empress Feng herself. In particular, the red marks on his waist and abdomen were clearly visible to everyone present, and their eyes couldn't help but narrow.

What exactly is going on?

No one made a sound in the entire hall except for the faint sound of footsteps. On the main seat, Emperor Mingde's eyes gradually narrowed as Old Master Feng approached, but no one could discern any emotion in him.

Qinglan seemed to have seen through some clues. Like the King of Bohai, her brows furrowed slightly. This old master Feng was indeed a cunning old fox!

An Mi saw this and a smile appeared on her lips. Her interest had grown even stronger. It seemed that Old Master Feng had come prepared!

Sure enough, when Old Master Feng reached the center of the main hall, he suddenly knelt down. This kneeling caused him to stumble, causing his weak body to lean forward. If Empress Feng and Feng Qing hadn't caught him in time, he would have fallen heavily to the ground!

"Father..." Empress Feng called out softly. The usually dignified woman was now shedding tears. Of course, her father, whom she hadn't seen for so long, had finally come to see her again, only to be in such a state. How could she not be heartbroken?

Emperor Mingde's eyes narrowed, but he remained silent, his gaze lingering on Old Master Feng, as if he were not in any discomfort.

A subtle, sharp glint flashed in Old Master Feng's eyes. He thought that Emperor Mingde would ask about him with concern upon seeing him like this, but he hadn't expected... It seemed like they hadn't seen each other for quite some time! After so long, his son-in-law had become quite profound and reserved, even much more mature!

"Your Majesty... This old minister... This old minister pays his respects to Your Majesty. This old minister begs for forgiveness. This old minister has missed the time for the welcoming banquet. This old minister is terrified. This old minister is willing to accept Your Majesty's punishment." Old Master Feng knelt on the ground, bowed, and said sincerely. He coughed several times during the ceremony, as if he had exhausted all his strength to pay his respects to the Emperor and beg for forgiveness.

Old Master Feng's move was undeniably brilliant. With his body already injured, he humbled himself and begged for forgiveness in front of so many people. Even if Emperor Mingde wanted to punish him, he would have to show leniency. Besides, even if he wanted to punish him, he would surely have to find out the reason for his lateness, wouldn't he?

Emperor Mingde lowered his gaze slightly, feeling a surge of frustration. With Old Master Feng in such a state, he could no longer vent his anger as he had been about to unleash it!

Old Master Feng! Although he has aged considerably, he remains as shrewd and cunning as ever!

Emperor Mingde abruptly stood up and walked from his seat to the center of the hall. He had already shed his previous gloom, though his brow was still furrowed. However, his expression was full of concern. He reached out to help Old Master Feng up, "Old Master, let's not talk about apologizing for anything. What... exactly happened to you?"

Old Master Feng rose, his body weakly leaning against Feng Qing. "Your Majesty, this old minister is terrified. This old minister is the father of a disgraced official, unworthy of Your Majesty's compassion, cough..."

"Father, you're already like this, so please don't speak," Empress Feng said urgently. She then turned to Emperor Mingde and said, "Your Majesty, I was waiting outside the palace to greet Father. When I received him, Father was already like this. Seeing that you were injured and so weak, I wanted to have you see the imperial physician first, to properly treat your wounds, since you've lost so much blood..."