The Flourishing Era of Female Merchants

The banquet didn't end until evening. Three days later, the Empress issued a decree inviting An Mi to the palace for a chat. Upon receiving the decree, An Mi knew that the Empress's invitation to the palace was not for anything good. However, An Mi had no choice but to go. Rather than not going and bearing the crime of disobeying the Empress's decree, what would it matter if she went to the palace?

On this day, An Mi arrived at the palace, only to find that she was not the only one invited. When she arrived at the Imperial Garden, the first thing she saw was Sima Yan accompanying Empress Feng. Just as An Mi looked over, Sima Yan was also looking at her with a smile on her lips, but that smile was somewhat malicious.

An Mi couldn't help but sigh inwardly. What a small world! They've only been gone a few days and they've already met again. She was absolutely certain that Sima Yan would not give up on targeting her!

"Anmi, come quickly, come to my side too." Before Anmi could react, Empress Feng spoke, her voice filled with both majesty and kindness. During this time, Old Master Feng had been claiming illness and hadn't left the mansion, and neither had she. But today... if it weren't for that matter, she wouldn't have been in the mood!

As if thinking of something, a dark look flashed across Empress Feng's eyes, but she quickly concealed it, as if the expression in her eyes just now was merely an illusion of others.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." An Mi did not refuse. Empress Feng's attitude towards her had always been ambiguous. However, she understood one thing: no matter how Empress Feng treated her, they could not change their hostile situation. She just didn't know what Empress Feng's intentions were in inviting so many people this time. She did not believe it was just a small gathering.

An Mi walked to Empress Feng's side, and together with Sima Yan, they served Empress Feng on either side. When she looked up, she met a pair of kind eyes that winked at her playfully. Who else could it be but Yan Bing?

Yan Bing? Is she here too?

Just as he was thinking this, Sima Yan's voice slowly rang out, "Empress Dowager, there is something that has been lingering in my mind lately, and I'm afraid that in the end I will still need Your Majesty to issue a decree."

"Oh? Tell me about it." Empress Feng was thinking about other things, but when she heard Sima Yan's words, she came back to her senses.

Sima Yan glanced at An Mi without leaving a trace, and a smile appeared on her lips. "Miss Bing'er from the Marquis of Jin's mansion returned to the capital some time ago. Before Bing'er left the capital a few years ago, we were like sisters. Now that Bing'er is well past the age of marriage, I secretly think that I should find a good husband for Bing'er."

"Oh? This is a good thing." Empress Feng glanced at Yan Bing, noticing Yan Bing standing next to the eldest daughter-in-law of the Marquis of Jin's mansion. Yan Bing from the Marquis of Jin's mansion? She remembered this girl. The Marquis of Jin's mansion used to be on par with the Prime Minister's mansion and the Marquis of Yong's mansion. She had even considered arranging a marriage between her son and the Marquis of Jin's mansion, which would undoubtedly be a great help to the Feng family and to her. However, the Marquis of Jin's mansion today is no longer the same as before.

Empress Feng secretly sized up Yan Bing. She had to admit that Yan Bing was even more beautiful than she had been a few years ago, and even had a touch of heroic spirit. She was more charming than the ladies of the capital.

But what good is charm? What she needs now is power, a background that can benefit the Feng family and the prince.

Clearly, Yan Bing has been excluded. However, bestowing a marriage upon Yan Bing is a good thing. Although the Marquis of Jin's mansion is not as powerful as before, it would be good if it could be won over.

"Does Bing'er have someone she loves? It would be a good deed for me to play matchmaker for her." Empress Feng thought to herself, looking at Yan Bing, and said softly.

The person she loved? Yan Bing's eyes flickered, and a figure appeared in her mind. Countless emotions flashed in her eyes. As perceptive as An Mi, she naturally noticed it and thought of some conversations she had overheard at Lingfeng Pass.

The fifth prince? The King of Qin?

Yan Bing still harbors deep feelings for the King of Qin!

Everyone awaited Yan Bing's answer, and most people were filled with envy. To be granted a marriage by the Empress was a great honor, and the Empress would surely find a good husband for the young lady of the Marquis of Jin's family.

Before Yan Bing could answer, Sima Yan spoke first, "Mother, Bing'er doesn't have a sweetheart. However, I have thought of some suitable candidates these days. Why don't I suggest them to you for your consideration?"

Empress Feng frowned slightly. "That's fine too!"

Sima Yan was overjoyed to receive permission, and her smile became even brighter. "I have heard that the son of the Vice Minister of Rites is the right age for Bing'er. Moreover, the Vice Minister's son is honest and kind. If Bing'er marries into the Vice Minister's household, it will surely be a good match!"

After Sima Yan finished speaking, everyone was stunned for a moment, as if they were wondering if what they had just heard was an illusion.

Is the son of the Vice Minister of Rites really honest and simple? Everyone was stunned when they realized they had heard correctly. Then, recalling what had happened at the Marquis of Jin's residence that day, they all suddenly understood. The Crown Princess was not acting as a matchmaker at all. What sisterly affection? Wasn't she just harming Yan Bing?

The son of the Vice Minister of Rites is a well-known fool in the capital. He is said to be honest and kind, but that's only because of the Vice Minister of Rites. Does the Crown Princess want to marry Yan Bing to that fool? What difference is there between that and pushing her into a fire pit?

Everyone couldn't help but secretly think to themselves, "This Crown Princess is really ruthless!"

Many people couldn't help but glance at Yan Bing and An Mi when they thought of the tense atmosphere at the Marquis of Jin's residence that day. It seemed that the war hadn't ended at the Marquis of Jin's residence, but had spread to the palace.

"Mother, what do you think?" Sima Yan spoke again, asking Empress Feng for instructions in a gentle voice.

Empress Feng was an extremely shrewd person, so she naturally saw that something was amiss. She glanced at Sima Yan indifferently, then shifted her gaze to Yan Bing. Her eyes flickered slightly. It seemed that there was quite a bit of tension between them!

As astute as Empress Feng was, she instantly grasped the implications of the situation. "Yan'er is very kind. If Bing'er likes this marriage, then it is only natural for me to grant Yan'er's wish."

Empress Feng was incredibly meticulous. If it were truly a good marriage, she would naturally be the one to arrange it. However, in this case, she naturally wanted to place the main responsibility on Sima Yan.

Sima Yan represents the First Prince's Mansion. Although the Marquis of Jin's Mansion is not as powerful as before, it should not be underestimated. If the First Prince's Mansion gains an enemy like the Marquis of Jin's Mansion because of this matter, it would not be a bad thing!

“Your Majesty the Empress…” An Mi suddenly spoke up, and everyone turned to look at her. Everyone present sensed the unusual nature of the matter, and no one dared to interrupt at this moment. Even the eldest young mistress of the Marquis of Jin’s mansion, who knew exactly what kind of person the son of the Vice Minister of Rites was and subconsciously opposed to this so-called marriage, did not dare to say a word in defense of Yan Bing. But it was An Mi who spoke up.