The Flourishing Era of Female Merchants

After a long silence, Bai Yi gently stroked An Mi's palm, offering comfort in this way. His deep voice was filled with determination, "Remember, I am right outside Father Emperor's palace."

He was telling her that he was right outside her father's palace, and that no matter what happened to her inside, he would rush in without hesitation if she was in danger.

An Mi naturally understood what he meant, and a smile appeared on her lips as she nodded, "I know."

Having said that, he looked out the door, his eyes filled with determination, and resolutely walked out of the hall. The emotions of those who remained inside the hall continued to linger. Bai Yi looked out the hall with a solemn expression, while Qing Lan looked out the hall with even more complicated feelings in her eyes.

At this moment, the person standing beside An Mi was Bai Yi. How he wished it were him, but now he was no longer qualified. This sense of loss and jealousy, like a fierce snake, burrowed into his heart and then into his limbs and bones. The feeling was extremely painful for him. Now, his father had agreed to let them get married after the fifth prince's marriage. At that time, would he be even less qualified?

Thinking of this, Qinglan's face grew even uglier. Seeing this, Sima Yan beside him felt an even more intense jealousy.

Even so, he still won't give up?

What kind of drug did Anmi give him?

The resentment that had been building up in Sima Yan's heart surged up. She looked away and gazed in the direction where An Mi's figure had disappeared. The flames burning in her eyes lingered for a long time.

Meanwhile, after following Emperor Mingde to the tranquil imperial palace, they were left alone in the vast palace, surrounded by only a few palace maids and eunuchs.

Did Emperor Mingde send her along just to leave her hanging?

An Mi knew that it wouldn't be that simple. If she guessed correctly, Emperor Mingde left her hanging here just to vent his displeasure. He didn't want to see her marry Bai Yi, but various circumstances forced him to compromise. How could an emperor's compromise be so easily obtained?

Thinking this way, Anmi's mind calmed down even more. It's just staying here for a while, what's the big deal?

She has plenty of patience!

Inside the room, Yunxiu was serving Emperor Mingde. Looking at Emperor Mingde who was focused on reading the memorials, she couldn't help but frown. Did the emperor forget that Anmi was standing outside?

Yunxiu changed the incense in the room and walked to the door without leaving a trace. She glanced at Anmi and saw that she was still standing there with a normal expression. Even after waiting for an hour, she still showed no impatience. Yunxiu couldn't help but take another look at Anmi.

She had long guessed that this woman, who could win the deep love of the King of Bohai, must have something extraordinary about her. She lowered her brows, and something seemed to linger in her eyes, disappearing in an instant, replaced by a kind and gentle smile.

As she turned around, Yunxiu smiled slightly, already having made up her mind. She took light steps toward Emperor Mingde and gently massaged his shoulders. "Your Majesty has been reading memorials for an hour. Please rest and don't overwork yourself."

Such care, coupled with the just-right massage pressure, immediately relaxed Emperor Mingde. Normally, when he was reading memorials, he would never allow anyone to disturb or interrupt him, but Yunxiu's massage was able to make him completely relaxed and let down all his guard.

"Your hands really have magic power. I've really struck gold!" Emperor Mingde chuckled, put down the memorial, and closed his eyes to enjoy the moment.

"It is my honor to relieve Your Majesty's burden. The whole world is in Your Majesty's hands. I am truly humbled and trembling with fear." Yunxiu spoke softly while massaging him, her eyes calm as still water, and her whole being exuded a charmingly serene and elegant aura.

She knew perfectly well that the Emperor's acceptance of her, and his bestowal of the title of Consort, was not because of her beauty, nor because of her hands that could massage him and relieve his fatigue, but because… Thinking of that reason, Yunxiu couldn't help but raise the corners of her mouth, a hint of smugness in her eyes, "Your Majesty, the peace outside…"

The moment the word "Anmi" was mentioned, Emperor Mingde's relaxed body tensed slightly. With her keen senses, she naturally noticed it and stopped speaking. She did not continue, but her purpose had been achieved. All she had to do was remind Emperor Mingde that Anmi was still outside. As for the rest, it was up to Emperor Mingde to figure it out himself.

Sure enough, Emperor Mingde's slightly furrowed brows relaxed, and he glanced at the memorials he had already read. Had he been reading memorials for a full hour? That meant that An Mi had been waiting outside for an hour!

An hour should be about right!

"Help me up!" Emperor Mingde said in a deep voice. Yunxiu was delighted to see him like this and carefully helped Emperor Mingde up from the bed.

"Your Majesty, your concubine..." Yunxiu called out tentatively.

Emperor Mingde stood up, his gaze slightly lowered, "You may stay in the room!"

Yunxiu curtsied and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty!"

Emperor Mingde dropped Yunxiu and went out the door. In the hall, Anmi still stood there, as immovable as a mountain. When Emperor Mingde saw Anmi's figure, he couldn't help but frown. Clearly, Anmi's current state surprised him.

Standing there for a full hour should have made even a man a little tired, but the tranquility he exuded while standing there was as if he had just stood there, without even the slightest fear or impatience.

To some extent, Emperor Mingde had to admit that this woman was admirable!

but……

Emperor Mingde's gaze narrowed slightly as if he had thought of something. When Anmi saw Emperor Mingde come out, she slowly and respectfully curtsied, "Anmi greets Your Majesty!"

When Anmi is dressed in palace attire and performs palace rituals, the elegance and nobility she exudes are in no way inferior to any lady of high birth. She also has a calm and composed demeanor that makes people genuinely like her.

To be fair, aside from her humble origins and her involvement in business and public appearances, Anmi is worthy of the title of Princess of Bohai and is also worthy of their royal family!

but……

Sigh! Emperor Mingde sighed heavily in his heart. Now that he had agreed to their marriage, there was no point in him worrying about it anymore.

However, there are some things he needs to let An Mi know!

"Hmm." Emperor Mingde responded lightly, sat down, and looked at An Mi without offering her a seat. His expression became even more dignified.

An Mi remained silent under Emperor Mingde's gaze, waiting for him to speak again. After a long silence, Emperor Mingde finally spoke, "I have already agreed to your marriage with Bai Yi after the Fifth Prince's wedding."