The Flourishing Era of Female Merchants

"Second Imperial Brother... What a Second Imperial Brother! Father is still alive, is he usurping the throne?!" Qinglan said fiercely. Her voice pierced the air and reached the ears of Emperor Mingde behind her. Emperor Mingde's weak body swayed, but he managed to steady himself by leaning on Bai Yi's arm.

The Second Prince? Usurper?

Ha! What a fine second son!

Empress Feng also overheard this conversation and was struck dumb.

How could this be? My son... how could he be so foolish!

"Your Majesty...Your Majesty, please let me explain. There must be some misunderstanding. My son has always respected you and would never do such a rebellious thing." Empress Feng quickly got off the carriage and knelt heavily on the ground. At this moment, she had lost her composure. She had to think of a way, she absolutely had to find a solution. This matter concerning her son was no small matter!

Emperor Mingde's sharp gaze fell on Empress Feng, his eyes filled not only with disgust but also with hatred. "Treasonous? Hmph, you know this is a treasonous thing!"

That tone... The Empress's heart skipped a beat, and then she heard Emperor Mingde's angry voice continue...

"Guards! The Second Prince is plotting a rebellion, and his birth mother must be involved. Seize her and we will decide what to do next!" Emperor Mingde's eyes narrowed, and he said loudly. If the previous assassination attempt could have drawn criticism by completely eradicating the Feng family, then now that the Second Prince has rebelled, Empress Feng and the Feng family will probably not even have a chance to struggle!

After saying this, Emperor Mingde ignored Empress Feng's shocked expression and continued to instruct, "Baiyi, have Qinglan step back and make arrangements!"

At Emperor Mingde's command, guards lifted Empress Feng up. Just now, they had all heard the guards' words on the city gate: the Second Prince's palace was in turmoil, how could the Empress escape?

Empress Feng realized what was happening and struggled desperately, but it was all in vain. Her cries, mixed with the chaos of the scene, sounded particularly desolate to the peaceful ears of the carriage behind her.

Inside the carriage, Anmi lifted the curtain and gazed at the war raging in the distance, her eyes darkening further.

"Mother, has Uncle Second Prince really rebelled?" Liu'er nestled in Anmi's arms, her clear eyes filled with doubt.

An Mi held Liu'er's hand, and tightened her other arm around Liu'er's body, but said nothing. Watching Empress Feng being dragged away not far away, An Mi understood that Empress Feng's faction was probably completely defeated!

As for the Second Prince... with the Emperor around, even if the Second Prince now controls the entire capital, it's all in vain.

Led by Bai Yi and protected by Qing Lan and her soldiers, the group quickly retreated to a place ten miles away. Meanwhile, in the palace, on the Golden Throne Hall, the Second Prince was already sitting on the throne. Although the Golden Throne Hall was empty, the feeling of sitting on the throne was truly intoxicating.

"Hehe, this throne is ultimately mine!" The Second Prince patted the dragon throne. He was now just waiting for his mother to return to the palace so he could deal with Qinglan and her gang. He would not allow anyone to take this throne from him.

"Report, Second Prince..." A general entered the gate; it was the same general who had been on the city gate earlier.

The second prince frowned slightly upon seeing his expression. "What's the matter that you're in such a panic?"

"Second Prince, the First Prince and his entourage have arrived outside the city. As instructed by the Second Prince, I ordered them to kill without mercy, but..." The general's face showed anxiety, "but I think I saw His Majesty in the distance..."

The second prince was stunned, and stood up abruptly. Father? How could this be?

Father has already passed away, hasn't he?

"Are you sure you're reading correctly?" The second prince's eyes narrowed, and he became serious. "Father has clearly passed away!"

"That's what I thought too. It's not very clear from a distance, but it does look somewhat like it." The general frowned. Could it be that he was really mistaken?

"Hmph, it must be Qinglan's trick. Ignore it. Remember, absolutely do not let him enter the city. It would be best to get rid of him as soon as possible." The Second Prince narrowed his eyes, his killing intent flashing.

"Yes, Your subordinate obeys!" The general accepted the order and was relieved.

Meanwhile, ten miles outside the city, Qinglan had already ordered his men to set up camp on the spot. Inside the tent, Qinglan and Baiyi were guarding Emperor Mingde's side. Several imperial physicians carefully changed the dressings on Emperor Mingde's wounds and were waiting by his side. Thinking of this sudden change, no one dared to say a word.

The eunuchs helped Emperor Mingde change his clothes, and everyone's attention was focused on him, as if waiting for him to speak.

Finally, Emperor Mingde, who was sitting on the couch, raised his eyes and slowly said, "Qinglan, come here."

Everyone was taken aback and looked at the eldest prince. Qinglan stepped forward and respectfully said, "Father..."

Emperor Mingde pulled something out of his arms. Everyone present was stunned when they saw it. Even Qinglan was surprised. That... that was the Tiger Tally that could mobilize thousands of troops!

"Father, you..." A hint of excitement welled up in Qinglan's heart, but she suppressed it well, and her face remained calm.

"This series of events must have been meticulously planned. That rebellious second son dared to murder the emperor and usurp the throne with the support of the Feng family. He is an outrage against both gods and men, and the people of the world must punish him. I hereby hand over this tiger tally to you today. You may mobilize your troops and make sure to kill all the rebels." Emperor Mingde spoke each word with exceptional force in the tent.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will not fail you." Qinglan knelt on one knee and respectfully accepted the tiger tally that could mobilize thousands of troops, his heart filled with excitement.

Everyone who witnessed this scene understood the Emperor's meaning. It seemed that the heir to the throne would undoubtedly be the eldest prince.

No one expected that the situation in the court would change so drastically in just one day!

"Go." Emperor Mingde waved his hand, a hint of weariness appearing between his brows, and slowly closed his eyes.

"Yes, Father." Qinglan accepted the order and quickly left. The tent fell into an eerie silence again. However, everyone present knew that although the Second Prince had occupied the capital, the only troops left in the capital were the Imperial Guards protecting the palace. As for the other troops outside, they could be summoned with a single order as long as they had the Tiger Tally.

For more than ten days, Bai Yi led the soldiers he had brought out during the hunt to protect Emperor Mingde and a group of court officials, retreating to a small town near the capital. This move, however, made the Second Prince, who was completely unaware of the truth, complacent in the palace. In his opinion, Qinglan must be afraid of him!

The Second Prince immediately ordered two trusted generals to accompany him, while he personally led the troops under their command in an attempt to eliminate Qinglan in one fell swoop, under the pretext of retrieving Emperor Mingde's remains and executing the traitors.

When Emperor Mingde learned of this news in the small town, he was furious.