The Flourishing Era of Female Merchants

With a slight smile, Liu Zhan cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your gift, Miss. I am in a hurry to welcome the bride into the house. The auspicious time for the wedding ceremony is approaching, and I really cannot delay. Please forgive me, Miss. I will not open it for the time being. However, whether I open it or not will not affect my gratitude to you."

After a pause, as if remembering something, Liu Zhan said loudly, "Since you have presented a wedding gift, and I am a man of propriety, I sincerely invite you to the Liu family for a celebratory drink. If you have the time, I would be honored to accept your invitation..."

This woman opened her embroidery shop right across from Liu's Embroidery Shop? Hmph, is she challenging the Liu family? If that's the case, then he'll let this fearless young woman see the Liu family's connections. The people attending Liu Zhan's wedding ceremony and his father's birthday banquet today are all prominent figures. They're not just the local tyrants and gentry of Rongjin City, but also the famous families of Jicheng. Anyone who has business dealings with the Liu family is among the invited guests.

He told her to back down and quickly take down the "Prosperous Era of Blazing Flames" plaque herself.

Liu Zhan was making these plans, unaware that his suggestion was exactly what An Mi wanted to hear. Even An Mi hadn't expected Liu Zhan to invite her to his wedding. Since that was the case, she had a legitimate reason, and she didn't need to think of any other way to sneak into the Liu family to watch the show.

“In that case, I will respectfully accept your offer.” An Mi nodded gracefully, but glanced subtly at the brocade box being held by the servants of the Liu family.

Ha! She did remind Liu Zhan to open it, but he didn't, so she can't be blamed for not doing so!

Or, in fact, when An Mi was planning to send out this congratulatory gift, she was already quite certain that Liu Zhan would not open the brocade box in public, and the consequences of not opening it... Her eyes flickered, and a wicked smile gradually emerged from the corner of her mouth hidden by the veil.

Liu Zhan, you'll regret it if you don't open the brocade box!

And what she wanted was to see him regret it, didn't she?

Ah!

A servant reminded Liu Zhan to hurry, so Liu Zhan didn't delay any longer and led the wedding procession forward. An Mi followed behind the procession, had Cheng Ying prepare the carriage, and followed the procession towards the Liu residence.

The Liu family mansion is undoubtedly magnificent in the entire Rongjin City, and today, amidst the celebrations, it appears even more imposing.

At the entrance of the Liu residence, the servants checking invitations were extremely busy, yet they dared not make the slightest mistake. People were arriving at the Liu residence in an endless stream, each carrying a valuable gift.

Inside the main hall of the Liu family mansion, Liu Xuan, the patriarch of the Liu family, warmly greeted the guests. This year was Liu Xuan's sixtieth birthday, but Liu Xuan was undoubtedly very well-preserved. He looked no more than fifty years old. At this moment, he was in high spirits and looked extremely proud of himself.

Madam Liu stood beside her, dignified and gentle, yet possessing the competence of a matriarch. Amidst the congratulations and flattery of the female guests, she moved with impeccable manners.

"Everyone says that Master Liu dotes on Madam Liu, and it's certainly true."

"That's right. Look at all those men, they all have three wives and four concubines, but Master Liu, despite his immense wealth, only dotes on Madam Liu."

"Madam Liu, quickly teach these young women how to win a man's heart!"

The women echoed her sentiments, and Madam Liu continued to smile elegantly. But no one noticed that beneath that smile lay a mixture of indifference and hatred, and they felt a deep sense of irony. Did she only have eyes for him?

How did that woman's son come about?

However, she would never reveal these things to outsiders. The more hatred and ruthlessness she felt in her heart, the more flawless her smile became. "What is there to teach? My husband is not a man who lusts after women's bodies. As his wife, I only fulfill my duties as a wife, bearing children, supporting my husband, and managing the household for him. My husband sees my sincerity and my contributions to the Liu family, and he can't bear to let me be bothered by the scheming and infighting among the concubines."

As for that woman and her son? Hmph, she won't let them have a chance to appear before the world!

Upon hearing this, the women responded with another round of enthusiastic flattery and agreement.

"Master, Madam, the young master's wedding procession has reached the street corner and will soon arrive at the mansion."

Just then, the steward of the Liu family rushed in to report, and the entire hall became even more lively. Those who were sitting immediately stood up, and Liu Xuan and his wife also stood up excitedly, instructing the servants, "Quick, quick, the auspicious time is almost here, hurry up and prepare, as soon as the young master brings the bride in, the wedding ceremony will begin immediately."

Upon hearing this, the servants busily and methodically began preparations. Liu Xuan and his wife straightened their clothes and sat in the main seats, while the surrounding guests stood on either side, leaving a large open space.

Before long, Liu Zhan welcomed An Xinhe in. After stepping over the brazier and performing the traditional wedding ceremony, the bride and groom entered the hall.

Anmi remained veiled, watching the two perform these rituals, a slight, sarcastic smile on her face throughout.

"Given this outfit, how many people do you think would recognize you as An Mi, the second young lady of the An family?"

Suddenly, a mocking voice sounded softly behind her. An Mi was slightly startled. When she turned around, she saw the man's ambiguous smile. Who else could it be but Bai Yi?

Bai Yi looked An Mi over again. He had recognized her from afar, even though her face was veiled. He frowned slightly, wondering if he knew her too well. They had only known each other for a short time!

With a slight flicker in his eyes, Bai Yi looked in a certain direction and then spoke again, "Do you think... Qing Lan would recognize you like I do at a glance?"

An Mi frowned, wondering why he suddenly brought up Qing Lan. Before she could answer, his deep, magnetic voice rang in her ears again, "Hmm, I guess he won't recognize her! What do you think?"

After saying that, he turned around and walked to the other side without waiting for An Mi's reaction. As he turned around, the corners of his mouth turned up a little wider. He also wanted to stay by An Mi's side, but... if he was by An Mi's side at this moment, he might arouse Qing Lan's suspicion and make her recognize An Mi.

Deep down, he didn't want Qinglan to see such a captivating Anmi! So, he could only endure it and watch Anmi from afar. As for getting to know her better... there's plenty of time!

At that moment, he was unaware that another pair of eyes had seen what he had just done.

Since entering the gates of the Liu residence, the Prince of Donglin had been paying attention to a certain person, intentionally or unintentionally. He had been in Rongjin City for some time now. He had come for the sake of the third brother, but he had not yet met him. Today, the brothers should get together. Besides the third brother, perhaps the eldest brother would also be there.