Phoenix Dance: The Eldest Daughter's Physician Consort Shocks the World

After parting ways with Shen Yixuan at the market, Su Yao knew that the Crown Prince's harassment was becoming more frequent and ruthless, and that she could not cope with the increasingly complex situation by relying solely on her own resourcefulness. Therefore, she decided to secretly meet with the loyal and righteous people she had met before to discuss countermeasures.

As night fell, the hustle and bustle of the capital city gradually gave way to tranquility. Dressed in black night clothes, Su Yao quietly left the Su residence and headed towards a secluded manor outside the city. This manor was a secret hideout she had purchased earlier, located in a remote area that was unlikely to be discovered.

When Su Yao arrived, Lin Yu, Shen Yixuan, and several reliable military officers had been waiting for some time. The candlelight inside the room flickered, illuminating their solemn and resolute faces.

"Miss Su, you've arrived." Lin Yu was the first to stand up and greet her. His injuries had mostly healed, and his eyes were full of respect and concern for Su Yao.

“Miss Su, the Crown Prince has become increasingly arrogant lately. We must find a way to deal with him; we can’t always be on the defensive,” Shen Yixuan said, frowning with worry.

Su Yao nodded slightly, her expression grave: "What you all say is true. The Crown Prince now sees me as a thorn in his side, and he probably won't give up until he achieves his goal. We cannot sit idly by and wait for our doom; we must take the initiative."

A captain spoke up: "Miss Su, in my humble opinion, we might as well collect evidence of the Crown Prince's factionalism, corruption and bribery over the years. Once the time is right, we can present this evidence to the Emperor and let him receive the punishment he deserves."

"This plan is good, but the Crown Prince is cautious, and it may not be easy to obtain this evidence," Lin Yu said after a moment of contemplation.

Su Yao paced around the room, pondering for a long time before saying, "We can start with the people around him, such as the Crown Prince's trusted advisor, Lord Wang. I've heard that he's a gambler and has accumulated a lot of debt. We can use this as a starting point to try and get him to work for us and obtain evidence of the Crown Prince's crimes."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Shen Yixuan added, "I also have a few friends in the Imperial Academy. They might be able to help keep an eye on the Crown Prince's every move, so we can be informed in time if there's any disturbance."

"Alright, then I'll have to trouble you, Young Master Shen. General Lin, please be careful in the army as well. The Crown Prince might try to suppress and investigate our people, so please make sure everyone's safety is guaranteed." Su Yao looked at Lin Yu, her eyes full of trust and entrustment.

Lin Yu clasped his hands in acceptance of the order: "Miss Su, rest assured, this humble general will do his utmost."

After discussing their strategy, the group went on to discuss some details until late at night before dispersing. Su Yao knew that this contest with the Crown Prince had only just begun, and the road ahead was full of thorns and dangers, but she would not back down. For her own and her family's fate, and for the peace of the world, she had to forge ahead.

Back at the Su residence, Su Yao carefully avoided the patrolling servants and returned to her room. Just as she breathed a sigh of relief, Xiao Cui greeted her: "Miss, you're finally back! I was so worried about you!"

Su Yao smiled and comforted her, "Xiao Cui, I'm fine, aren't I? Don't worry, this kind of thing might happen again in the future, you just have to get used to it."

“Miss, I know you’re doing great things. Although I don’t understand them, I will always be there for you and support you,” Xiao Cui said firmly.

Su Yao felt a warmth in her heart and gently patted Xiao Cui's hand: "Okay, with you by my side, I feel much more at ease."

The next morning, Su Yao got up and dressed as usual, preparing to pay her respects to her grandmother. Just as she stepped into the courtyard, the steward hurried over: "Miss, His Highness the Crown Prince has sent an invitation, inviting you to the Crown Prince's residence for a flower viewing banquet in three days."

Su Yao took the invitation, a cold smile playing on her lips. She knew this flower-viewing banquet was bound to be another trap, but she was not afraid. A slight smile played on her lips, and a resolute glint flashed in her eyes: "Fine, go and tell His Highness the Crown Prince that I will definitely be there on time."

The steward accepted the order and left. Su Yao stared at the invitation in her hand, secretly considering her options. She knew that the next confrontation with the Crown Prince was imminent, and this time, she had to be even more careful to escape unscathed from his schemes and advance her plans.