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

Since returning to her residence after the flower-viewing banquet, Su Yao has kept a low profile, secretly plotting her dealings with the Crown Prince while waiting for the right opportunity. As for the Crown Prince, although he has temporarily restrained himself after his conspiracy at the banquet was exposed, Su Yao understands that this is merely the calm before the storm.

A few days later, the Empress suddenly issued an imperial decree, inviting the female relatives of all the princes and ministers to the Royal Hot Spring Palace for bathing and blessings. Su Yao knew that this was another "trap" she had to go to, but she accepted the decree without hesitation.

The Royal Hot Spring Palace was nestled at the foot of a green mountain on the outskirts of the capital, surrounded by lush trees and steaming hot spring waters, resembling a paradise on earth. As soon as Su Yao and Xiao Cui stepped into the palace, they sensed an unusual atmosphere. The many women outwardly smiled and chatted, but in reality, they were secretly sizing each other up and comparing themselves.

"Sister Su Yao, you've come too." A clear voice rang out, and Su Yao turned around to see Lin Wan'er, the daughter of the Minister of Rites, whom she had met once at a palace banquet. Lin Wan'er was simple and kind-hearted, and she and Su Yao got along quite well.

"Sister Wan'er, it's been a long time," Su Yao replied with a smile.

As the two were talking, the Crown Princess suddenly walked over with a group of people. She looked at Su Yao with arrogance and a mocking smile on her lips: "Oh, isn't this Miss Su Yao? Don't be so unruly in the hot spring palace as you are outside. It would be bad if you offended the gods."

Su Yao bowed respectfully, saying, "Your Highness is too kind. I will certainly be careful with my words and actions."

The Crown Princess snorted coldly and left with her entourage. Lin Wan'er, holding Su Yao's hand, said angrily, "Sister Su Yao, the Crown Princess and the others have gone too far. They always bully people because of their status."

Su Yao patted Lin Wan'er's hand and comforted her, "Wan'er, don't pay attention to them. Let's just focus on doing our own thing."

After changing their clothes, everyone entered the hot spring pool. Su Yao found a relatively secluded corner to sit down, closed her eyes to rest, but her mind was preoccupied with the true purpose of the Empress's invitation. Suddenly, a commotion arose, and Su Yao opened her eyes to see a noblewoman struggling in the water, her face filled with terror.

Su Yao immediately got up, swam towards the noblewoman, and pulled her to the shore. After examining her, Su Yao found that she had only suffered a leg cramp and was otherwise unharmed. Using her medical skills, Su Yao quickly relieved the woman's pain.

"Thank you so much, Miss Su Yao, for saving my life," the noblewoman said gratefully.

Su Yao smiled and said, "It was nothing, Miss, you don't need to worry about it."

After this incident, people's attitudes towards Su Yao changed somewhat, and they were no longer as distant as before. However, Su Yao knew that this was far from enough; she had to be even more careful.

After soaking in the hot springs, everyone went to the palace to rest. Su Yao went for a walk alone in the garden outside the palace, breathing in the fresh air. Suddenly, she heard a familiar zither tune. Following the sound, she saw a woman dressed in white playing the zither in a pavilion. The woman had a beautiful face and an elegant demeanor; it was none other than Yun Ruoxue, Su Yao's former best friend.

"Sister Ruoxue, it really is you!" Su Yao exclaimed in surprise.

Yun Ruoxue looked up and saw Su Yao. A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes: "Yao Yao, it's been a long time. I've heard about your deeds in the capital and I've been worried about you."

Su Yao stepped forward and took Yun Ruoxue's hand: "Sister Ruoxue, I'm so happy to see you here. What are you doing here?"

Yun Ruoxue sighed softly, "My father was transferred to the capital, so I came with him. Yaoyao, I heard that the Crown Prince has been making things difficult for you, so you have to be careful."

Su Yao nodded: "Don't worry, sister, I'll take good care of myself. Sister, would you be willing to help me?"

Yun Ruoxue said firmly, "We're good sisters, of course I'll help you. Tell me what your plans are."

Su Yao felt a warmth in her heart and told Yun Ruoxue about her general plan. The two talked in the pavilion for a long time until dusk before reluctantly parting ways.

Back in her palace, Su Yao felt a surge of confidence. With Yun Ruoxue's help, she had gained another trustworthy person in the capital, providing a significant advantage for her future endeavors. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess, too, would likely never have imagined such a fruitful trip to the hot springs. A slight smile played on Su Yao's lips, a confident glint in her eyes. She knew she was one step closer to her goal.