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

After returning from the Royal Hot Spring Palace, Su Yao began preparing for her next move, and a poetry gathering in the capital became her opportunity to shine once again. This poetry gathering was organized by famous literati in the capital, and the children of high-ranking officials and nobles would all attend, with the aim of exchanging poems and songs and showcasing their talents.

On the day of the poetry gathering, Su Yao wore a pale yellow silk dress with a light pink gauze cloak over it, and held a folding fan painted with ink bamboo. She looked fresh, elegant, and graceful. She arrived early with Xiao Cui at the courtyard where the poetry gathering was being held. A large crowd had already gathered there. When they saw Su Yao arrive, they cast various glances at her, some of which were filled with jealousy, some with admiration, and some with curiosity.

"Miss Su, you've arrived! This poetry gathering is truly an honor for our humble abode," a young gentleman greeted him, speaking with a hint of ingratiation. This man was the son of a scholar from the Hanlin Academy, and he enjoyed dabbling in refined pursuits, making him a somewhat well-known figure among the young men of the capital.

Su Yao smiled and bowed slightly: "Young master, you flatter me. It is my honor to participate in this poetry gathering and exchange poems with all the talented men and women here."

After a few pleasantries, the poetry gathering officially began. Several renowned literary figures first posed topics, asking everyone to compose poems based on them. This time, the topic was "A Splendid Spring Scene," requiring participants to depict the vitality and beauty of spring.

After a moment's thought, Su Yao picked up her brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote on the paper:

Spring branches burst forth green in the morning sun, peach blossoms hold delicate beauty as butterflies dance in the air.

A breeze caresses the clear waves, fish frolic in their reflections; the mountains and rivers are enchanting, their beauty radiant.

As soon as the poem was finished, people gathered around to admire it. Su Yao's handwriting was elegant yet powerful, the verses were perfectly balanced and the imagery was beautiful, vividly depicting the splendor of spring. The crowd couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

"Miss Su is indeed exceptionally talented. This poem is a masterpiece in terms of word choice, sentence structure, and the creation of its imagery!" A scholarly-looking man stroked his beard and praised.

However, just as everyone was praising Su Yao's poem, the Crown Prince arrived at the poetry gathering with several close confidants. Seeing Su Yao once again become the center of attention, the Crown Prince's jealousy flared up instantly.

"Hmph, it's just a piece written to suit the occasion, what's the big deal?" the Crown Prince said coldly, his eyes filled with disdain.

Seeing this, Su Yao stepped forward with neither arrogance nor servility and bowed: "Your Highness, I am merely expressing my feelings. If there is anything lacking, I hope Your Highness will give me your guidance."

The Crown Prince's face stiffened. He had intended to suppress Su Yao, but he hadn't expected her to outmaneuver him. He knew nothing about poetry, so how could he offer any guidance? But not wanting to lose face in front of everyone, he resorted to sophistry, saying, "This poem, at first glance, is alright, but upon closer examination, it lacks a certain grandeur and magnificence. How can it be considered a masterpiece?"

Su Yao sneered inwardly, but remained respectful on the surface: "Your Highness is absolutely right. I am still inexperienced and have limited knowledge, and I need to learn more. But I wonder what kind of masterpiece Your Highness envisions? Why don't you compose one as well, so that I can broaden our horizons?"

Upon hearing this, the crown prince was speechless. He was used to eating, drinking, and having fun; he had no idea how to compose poetry. His face flushed red and then turned pale as he stood there awkwardly, unsure of what to do.

At this moment, the Seventh Prince, Xiao Yichen, who had been standing quietly observing from the side, spoke up: "I think Miss Su's poem is fresh and natural, vividly depicting the spring scenery. It is truly a masterpiece. If Your Highness has any further insights, you may consider them carefully in the future. Today, let everyone enjoy the pleasure of poetry to the fullest."

Xiao Yichen's words skillfully defused the Crown Prince's awkwardness and also made Su Yao feel grateful to him. The Crown Prince glared fiercely at Xiao Yichen, snorted coldly, and left with his men.

The poetry gathering continued, and Su Yao, with her talent and wit, won even more praise and respect. After the gathering, many scholars, gentlemen, and ladies sought to befriend Su Yao, further enhancing her reputation in the capital.

Su Yao understood that every time she excelled, it would only fuel the Crown Prince's resentment, but she refused to back down. She knew that only by continuously strengthening her power and influence could she have the resources to contend with the Crown Prince in this complex situation. On the way back to her residence, Su Yao sat in the carriage, her eyes fixed firmly on the scenery outside the window, secretly planning her next move.