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

After the poetry gathering, Su Yao's reputation in the capital grew even stronger, but she had no time to bask in the praise of the crowd. She knew that the Crown Prince's revenge would surely follow, and her most urgent task was to speed up the process of collecting evidence of the Crown Prince's crimes.

After disguising herself, Su Yao met Lin Yu at a secluded teahouse. The noisy atmosphere inside the teahouse provided a natural cover for their private conversation.

"General Lin, did you find anything when I asked you to investigate the whereabouts of the Crown Prince and that Lord Wang?" Su Yao asked with a solemn expression, her eyes fixed on Lin Yu.

Lin Yu frowned and said in a low voice, "Miss Su, Lord Wang has been acting extremely cautiously lately. He always chooses very secretive places to meet with the Crown Prince's confidants, making it difficult for our people to get close. We haven't obtained any substantial evidence yet."

Su Yao tapped her fingers lightly on the table, and after a moment of contemplation, said, "It seems the Crown Prince is also on guard. We can no longer proceed with the conventional methods. I've heard that Lord Wang has a favored concubine who is extremely greedy. Perhaps we can start with her."

“That’s one way, but that concubine rarely leaves her home, so getting close to her won’t be easy.” Lin Yu looked troubled.

"I will find a way to arrange it, General Lin. Please continue to keep an eye on Lord Wang and the Crown Prince's movements, and notify me immediately if there is any news," Su Yao said firmly.

The two discussed some details and then hurriedly left the teahouse. However, Su Yao was unaware that their every move was being secretly monitored by the Crown Prince's spies.

Upon learning that Su Yao was investigating him, the Crown Prince was furious: "This Su Yao is really asking for trouble! I'll see what tricks she has up her sleeve!"

Therefore, the Crown Prince ordered his men to strengthen the protection of Lord Wang and his entourage, while setting a trap for Su Yao to walk right into it.

On Su Yao's side, after some twists and turns, she finally found an opportunity to get close to Lord Wang's favorite concubine. She disguised herself as a jewelry merchant and brought some precious jewelry to Lord Wang's mansion.

"Madam, these jewels are all carefully selected by me. They are rare in the world. Do you find them satisfactory?" Su Yao said respectfully to Lord Wang's favorite concubine, her eyes revealing just the right amount of flattery.

The favored concubine's eyes flashed with greed when she saw the exquisite jewelry, but she still pretended to be reserved and said, "It looks quite nice, but as for the price..."

Su Yao was secretly delighted, knowing that she had a chance, so she said, "Don't worry, Madam, as long as you like it, the price is negotiable. Moreover, I have heard some interesting stories, and if Madam is interested, the price of this jewelry can be reduced even further."

Upon hearing this, the favored concubine immediately perked up: "Oh? What interesting story is it? Tell me about it."

Just as Su Yao was about to speak, a commotion suddenly erupted outside. Immediately afterward, the door was violently flung open, and a group of guards rushed in.

"How dare you, Su Yao, act so insolently in Lord Wang's residence!" shouted the head of the guards.

Su Yao was startled, realizing she had fallen into a trap, but she still tried to remain calm: "What do you mean by this? I'm just here to do some business with Madam, how can you be so rude?"

At this moment, Lord Wang walked out from behind and sneered, "Su Yao, stop pretending. Do you think I don't know your purpose? Hmph, you're too naive to think you can get any leverage over the Crown Prince from me!"

Su Yao inwardly groaned, but remained outwardly calm: "Lord Wang, have you misunderstood something? I, Su Yao, am just a weak woman, how could I have such courage?"

Lord Wang ignored her explanation and waved his hand, "Take her away and send her to the Crown Prince's residence!"

As the guards led her away, Su Yao quickly racked her brains for a solution. She knew that once she was sent to the Crown Prince's residence, her chances of survival were slim.

Just then, a dark figure flashed by, and before the guards could react, they were all subdued. Su Yao looked closely and saw that it was Xiao Yichen and his guards who had arrived just in time.

"Your Highness, what are you doing here?" Su Yao asked in surprise.

Xiao Yichen said coldly, "I came here as soon as I learned you were in danger. Miss Su, this place is not safe to stay any longer, let's leave first."

After saying that, Xiao Yichen quickly led Su Yao away from Lord Wang's residence. Along the way, Su Yao felt a mix of emotions, including gratitude towards Xiao Yichen and frustration at the failure of their mission.

After returning to the Su residence, Su Yao thanked Xiao Yichen: "Thank you for saving me today, Your Highness. If it weren't for you, I would probably have been in grave danger."

Xiao Yichen looked at Su Yao with a hint of concern in his eyes: "Miss Su, you are playing with fire with the Crown Prince. It's too dangerous. The Crown Prince is already on guard. If you continue to act rashly, you will only put yourself in a more difficult situation."

Su Yao lowered her head slightly and said softly, "Your Highness, I know what I am doing, but as long as the Crown Prince is not eliminated, I and the people around me will never have a moment's peace."

Xiao Yichen sighed: "I understand your thoughts, but you can't disregard your own safety. What are your plans next?"

Su Yao raised her head, her eyes revealing determination: "Your Highness, although this attempt failed, it has made me even more aware of the Crown Prince's vigilance. I will formulate a new plan and continue to look for opportunities."

Looking at Su Yao's determined eyes, Xiao Yichen couldn't help but feel more admiration for this woman: "Alright, Miss Su, if there's anything I can help you with, please don't hesitate to ask. But you must promise me that you will be careful."

Su Yao nodded slightly: "Your Highness, rest assured, Su Yao will."

After seeing Xiao Yichen off, Su Yao sat alone in her room, her mind reeling. She knew that her contest with the Crown Prince had reached a fever pitch, and every step from now on was crucial; the slightest misstep could lead to utter defeat. But she had no intention of backing down; instead, her determination to bring down the Crown Prince only strengthened.