Since her near capture at Lord Wang's residence, Su Yao has become increasingly cautious, keeping a low profile while continuing to observe the Crown Prince's every move, waiting for a new opportunity.

Soon, Su Yao's birthday arrived. General Su held a grand birthday banquet for his daughter at his residence, inviting numerous relatives, friends, and court officials. Su Yao understood that this was not just a birthday banquet, but also a good opportunity for her to maneuver and strategize in the political situation in the capital.

On the day of the birthday banquet, the Su residence was brightly decorated and bustling with activity. Guests arrived one after another with gifts. Su Yao, dressed in a red brocade dress and adorned with gorgeous pearl and jade jewelry, stood at the entrance of the residence to greet the guests with a smile.

"Happy birthday, Miss Su! This is just a small token of my appreciation." A young gentleman presented a carefully prepared gift, his eyes filled with admiration.

"Thank you, young master. Please come in." Su Yao smiled and thanked her, handing the gift to the maid beside her.

After everyone took their seats, the banquet officially began. Singing and dancing filled the air, and laughter echoed throughout the Su residence. However, Su Yao kept a close eye on the guests' movements and words, trying to glean some useful information.

After a few rounds of drinks, Su Yao stood up and said, "I am deeply grateful for everyone's hospitality in attending my birthday banquet today. I have prepared a small gift, and I hope you will not find it offensive."

After saying this, the maids carried exquisite gifts and distributed them to the guests in turn. At this moment, the wife of an official suddenly said, "Miss Su, I have heard that you are a skilled physician. I have been suffering from headaches lately. I wonder if Miss Su has any remedies?"

Su Yao's heart stirred, and she smiled and said, "Madam, please don't worry. Su Yao has some medical knowledge. After the banquet, I can examine you."

This conversation piqued the interest of those around them, who praised Su Yao's medical skills. Su Yao also used this opportunity to build closer relationships with more people and subtly inquire about the Crown Prince.

In a corner of the banquet, Lin Yu quietly approached Su Yao and whispered, "Miss Su, I have received information that the Crown Prince has been in frequent contact with a mysterious figure recently, seemingly plotting something big, but the specifics are still unclear."

Su Yao's eyes sharpened: "General Lin, continue the investigation. We must find out the Crown Prince's plan. This may be our key opportunity to bring him down."

"Yes, Miss Su." Lin Yu accepted the order and left.

At this moment, the Crown Prince's messenger arrived to present a congratulatory gift. Su Yao opened the gift box; inside was an exquisite jade hairpin, seemingly ordinary, yet subtly exuding an evil aura. Su Yao sneered inwardly; she knew the Crown Prince wouldn't be so kind, and this jade hairpin must contain a hidden secret.

"Please convey my gratitude to His Highness the Crown Prince for his kindness," Su Yao said to the messenger, subtly putting away the jade hairpin.

As the banquet drew to a close, Su Yao suddenly announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, Su Yao has a favor to ask. It's a rare occasion for us all to gather here today, and Su Yao would like to play a little game with you all. What do you all think?"

The guests readily agreed. Su Yao smiled and said, "This game is very simple. It's a poetry relay game. If you can't finish a poem, you have to tell us an interesting story you've heard recently."

Everyone began the game with great enthusiasm. When it was the turn of an official who was close to the Crown Prince, he stammered and couldn't come up with a poem, so he could only say, "Then let me tell you an interesting story. A few days ago, I heard that His Highness the Crown Prince was in a rage at home, apparently because an important letter had been lost. The letter seemed to be related to some kind of transaction, but I don't know the specifics."

Su Yao was startled, but on the surface she pretended to be curious and asked, "Oh? Is that so? That's really interesting."

The other guests also started discussing it, and Su Yao took the opportunity to observe everyone's expressions, trying to glean more information from their reactions.

At this birthday banquet, Su Yao not only successfully showcased her poise and talent to everyone, but also cleverly obtained some important clues about the Crown Prince. Although the specific contents of the Crown Prince's lost letter are still unknown, this is undoubtedly a new breakthrough.

After the banquet, Su Yao returned to her room, carefully examining the jade hairpin the Crown Prince had given her, trying to uncover its hidden secrets. She knew she was getting closer to the truth, but at the same time, she was finding herself in an even more dangerous situation. Once the Crown Prince discovered she was investigating him, he would surely strike again, and this time with even greater ruthlessness. However, Su Yao did not back down. Her eyes revealed unwavering determination. Whatever awaited her, she would fight the Crown Prince to the very end for herself, for those around her, and for justice.

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