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

In the royal hunting grounds, autumn was bleak, withered grass stretching to the horizon. The Crown Prince rode a tall horse, his eyes occasionally glancing in Su Yao's direction, a barely perceptible cold smile playing on his lips. For this hunt, he had secretly instructed his trusted confidants to make Su Yao look foolish in front of everyone, preferably to earn her the charge of disobeying the imperial decree.

Riding a chestnut steed, Su Yao remained calm. She knew the Crown Prince was bound to make a move today, so she was extra cautious. A short while later, a deer darted out of the forest. Upon seeing it, the Crown Prince shouted, "Su Yao, I've heard you're exceptionally intelligent. Today, let's see if you can hunt this deer and entertain me!" His eyes were full of provocation.

Su Yao's heart skipped a beat. She knew this was the Crown Prince's way of making things difficult for her. Although she had some skill in riding and archery, she was far inferior to these royal children who had practiced martial arts since childhood. But she did not show any fear on her face and respectfully replied, "Your Highness commands, and I will do my best." Then she spurred her horse toward the deer.

The deer was extremely agile, and Su Yao missed several shots. The Crown Prince pretended to sigh and said, "Miss Su, has your archery skills been neglected in your boudoir?" Some of the officials' sons around also laughed.

Su Yao reined in her horse, a light sheen of sweat on her forehead. As she pondered her next move, a commotion suddenly erupted from the nearby woods. A young man rode up at breakneck speed; this was none other than Lin Yu, the son of General Zhenyuan. Lin Yu came from a family of military generals and was a master archer. Seeing Su Yao being harassed, he felt indignant and decided to help her.

Lin Yu shouted, "Miss Su, don't worry, I'm here to help you." With that, he drew his bow and nocked an arrow. With a "whoosh," the arrow flew out like a meteor and struck the deer in the neck. The deer fell to the ground.

Su Yao looked delighted and grateful to Lin Yu, saying, "Thank you for your help, Young Master Lin. I am very grateful." Lin Yu rode closer and laughed heartily, "Miss Su is exceptionally intelligent. I have heard of your talent at the palace banquet. Today, His Highness the Crown Prince went a bit too far. I simply couldn't stand it."

Upon seeing this, the Crown Prince's face darkened considerably. He snorted coldly, "Lin Yu, you certainly know how to play the hero and save a damsel in distress. Is this the royal hunting grounds for you to meddle in?" Lin Yu replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Your Highness, I only saw that Miss Su was in danger. Besides, hunting is meant to be enjoyed. Why should Your Highness make things difficult for a weak woman like Miss Su?"

Whispers began to circulate among those around him. Some secretly admired Lin Yu's actions, while others watched the Crown Prince's reaction. The Crown Prince couldn't easily lash out, given that Lin Yu's father held considerable military power in the court. He could only suppress his anger and say, "Hmph, I will remember what happened today."

Su Yao knew this matter wouldn't end easily, but Lin Yu's appearance gave her a glimmer of hope in this predicament. She whispered to Lin Yu, "Young Master Lin, I will remember your kindness today. However, the Crown Prince will probably not let this go easily, so you must be careful in the future." Lin Yu looked at Su Yao with a firm gaze: "Miss Su, rest assured, I never regret what I do. Besides, the Crown Prince's usual behavior is unpopular, and we should stand up for justice."

After the hunt, Su Yao returned to her tent and began to ponder how to deal with the Crown Prince's increasingly aggressive approach. She knew she needed more allies and strength, and Lin Yu's actions today gave her hope. Perhaps she could start by cultivating relationships with these loyal and righteous individuals, gradually expanding her power, and thus find a glimmer of hope in this treacherous court intrigue…