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

Ever since her conversation with Xiao Yichen at the banquet, Su Yao had often thought of his deep eyes and composed demeanor, stirring a slight ripple in her heart. However, she also knew that in this grand mansion and complex situation, personal feelings had to be put aside for the time being; her immediate priority was to enhance her status and power within the household.

After the poetry controversy and the dead rat incident, Su Wan calmed down for a few days. However, the resentment in her heart did not dissipate, but instead grew stronger. She was constantly thinking about how to embarrass Su Yao again and regain her limelight in the mansion.

That day, Su Yao was studying medical books in her courtyard when Cui'er rushed in, looking flustered, and said, "Miss, something terrible has happened! Second Miss has somehow acquired a precious painting and calligraphy, saying she wants to present it to Grandmother at her birthday banquet. She's currently spreading the word throughout the mansion, and she's saying that you can't offer any decent gifts, and that you're going to be outdone by her this time."

Su Yao put down her book, frowned slightly, and knew that this was yet another provocation from Su Wan. After a moment's thought, she had an idea, and a confident smile appeared on her lips as she said, "Cui'er, don't panic, I have a plan."

On the day of Grandmother's birthday, the General's Mansion was brightly decorated and bustling with activity. Guests came in an endless stream to offer their congratulations, and the entire mansion was a hive of activity.

Dressed in gorgeous attire, Su Wan proudly carried the precious calligraphy and painting into her grandmother's courtyard. She first bowed deeply to her grandmother, then said sweetly, "Grandmother, today is your birthday. Your granddaughter specially sought out this calligraphy and painting by a famous artist from the previous dynasty to wish you boundless happiness and longevity."

Everyone praised it, and the Second Madam chimed in, "Wan'er is such a thoughtful child. This calligraphy and painting is clearly priceless. Are you satisfied, Madam?"

Grandmother smiled and nodded, saying, "Wan'er, you've gone to a lot of trouble."

At this moment, Su Yao slowly stepped forward, holding an exquisite wooden box in her hand. After respectfully bowing to her grandmother, she said, "Grandmother, your granddaughter has also prepared a gift for you."

As she spoke, she opened the wooden box, inside which was a Buddhist scripture that she had personally copied and annotated. Su Yao said softly, "Grandmother, I heard that you usually worship Buddha, so I spent some time copying this Buddhist scripture and added some of my own annotations, hoping to bring you blessings."

Grandmother took the Buddhist scripture, examined it carefully, and her eyes lit up with delight. She said, "Grandmother is very pleased with Yao'er's thoughtfulness. The annotations are exquisite, showing that she has put in a lot of effort."

Seeing that things were not going well, Su Wan snorted and said, "It's just copying Buddhist scriptures, how can it be as valuable as my calligraphy and paintings?"

Su Yao glanced at her and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Second sister, the most important thing about this gift is sincerity. Copying Buddhist scriptures is not just about the skill of writing, but more importantly, it is about my sincere filial piety. Moreover, Grandmother has experienced many hardships in her life, and she must have long since become indifferent to material possessions. Her inner peace and tranquility are the most precious things."

After listening to Su Yao's words, the grandmother nodded repeatedly and said, "Yao'er is right. In my opinion, this gift is no worse than the calligraphy and painting."

Su Wan was so angry that her face turned red, but she couldn't refute it. She could only glare fiercely at Su Yao.

After the banquet began, everyone chatted and laughed, creating a harmonious atmosphere. Su Yao was talking with several young ladies when suddenly a noblewoman approached, looked her up and down, and said, "You must be the eldest daughter of General Su's family? I heard you weren't very well-known in the household before, how come you've been making quite a splash lately?"

Su Yao knew in her heart that this was another attempt to cause trouble. She smiled and replied, "Madam is too kind. Yao'er was just doing what she was supposed to do. As for the limelight, Yao'er never thought of seeking attention. She just didn't want to bring shame to the General's Mansion."

The noblewoman sneered and said, "Hmph, sharp-tongued. I'd like to see just how capable you are, Miss Su, who has suddenly changed her personality."

Just then, Xiao Yichen happened to pass by. He overheard the noblewoman's words, his expression darkened slightly, and he stepped forward, saying, "As for Miss Su's abilities, there's no need for you to worry, Madam. Miss Su is kind-hearted and exceptionally talented, which I greatly admire."

Everyone was surprised to see the prince speak up for Su Yao. The noblewoman was also taken aback by the prince's sudden appearance and his protectiveness of Su Yao, and she quickly said, "Your Highness, please forgive me. I was just speaking casually and meant no harm."

Xiao Yichen glanced at her indifferently and said, "I hope so."

Then, he turned to Su Yao and said gently, "Miss Su, don't let these trivial matters spoil your mood."

Su Yao nodded slightly and said softly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness."

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Xiao Yichen left. Su Yao felt a surge of warmth in her heart; she hadn't expected Xiao Yichen to come to her rescue at such a crucial moment.

After the banquet, Su Yao returned to her courtyard, reflecting on the day's events. She knew that her situation in the mansion was becoming increasingly difficult, but it was precisely these difficulties that were driving her to grow and become stronger.

After returning to the Prince's mansion, Xiao Yichen kept thinking about Su Yao's performance at the banquet. His admiration for Su Yao had gradually transformed into a deeper affection, but he understood that given their respective statuses and the current situation, being together would not be easy.

A few days later, Su Yao was walking her loyal dog in the garden as usual. Suddenly, the dog started barking wildly at a patch of flowers. Su Yao went over to check and found an injured man in the flowerbed.

The man was pale and covered in blood, clearly seriously injured. Su Yao knelt down without hesitation to examine his wounds. The man's wounds were deep and needed immediate bandaging to stop the bleeding, otherwise his life would be in danger.

Su Yao quickly took out some wound medicine and gauze from her sleeve and bandaged the man's wound. Just then, the man slowly woke up. He looked at Su Yao, his eyes filled with wariness and doubt, and asked, "Who are you? Why did you save me?"

Su Yao said softly, "Don't speak yet. You are badly injured. Let me treat your wounds first."

Seeing that Su Yao meant no harm, the man lowered his guard. After bandaging his wound, Su Yao helped the man to a nearby pavilion and said, "Rest here for a while, I'll go get you some water."

The man nodded and said gratefully, "Thank you for saving my life, young lady."

Su Yao returned to the courtyard and brought over a bowl of water and some food. The man wolfed it down, clearly having been starving for a long time.

"How did you get injured and fall in our garden?" Su Yao asked.

The man hesitated for a moment, then said, "I was being chased by my enemies and stumbled here by mistake. Young lady, I hope you won't tell anyone about what happened today, or it will bring you trouble."

Su Yao understood the seriousness of the matter, but being kind-hearted, she couldn't just stand by and watch someone die. She nodded and said, "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. However, you're so badly injured, you need to rest and recuperate. You should stay here and hide for the next few days."

The man looked at Su Yao gratefully and said, "I have no way to repay your great kindness, young lady."

Just then, Xiao Yichen suddenly appeared in the garden. It turned out that he had come to the General's Mansion today to find Su Yao, and having heard that she was in the garden, he came looking for her.

“Miss Su, you’re here,” Xiao Yichen said.

Su Yao stood up and said with some surprise, "Your Highness, what brings you here?"

As Xiao Yichen approached, he noticed the injured man and his expression immediately turned serious. He asked, "What happened?"

Su Yao told him what had happened, and Xiao Yichen said after listening, "This person's identity is unknown, and it may be dangerous for him to stay here. Miss Su, don't worry, I will handle this matter."

Su Yao knew that Xiao Yichen was of extraordinary status, and with his help, perhaps this matter could be resolved more effectively. Therefore, she nodded and said, "Then I will trouble Your Highness."

Xiao Yichen ordered his men to take the injured man away and arranged for him to be properly cared for. Then, he turned to Su Yao and said, "Miss Su, you are kind-hearted, but you must also be careful. This General's Mansion may seem peaceful, but there are undercurrents beneath the surface. If you encounter any trouble in the future, please send someone to inform me."

Touched, Su Yao said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I will be careful."

Through this incident, Su Yao and Xiao Yichen's relationship grew even closer. Su Yao also gradually demonstrated her wisdom and kindness through these experiences, slowly solidifying her position in the General's Mansion. However, more challenges and unknowns await her in the future.