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

Although Su Yao exposed Consort Wang's conspiracy at the palace banquet and temporarily stabilized the situation in the harem, this experience made her realize that the complexity of harem struggles far exceeded her imagination. Meanwhile, in the imperial court, as Xiao Yi implemented a series of new policies, the interests of some old nobles were threatened, and voices of opposition rose and fell, creating an undercurrent of tension.

That day, Su Yao was in her palace, perusing ancient texts, trying to find some anecdotes about governance to help Xiao Yi, when Cui'er rushed in, her expression panicked: "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! This servant heard that some ministers in the court have jointly submitted a memorial impeaching the Emperor's new policies, and their words are quite vehement. They even said... they even said that Your Majesty was behind it all, instigating the Emperor." Su Yao abruptly stood up, her brows furrowed: "These people are making things up! The new policies are for the sake of the country and its people, what does it have to do with me? Clearly, they are just power-hungry and unwilling to change."

After court, Xiao Yi, looking exhausted, went to Su Yao's quarters. Su Yao hurried to greet him, asking with concern, "Your Majesty, Cui'er told me about what happened in court. How do you plan to deal with it?" Xiao Yi pulled Su Yao's hand and sat her down, sighing, "These old noble families are powerful and difficult to shake in a short time. But my mind is made up; the new policies must be implemented, though the process will likely be difficult." Su Yao pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, I believe we should start from within these old noble families, finding some enlightened individuals to divide their factions. At the same time, we should widely publicize the benefits of the new policies, letting the people know Your Majesty's good intentions and winning public support."

Xiao Yi's eyes lit up, and he nodded, saying, "What my beloved consort says is quite right. I have been considering this issue these past few days. Tomorrow I will summon several young noblemen to the palace to see if I can persuade them to support the new policies." Su Yao smiled and said, "Your Majesty is wise. I believe Your Majesty will succeed. I will also do my duty in the harem and not distract Your Majesty."

However, Su Yao's life in the palace was not peaceful either. Although the punished Consort Wang had lost power, her family still held considerable influence in the court and harbored resentment towards Su Yao. They secretly instructed palace maids and eunuchs to spread rumors about Su Yao, claiming she was jealous, ruthless, and would stop at nothing to gain favor, even cursing other concubines and princes. These rumors spread like wildfire, causing widespread panic in the palace.

Upon learning of this, Su Yao did not rush to defend herself, but secretly investigated the source of the rumors. After some effort, she finally discovered that a eunuch in the imperial kitchen had tampered with the food, deliberately saying things that slandered Su Yao during the delivery, which other palace maids and eunuchs overheard and spread. Su Yao calmly informed Xiao Yi of this matter, and Xiao Yi was furious, ordering a thorough investigation and severe punishment for those involved.

While managing the affairs of the inner palace, Su Yao did not forget to care for Xiao Yi's health. Due to the pressure of implementing the new policies, Xiao Yi often stayed up late reviewing memorials, and his diet was irregular, causing him to become increasingly thin. Su Yao saw this and felt distressed. Every day, she personally cooked nutritious meals for Xiao Yi and lit calming incense in his bedchamber to help him fall asleep.

One day, while Emperor Xiao Yi was discussing state affairs with several ministers, he suddenly felt dizzy and nearly collapsed. The ministers were alarmed. Upon learning this, Su Yao rushed to the imperial study with some pills she had prepared and gave them to Xiao Yi. After a while, Xiao Yi's complexion gradually improved. He looked at Su Yao gratefully, saying, "My beloved consort, thank you so much. I've been so busy with state affairs lately that I neglected my health, causing you worry." Su Yao gently replied, "Your Majesty, you are the ruler of the nation, bearing the heavy responsibility for the people. You must take care of yourself. I will always be by your side to look after you."

Thanks to Xiao Yi's tireless efforts and Su Yao's covert support, the situation in the court gradually improved. Some young noblemen, impressed by Xiao Yi's talent and the promising future of his new policies, expressed their willingness to support them and speak favorably of him within their families. The common people also benefited from the new policies and became even more supportive of Xiao Yi's rule.

But Su Yao knew their enemies wouldn't give up easily. During a sacrificial ceremony, an unexpected event occurred. As Xiao Yi and Su Yao led the others in prayer before the altar, a cold arrow suddenly shot towards Xiao Yi from the shadows. In the nick of time, Su Yao unhesitatingly threw herself on Xiao Yi, shielding him from the arrow. Xiao Yi, terrified, embraced Su Yao, crying out, "My beloved concubine! Quickly, summon the imperial physician!"

Su Yao, pale and weak, said, "Your Majesty... I'm alright... don't... worry..." Xiao Yi held Su Yao's hand tightly, his eyes filled with anger and self-reproach: "My beloved consort, rest assured, I will definitely not let the mastermind get away with this!" This sudden assassination attempt made the atmosphere in the palace even more tense. Xiao Yi and Su Yao realized that their enemy had begun to use any means necessary, and an even more severe test was about to begin...