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

After returning to the palace, Su Yao tried her best to conceal her inner turmoil, but she still couldn't help being somewhat absent-minded when she was with Xiao Yi. Xiao Yi noticed her unusual behavior and asked with concern, "My dear consort, have you been troubled by something lately? Why don't you tell me?" Su Yao was startled and quickly forced a smile, "Your Majesty, I'm just a little tired because I haven't fully recovered yet. It's nothing serious." Although Xiao Yi had some doubts, he didn't ask any further questions and simply told her to rest more.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yichen, having just clashed with the men in black, knew his investigation had alerted the enemy and was acting with increasing caution. He secretly consulted with several reliable allies on how to obtain more crucial evidence about the corruption within the court without alerting the enemy. One of his allies said, "Brother Xiao, the situation is critical; we must speed things up. I've heard that Miss Su is a highly skilled physician. Perhaps she can find some clues from those wounded men in black, such as their healing medicines, and maybe even trace back to the forces behind them."

Xiao Yichen's eyes lit up, but he hesitated, "That's certainly a solution, but I really don't want Miss Su to be involved in this danger again." His ally advised, "Brother Xiao, this matter concerns the safety of the nation. If we don't eradicate these cancers soon, we will all be in danger. Miss Su is exceptionally intelligent; if she's willing to help, it will definitely be much more effective." Xiao Yichen pondered for a moment, then finally nodded, "Alright, I'll go ask Miss Su what she thinks."

Xiao Yichen managed to meet with Su Yao again and explained the situation to her: "Miss Su, the situation is urgent, and we need your help. I know it's dangerous, but I really can't think of any other way." Su Yao agreed without hesitation: "Young Master Xiao, you don't need to say more. I'm willing to help. As long as it can rid the country of these scourges, I'm not afraid of danger." Xiao Yichen grasped her hand with emotion: "Miss Su, thank you. But you must be careful. If there's any sign of trouble, stop immediately and protect yourself."

Using her intelligence and medical skills, Su Yao discovered a rare poison ingredient on a wounded and captured man in black. Through inquiries, she learned that this poison was only found in a mysterious manor outside the capital. Upon learning this, Xiao Yichen decided to investigate personally. Before departing, he met with Su Yao: "Miss Su, I don't know what dangers I will encounter on my journey to the manor. You must be careful in the palace and ensure that our actions are not discovered." Su Yao's eyes were full of worry: "Young Master Xiao, you must return safely. I will keep an eye on everything in the palace, and if anything happens, I will find a way to inform you."

After Xiao Yichen left, Su Yao lived in constant fear in the palace, worrying about Xiao Yichen's safety while also having to hide her true feelings from him. Xiao Yi, busy with court affairs, didn't have much time to spend with Su Yao, which left her feeling both relieved and somewhat disappointed.

A few days later, rumors suddenly began to circulate in the palace, claiming that Su Yao was having an affair with a man outside the palace and behaving improperly. Upon hearing this, Su Yao was greatly alarmed; she knew someone was deliberately framing her. Xiao Yi also heard these rumors. He didn't believe Su Yao would do such a thing, but the rumors were rampant, so he had no choice but to question Su Yao: "My beloved consort, I have heard some rumors about you. I naturally believe you, but this matter concerns the royal family's reputation. Do you have anything to explain?"

Su Yao knelt on the ground, tears streaming down her face, and said, "Your Majesty, I am innocent. I have never done anything to wrong Your Majesty. This must be someone deliberately framing me to sow discord between us." Xiao Yi helped Su Yao up, "My beloved consort, get up. I believe you. I will thoroughly investigate this matter and clear your name."

Just then, Xiao Yichen returned from the manor, bringing irrefutable evidence proving that the corrupt official in the court was connected to a high-ranking minister. He went to the palace to present the evidence to Xiao Yi, but overheard rumors about Su Yao at the palace gate. Anxious and disregarding everything, he rushed into the palace, just in time to see Su Yao and Xiao Yi together. Xiao Yichen breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Su Yao unharmed, but he also knew the situation was extremely awkward.

Upon seeing Xiao Yichen, Xiao Yi frowned slightly: "Who are you? Why are you trespassing into the inner palace?" Xiao Yichen bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I am Xiao Yichen, and I have important matters to discuss with you. I have come here for two reasons: first, to present evidence regarding the corrupt officials in the court, and second, to prove Miss Su's innocence." As he spoke, he presented the evidence to Xiao Yi and recounted in detail how he met Su Yao and how Su Yao assisted in the investigation.

After listening, Xiao Yi remained silent for a long time, having guessed somewhat about the relationship between Xiao Yichen and Su Yao. He looked at Su Yao and asked, "My beloved consort, are you truly sincere towards him?" Su Yao was flustered and didn't know how to answer. Xiao Yichen stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I am truly sincere towards Miss Su. I know my status is lowly and I dare not have any improper thoughts. But I will do everything in my power to protect Miss Su's innocence."

Xiao Yi was filled with mixed emotions. He admired Xiao Yichen's courage and integrity, yet he was also conflicted about Su Yao's romantic fate. Finally, he sighed, "Let's set this matter aside for now and deal with this cancer in the court first. Xiao Yichen, you have rendered a great service, and I will certainly reward you accordingly. As for your matter with Su Yao, I need time to consider it."

Su Yao and Xiao Yichen exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with complex emotions. They knew that this emotional turmoil was just the beginning, and many more challenges awaited them in the future. Their relationship would also face even more severe tests in this turbulent situation.