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

After receiving Xiao Yi's blessing, Su Yao and Xiao Yichen were overjoyed, but they also knew that the responsibility on their shoulders was even heavier. After Xiao Yichen recovered from his injuries, he devoted himself to the affairs of the court, assisting Xiao Yi in implementing various reforms and rectifying the court. Su Yao, on the other hand, managed various affairs in the harem, winning the respect of everyone with her kindness and wisdom. The two of them worked silently for the prosperity of the country in their respective positions.

One day, Su Yao was arranging the planting of flowers in the Imperial Garden when Xiao Yichen rushed in, his face grave. "Miss Su," he said, "I just received news that the border war is critical. The enemy is advancing fiercely, and the imperial army is suffering repeated defeats." Su Yao's heart tightened. "What should we do? Won't the people on the border suffer?" Xiao Yichen frowned and said, "His Majesty intends to send me to the border to oversee the war, and I have the same intention. However, I don't know when I will be able to return, and I am truly worried about you."

Su Yao grasped Xiao Yichen's hand and said firmly, "Young Master Xiao, go in peace. In times of national crisis, you should step forward. I will pray for you in the palace and wait for your safe return." Moved, Xiao Yichen embraced Su Yao, "Miss Su, with your words, I am at ease. Be careful in the palace and don't let anyone bully you."

On the day Xiao Yichen set off for the campaign, Su Yao arrived at the city gate early to see him off. Seeing Xiao Yichen in his military uniform, so dashing yet filled with reluctance, Su Yao's eyes welled with tears: "Young Master Xiao, you must take care of yourself and return safely." Xiao Yichen gazed at her affectionately: "Miss Su, when I return, we will never be apart again." With that, he mounted his horse and led his army in a grand procession towards the frontier.

After Xiao Yichen left, Su Yao often worried about him while in the palace, praying to the gods every day for his safety. Meanwhile, the war on the frontier intensified. Although Xiao Yichen did his best to command the battle, the enemy was very cunning, and the two sides were locked in a stalemate.

Meanwhile, things weren't peaceful in the palace either. Some remnants of forces previously suppressed by Xiao Yichen and Su Yao, taking advantage of Xiao Yichen's absence, began to stir again, attempting to instigate trouble in the harem and create problems for Su Yao. One day, a concubine suddenly tearfully complained to the Empress Dowager, claiming that Su Yao, relying on the Emperor's favor, wantonly bullied other concubines in the harem. She also alleged that Su Yao had an affair with Xiao Yichen, and now that Xiao Yichen was away on a campaign, Su Yao was acting recklessly in the palace, secretly colluding with men outside.

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's face darkened, and she immediately summoned Su Yao: "Su Yao, I've heard that you've behaved improperly in the palace. Is that true?" Su Yao quickly knelt down: "Your Majesty, I'm innocent! I've always been dutiful and have never done anything against palace rules. Someone must be deliberately framing me." The Empress Dowager scrutinized her: "Hmph, empty words are no proof. Do you have any evidence to prove your innocence?"

Su Yao was anxious, but she knew she had to remain calm. After a moment's thought, she said, "Your Majesty, since entering the palace, I have devoted myself to serving the Emperor and managing the affairs of the harem. My acquaintance with Young Master Xiao Yichen was purely accidental, and our relationship is completely innocent; we have never crossed any lines. As for the claim that I am colluding with men outside the palace, that is utterly baseless. I implore Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly and clear my name."

Seeing Su Yao's earnest words and calm demeanor, the Empress Dowager's doubts lessened somewhat. However, given the gravity of the matter, she still decided to send someone to investigate. Back in her palace, Su Yao was secretly worried. She knew this matter wouldn't be easily resolved; if handled poorly, it would not only damage her reputation but could also implicate Xiao Yichen.

Cui'er said angrily from the side, "Miss, these people are so hateful, they are always causing you trouble. What should we do?" Su Yao said calmly, "Cui'er, don't panic. Let's see the results of the Empress Dowager's investigation first. In the meantime, we must be more careful and not let them find any fault with us."

While awaiting the investigation results, Su Yao continued to handle palace affairs as usual, showing even greater tolerance and kindness towards the other concubines, attempting to prove her innocence through her actions. Meanwhile, on the frontier battlefield, Xiao Yichen, after careful consideration, decided to adopt a risky tactic, hoping to turn the tide of the war in one fell swoop…