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

Although the rebellion was quelled, the capital was still shrouded in gloom. Inside the palace, everyone was busy repairing the damaged parts, while Xiao Yi was also working intensively to investigate the remaining members of the rebellion. A tense and serious atmosphere permeated the court.

Su Yao and Xiao Yichen walked side by side along the palace path, their hearts filled with mixed emotions as they looked at the bustling scene around them. Xiao Yichen said softly, "Miss Su, this incident has made me realize even more that the struggles within the palace never cease, and we must always remain vigilant." Su Yao nodded slightly, "Young Master Xiao is absolutely right, but these repeated upheavals are truly exhausting. I only hope that I can return to peaceful days soon."

Just then, a young eunuch rushed over, bowed, and said, "Your Highness, the Fifth Prince requests your presence." Su Yao's heart tightened, and she looked at Xiao Yichen, her eyes filled with worry. Xiao Yichen squeezed her hand and whispered, "Don't be afraid, I'm here. The Emperor must have something important to discuss with you."

Su Yao entered Xiao Yi's study and found him sitting solemnly at his desk. Upon her arrival, Xiao Yi said, "My beloved consort, although the rebellion has been quelled, the foundations of the court have been shaken. I intend to implement a series of new policies to appease the people and stabilize the court, but this process will likely be fraught with difficulties, and I need your assistance." Su Yao bowed respectfully, "Your Majesty, please speak freely; I will certainly do my utmost."

Xiao Yi explained his plan to Su Yao in detail. Su Yao listened attentively, occasionally offering her own insights and suggestions. Xiao Yi greatly admired her intelligence and insight: "My beloved consort, with you by my side, I feel much more at ease. If this reform succeeds, you will deserve the greatest credit."

After leaving the study, Su Yao told Xiao Yichen about the matter. Xiao Yichen pondered for a moment and said, "Miss Su, the Emperor's idea is certainly good, but the implementation of this new policy will inevitably affect the interests of some people, and they probably won't let it go easily. While assisting the Emperor, you must also be careful of your own safety." Su Yao smiled and said, "Young Master Xiao, I understand. Don't worry, I will be careful. You should also pay close attention to the movements in the court, and inform me immediately if there are any disturbances."

In the days that followed, Su Yao devoted herself entirely to assisting Xiao Yi in implementing his new policies. Leveraging her prestige in the palace and her kind nature, she actively communicated and coordinated with various parties, striving to resolve conflicts and obstacles. Meanwhile, Xiao Yichen secretly investigated forces that might be detrimental to the new policies, taking preventative measures in advance.

One day, while Su Yao was discussing the details of the new policies with a minister, the minister suddenly looked troubled and hesitated to speak. Su Yao keenly sensed that he had something to say, so she kept him behind alone: ​​"My lord, is there something you're worried about? Please speak frankly." The minister hesitated for a moment and then said, "Your Majesty, to be honest, I've heard that some people are secretly conspiring to submit a joint petition against the new policies. Moreover, they are collecting evidence that is detrimental to Your Majesty and the Fifth Prince, intending to use this to bring them down and thus stop the implementation of the new policies."

Su Yao's expression changed, but she quickly regained her composure: "My lord, thank you for informing me of this. Rest assured, I will find a way to deal with it. I hope you will keep this a secret for now, so as not to alert the enemy." After the minister nodded and left, Su Yao immediately found Xiao Yichen and told him about it.

A flash of anger crossed Xiao Yichen's eyes: "These people are truly stubborn! Miss Su, we can't sit idly by and wait to be killed; we must take the initiative. I'll go and investigate their plans and the source of their evidence. You, first, stabilize the situation in the palace and try to gain more support." Su Yao said worriedly, "Young Master Xiao, you must be careful. I await your news."

After a thorough investigation, Xiao Yichen finally discovered where those people had hidden the evidence. He led his trusted men to successfully destroy the evidence and handed over the list of key individuals involved to Xiao Yi. Xiao Yi was furious and immediately ordered the arrest and imprisonment of all those involved, to be severely punished without exception.

With these individuals apprehended, the implementation of the new policies proceeded smoothly. The people gradually felt the benefits of the new policies, and their confidence in the court slowly returned. Xiao Yi relied even more heavily on Xiao Yichen and Su Yao, frequently praising their achievements in front of others.

However, the peaceful days did not last long. Urgent reports came from the border that a neighboring country, seeing the recent pacification of the dynasty's internal strife as an opportunity, had amassed troops and was poised to invade and plunder resources. Xiao Yi urgently summoned his ministers to discuss countermeasures. The court was immediately filled with debate. Some advocated for a peace treaty through marriage alliances to temporarily avoid confrontation; others strongly advocated for a military counterattack to defend the dignity of the territory.

Upon hearing this, Su Yao was extremely anxious. She knew that the people on the border were about to suffer the ravages of war, and if not handled properly, the country would once again fall into turmoil. Xiao Yichen was also filled with worry. He came to Su Yao's palace, and the two sat in silence for a long time. Finally, Xiao Yichen spoke, "Miss Su, I want to go to the border to share the Emperor's burdens and relieve the people's suffering. But once I go, I don't know when I will be able to return, and I will have to make you worry about me again." Su Yao's eyes were filled with tears, and she gently shook her head, "Young Master Xiao, I understand your feelings. The war on the border is urgent, and you should go. I only regret that I cannot go with you. I can only pray for you here in the palace, hoping for your safe return."

On the day Xiao Yichen set off for war, Su Yao personally saw him off at the city gate. She placed the peace charm she had embroidered overnight into Xiao Yichen's hand, her eyes filled with unspoken words of reluctance. Xiao Yichen held Su Yao's hand tightly and whispered, "Miss Su, wait for me to return. Once the border is pacified, I will ask the Emperor for your hand in marriage, and from then on, we will be together for life, and I will never let you suffer this pain of separation again." Su Yao's cheeks flushed, and she nodded slightly, watching Xiao Yichen lead his army into the distance.

After Xiao Yichen went to the frontier, Su Yao kept a close eye on the news from the front while staying in the palace. She frequently visited the Imperial Ancestral Temple to pray for the gods' protection of Xiao Yichen and the soldiers on the frontier. At the same time, she actively assisted Xiao Yichen in preparing military supplies to ensure that the front lines had uninterrupted supplies. In the palace, she also had to deal with various trivial matters and complex interpersonal relationships. Although she was physically and mentally exhausted, the thought of Xiao Yichen fighting bravely on the front lines made all the hardship worthwhile.

On the frontier battlefield, Xiao Yichen fully utilized his military talents, fighting alongside his soldiers against the common enemy and repelling enemy attacks on numerous occasions. He deeply understood the crucial importance of this war, concerning not only the safety of the nation but also his and Su Yao's future. Therefore, he gave his all in every battle, never flinching.

Days passed, and finally, good news arrived from the front lines: Xiao Yichen had led his army to a successful repelling of the enemy, and peace was temporarily restored to the border. After handling the post-war affairs, Xiao Yichen rushed back to the capital. When he saw Su Yao again, their eyes were filled with the joy and deep affection of their reunion.

After this battle, Xiao Yi trusted and appreciated Xiao Yichen even more, bestowing upon him not only abundant wealth and land but also promoting him in his official rank. Meanwhile, Su Yao and Xiao Yichen's relationship deepened after experiencing these trials. They knew the road ahead was long and many more challenges awaited them, but they were fearless, for they had each other's companionship and support, and a shared belief in protecting their country and its people. Amidst the turbulent court politics, their love shone like a bright star, radiating a warm and unwavering light, illuminating their path forward.