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

The cessation of border warfare brought a brief period of peace to the entire dynasty, and Su Yao and Xiao Yichen cherished this hard-won time together all the more. However, the tranquility within the palace was ultimately just a facade, and a new crisis was quietly brewing.

That day, Su Yao was strolling in the Imperial Garden as usual when a palace maid she didn't recognize hurriedly approached, shoved a letter into her hand, and quickly left. Su Yao was puzzled. She opened the letter and her face instantly turned deathly pale. The letter informed her that someone knew about some of her and Xiao Yichen's "secret actions" in assisting Xiao Yichen in implementing the new policies. If these actions were exploited by someone with malicious intent, they could be utterly ruined. The letter concluded by demanding that she go alone to a secluded corner of the Imperial Garden, or else the matter would be exposed.

Su Yao knew this was no small matter. She composed herself and decided to first consult with Xiao Yichen about countermeasures. Upon hearing this, Xiao Yichen frowned: "Miss Su, this must be a trap set by those who harbor resentment towards us, but we can't stand idly by. I'll go with you and see what tricks they have up their sleeves." Su Yao shook her head and refused: "No, Young Master Xiao, the letter specifies that I must go alone. If we both go, it might alert them and make things even more complicated. Don't worry, I'll be careful."

Although Xiao Yichen was worried, he knew Su Yao's temperament, so he could only instruct her, "Then you must take Cui'er with you and secretly arrange some people nearby. Call for help immediately if anything happens." Su Yao nodded in agreement and nervously led Cui'er toward the agreed location.

Upon reaching a secluded corner of the Imperial Garden, they found a man dressed in black and wearing a mask already waiting there. Su Yao feigned composure: "Who are you? Why did you set this trap to frame us?" The man in black sneered: "Su Yao, stop pretending to be innocent. You and Xiao Yichen have been secretly colluding and interfering in court affairs. Today is your death day."

Su Yao was startled, but still retorted, "You're slandering me! Everything I and Young Master Xiao did was for the court and the people. What crime have we committed?" The man in black ignored her and was about to make a move when suddenly a group of guards surged out and surrounded them. It turned out that Xiao Yichen was still worried and had secretly brought men with him, waiting to come to their rescue at the crucial moment.

Seeing the situation was dire, the man in black tried to escape, but was quickly subdued by the guards. Xiao Yichen stepped forward and removed the man's mask, revealing him to be a lowly eunuch who usually kept a low profile in the palace. Xiao Yichen roared, "Speak! Who ordered you to do this?" The eunuch trembled with fear and dared not utter a word.

Su Yao stepped forward and said softly, "If you tell the truth, I might spare your life. Otherwise, you will not escape death today." The little eunuch hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, "It was...it was the nanny by the Imperial Concubine's side who instructed me to do it. They said that as long as I could bring down Consort Su and Young Master Xiao, the Imperial Concubine would reward me handsomely."

Su Yao and Xiao Yichen exchanged a glance, their hearts sinking. This imperial concubine had always been at odds with Su Yao, repeatedly making things difficult for her in the palace; they never expected her to resort to such ruthless methods this time. Xiao Yichen said in a deep voice, "Take him away and hand him over to the Emperor for punishment."

Afterwards, Xiao Yichen and Su Yao went to see Xiao Yi and truthfully reported the whole story. Upon hearing it, Xiao Yi was furious: "Outrageous! How dare they be so unruly in the harem! I will not let them off easily."

When the Imperial Concubine learned that her scheme had been exposed, she was terrified and rushed to Emperor Xiao Yi, crying and begging for mercy: "Your Majesty, I know I was wrong. I was confused for a moment and blinded by jealousy. Please forgive me this time." Emperor Xiao Yi looked at her, his eyes filled with disappointment: "As an Imperial Concubine, you should set an example and be a model for the nation, yet you have committed such a heinous act. I will spare your life out of consideration for our past relationship, but from this day forward, you will reflect on your actions in the Cold Palace."

This incident seemed to have solidified Su Yao's position in the palace, but she did not feel at ease. She knew that the struggles in the palace would never end. As long as she and Xiao Yichen were together and serving the court, there would always be people who saw them as thorns in their side and would try every means to deal with them.

Xiao Yichen noticed Su Yao's worry and comforted her, "Miss Su, don't be afraid. No matter what difficulties we encounter in the future, I will be by your side and face them together." Su Yao leaned against Xiao Yichen's chest and whispered, "Young Master Xiao, with you here, I'm not afraid of anything. I just don't want you to be caught in this endless danger because of me."

Xiao Yichen held Su Yao tightly: "Miss Su, what are you saying? We are already one, your safety is my safety. Besides, everything we do is for this country, for the people to live a better life. As long as we have a clear conscience, there is nothing to be afraid of."

However, their relationship remained fraught with difficulties. As Xiao Yi's reliance on Xiao Yichen deepened, rumors began to circulate in the court that Xiao Yichen was hoarding military power and harboring treacherous intentions. Although Xiao Yi did not believe these rumors, he had to take some restrictive measures against Xiao Yichen in order to quell public opinion.

Xiao Yichen's military power was reduced, and his actions were severely restricted. Many ministers who were originally on good terms with him began to distance themselves from him, fearing that they would be implicated. This plunged Xiao Yichen into an unprecedented predicament. His lofty ambitions could not be realized for a time, and his mood became extremely heavy.

Su Yao saw this and felt a pang of heartache. She repeatedly comforted Xiao Yichen, "Young Master Xiao, this is only temporary. The Emperor had no choice but to act this way. Once the storm passes, he will surely understand your loyalty. We just need to wait patiently and continue to serve the court silently. The rumors will naturally dissipate." Although Xiao Yichen nodded in agreement, he could not hide the desolation in his eyes.

To help Xiao Yichen regain Xiao Yi's trust, Su Yao decided to hold a grand banquet in the palace, inviting Xiao Yi, high-ranking officials, and their families. She wanted to use this opportunity to show everyone Xiao Yichen's loyalty and integrity, and to let Xiao Yi feel their sincere hearts.

In preparing for the grand feast, Su Yao worked tirelessly, meticulously arranging every detail. She carefully selected the performances and dishes, and even specially arranged a segment where Xiao Yichen could showcase his talent and insights into the country, attempting to change everyone's perception of him.

On the day of the grand banquet, the palace was brightly lit and bustling with activity. Xiao Yichen behaved impeccably and spoke earnestly, his analysis of national affairs insightful and penetrating, earning the tacit approval of many ministers. However, some still harbored doubts about him, offering only perfunctory responses, which left Xiao Yichen feeling quite helpless.

Nevertheless, Su Yao's efforts were not in vain. After the banquet, Xiao Yi privately said to Xiao Yichen, "I know you have suffered grievances during this time, but I did it for the stability of the court. Rest assured, as long as you continue to be loyal, I will not treat you unfairly." Xiao Yichen knelt down to express his gratitude, "Your Majesty is wise. I will do my utmost to live up to Your Majesty's expectations."

Although the tension between Xiao Yichen and Xiao Yi had temporarily eased, they both knew that the forces behind those rumors wouldn't let them off easily. The road ahead remained fraught with difficulties, and they had to be even more cautious and work together to survive in this treacherous court intrigue and protect their love, as well as their sense of justice and ideals.