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

Xiao Yichen held Su Yao tightly, as if trying to meld her into his very bones to make up for the shock and trauma she had suffered. But even though they had survived the ordeal and wept in each other's arms, the chasm of their social status loomed between them like a dark cloud.

Su Yao leaned against Xiao Yichen's chest, her heart filled with worry. She tilted her head slightly, looked into Xiao Yichen's eyes, and said softly, "Yichen, now that you have made great contributions, you will surely attract more attention in the court. As for me, I come from a humble background, and being with you will only be a burden to you and an obstacle to your career." Her eyes revealed pain and helplessness, and her fingers unconsciously tightened around the hem of his clothes.

Xiao Yichen felt a pang of pain in his heart. He cupped Su Yao's face in his hands and said with unwavering determination, "Su Yao, how could you be a burden? Without you, I would never have been able to obtain this evidence, let alone eliminate the treacherous officials in the court. In my heart, you are the most important person; status and position are nothing but fleeting clouds." His voice was deep and powerful, trying to dispel the unease in Su Yao's heart.

However, external pressure surged like a tidal wave. Visitors began frequently arriving at Xiao Yichen's residence, ostensibly to offer congratulations, but in reality, to secretly observe the relationship between Xiao Yichen and Su Yao. Furthermore, some court officials subtly hinted to Xiao Yichen that he should consider his marriage and choose a woman of equal social standing to solidify his position in the court.

Once, in the imperial court, Xiao Yichen overheard several ministers whispering: "Lord Xiao is young and promising, but it's a pity that he's been held back by that woman of unknown origin. How can a woman of such background be worthy of standing beside Lord Xiao?" "Yes, if this matter isn't resolved soon, it might affect Lord Xiao's future." These words pierced Xiao Yichen's heart like needles, but he simply clenched his fists and secretly vowed never to let anyone separate him from Su Yao.

Su Yao also felt the strange looks and cold words from all sides. As she walked down the street, she would occasionally hear whispers behind her: "Look, that's the woman. I wonder what tricks she used to seduce Lord Xiao." These words made her feel wronged, but she was strong by nature and always silently endured them, not wanting Xiao Yichen to worry about her.

Faced with this predicament, Xiao Yichen decided to take action. He submitted a memorial to the Emperor, requesting a marriage decree and expressing his determination to marry no one but Su Yao. Upon seeing the memorial, the Emperor was furious, deeming Xiao Yichen's actions improper, and summoned him to the palace to reprimand him.

"Xiao Yichen, do you know what you are doing? You are an important official of the court. How can you disregard your status and future for a woman?" The emperor sat on the dragon throne, glaring angrily.

Xiao Yichen knelt on the ground, yet showed no sign of backing down: "Your Majesty, my love for Su Yao is stronger than gold. I know this is against the norm, but if I cannot be with the one I love, I will not be happy no matter how high my status or power may be. I implore Your Majesty to grant my request." His words were earnest, and his eyes revealed unwavering determination.

After listening, the Emperor pondered for a long time, and finally sighed: "I will consider your sincerity and the great merit you have made this time, so I will not pursue your mistakes for the time being. But you should know that this matter has caused a lot of controversy in the court. You need to find a way to quell these opinions, otherwise, I will not be able to protect you."

Xiao Yichen was moved to tears: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost to live up to Your Majesty's expectations."

Back home, Xiao Yichen told Su Yao the news. Su Yao was both surprised and delighted, but she also knew that their road ahead would still be difficult. To reduce external pressure, Su Yao decided to learn music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and etiquette, striving to improve herself to match Xiao Yichen's status.

Xiao Yichen, meanwhile, became even more diligent in his duties at court, gradually earning the recognition and respect of more ministers through his wisdom and talent. He also frequently took Su Yao to gatherings of literati and scholars, giving her the opportunity to meet more people and change public perception of her.

At a banquet, Su Yao won everyone's praise with her superb musical skills. Even a minister who had previously expressed dissatisfaction with their relationship couldn't help but nod in approval: "Lord Xiao's daughter is indeed exceptionally talented, and she is quite a good match for Lord Xiao." Hearing this evaluation, Xiao Yichen and Su Yao exchanged a smile, their eyes filled with satisfaction.

Despite their efforts to overcome the difficulties brought about by their identities, some stubborn forces remained unwilling to see them happy. One day, Xiao Yichen suddenly received an anonymous letter threatening him that if he did not sever ties with Su Yao, he would harm her.

Xiao Yichen immediately strengthened the protection of Su Yao and secretly investigated the person who wrote the letter. After some twists and turns, he finally discovered that it was the work of a former official closely related to Wang Yu. Xiao Yichen showed no mercy, exposing the man's crimes and ensuring he received the punishment he deserved.

As time passed, Xiao Yichen and Su Yao grew increasingly steadfast in their love. With their sincerity and hard work, they gradually overcame the obstacles posed by their different social statuses, allowing their love, nurtured amidst hardship, to shine even brighter. Their story spread throughout the capital, becoming a celebrated tale that showed people the power of love to overcome all difficulties…