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

Xiao Yichen and Su Yao sat side by side, the candlelight flickering and casting their shadows. Despite the recent turmoil, their hearts found peace in each other's company. Xiao Yichen's fingers gently stroked Su Yao's hair, the smooth touch a testament to the unwavering bond between them.

“Su Yao, although the Emperor has temporarily agreed to our request, the political landscape in the court is constantly changing, and those opposing voices will not be easily silenced.” Xiao Yichen held Su Yao’s hand tightly, his palms slightly sweaty, his eyes full of worry, as if he could see many thorns on the road ahead.

Su Yao nodded slightly, but her eyes were unusually firm, like cold stars twinkling in the night sky: "Yi Chen, I'm not afraid. As long as I can be with you, I'm willing to face any difficulties." Her voice was soft but carried an undeniable strength, as if she were declaring her determination to the whole world.

Xiao Yichen gently pulled her into his arms, as if to embed her into his chest and offer her protection: "I will never let you suffer. I think we need to take the initiative and start with those ministers who have influence over me, let them see your good qualities, and slowly change their opinion of you." His chin rested on the top of Su Yao's head, his mind racing with plans.

"How do we do it?" Su Yao asked, looking up. A hint of nervousness flashed in her eyes, but more so her trust and reliance on Xiao Yichen.

“Tomorrow I will be hosting a banquet for several important officials at my residence, and you will attend as well. At that time, you should use your talent and kindness to impress them,” Xiao Yichen said thoughtfully, a hint of anticipation and trepidation in his eyes.

Although Su Yao was a little nervous, she still agreed, "Okay, I will do my best." She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, while silently thinking about how to deal with the situation tomorrow.

The next day, the Xiao residence was brightly decorated with lanterns. Red lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, seemingly welcoming the upcoming distinguished guests, or perhaps praying for the future of Xiao Yichen and Su Yao. Several court officials arrived as invited, dressed in magnificent court robes, their faces bearing smiles, some genuine, some feigned. Su Yao, dressed in her finest attire, a light blue dress accentuating her graceful figure yet retaining an air of elegance, followed beside Xiao Yichen, bowing and greeting each of the officials. Her movements were graceful and poised, her eyes revealing humility and gentleness, but her slightly trembling hands betrayed her inner nervousness.

After several rounds of drinks, a minister suddenly spoke up: "Lord Xiao, I've heard that Miss Su is a highly skilled physician. Is that true?" His eyes held a hint of inquiry and doubt, and he gently swirled the wine in his cup, the wine rippling within.

Xiao Yichen looked at Su Yao, smiled and nodded, his eyes full of pride: "It is true. Su Yao's medical skills have helped me through many difficult times." His voice was steady and powerful, as if he were showing a rare treasure to the ministers.

Su Yao said modestly, "You flatter me, sir. I am only slightly versed in medicine and only did my bit in this critical moment." Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head to avoid everyone's gaze, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes.

Another minister continued, “Now that the epidemic is rampant, the people are suffering terribly. Although the court has sent imperial physicians, it is only a drop in the ocean. Since Miss Su has such medical skills, why not use them to help the court?” He put down his wine cup, crossed his arms, and stared intently at Su Yao, as if waiting for her reply.

Su Yao's heart stirred, and she looked at Xiao Yichen. Seeing him nod slightly, she replied, "If I can help, I will do my best." A resolute look flashed in her eyes, and she secretly vowed to perform well and win back face for Xiao Yichen.

A few days later, Su Yao accompanied the imperial physicians to the plague-stricken area. Along the way, she looked at the barren fields and dilapidated villages, her heart filled with compassion. Upon arriving in the disaster area, she worked tirelessly, traveling daily to various villages to treat and treat patients. Her hands became rough from prolonged contact with medicinal herbs, and her cheeks were chapped by the wind, but she never uttered a complaint. She patiently inquired about each patient's condition, her eyes overflowing with concern. Her kindness and medical skills gradually won the praise of the people; the simple villagers held her hands, tears welling in their eyes, thanking her profusely. This praise also reached the ears of the ministers, and their attitude towards Su Yao began to subtly change.

Xiao Yichen wasn't idle in court either. He actively promoted various policies that benefited the country and its people, and every remonstrance he made was sincere and well-reasoned. Furthermore, he skillfully distributed credit appropriately among the ministers who had reservations about his relationship with Su Yao, treating them with utmost respect in court, gradually easing tensions with them. Seeing the ministers' attitudes soften, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but also understood that this was only temporary, and they still had a long way to go.

However, just when things seemed to be going smoothly, Su Yao unfortunately contracted the plague while treating patients and fell into a coma. When the news reached Xiao Yichen, he felt as if struck by lightning, his mind going blank. He rushed to Su Yao's residence with burning anxiety, his heart pounding like thunder all the way. He stayed by her bedside, holding Su Yao's hand tightly. Those hands, once so warm and soft, were now burning hot and weak. His eyes were filled with fear and despair: "Su Yao, you must wake up. We promised to overcome all difficulties together. You can't break your promise." His voice trembled, tears welling up in his eyes, but he stubbornly refused to let them fall.

The imperial physicians stood by helplessly, shaking their heads and sighing. Their faces were full of exhaustion and helplessness, and their eyes revealed a sense of powerlessness.

Xiao Yichen refused to give up; his eyes hardened with a fierce determination. He searched tirelessly for a cure for the plague, sending men to scour every clinic and library in the capital, even going so far as to test medicines on himself. With each trial, he clung to a sliver of hope, never giving up despite the excruciating side effects. Finally, he found a potentially effective prescription in a dusty ancient book. He held the book with the utmost care, as if it were Su Yao's life. He personally prepared the medicine, standing guard by the stove, his eyes glued to the pot, afraid of making the slightest mistake. After the medicine was ready, he gently blew on it to cool it before feeding it to Su Yao, his eyes filled with anticipation and prayer.

Perhaps it was a blessing from heaven, but a few days later, Su Yao's condition gradually improved, and she slowly woke up. The moment she opened her eyes, Xiao Yichen felt as if the whole world had lit up.

"Yichen, I thought I would never see you again..." Su Yao said weakly, her voice like the sound of a broken wind chime, but to Xiao Yichen it was like heavenly music.

Xiao Yichen's eyes reddened, and tears finally welled up in his eyes: "Silly girl, I said I wouldn't let anything happen to you. Don't worry, I will be even more careful to protect you from now on." He hugged Su Yao tightly, as if he wanted to merge her into his own body, feeling her warmth and breath, and vowed never to let her suffer any harm again.

After this battle, the ministers' views on Su Yao completely changed. They were moved by the deep affection between Xiao Yichen and Su Yao, and admired Su Yao's courage and kindness. They all offered their blessings to Xiao Yichen, and the previous opposition gradually dissipated. Xiao Yichen and Su Yao also cherished each other even more. They knew that the road ahead was long, but as long as they walked hand in hand, nothing could stand in the way of their love.

As time passed, Xiao Yichen's prestige in the court grew ever higher. His proposed reforms were incisive and effective, gaining the emperor's strong support. Under his rule, the country gradually flourished, the people lived in peace and contentment, commerce thrived, and culture prospered. Xiao Yichen and Su Yao, amidst the blessings of the people, held a grand wedding. On their wedding day, the capital was brightly decorated and bustling with activity, as people flocked to the streets to witness the newlyweds' happy moment. Thereafter, they lived a blissful life, supporting each other and growing old together, becoming a legendary tale that circulated throughout the capital, adding a warm and beautiful touch to the era…