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

The capital city remained as prosperous as ever, but Xiao Yichen and Su Yao's life became even more precious after weathering the storms. Since returning from the frontier, Xiao Yichen had won the emperor's favor, and his residence was frequently visited by officials, making it a bustling place.

One day, Xiao Yichen was handling official business in his study when Su Yao came in with a bowl of ginseng soup and said softly, "Yichen, you've been busy with official business these days, so you should take care of your health."

Xiao Yichen put down his pen, stood up and took the ginseng soup, smiling as he said, "Yao'er, it's so good to have you by my side. But the situation in the court is complicated right now, and all the forces are trying to win me over, so I have to be careful."

Su Yao frowned slightly: "I understand. I'm afraid some people may have ulterior motives and use your prestige for their own benefit. You must stay true to yourself and not be misled by them."

Xiao Yichen gently held Su Yao's hand: "Don't worry, Yao'er. I know what's right and what's wrong. It's just that some social obligations are hard to refuse, and it's inevitable that I'll make you worry."

Not long after, a court official invited Xiao Yichen to a banquet, claiming it was just a small gathering among several important officials. Although Xiao Yichen had some doubts, he decided to go in order not to appear impolite.

At the banquet, the guests initially discussed poetry, songs, and romantic themes, but after a few rounds of drinks, the conversation gradually turned to matters of the court.

A minister said seemingly casually, "General Xiao, the situation in the court is delicate right now. You hold a large army and are deeply trusted by the emperor. You should think more about us old ministers."

Xiao Yichen's heart skipped a beat, but he replied calmly, "You jest, sir. I, Xiao, am merely fulfilling my duty, sharing the Emperor's burdens, and working for the well-being of the people. How could I possibly be thinking of anyone else?"

Another minister continued, "General Xiao, we are all working for the stability of the court. Now there is an opportunity. If we work together, we can implement some new policies that will better protect our interests. What do you think, General?"

Xiao Yichen's face darkened: "My lords, I, Xiao Yichen, fight on the battlefield to protect my country and my home, not to seek personal gain. I cannot participate in such matters."

After saying this, Xiao Yichen stood up to take his leave, ignoring everyone's attempts to persuade him to stay, and resolutely left the banquet.

Back home, Xiao Yichen told Su Yao about it. Su Yao nodded in approval: "Yichen, you did the right thing. They're trying to take advantage of you. Once you get involved, you'll be in endless trouble."

However, Xiao Yichen's refusal angered the ministers, who began to secretly slander him in court, saying that he was arrogant and disrespectful to other ministers.

Upon hearing these rumors, the Emperor summoned Xiao Yichen to the palace for questioning.

The Emperor's expression was serious: "Minister Xiao, I have heard some rumors about you in the court recently. Do you have anything to say about that?"

Xiao Yichen respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, I am devoted to the country and have never harbored any disloyal thoughts. Those rumors are all slanders by petty people. I refused their inappropriate proposal at the banquet, and that is why I was retaliated against."

The Emperor nodded slightly: "I trust you, but you must also be careful with your words and actions, and not give others any leverage against you."

After Xiao Yichen expressed his gratitude, he returned home. Su Yao comforted him, "Yichen, the innocent will always be innocent. As long as we have a clear conscience, we have nothing to fear from their slander."

Not long after, a plague suddenly broke out in the capital. Panic gripped the city, and the people suffered terribly.

Upon seeing this, Su Yao immediately decided to use her medical skills to help the people. Despite being pregnant, she personally went to the epidemic area to treat patients.

Xiao Yichen was worried about Su Yao's safety and tried to stop her: "Yao'er, you are pregnant now. The epidemic area is too dangerous. You can't go."

Su Yao said firmly, "Yi Chen, I can't just stand by and watch the people suffer. I'll be careful, don't worry."

Helpless, Xiao Yichen could only send many guards to protect Su Yao and assist her in treating patients.

Thanks to Su Yao's efforts, many patients' conditions were brought under control, and the epidemic gradually subsided. The people were deeply grateful to Su Yao, praising her as a living Bodhisattva.

The Emperor also heard of Su Yao's good deeds and praised her even more, bestowing upon her many precious medicinal herbs and tonics to commend her achievements.

After the plague, Xiao Yichen and Su Yao's prestige among the people grew even higher. They remained true to their original aspirations, supporting each other and facing life's various difficulties together, becoming an enviable couple in the capital.