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

Since the poetry gathering, Su Yao's reputation in the capital has gradually spread, and many young men have fallen in love with this talented Miss Su. However, Su Yao did not take these feelings to heart. She continued to live her life in the Su residence every day, accompanied by her loyal dog. Occasionally, she would unexpectedly meet Xiao Yichen in the garden, and their affection for each other grew stronger, but neither of them ever made it public.

One day, Su Yao was reading in her room when a maidservant suddenly came to report that someone from the Prince's Mansion had delivered an invitation, inviting Su Yao to attend a flower-viewing banquet at the Prince's Mansion. Su Yao was startled. She knew that the Prince's Mansion was not a place she could easily go to, and given her current situation in the Su family, this trip was likely to be fraught with danger.

"Miss, what should we do? Should we go or not?" the maid Xiao Cui asked anxiously from the side.

Su Yao pondered for a moment and said, "Since the Prince's Mansion has invited us, there is no reason not to go. Let's go and make preparations."

When Su Yao arrived at the Prince's residence, she discovered that several other young ladies from prominent families had also been invited. Xiao Yichen personally came out to greet her. Today, he was dressed in a purple robe with a jade pendant around his waist. He was tall and imposing, and his eyes lit up slightly when he saw Su Yao.

"Miss Su, I am delighted to have you here," Xiao Yichen said softly as he stepped forward.

Su Yao curtsied slightly, "How could Yao'er dare not come when Your Highness invites me?"

At the flower-viewing banquet, all sorts of exotic flowers and rare herbs vied for attention, and everyone chatted while admiring the beautiful scenery. However, Su Yao vaguely sensed several unfriendly gazes fixed on her.

“Miss Su, I heard that you shone brightly at the poetry gathering last time. Today, the garden of the Prince’s Mansion is no less impressive. I wonder if Miss Su would be interested in composing another poem?” A young lady surnamed Lin suddenly spoke up, her eyes filled with a hint of provocation.

Su Yao knew in her heart that someone was trying to make things difficult for her again, but she was not afraid. She smiled and said, "If Miss Lin has such an elegant interest, Yao'er will certainly accompany her." After saying that, she looked around and saw butterflies fluttering among the flowers, so she recited: "Flowers are like brocade, butterflies are flying, the spring light of the Prince's Mansion shines in the sun. The fragrance adds to the mood, and the heart is at peace, forgetting worldly affairs."

Upon hearing this, everyone praised it again. Xiao Yichen even showed an appreciative smile, "Miss Su San is indeed eloquent. This poem is fresh and refined, and it suits my taste perfectly."

Just then, Su Yao's handkerchief was suddenly blown away by a gust of wind. As she was about to pick it up, she saw a foot stepping on it. Su Yao looked up and saw a princess—Princess Li—who had always harbored feelings for Xiao Yichen.

"Oh, isn't this Miss Su? How careless of you, what if this handkerchief gets dirty?" Princess Li said, but showed no intention of moving her feet.

Su Yao frowned slightly, but still maintained her politeness. "Princess, please move your feet. This handkerchief was a gift from my mother and it has great significance to me."

"Hmph, what if I don't move?" Princess Li said arrogantly.

Seeing this, Xiao Yichen's face darkened, and he walked over and said coldly, "Princess, please don't make things difficult for Miss Su."

Seeing Xiao Yichen so protective of Su Yao, Princess Li felt even more jealous and angry, but she dared not disobey Xiao Yichen, so she reluctantly moved her foot away.

Su Yao picked up the handkerchief and said softly, "Thank you, Your Highness."

Xiao Yichen looked at her, his eyes full of concern, "Miss Su, are you alright?"

Su Yao shook her head. "Yao'er is fine."

However, the flower-viewing banquet did not end there. During the meal, Su Yao suddenly felt a sharp pain in her stomach. She knew inwardly that someone had tampered with her food. But she endured the pain, not wanting to lose face in front of everyone.

Xiao Yichen noticed Su Yao's unusual expression and asked with concern, "Miss Su, you don't look well. Are you feeling unwell?"

Su Yao gritted her teeth and said, "Yao'er may be feeling a little unwell and wants to go back to the manor to rest first."

Xiao Yichen immediately arranged for a carriage to take Su Yao back to her residence. On the way back, Su Yao's abdominal pain intensified, and her loyal dog barked anxiously beside her, seemingly worried about her.

Upon returning to the Su residence, Su Yao fell seriously ill. On her sickbed, she knew she had been drawn into a complex conflict. After learning of Su Yao's illness, Xiao Yichen repeatedly sent precious medicinal herbs and tonics, promising to thoroughly investigate the matter and find the mastermind behind it all.

Su Yao knew that her feelings for Xiao Yichen had deepened with each twist and turn, but the road ahead was fraught with thorns. She didn't know if she could emerge unscathed from the inner workings of the mansion and the complex power struggles of the royal court, nor did she know what the future held for her and Xiao Yichen…