Chapter 52a: Emergency Rescue
Suffocation? Why would she suffocate when she was just fine?
Empress Wang didn’t have the leisure of making guesses about this. She also immediately panicked. “Someone come. Hurry and go bring imperial physicians!”
Such a properly celebratory night. She didn’t expect that an accident would occur at the end. If something bad were to truly happen to the suffocating Imperial Consort Song, she also wouldn’t be free from responsibility. How could Empress Wang still care about the poem in her hand. She directly threw it to the side and promptly stepped forward to examine the imperial consort.
After exerting effort for a short amount of time, Imperial Consort Song’s face already turned completely red. Her wide open eyes stared fixedly as she grabbed the sleeve of Empress Wang’s robe. She seemingly wanted to cry for help, but was unable to form a single sentence. From her mouth, only ‘hu hu’ sounds came out. Her painful efforts only made others confused.
The scene immediately turned totally chaotic. Everyone stared at Empress Wang and Imperial Consort Song at the center. They stared blankly, helpless, and pale with fright.
If something bad happened at the end of tonight’s Mid-Autumn Feast, if Imperial Consort Song were to choke to death on account of writing down a poem, she’s afraid this might become the greatest joke on Western Chu. Even though this matter had nothing to do with them, they still witnessed everything personally after all. Very likely, His Majesty will be furious and they would also be implicated.
The most regretful one was Yuchi Lianqing. She was as dumbstruck as a wooden chicken as she froze there, her brain like mush. Ordinarily, she had always been resourceful and quick-witted, and more intelligent than anyone. However, she currently didn’t know what to do at all, as she stared stupidly. She even forgot to stand up and see how Imperial Consort Song was doing.
As if a club struck her head, she fell from the clouds down into the abyss. Wasn’t it just fine earlier? Empress Wang even said that she wanted to choose her to become the crown prince’s consort. Imperial Consort Song even wanted to personally write the poem down for her to send to His Majesty. She was thoroughly delighted. In her fantasy, it wouldn’t be long before her dream will come true, and she became the future empress. Yet now…..
On account of writing her poem down, Imperial Consort Song’s momentary happiness caused her to choke.
No matter what, she couldn’t be free from responsibility in this matter!
If Imperial Consort Song were to truly come to a bad end, not to mention how the two princes might look at her with animosity, even if His Majesty didn’t demand that she took responsibility, she’s afraid that it’d be impossible for her to become the crown prince consort. She’d loved the crown prince dearly for three years. She’d always longed to become the crown prince consort, yet now, her joy had turned into sorrow. She’s afraid it would already be extremely lucky if His Majesty could pardon her.
Body covered in cold sweat from fear, Yuchi Lianqing collapsed from head to toe. With a deathly pale complexion, she watched the chaotic mess.
“Where’s the imperial physician. Why are they still not here?” Empress Wang asked anxiously, noticing that the hand Imperial Consort Song used to grab onto her sleeve was weakening, while her eyes were becoming spiritless and her body trembled all over, even as choking sounds continually came from her throat. The empress was afraid that the other already could no longer persevere for much longer.
Something bad is going to happen……
Something really bad!
Even someone like Empress Wang was also panicking now. Besides placing all of her hope on the imperial physicians arriving quickly, there was nothing else she could do.
“Your Highness, allow me to take a look at Imperial Consort Song.” Just when she was most frantic and hopeless, a voice sounded. Without waiting for the empress to reply, a young lady dressed in white broke through the crowd. She crouched down beside her.
Turning her head to look, she discovered that it was Luo Qing Luan. At this time, how could Empress Wang take so much into consideration. She promptly asked, “Qing Luan, do you have a solution?”
“I’ve studied some emergency medicine in the past. This situation is urgent and can’t wait for the imperial physicians. Will you let me try?” Within the crowd of flustered and helpless palace maids and eunuchs, the calm and collected Luo Qing Luan seemed especially extraordinary, like a single star in the night sky.
Apparently, her calm also infected Empress Wang. She finally composed herself and immediately replied, “Good, Qing Luan, try your best. I promise you, I won’t blame you even if you can’t do anything. Just try your best and do what you can.”
This was the same as giving medicine to a dead horse (trying everything in a desperate situation). Empress Wang also had no other option.
Who could have imagined that this mishap would happen? This was merely a feast to admire the full moon, which had been conducted for many years. There had never been a problem before, yet this kind of emergency had to happen this year. Imperial Consort Song was not suffering from illness. She was choking. If she suffocated and stopped breathing, how could she still wait for the imperial physicians to come?
Therefore, even if it was Luo Qing Luan, a girl who didn’t seem to be sixteen years of age, yet, as long as she was willing to give it a try, Empress Wang would embraced this only hope. It was still better than doing nothing!
With Empress Wang’s guarantee, Luo Qing Luan was even more reassured.
Ever since that palace maid said that Imperial Consort Song was choking, she knew that the circumstances might seem urgent, however, as long as one knew what to do, it wouldn’t be very serious. But they had to make every moment count!
Quickly holding onto Imperial Consort Song’s wrist, Luo Qing Luan merely took her pulse for a short time and already knew what to do. After taking a look at Imperial Consort Song’s eyes and feeling her throat, Luo Qing Luan immediately said, “Someone come. Help me turn the consort’s body over.”
As she was speaking, she went and pulled Imperial Consort Song’s hand. Once a palace maid to her side heard this, she understood Luo Qing Luan’s intention for the most part and quickly came to help.
At this time, they could no longer be too gentle. Time was of the essence. Luo Qing Luan had two palace maids help lean Imperial Consort Song over while resting on her knees to keep her head down, while Luo Qing Luan placed her left hand supporting the consort’s stomach. After that, she used force to slap.
The position and the strength, neither was dispensable. Luo Qing Luan gave her one slap after another, of uniform speed and rhythmic, while she spoke, “Imperial Concubine, you can hear me, right? If you can cough, please exert all of your strength to cough. Once you do, you’ll be better.”
The others looked on without understanding what’s going to happen and could only wait anxiously.
Chapter 52b: Emergency Rescue
The result was that within a few seconds, Imperial Consort coughed out loud. Once she saw this, Luo Qing Luan continued to apply force and finally, suddenly exerted all of her strength. Finally with a ‘wa’ sound, Imperial Consort Song regurgitated something after which she coughed violently. This coughing sound was much clearer than previously.
“That’s good, that’s good!”
Since she could cough it up, she should be fine now. Luo Qing Luan promptly had people help her up, then lightly patted her back. “Hurry and bring some warm water. Have the imperial consort drink it.
Imperial Consort Song continued her violent fit of coughing, but it was clear that she was no longer suffocating. Seeing this, Empress Wang’s heart finally returned from her stomach. When a palace maid brought the water, she immediately passed it over. “Come, Younger Sister, drink some water.”
“Drink slowly. Don’t rush.” Luo Qing Luan advised.
Once Imperial Consort Song drank the water and was supported back to her seat, she rested for quite some time, before she regained her wits. She grabbed Empress Wang’s hand and wept.
Just now, when something choked her, that feeling of not being able to breathe, if it had continued for a bit longer, she would’ve totally suffocated to death. This kind of harrowing feeling, of the close encounter with the god of death, truly made Imperial Consort Song still felt an indeterminate fright.
Empress Wang also had lingering fears as she incessantly patted Imperial Consort Song’s hand. After a period of time, the two people finally gradually calmed down.
“Qing Luan, if it wasn’t for you……” Imperial Consort Song grabbed Luo Qing Luan’s hand, so grateful she didn’t know what to say. “I truly nearly died. Thank you……”
“What is Your Highness saying. This kind of thing…anyone who encounters will naturally lend a hand. I merely happened to know a bit of emergency medicine and saw that you’re choking on dense phlegm. That’s why I acted boldly and gave it a try.”
This kind of life saving method, as far as Luo Qing Luan was concerned, was truly not worth mentioning. This couldn’t even be considered medical expertise and was merely a first aid treatment, that’s all. Even an ordinary person with a little bit of understanding could perform it.
After all, tonight was a celebration. She also didn’t really want something bad to happen. Saving others was saving oneself. She did not have the slightest intention of claiming credit.
“Qing Luan, you’re too modest. If you’re not here, and we really have to wait for the imperial physician to arrive, I’m afraid it would’ve been too late.” Empress Wang let out a long breath. Seeing that everything had returned to normal, she also calmed down. “I truly did not anticipate that Qing Luan, not only are you good at playing the zither, you’re also know the art of healing. This is truly rare.”
“You speak too highly of me. I really dare not accept.”
Seeing that Imperial Consort Song was still panting with a red face, Luo Qing Luan said, “Imperial Consort, do you have a cough that has never gone away? That’s why you accidentally choked just now.”
Imperial Consort Song knew her own body the best. She had been coughing for a while, and there had always been something blocking her throat. Just now, she was so happy that she was careless and a large piece of dense phlegm blocked her throat, that’s how……
“Does Qing Luan know a cure?” Having had her life saved by the other, Imperial Consort Song trusted Luo Qing Luan a bit more. She asked, “This cough of mine has gone on for a while and has never gotten better. If it wasn’t for you……sigh, is there a way to cure it completely? Those imperial physicians had given me quite a few medicines, yet I haven’t gotten better.”
“This……” It didn’t seem to be too suitable to examine a patient in public. Luo Qing Luan could only say that the imperial physicians’ medical skills are great, so there should be no problem with their prescriptions. Let’s wait until you return to rest for a bit. I’ll come back tomorrow to properly examine you. With Luo Qing Luan’s consent, Imperial Consort Song also feel relieved. After the recent disturbance, her body felt weak all over. With a word from Empress Wang, she was supported by the palace maids to return to her room.
Only at this time did they run into imperial physicians rushing towards them. Unfortunately, they were already late, so Empress Wang had them withdraw. Empress Wang also no longer had any interest in tonight’s full moon feast, so she gave a command to end the banquet and have everyone disperse.
Luo Qing Luan was just about to leave, but Empress Wang prevented her from leaving. “Qing Luan, don’t return tonight. How about staying at the palace and keep me company?”
Huh? Not returning home? Staying at the palace?
Once the highborn young ladies who were leaving in succession heard this, each and every one of them revealed expressions of envy. When had the empress ever urged anyone to stay at the palace? Furthermore, from the looks of it, very likely, the two of them would even chat for the whole night. Such a rare honor was something that was simply unimaginable for the average person.
Once again obtaining Empress Wang’s attention was something that Luo Qing Luan did not foresee. However, Empress Wang suddenly made the suggestion. As a subject, the fact was that she had no way of refusing in public and could only tactfully answer, “Your Highness’ kind intentions, Qing Luan of course shouldn’t decline. However, my father might be worried……”
Empress Wang immediately countered, “Not a problem. I will send someone to the general’s mansion to give them notice and it’ll be fine. General Luo won’t blame you.”
Blame? More like Luo Cheng wouldn’t be able to stop himself from jumping for joy. He’d probably give an arm for her to remain in the palace forever, no less.
Having spoken to this point, Luo Qing Luan could no longer refuse and could only agree with thanks. Under everyone’s immeasurable envy and hate, Luo Qing Luan left with Empress Wang, leaving behind a crowd of girls whose fantasies were shattered.
Within Phoenix Presence Palace
A few attending palace maids quietly stood at the side. They were also quite amazed by that young lady dressed in white not far away. They had never seen the empress be so interested in any other noble lady. Not mentioning meeting her at the Full Moon Feast, at present, she even invited her to come rest at Phoenix Presence Palace for a chat, keeping her for the night.
Wasn’t this simply the same as a receiving special distinction!
But as far as Luo Qing Luan was concerned, she did not feel anything at all. If it wasn’t for the fact that she could be considered to be fond of this Empress Wang, and perceived that her personality was warm, and was genuinely a ‘mother’ to her country, a woman who could see the big picture, she also wouldn’t have been willing to chat with her.
After chatting for a while, Empress Wang found Luo Qing Luan more and more pleasing to the eyes and grew more and more fond of her.
Previously, she even wanted Yuchi Lianqing to become the crown prince’s consort. At present, she truly felt that it was very fortunate that she had not already discussed the matter with His Majesty. Tonight, she wanted to properly have a conversation with Luo Qing Luan, to properly understand this crown prince consort who she had selected very carefully. If everything clicked in place, then this matter would be decided.
Chapter 52a: Emergency Rescue
Suffocation? Why would she suffocate when she was just fine?
Empress Wang didn’t have the leisure of making guesses about this. She also immediately panicked. “Someone come. Hurry and go bring imperial physicians!”
Such a properly celebratory night. She didn’t expect that an accident would occur at the end. If something bad were to truly happen to the suffocating Imperial Consort Song, she also wouldn’t be free from responsibility. How could Empress Wang still care about the poem in her hand. She directly threw it to the side and promptly stepped forward to examine the imperial consort.
After exerting effort for a short amount of time, Imperial Consort Song’s face already turned completely red. Her wide open eyes stared fixedly as she grabbed the sleeve of Empress Wang’s robe. She seemingly wanted to cry for help, but was unable to form a single sentence. From her mouth, only ‘hu hu’ sounds came out. Her painful efforts only made others confused.
The scene immediately turned totally chaotic. Everyone stared at Empress Wang and Imperial Consort Song at the center. They stared blankly, helpless, and pale with fright.
If something bad happened at the end of tonight’s Mid-Autumn Feast, if Imperial Consort Song were to choke to death on account of writing down a poem, she’s afraid this might become the greatest joke on Western Chu. Even though this matter had nothing to do with them, they still witnessed everything personally after all. Very likely, His Majesty will be furious and they would also be implicated.
The most regretful one was Yuchi Lianqing. She was as dumbstruck as a wooden chicken as she froze there, her brain like mush. Ordinarily, she had always been resourceful and quick-witted, and more intelligent than anyone. However, she currently didn’t know what to do at all, as she stared stupidly. She even forgot to stand up and see how Imperial Consort Song was doing.
As if a club struck her head, she fell from the clouds down into the abyss. Wasn’t it just fine earlier? Empress Wang even said that she wanted to choose her to become the crown prince’s consort. Imperial Consort Song even wanted to personally write the poem down for her to send to His Majesty. She was thoroughly delighted. In her fantasy, it wouldn’t be long before her dream will come true, and she became the future empress. Yet now…..
On account of writing her poem down, Imperial Consort Song’s momentary happiness caused her to choke.
No matter what, she couldn’t be free from responsibility in this matter!
If Imperial Consort Song were to truly come to a bad end, not to mention how the two princes might look at her with animosity, even if His Majesty didn’t demand that she took responsibility, she’s afraid that it’d be impossible for her to become the crown prince consort. She’d loved the crown prince dearly for three years. She’d always longed to become the crown prince consort, yet now, her joy had turned into sorrow. She’s afraid it would already be extremely lucky if His Majesty could pardon her.
Body covered in cold sweat from fear, Yuchi Lianqing collapsed from head to toe. With a deathly pale complexion, she watched the chaotic mess.
“Where’s the imperial physician. Why are they still not here?” Empress Wang asked anxiously, noticing that the hand Imperial Consort Song used to grab onto her sleeve was weakening, while her eyes were becoming spiritless and her body trembled all over, even as choking sounds continually came from her throat. The empress was afraid that the other already could no longer persevere for much longer.
Something bad is going to happen……
Something really bad!
Even someone like Empress Wang was also panicking now. Besides placing all of her hope on the imperial physicians arriving quickly, there was nothing else she could do.
“Your Highness, allow me to take a look at Imperial Consort Song.” Just when she was most frantic and hopeless, a voice sounded. Without waiting for the empress to reply, a young lady dressed in white broke through the crowd. She crouched down beside her.
Turning her head to look, she discovered that it was Luo Qing Luan. At this time, how could Empress Wang take so much into consideration. She promptly asked, “Qing Luan, do you have a solution?”
“I’ve studied some emergency medicine in the past. This situation is urgent and can’t wait for the imperial physicians. Will you let me try?” Within the crowd of flustered and helpless palace maids and eunuchs, the calm and collected Luo Qing Luan seemed especially extraordinary, like a single star in the night sky.
Apparently, her calm also infected Empress Wang. She finally composed herself and immediately replied, “Good, Qing Luan, try your best. I promise you, I won’t blame you even if you can’t do anything. Just try your best and do what you can.”
This was the same as giving medicine to a dead horse (trying everything in a desperate situation). Empress Wang also had no other option.
Who could have imagined that this mishap would happen? This was merely a feast to admire the full moon, which had been conducted for many years. There had never been a problem before, yet this kind of emergency had to happen this year. Imperial Consort Song was not suffering from illness. She was choking. If she suffocated and stopped breathing, how could she still wait for the imperial physicians to come?
Therefore, even if it was Luo Qing Luan, a girl who didn’t seem to be sixteen years of age, yet, as long as she was willing to give it a try, Empress Wang would embraced this only hope. It was still better than doing nothing!
With Empress Wang’s guarantee, Luo Qing Luan was even more reassured.
Ever since that palace maid said that Imperial Consort Song was choking, she knew that the circumstances might seem urgent, however, as long as one knew what to do, it wouldn’t be very serious. But they had to make every moment count!
Quickly holding onto Imperial Consort Song’s wrist, Luo Qing Luan merely took her pulse for a short time and already knew what to do. After taking a look at Imperial Consort Song’s eyes and feeling her throat, Luo Qing Luan immediately said, “Someone come. Help me turn the consort’s body over.”
As she was speaking, she went and pulled Imperial Consort Song’s hand. Once a palace maid to her side heard this, she understood Luo Qing Luan’s intention for the most part and quickly came to help.
At this time, they could no longer be too gentle. Time was of the essence. Luo Qing Luan had two palace maids help lean Imperial Consort Song over while resting on her knees to keep her head down, while Luo Qing Luan placed her left hand supporting the consort’s stomach. After that, she used force to slap.
The position and the strength, neither was dispensable. Luo Qing Luan gave her one slap after another, of uniform speed and rhythmic, while she spoke, “Imperial Concubine, you can hear me, right? If you can cough, please exert all of your strength to cough. Once you do, you’ll be better.”
The others looked on without understanding what’s going to happen and could only wait anxiously.
Chapter 52b: Emergency Rescue
The result was that within a few seconds, Imperial Consort coughed out loud. Once she saw this, Luo Qing Luan continued to apply force and finally, suddenly exerted all of her strength. Finally with a ‘wa’ sound, Imperial Consort Song regurgitated something after which she coughed violently. This coughing sound was much clearer than previously.
“That’s good, that’s good!”
Since she could cough it up, she should be fine now. Luo Qing Luan promptly had people help her up, then lightly patted her back. “Hurry and bring some warm water. Have the imperial consort drink it.
Imperial Consort Song continued her violent fit of coughing, but it was clear that she was no longer suffocating. Seeing this, Empress Wang’s heart finally returned from her stomach. When a palace maid brought the water, she immediately passed it over. “Come, Younger Sister, drink some water.”
“Drink slowly. Don’t rush.” Luo Qing Luan advised.
Once Imperial Consort Song drank the water and was supported back to her seat, she rested for quite some time, before she regained her wits. She grabbed Empress Wang’s hand and wept.
Just now, when something choked her, that feeling of not being able to breathe, if it had continued for a bit longer, she would’ve totally suffocated to death. This kind of harrowing feeling, of the close encounter with the god of death, truly made Imperial Consort Song still felt an indeterminate fright.
Empress Wang also had lingering fears as she incessantly patted Imperial Consort Song’s hand. After a period of time, the two people finally gradually calmed down.
“Qing Luan, if it wasn’t for you……” Imperial Consort Song grabbed Luo Qing Luan’s hand, so grateful she didn’t know what to say. “I truly nearly died. Thank you……”
“What is Your Highness saying. This kind of thing…anyone who encounters will naturally lend a hand. I merely happened to know a bit of emergency medicine and saw that you’re choking on dense phlegm. That’s why I acted boldly and gave it a try.”
This kind of life saving method, as far as Luo Qing Luan was concerned, was truly not worth mentioning. This couldn’t even be considered medical expertise and was merely a first aid treatment, that’s all. Even an ordinary person with a little bit of understanding could perform it.
After all, tonight was a celebration. She also didn’t really want something bad to happen. Saving others was saving oneself. She did not have the slightest intention of claiming credit.
“Qing Luan, you’re too modest. If you’re not here, and we really have to wait for the imperial physician to arrive, I’m afraid it would’ve been too late.” Empress Wang let out a long breath. Seeing that everything had returned to normal, she also calmed down. “I truly did not anticipate that Qing Luan, not only are you good at playing the zither, you’re also know the art of healing. This is truly rare.”
“You speak too highly of me. I really dare not accept.”
Seeing that Imperial Consort Song was still panting with a red face, Luo Qing Luan said, “Imperial Consort, do you have a cough that has never gone away? That’s why you accidentally choked just now.”
Imperial Consort Song knew her own body the best. She had been coughing for a while, and there had always been something blocking her throat. Just now, she was so happy that she was careless and a large piece of dense phlegm blocked her throat, that’s how……
“Does Qing Luan know a cure?” Having had her life saved by the other, Imperial Consort Song trusted Luo Qing Luan a bit more. She asked, “This cough of mine has gone on for a while and has never gotten better. If it wasn’t for you……sigh, is there a way to cure it completely? Those imperial physicians had given me quite a few medicines, yet I haven’t gotten better.”
“This……” It didn’t seem to be too suitable to examine a patient in public. Luo Qing Luan could only say that the imperial physicians’ medical skills are great, so there should be no problem with their prescriptions. Let’s wait until you return to rest for a bit. I’ll come back tomorrow to properly examine you. With Luo Qing Luan’s consent, Imperial Consort Song also feel relieved. After the recent disturbance, her body felt weak all over. With a word from Empress Wang, she was supported by the palace maids to return to her room.
Only at this time did they run into imperial physicians rushing towards them. Unfortunately, they were already late, so Empress Wang had them withdraw. Empress Wang also no longer had any interest in tonight’s full moon feast, so she gave a command to end the banquet and have everyone disperse.
Luo Qing Luan was just about to leave, but Empress Wang prevented her from leaving. “Qing Luan, don’t return tonight. How about staying at the palace and keep me company?”
Huh? Not returning home? Staying at the palace?
Once the highborn young ladies who were leaving in succession heard this, each and every one of them revealed expressions of envy. When had the empress ever urged anyone to stay at the palace? Furthermore, from the looks of it, very likely, the two of them would even chat for the whole night. Such a rare honor was something that was simply unimaginable for the average person.
Once again obtaining Empress Wang’s attention was something that Luo Qing Luan did not foresee. However, Empress Wang suddenly made the suggestion. As a subject, the fact was that she had no way of refusing in public and could only tactfully answer, “Your Highness’ kind intentions, Qing Luan of course shouldn’t decline. However, my father might be worried……”
Empress Wang immediately countered, “Not a problem. I will send someone to the general’s mansion to give them notice and it’ll be fine. General Luo won’t blame you.”
Blame? More like Luo Cheng wouldn’t be able to stop himself from jumping for joy. He’d probably give an arm for her to remain in the palace forever, no less.
Having spoken to this point, Luo Qing Luan could no longer refuse and could only agree with thanks. Under everyone’s immeasurable envy and hate, Luo Qing Luan left with Empress Wang, leaving behind a crowd of girls whose fantasies were shattered.
Within Phoenix Presence Palace
A few attending palace maids quietly stood at the side. They were also quite amazed by that young lady dressed in white not far away. They had never seen the empress be so interested in any other noble lady. Not mentioning meeting her at the Full Moon Feast, at present, she even invited her to come rest at Phoenix Presence Palace for a chat, keeping her for the night.
Wasn’t this simply the same as a receiving special distinction!
But as far as Luo Qing Luan was concerned, she did not feel anything at all. If it wasn’t for the fact that she could be considered to be fond of this Empress Wang, and perceived that her personality was warm, and was genuinely a ‘mother’ to her country, a woman who could see the big picture, she also wouldn’t have been willing to chat with her.
After chatting for a while, Empress Wang found Luo Qing Luan more and more pleasing to the eyes and grew more and more fond of her.
Previously, she even wanted Yuchi Lianqing to become the crown prince’s consort. At present, she truly felt that it was very fortunate that she had not already discussed the matter with His Majesty. Tonight, she wanted to properly have a conversation with Luo Qing Luan, to properly understand this crown prince consort who she had selected very carefully. If everything clicked in place, then this matter would be decided.
