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.