Chapter 35 Rescuing Empress Zhangsun
A sudden cold snap arrived with unusual ferocity. It was precisely during this time, when the chill had not yet dissipated, that news suddenly came from the Lizheng Hall, striking the Taiji Palace like a thunderbolt—Empress Changsun's old ailment (qi disease) had suddenly flared up, with a fierce onslaught, to the point that she had fallen into a coma and was on the verge of death!
Upon hearing the news, Li Shimin abandoned all state affairs and rushed to the Lizheng Hall. He saw Empress Zhangsun lying on the bed, her face pale, her lips cyanotic, her breathing so weak it was almost imperceptible, her chest rising and falling only very faintly. Several of the Imperial Physicians, the most outstanding physicians of the Imperial Medical Bureau, surrounded the bed, taking turns taking her pulse, administering acupuncture, and administering medicine, but all of them were ashen-faced, their foreheads drenched in cold sweat.
"How is it?!" Li Shimin's voice was tense with fear, and his gaze swept over the crowd like lightning.
The head imperial physician knelt tremblingly, touching his head to the ground, his voice trembling with despair: "Your Majesty... Her Majesty the Empress's illness has flared up again, the evil qi is obstructing her lungs, phlegm and blood stasis are intertwined, and her heart meridian is damaged... The attack is too fierce, we... we have done everything we can, but... but it is beyond saving! Your Majesty... please, please make preparations as soon as possible..."
"Prepare what?!" Li Shimin's expression changed drastically. He kicked over a medicine cup beside him, shards and medicine splattering everywhere. "Useless! A bunch of useless trash! What use are you to me?! If you can't cure the Empress, I'll make you all pay with your lives!"
A deathly silence fell over the hall, broken only by Empress Zhangsun's faint, almost inaudible breathing and the suppressed, desperate gasps of the imperial physicians. Li Shimin's chest heaved violently as he watched his beloved wife's life flicker like a candle in the wind. An unprecedented panic and helplessness gripped him. He and Zhangsun had been together since childhood, her the pillar of his harem, the anchor of the palace, and the most respected and trusted partner in his heart. He couldn't imagine what would happen if she were to leave him…
When the news of Empress Zhangsun's critical illness and the imperial physicians' inability to cure her reached Qixia Garden like an icicle piercing the warm spring sun, Wang Yi was pruning a pot of orchids by the window. Her silver scissors paused in mid-air for a very slight moment before falling steadily, trimming off an extra leaf tip.
Empress Zhangsun's "breath ailment" is a historical fact that ultimately led to her early death. This was an ancient general term for serious respiratory illnesses (which could include asthma, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, or even pulmonary heart disease). Given the medical standards of the Tang Dynasty, severe attacks could indeed be extremely fatal.
On the surface, she remained calm, but a storm was raging in her mind. It wasn't out of sympathy or goodwill towards Empress Zhangsun personally—although she had no ill will towards this historically renowned empress—but rather a heightened vigilance stemming from modern psychological cognition and ruthless calculations of self-interest.
The eternal curse of the dead
Wang Yi was acutely aware of the role "death" plays in the psychology of emotions. A living person has strengths and weaknesses, experiences joy and makes mistakes, and in the daily interactions, friction, weariness, and even dissatisfaction are inevitable. But once that person dies, especially someone considered "positive" or "important" in the relationship, a peculiar psychological mechanism is activated: memories are rapidly purified, beautified, and sanctified.
The trivial conflicts and minor flaws of a person's life are unintentionally or intentionally downplayed or forgotten; while the beautiful moments, sacrifices made, and virtues possessed are magnified infinitely and repeatedly recalled, ultimately solidifying into a flawless, glittering monument. This is the emotional spell of "respect for the dead," and the living can never compete with a deceased person who has been eternally beautified by memory.
Who was Empress Zhangsun? She was Li Shimin's first wife, his companion through youth and hardship; she was a virtuous and capable helper who bore him children and managed the harem; she was of noble birth (of the Zhangsun clan), virtuous and upright, almost perfectly embodying the Confucian definition of a "virtuous empress," enjoying a high reputation both in and out of court. In Li Shimin's heart, she was not only a wife, but also a family member, an ally, a respected partner, a symbol of his "home," and a crucial pillar for stabilizing his rear.
If Empress Zhangsun were to die at this moment...
Li Shimin's feelings for Empress Zhangsun quickly rose to an unparalleled height. She would become his eternal white moonlight, his indelible mark, a flawless symbol of "deep affection for an old friend." Any successor (including Wang Yi herself) would live in the shadow of this deified image. Li Shimin might, out of guilt and remembrance, give more attention and indulgence to Empress Zhangsun's children (especially Crown Prince Chengqian), which in itself was a variable. Moreover, Wang Yi and Empress Zhangsun were completely different types. Zhangsun was the epitome of orthodox virtue, while Wang Yi was mysterious, unconventional, and "otherworldly." In life, this difference could be a source of attraction; but after death, under the beautifying filter, Zhangsun's "orthodoxy," "virtue," and "sacrifice" would be infinitely praised, while Wang Yi's "transcendence," "wisdom," and even the special emotional bond she shared with Li Shimin based on intellectual resonance, might be distorted and interpreted as "unorthodox," "seductive," and "bewitching" in this comparison. Li Yuan's curses about "femme fatales" and "incest" would gain even greater moral impact with Empress Zhangsun's "perfect passing." While Empress Zhangsun was alive, she was the undisputed stabilizing force of the harem, effectively balancing and suppressing other concubines (such as Consort Yang), maintaining a relatively stable (at least superficial) environment. Her death would inevitably plunge the harem into chaotic competition, with all sorts of treacherous individuals emerging. Although Wang Yi appeared detached, being caught in the middle, he would inevitably be affected. More importantly, in his grief and remembrance, Li Shimin might make some irrational arrangements within the harem (such as excessively promoting a concubine to "take care" of the crown prince, or making other emotional decisions), disrupting the existing balance and increasing the uncontrollable risks to Wang Yi's survival and plans. An emperor immersed in the pain of losing his wife, filled with idealized memories of the deceased, could have his emotions, judgment, and even physical health affected. He might become depressed, suspicious, and irritable, or conversely, fall into a paranoid state of seeking "atonement" or "remedy." This unstable Li Shimin was a huge disaster for Wang Yi's plan, which required precise manipulation of emotions and seizing opportunities to achieve his core objectives.
Conclusion: She must be saved, and she must be allowed to "live with her illness."
Therefore, for Wang Yi, Empress Zhangsun's death was far more than simply the removal of a potential "rival" in the harem. On the contrary, it would usher in a new situation that was extremely unfavorable to her, filled with emotional turmoil, moral clashes, and power struggles. A living but no longer threatening Empress Zhangsun was the most advantageous situation for her.
Therefore, her preparations in advance, based on the historical cause of Empress Zhangsun's death (a qi-related illness), were not acts of foresight, but rather a risk hedging strategy based on historical information. She needed Empress Zhangsun to live, but preferably "living weakly"—an empress who needed long-term recuperation, could not overwork, had to step down from the front lines of power in the harem, and at the same time felt grateful to her (because she was her savior).
In this way, Empress Zhangsun could still play a role in stabilizing the overall situation in the harem (symbolic significance), appeasing the court officials (the presence of a virtuous empress), and restraining some of Li Shimin's emotions (stable kinship and respect), without posing a direct competition or threat to her actual position and plans. Furthermore, this "life-saving grace" could be transformed into an invisible protective umbrella and moral leverage.
Having figured all this out, Wang Yi acted without the slightest hesitation.
She not only had to pull Empress Zhangsun back from the brink of death, but also, through subsequent prescriptions, "set" her health to a weak but stable state that required long-term, meticulous care and meant avoiding overexertion. She wanted Li Shimin and everyone else to understand that it was a miracle the Empress had survived, but her physical foundation had been damaged, and she would have to be protected with the utmost care, like the finest porcelain.
She immediately rose and went to a very hidden compartment in the inner room. Inside were one of the few "life-saving" supplies she had brought from the modern world: a small, vacuum-sealed, light-proof, and moisture-proof medicine box made of a special material. It contained several types of medications: emergency care: highly purified adrenaline (for injection, but she had no syringe and could only consider extremely cautious sublingual administration of a tiny amount, a very risky method, to be used only as a last resort); potent bronchodilators (a powdered form of a modern drug, which could be tried by inhaling with water or administering a tiny dose internally); anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic medications: corticosteroids (also in tiny powder form, used to suppress severe inflammatory reactions); and symptomatic supportive medications: potent expectorants, bronchodilators, etc.
In addition, there are several prescriptions for treating and regulating "qi disorders" that she has repeatedly refined and optimized based on her modern medical knowledge and understanding of ancient prescriptions. These prescriptions combine ideas that have been proven effective in later generations (such as the anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects of certain herbal combinations) with relatively safe medicinal materials that were already available in the Tang Dynasty, making them theoretically more targeted and effective than the prescriptions used by imperial physicians today.
Empress Zhangsun cannot die, at least not now. Publicly, she was key to stabilizing the harem and balancing the various factions. Her virtue and early death are a perpetual source of pain and regret for Li Shimin, and a turning point in the history of the Zhenguan era, marking the shift from order to chaos in the harem. Privately… Wang Yi harbored no ill will towards this historically acclaimed empress, even feeling a complex mix of sympathy. More importantly, if Empress Zhangsun were to pass away now, the harem would inevitably be thrown into turmoil, and Li Shimin would be plunged into immense grief. His emotions and focus would shift unpredictably, potentially severely impacting his steadily progressing "plans."
They must be saved! And quickly!
She quickly changed into a simple Taoist robe, carefully concealed the small medicine box and several pieces of silk paper covered with writing on them, gave a brief instruction to the mute maid, and then walked straight towards the Lizheng Hall. Her steps were steady, and her eyes were resolute.
Her intervention was timely (the imperial physicians had declared it hopeless, and Li Shimin was on the verge of despair), appropriate in its manner (using the pretext that "a foreign master might have a solution," which was both mysterious and within bounds), and effective in its methods (combining advanced medical knowledge with disguised "miracle techniques").
When Wang Yi appeared at the entrance of the Lizheng Hall, the atmosphere of grief and despair that filled the hall momentarily froze. All eyes were focused on this aloof and gaunt "Guardian of the Nation," including Li Shimin, whose eyes were bloodshot and who was on the verge of collapse.
“Wang Yi? You…” Li Shimin’s voice was hoarse, tinged with a glimmer of hopeless uncertainty. He remembered that she was skilled in medicine, and even possessed some seemingly miraculous “overseas” techniques.
Wang Yi bowed slightly, her voice clear and calm: "Your Majesty, I am deeply concerned upon hearing that the Empress is critically ill. My sect is located overseas and has some expertise in treating serious illnesses like 'qi ailments,' and may possess some unorthodox remedies or techniques that we may try. I humbly request Your Majesty's permission to examine the Empress's condition."
At this point, Li Shimin was desperate and grasping at straws. The imperial physicians had already given him a death sentence, and if Wang Yi took over now, the worst outcome would be the loss of Empress Zhangsun. But what if he succeeded?
He wouldn't let go of even the slightest hope. He waved his hand almost immediately: "Quick! Please, Master!"
Wang Yi quickly stepped forward, first observing Empress Zhangsun's complexion, lip color, and breathing pattern (with slight three-recession sign), then carefully listening to her breath sounds (weak but audible wheezing), and then carefully taking her pulse (deep, thready, and weak, almost imperceptible, with a slippery and hesitant quality). Combining the symptoms, she roughly judged in her mind: it was very likely severe status asthmaticus complicated by severe hypoxia, which may have led to cardiopulmonary failure.
Time was of the essence! Without another word, she turned directly to Li Shimin, speaking quickly but clearly: "Your Majesty, the Empress is currently suffering from a severe internal obstruction, her airways are blocked, clear air cannot enter, and turbid air cannot escape; her condition is critical. Conventional medicine may not be able to reach the affected area quickly enough. I must use my sect's secret methods of 'nebulized inhalation' and 'rapid acupuncture,' supplemented with a specially made 'obstruction-breaking powder' from overseas to first open the airways, and then use medicine to strengthen her constitution. Please prepare immediately: place boiling water before the bedside, several layers of clean fine gauze, several silver needles, and a concentrated decoction of the finest wild ginseng!"
The certainty and orderliness in her tone gave the flustered palace servants a sense of security, and they immediately began to prepare as instructed. Li Shimin stared intently at her, saying nothing, but his clenched fists betrayed his tension.
Wang Yi first took out a small pinch of potent bronchodilator powder, dissolved it in a small amount of warm water, soaked it in multiple layers of fine gauze, and placed it above the spout of a kettle of boiling water, allowing the rising medicinal mist to slowly drift towards Empress Changsun's mouth and nose (a simple steam inhalation therapy). At the same time, she took out silver needles and precisely inserted them into several acupoints that were beneficial for ventilation and relieving asthma (combining modern acupuncture knowledge), her technique swift and steady.
About fifteen minutes later, Empress Zhangsun's faint, almost desperate breathing seemed to improve slightly, and her bluish-purple lips also lightened a little. Wang Yi dared not relax, and took out another glucocorticoid pill and a trace amount of adrenaline powder (the dosage was calculated with extreme precision), dissolved it in a very small amount of ginseng soup, and with the finest silver spoon, very carefully pried open Empress Zhangsun's jaw and fed it under her tongue drop by drop.
After doing all this, beads of sweat appeared on her forehead. But she knew this was only an emergency measure, to stabilize the most dangerous moment. She then presented the prescriptions she had prepared beforehand: "Your Majesty, these are prescriptions I devised based on my sect's scriptures and Your Majesty's constitution. The first is 'Qi-Clearing and Phlegm-Clearing Decoction,' which must be decocted and taken immediately for three consecutive days to clear the phlegm and stagnation from the lungs. The second is 'Strengthening the Body and Consolidating the Root Powder,' which Your Majesty should take long-term after waking up to gradually replenish the damaged foundation and suppress the root of the Qi ailment. The third is a prescription for daily care, prevention of recurrence, and dietary therapy."
Li Shimin took the prescription, his gaze sweeping over his wife on the bed, whose breathing seemed to have stabilized somewhat, then turning to the woman who had stepped forward at this crucial moment, his heart filled with indescribable emotion. He immediately ordered, "Prepare the medicine as the master has said! The Imperial Medical Bureau will provide full support!"
The next three days were a period of intense effort by the entire Imperial Medical Academy and Wang Yi. The "Qi-Clearing and Phlegm-Eliminating Decoction" provided by Wang Yi was potent, but its ingenious formulation proved crucial in clearing phlegm and opening the orifices. Combined with her daily adjustments to nebulization and acupuncture based on the patient's condition, Empress Zhangsun finally awoke after two days in a coma.
Although she had regained consciousness, everyone could see that the Empress was severely weakened. Her face was as pale as paper, her voice weak and feeble, she was frequently panting, and her body was so limp that she could barely sit up. After another consultation, the imperial physicians privately reported to Li Shimin: "This attack has damaged the Empress's heart and lungs. From now on, she must be carefully cared for like a delicate porcelain doll, avoiding overexertion, worry, and exposure to cold. The root of this 'qi ailment' is deeply embedded and cannot be eradicated; it can only be managed with long-term medication to prevent a violent relapse."
This outcome was worlds apart from the imperial physician's initial assertion that they should "prepare for the worst." Li Shimin breathed a long sigh of relief, his gaze towards Wang Yi filled with indescribable gratitude and a deeper sense of recognition. He understood that if she hadn't brought those "exotic arts from overseas" and "miraculous prescriptions," the Lizheng Hall would likely already be draped in white banners.
Wang Yi, however, remained calm. She frankly told Li Shimin, "Your Majesty, although the prescriptions and techniques I used originated overseas, they are fundamentally 'ordinary medicines' and 'common methods,' not elixirs of immortality. It is already a stroke of luck that I was able to save Her Majesty's life. However, Her Majesty's physical foundation has indeed been damaged. In the future, she must strictly follow the treatment plan and rest peacefully, and she may be able to enjoy her natural lifespan. But if there are any major setbacks or overexertion, I fear..." Li Shimin naturally understood what she was about to say.
He treasured those prescriptions, ordering the Imperial Medical Bureau to establish a special team, staffed by the most reliable individuals, to oversee the selection, preparation, and decoction of the medicinal herbs. The entire process was kept strictly confidential and the team was directly accountable to him. Empress Zhangsun's life was temporarily saved, but at the cost of having to relinquish most palace duties and truly become a delicate person requiring meticulous care.
The news that Empress Zhangsun had been rescued from her serious illness sent shockwaves through the palace and the court once again. This time, the gazes directed at Qixia Garden held an even more complex and indescribable meaning.
Wang Yi's "medical skills" were once again mythologized, and her title of "Guardian of the Nation" became even more resounding. Consequently, Li Shimin's already deep favoritism towards her seemed to be further gilded with the legitimacy of "meritorious service to the country" (rescuing the virtuous empress). Many of the criticisms that might have arisen from her excessive favor were quietly diminished in the face of this "life-saving grace."
After her health improved slightly, Empress Zhangsun summoned Wang Yi for a special audience. At that time, she was still weak, leaning against the couch, but her eyes were clear and gentle. She held Wang Yi's hand and sincerely thanked him: "If it weren't for your miraculous healing, I would probably be separated from His Majesty by death. I will remember this kindness and virtue forever."
Wang Yi responded humbly, her attitude remaining respectful. She knew that this incident had created a new, delicate balance between her and Empress Zhangsun. The Empress owed her a tremendous favor, and her health required long-term reliance on the prescriptions Wang Yi provided (at least on the surface), which had become a new protective shield for her. Empress Zhangsun, on the other hand, was able to be relieved of the heavy burden of palace duties and some emotional pressure (though forced), allowing her to focus more on recuperating her health and spending time with her children.
From the window of Qixia Garden to the sickbed of Empress Zhangsun in Lizheng Hall, Wang Yi's every step was calm and inevitable. Saving Empress Zhangsun was not out of benevolence, but rather out of the most meticulous calculation of interests and risk management. What she wanted was not a dead, perfect idol, but a living, beneficial "symbol of a virtuous empress." This treatment was less a matter of a healer's compassion and more a crucial strategic intervention by a time traveler to maintain the optimal environment for her own survival and development. The wheels of history may be heavy, but Wang Yi was attempting to add a small, yet potentially altering, guiding wheel to them in her own way. And the starting point of all this was ensuring that Empress Zhangsun remained alive.
Emerging from the Lizheng Hall, a spring breeze caressed her face, but Wang Yi's mind remained uneasy. Empress Zhangsun's illness reminded her of the urgency of time and the unpredictability of her plans. She had to act quickly. The Emperor's favor, the Empress's gratitude, the temporarily stable environment of the harem… these were all favorable conditions. Her body was ready; the opportunity… might be just around the corner. Next time, she had to ensure "success."
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