Pharmacist Penumbra (Draft)

Chapter 6: Nursing A Consort Part 2

Consort Yong's condition was far more worst than anticipated. Ying Yue prepared diluted rice porridge for the Consort, but the Consort was too weak to even try. So Ying Hue forced the food down. An ailing person cannot recover without the energy of food. Ying Yue was patient and determined to help the Consort get back onto her feet, as she realised the stench in the room was one of a medical patient.

"Oi, I want all the maids to help wash Consort Yong's body." requested Ying Yue, as Ying Yue with the cooperation of all the maids washed Consort Yong's body with hot water and a washcloth.

Each day, Ying Yue would make Consort Yong eat diluted rice porridge and herbal teas to increase the rate of flushing the toxins out if the body. As the Consort showed signs of improvement, Ying Yue would slowly add more rice and fruits into the diet, until she was finally about to swallow by herself but was still relatively still weak.

As Ying Yue was preparing the usual meal, "Why....? Why.. Didn't you let me.. Die?" she asked, also inaudible for Ying Yue to hear. Ying Yue gave Consort Yong a side glance and proceeded to hold out a spoon of rice porridge.

"If you had really wanted to die, you would have refused the meals I served. But you didn't. And that in itself is a sign of the will to live.

"I see," she whispered, hoarsely.

After the incident, the eunuchs who failed to collect the face powder had been whipped to death and the maid had been given a light punishment before being sent home.

The long and laborious recovery of Consort Yong had taken about 3 month.

Ying Yue had realised that Consort was not an arrogant spoilt lady, but rather just a proud woman.

"Will I be able to birth children?" asked Consort Yong, quietly. Ying Yue bowed not forgiving her place in the harem.

"This I did not have the answer to. But you can try." stated Ying Yue.

"Even if I wasted the Emperor's favour?" she asked, quietly as well.

"It was the Emperor who wanted me to help you, so assumingly he would come to visit you once I return back to the Pearl Palace." offered Ying Yue. Both love and affection meant nothing in the harem court and it applies to every woman who belonged to the Emperor's harem.

"Even if I ignored all warning and killed the heir. How can I win against Consort Ming?" spoke Consort Yong.

"Winning and losing is irrelevant." said Ying Yue. Walking over to a vase of chrysanthemum, "Which is more beautiful a chrysanthemum or a peony?" questioned Ying Yue. The Consort looked at her confused, as Ying Yue sighed. "They can not be measured against each other, as they have different types of beauty. It also applies to women." said Ying Yue.

"But I do not have ruby red hair or violet eyes." she muttered.

"Like I said all women are different such as flowers. They cannot be compare against one another. As long as you have other assets to make up for it. Such as your size and pride are your strongest weapons." said Ying Yue, as Consort Uong looked at her overly large breast. "May I ask for your ears?" asked Ying Yue.

"Yes." she said. As Ying Yue whispered into the Consort's ear, Consort Yong's face reddened. Bowing lowly after she left the flustered Consort with a parting gift. The piece of advice that Ying Yue had provided was something the prostitutes had taught her one thing.

For a few days, Consort Ming had been uncalled by the Emperor. "I finally have being able to have proper sleep. I wonder why?" she asked a mostly threatening.

As Ying Yue returned back to the most comfortable place for her, the doctor's office, as she checked up her wine jars. The seal wasn't broken and seemed to be fermenting quite nicely.