Li Ying noticed the contempt in the old imperial physician's expression, and a hint of anger welled up in her heart.
She stood up and decided not to hide her talents anymore. After bowing slightly to the queen and the princess, she spoke calmly and respectfully.
"Your Majesty, I'm not very talented, but as Her Highness the princess said, I do know a bit about essential oil blending.
"In my opinion, the young prince's current skin swelling is not suitable for using overly powerful medicines. Comfrey essential oil is just the right remedy. It has a mild effect and can even be used by pregnant women and children."
According to "Shennong's Herbal Classic", comfrey, also known as Zifu, is beneficial for the nine orifices and can promote the flow of water. When made into an ointment, it can treat children's sores and chapped skin. March every year is the best time to pick and dry it.
Now, Mianmian was at the age of learning to walk and was extremely lively and active. Every day, she would stagger around, dragging Granny Sun along.
The sea breeze in the fishing village was quite strong. One day, Mianmian lost her footing and fell heavily on the shallow beach. Her fair and delicate face was soon soaked by the salty seawater and turned as red as a monkey's bottom.
But the little girl didn't seem to notice at all and just kept giggling.
Li Ying, as her mother, couldn't stop her. Helplessly, she went to pick a whole basket of fresh comfrey and soaked it in oil to make comfrey ointment herself.
She clearly explained the effects of comfrey and also mentioned that the young prince's damaged skin should not be exposed to any water stains. Applying comfrey oil could isolate moisture, was gentle on the skin, and could relieve pain.
The queen pondered for a moment and then looked at the old imperial physician. "Is it true that comfrey has such miraculous effects?"
The old imperial physician was taken aback, and his expression was rather subtle. After a long silence, he finally nodded honestly.
The effects of comfrey were indeed real.
However, he had served in the palace for many years, mainly taking care of the emperor and the noble concubines. All of them were used to a life of luxury.
The medicinal materials used in the Imperial Hospital were almost all precious. So, when he first heard of "comfrey", such a common herb, he was a bit stunned.
After getting his confirmation, the queen sent two palace servants to go back with Li Ying to get the comfrey essential oil and comfrey ointment.
The old imperial physician advised earnestly, "Such a vulgar medicinal material is not suitable for the young prince's precious body. Your Majesty, please think twice!"
Li Ying sneered and retorted softly, "Diseases have various forms, treatments have different methods, and medicines have different qualities. When using medicines, we must follow the principles of compatibility. I didn't know that even the emperor employs people without restrictions, but the Imperial Hospital actually classifies medicinal materials into different grades?"
As soon as she said this, the old imperial physician was speechless. His face turned red and then pale, and he obediently kept silent.
The queen had made up her mind. Soon, Li Ying returned confidently with two small jars. The comfrey oil in the glass jars exuded a strong herbal fragrance, which refreshed everyone's spirit.
She gently lifted the young prince's slender limbs and applied a thin layer of comfrey oil on the swollen areas.
Everyone held their breaths and looked at the young prince nervously.
The young prince was already tired from crying. After applying the comfrey essential oil and being gently held and coaxed by the queen in her arms, he soon closed his eyes tiredly and fell into a peaceful sleep.
The queen, who had been worried all this time, finally felt relieved.
She ordered the wet nurse to take the young prince back to the side hall to sleep and dismissed the imperial physicians. Then, she finally gave Li Ying a faint smile.
"As my elder sister said, Miss Li, you are truly extraordinary."
She waved her hand, and the maid who served her personally immediately understood and presented a plate of pearls and jade as a reward.
Li Ying quickly said, "Your Majesty is overpraising me. It's my honor to relieve your worries."
As the saying goes, flattery will get you everywhere.
Her humility made the queen very happy, and she felt even more fond of Li Ying.
The princess also said, "It's your merit to save the young prince. Just accept the queen's reward."
Li Ying thanked the queen repeatedly and finally accepted the plate of gold and jade.
She stood up and was about to leave. But after walking two steps, she was stopped by the queen.
"Miss Li, is there really nothing you can do about the red marks on my body?"
Her tone clearly showed that she had made up her mind to trust those she employed and not to doubt them.
Li Ying hesitated for a moment, and suddenly, Lu Xunguang's face flashed through her mind.
Although she only wanted a simple life as an ordinary person, Lu Xunguang was already a royal merchant. He was deeply involved in the intrigues and dangers of the court and couldn't get out.
He had always protected her well in every aspect. As his new wife, how could she really be so at ease and hide under his protection for a lifetime?
Su Buchi was dealing with matters in the court. If she could get the help of the queen and the princess in the harem, Lu Xunguang would be safer.
Li Ying took a deep breath and unconsciously tightened the bracelets on her wrists. Then, she looked up at the queen firmly.
"Your Majesty, the stretch marks on your body are caused by skin rupture and are very difficult to repair. My essential oil massage may restore some skin luster, but it may not be easy to completely restore the former smooth and fair skin."
Before Li Ying finished speaking, the queen quickly understood what she meant.
Her eyes lit up. Many midwives had just shaken their heads at her body, but Li Ying's words seemed to imply that there was still hope.
"You said it's not easy, which means you really have a way?"
Li Ying nodded and then shook her head.
"Your Majesty, as I said before, essential oils extracted from many rare flowers and herbs have different effects. I do know that there are a few that are suitable for repairing stretch marks, but..."
Before she could finish, the queen suddenly stood up.
"Good! Since Miss Li said so, I believe you!"
She waved her hand, and the maid immediately presented a jade token.
"I heard that you were ordered by my elder sister to search for rare flowers and herbs all over the world. Today, I'll grant you this privilege. Take my jade token, and you can walk freely in the harem from now on!
"As long as you find something that can treat me, report it immediately. If it really works, I will surely reward you handsomely!"
Li Ying respectfully took the jade token with both hands and thanked the queen for her grace and the princess for her recommendation again and again. When she left the queen's bedroom, the sun was high in the sky, and the gentle breeze was blowing.
From then on, she was under the queen's command. As long as she could relieve the worries of the mistress of the harem, Lu Xunguang would have one more layer of protection.
However, although she had boasted, who knew where she could find the essential oils from flowers and herbs that could repair stretch marks?