457: Healing Time

A soft couch and a low table were placed in the corner, with several landscape screens partitioning off a private space.

Linore invited Shang Wan Ning to sit on the soft couch by the window, handed her a silk handkerchief soaked in flower dew to wipe her hands, and then served a cup of crystal dew tea.

The tea soup was clear and bright, tasting sweet upon the first sip, and a refreshing coolness slid down, which was quite comfortable.

"Your Majesty, which one would you like to try first?" Linore knelt beside her, drew a plain satin booklet from under the low table, and handed it over.

"These are all newly formulated, and their effects are thirty percent better than before."

Shang Wan Ning took the booklet and flipped through it.

The booklet was written in delicate small regular script, listing the names and brief introductions of the treatments, accompanied by simple illustrations.

She scanned page by page, her eyebrows lifting slightly.

"flower of the other shore Rejuvenating Essence?" She read out the first item, "Take the stamens of the flower of the other shore that have just bloomed by the Wangchuan River, add lunar dew, thousand-year-old pearl powder... Applying it to the face can preserve youth, fade fine lines, and enhance radiance."

It also noted precautions at the end: A slight stinging sensation during application is a normal reaction.

"This formula was modified with the help of Her Excellency Avila," Linore explained.

"She adopted the nourishing techniques from the ancient Elven methods and blended them with spiritual materials unique to the Underworld. We have tested it several times, and the results are excellent; after application, the skin becomes so translucent and supple that it feels like it could be pinched to release water."

Shang Wan Ning remained noncommittal and turned to the next page.

"Mirror of Retribution Skin-Cleansing Mud." She continued reading.

"Take the soul-cleansing soil deposited at the edge of the Mirror of Retribution Hell, mix it with Heavenly Mountain snow lotus juice, Netherworld firefly powder... It provides deep cleansing, removing the ominous aura and dullness contaminated by the soul body, especially suitable for Yin gods who have recently come into contact with a large number of resentful spirits."

Linore pursed her lips and smiled, "This was originally prepared for the ghost officials in the Department of Judges who often interrogate evil spirits."

"They always complained that they were tainted with ominous aura that wouldn't wash off."

"Later, when Dean He heard about it, he added a few medicinal herbs, and it became what it is now. After using it, one feels light all over, and even the soul becomes clearer."

Shang Wan Ning flipped further down.

"Improved meng pos soup Calming Incense." This name made her pause.

She read the description carefully: Take the basic formula of meng pos soup, remove the forgetting effect, retain the calming ingredients, and supplement with Dream Epiphyllum powder, soul-soothing grass... Once lit, the fragrance can soothe the mind, aid sleep, and calm the spirit, especially suitable for those who are overthinking or mentally exhausted.

"The Spirit Physician formulated it herself," Linore said. "She said she saw that the Secretary-General was always staying up late to approve official documents, and the dark circles under her eyes wouldn't fade, so she came up with this. Light it and let it fumigate for a little less than an hour, and it guarantees a deep sleep."

Shang Wan Ning looked up, "Has Ling Qi used it?"

"The Secretary-General came to try it once and said it was quite good," Linore smiled. "She just complained that the fragrance was too sweet and told us to use less Dream Epiphyllum next time and add some cold plum."

The image of Ling Qi frowning and being picky about the fragrance popped into Shang Wan Ning's mind, and a hint of a smile appeared in her eyes.

She closed the booklet and put it back on the table.

"Is there anything else?"

"Yes."

Linore pulled out another thinner booklet from under the low table, "These are for body maintenance."

Shang Wan Ning took it again and flipped through it.

"Wangchuan River Bed Cold Jade Compress."

The description read: Take ten-thousand-year-old cold jade from the depths of the riverbed, carve it into thin slices, and soak them in a specially formulated medicinal liquid. Apply to the area around the eyes and the sides of the neck to reduce puffiness, fade signs of fatigue, and brighten the eyes.

"Lunar Dew Body Essential Oil."

Using dew condensed from moonlight as a base, blended with twelve types of floral essential oils, it can dredge the spiritual meridians, relieve muscle stiffness, and moisturize the skin texture.

Below, it was further divided into single-ingredient and compound formulas: Single-ingredient formulas use only one floral scent for pure effect; compound formulas are blended according to the guest's needs, whether to calm the mind, boost energy, or warm the body.

Further on were "Spirit Herb Bath," "Soul Power Guidance," "Acupoint Pressing"... and many more, with a wide variety of options.

Shang Wan Ning looked through them one by one and finally closed the booklet.

"Let's start with an essential oil back massage!" She rubbed the back of her neck, "I've been burying my head in case files these past few days, and my shoulders and back are stiff."

"As you wish."

Linore responded and stood up to lead the Empress behind the screen.

Behind the screen were two wide warm jade couches, with soft shark silk spread over the couch surfaces.

On a wooden shelf nearby, various glass bottles and jars were neatly arranged, with labels attached to the bottles, containing essential oils of different colors.

Linore invited Shang Wan Ning to remove her outer robe, leaving only her undergarments, and lie prone on the couch.

She took a thin blanket and lightly covered the Empress from the waist and hips down, then walked to the shelf to make a selection.

"Your Majesty, what scent would you like to use?" She turned back to ask, "Single-ingredient or compound?"

Shang Wan Ning buried her face in the soft pillow, her expression muffled, "You decide the blend. Something soothing, not too sweet or cloying."

Linore thought for a moment and took three glass bottles down from the shelf.

"This is Snowy Ridge Cold Plum, crisp and calming." She first picked up a light cyan bottle.

"This is Morning Mist Orchid, which invigorates the spleen and boosts energy." She then took a milky white one, "And this is Night Epiphyllum, which calms the heart and aids sleep."

She dripped a few drops of each of the three essential oils into a jade bowl and slowly mixed them evenly with a jade pestle.

The essential oils blended, and the fragrance gradually diffused.

The top note was the slight chill of cold plum, the middle note was the freshness of mist orchid, and the base note settled into the lingering scent of epiphyllum.

It was clear but not cold, warm but not cloying.

"Your Majesty, please smell it. Is it to your liking?"

Shang Wan Ning lazily let out an "Mm."

Linore then poured the blended essential oil into her palms, rubbed them warm, and gently pressed them onto the Empress's shoulders and back.

The skin touched by her palms was warm and soft, but the muscles were clearly tense. Linore added a bit of pressure, slowly pushing and pressing along both sides of the spine.

The essential oil was slightly cool, but gradually warmed up as it was spread.

The fragrance rose with her movements, drifting into her nose in strands.

Shang Wan Ning closed her eyes, feeling the soreness in her shoulders and back and the subsequent relaxation.

The elf young lady's technique was very good.

Her fingers pressed accurately over every stiff muscle knot, slowly kneading them open.

The hall was very quiet, with only the faint friction of the massage and the distant, indistinct sound of water. The temperature of the warm jade couch transmitted through the shark silk, making one's very bones feel soft.

The mind, scorched for many days, relaxed bit by bit in this warm fragrance and attentive care.

"Your Majesty has been working hard recently, and the muscles in your shoulders and neck have knotted up," Linore said softly. "They need to be kneaded open slowly; it cannot be rushed."

Shang Wan Ning gave a vague response.

She recalled just now in Jiaotai Palace, how Ling Qi's earlobes turned red from her teasing, yet she still insisted on keeping her back straight.

She remembered that last kiss, which carried a hint of fierce intensity, and that line, "Going to the couch now is not impossible."

[Tsk!]

The wicked thought in her heart popped up again, but it was quickly kneaded away by the perfectly applied pressure on her shoulders and back.

Forget it, let her off the hook today.

The essential oil massage lasted for about two hours.

When Linore stopped, Shang Wan Ning's shoulders and back were completely relaxed, her skin glowing with a healthy luster, and a small dark patch had seeped onto the warm jade couch.

That was the light sweat that had been forced out. ( „ ಡ ω ಡ „ )

"Does Your Majesty wish to bathe?"

Linore handed over a silk handkerchief.

Shang Wan Ning propped herself up, took the handkerchief, and wiped her neck. Her whole body felt warm, every joint felt comfortable, and even her spiritual sense felt a bit clearer.

"Prepare the water."

Linore responded and withdrew, soon leading people to carry in a white jade bathtub. The hot water in the tub was adjusted to the right temperature, and fresh flower petals and soul-soothing herb leaves floated on the surface.

Shang Wan Ning stepped into the tub, the hot water rising over her shoulders, and she let out a sigh of comfort.

[Mm, an imperial-level enjoyment.]