Li Mu was the son of Murong Yu's maternal uncle, born into the aristocratic family of the Lord of Longxi. The family initially made their fortune from coal mining.
Murong Yu's grandfather had accidentally saved someone from the royal family, and as a result, they were conferred titles and honors. Before this event, the Li family were just nouveau riche locals in Longxi.
Through the efforts of two generations— Murong Yu's grandfather and uncles—the household of Lord Li flourished rapidly.
Particularly in this generation, Li Mu's eldest and second brothers had made remarkable achievements, both on the frontier and in the imperial court. Li Mu was Murong Yu's cousin ranked third in age.
Li Mu neither had a passion for literature nor martial arts but was interested solely in business. He had often been scolded by the elders for that. In his past life, the once grand Lord Li household had eventually dwindled down to Li Mu involved in trade.
Li Mu had not had it easy either; yet he had discreetly sent funds to Ji Chengxuan to provide for Murong Yu, hoping to make her life a bit more comfortable in the Northern Lord's household.
"Li Mu, I really like the two rolls of Shu silk you gave me. Thank you," Murong Yu said and smiled.
Li Mu smiled back and said, "As long as you like it, Cousin."
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Murong Yu finally got to the point.
Upon hearing it, Li Mu burst into laughter and said, "Sure, just give me the formula and leave the rest to me. I've been itching for a new venture!"
"You have that much confidence in my formula?" Murong Yu asked with a smile.
Li Mu nodded and answered, "If it's a formula from you, then there's no need to question its quality."
Li Mu knew well the kind of person Murong Yu was. She would not give him anything less than excellent.
Murong Yu smiled and handed over the carefully prepared formulas one by one. She said, "Handle it with care, but don't let anyone know that this has anything to do with me."
"Understood," said Li Mu, fully aware that it would be scandalous for a young lady of an aristocratic family to engage in business activities.
After conversing a bit more with Li Mu, Murong Yu instructed Aman to escort him out.
Upon returning, Murong Yu continued writing names. Aman peeked over Murong Yu's shoulder and asked, "My lady, are these all the names of those in our courtyard?"
"Yes," Murong Yu replied.
"I see names for me and Amei, Aran, Azu, Azu, and even Azhu and Azhi. Why isn't Ari's name here?" Aman inquired.
Aman was puzzled, 'All of us served in the same courtyard; if names were to be written, everyone should be included.'
Murong Yu remained expressionless. In her previous life, she only found out too late that Ari had been disloyal to her.
"From now on, let Amei, Aran, Azu, and Azu take turns standing guard for me at night. Assign Ari to tend the garden in the outer courtyard," said Murong Yu while continuing to write.
Aman hesitated, "My lady, did Ari do something wrong?"
"She's disloyal," said Murong Yu indifferently.
Aman's face changed. She inquired, "Her mother serves close to the Madam. How could she dare to do this? My lady, could there be a misunderstanding?"
Aman would have been pushed aside by the more connected Ari if not for Murong Yu's favor. However, they had worked together for many years and there was some loyalty among them.
Murong Yu replied, "When my mother returns, I'll have her replace Ari's mother as well."
The departure of loyal servants was regrettable, but those who betrayed their masters deserved no better.
Hearing that even Ari's mother would be dealt with, Aman did not speak further.
Murong Yu finished writing the list. She knew everyone in her courtyard. She selected four names from the list and instructed Aman, "Call Amei, Aran, Azu, and Aju to come and see me."
Aman promptly summoned Amei, Aran, Azu, and Aju.
"Greetings, My lady," the four maids said in unison as they paid their respects.
Among them, Aman was first-class, and Ari was nearly first-class, while the rest were second-class maids.