Lord Li and Lady Li exchanged glances, both a little surprised. Their niece could have let Murong Sheng, her father, take credit, but unexpectedly, she had given the merit to their household instead.
Lady Li went and relayed the situation to Madam Murong.
Madam Murong was also surprised. She had never thought that the Vitality Pill was actually the work of her own daughter. She couldn't help but wonder when her daughter would get hold of the recipe.
"Such a formula should have been presented to the Emperor and the Empress Dowager by the Prime Minister," Lady Li said.
"It's not a big deal," Madam Murong responded casually. "Han and Yu currently need to build up their influence. Giving it to the Prime Minister's household would be just gilding the lily, but offering it to the House of Lord Li will be greatly beneficial for both Han and Yu!"
With the House of Lord Li as their backing, Murong Yu would not suffer any disadvantages in Madam Murong's opinion.
"You should also leak some news when you get a chance, that the engagement between Yu'er and that young man from the House of Marquis Huo is off," Lady Li huffed, already aware that the young man from the Huo family was trying to take advantage of Murong Yu.
"Of course," nodded Madam Murong, waiting to see her daughter's reaction before taking any further steps.
Murong Yu was unaware of these discussions, but she knew that both her mother and Lord Li would make decisions in her best interest. She had also received a letter from her cousin, detailing the day's events.
When Murong Yu heard that the Emperor had rewarded the House of Lord Li, her face showed little emotion. She was aware that the Tianqing Dynasty was on the verge of collapse...
The next day, Murong Rui's birth mother, Madam Xue, returned to the manor.
In the manor, Madam Xue had always been an inconspicuous figure, unassuming and uncompetitive. She had been sent to accompany her husband to Dragonguard Temple this time to care for his daily needs, as Madam Murong had to visit Murong Yu's maternal grandmother urgently.
"Why have you returned early, Madam Xue? And where is Father?" Murong Yu asked.
"His lordship won't be back so soon. But rest assured, Lady Yu, someone is attending to him," Madam Xue answered, then knelt in front of Murong Yu, knocking her forehead against the ground repeatedly until it became red and swollen.
"What are you doing, Madam Xue?" Murong Yu looked at Madam Xue, puzzled.
Kneeling on the ground, Madam Xue said, "Lady Yu, I never thought Rui'er would do such a thing. I feel utterly ashamed. Please punish me!"
"Madam Xue, I know you came to talk about this, but you know how I've treated Rui'er since we were children. How could I steal the man she fancies? Please, no more of this," Murong Yu shook her head.
It was only when Madam Xue started to admit fault so vehemently, without even offering any excuses, that Murong Yu finally understood.
Murong Rui wasn't naturally born an actress who could fool everyone; she had Madam Xue as her mentor. This unassuming, nondescript Madam Xue was actually the brain behind Murong Rui.
Murong Yu thought it made sense. How could a daughter like Murong Rui, so full of schemes, be born to a mother with no cunning?
Madam Xue had always flown under the radar, so no one had suspected her depths.
Had it not been for the current crisis, Murong Yu would never have suspected that Madam Xue was the one advising Murong Rui and making plans for her.
"Lady Yu, you mustn't say that!" Madam Xue said, desperate and humble. "Rui'er never dared to dream of such a match. I came back early specifically to deal with her. Just you wait; I will surely give her a harsh lesson!"