Chapter 8: The Debut of the Beauty Cream!

After dinner, Mu Rong Shu returned to Gui Ning Courtyard to prepare medicine for Rong Yun Nan. Meanwhile, Song Wei and Rong Qing stayed with the old madam, recounting everything that had happened earlier that afternoon.

Old Madam: “My precious granddaughter is truly amazing!”

Mu Shi: “Of course, she’s my daughter!”

Mu Si: “As expected, my niece is as clever as I am!”

The Brothers: “Little sister is incredible!”

…

“Mother, we didn’t know before that Shu Er had such skills. I was thinking of setting up a small pharmacy for her in Gui Ning Courtyard. It would make things much more convenient for her,” Rong Qing suggested, recalling her niece’s dedication in preparing special medicine for her second brother.

“You’re so thoughtful,” the old madam praised. “Go ahead and set up the pharmacy. While you’re at it, arrange a small kitchen as well so Shu Er can have snacks if she’s working late.”

“Mother, I’ll organize it first thing tomorrow and aim to have it completed within a few days,” Song Wei, as the head of the household, immediately took charge, appreciating her mother-in-law and sister-in-law’s thoughtfulness.

“Big Sister-in-law, don’t worry about the medicine supplies. I’ll have the pharmacy deliver everything directly,” Rong Qing offered, eager to help.

“Madam, I’ll assist with Second Brother tomorrow to ensure it’s done in a day!” Mu Shi chimed in, enthusiastic about contributing to his daughter’s workspace.

“I’ll design the pharmacy! Big Brother’s taste is questionable,” Mu Si teased, ready to jump in.

The brothers protested, unwilling to be left out, and after some debate, the old madam decided that everyone would help.

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At Gui Ning Courtyard

Mu Rong Shu dismissed Xiao Tao upon returning. She retrieved a spray bottle from her personal space, carefully repackaged it into smaller containers, and sealed them. Then, she stepped into her lab to finish making Rong Yun Nan’s medicine.

Considering the ancient setting, she used her knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine to craft the medicine into pills, neatly packed in small porcelain bottles. She stored them in her space, planning to deliver them to her uncle the next day.

Before leaving the lab, Mu Rong Shu made a batch of skincare products. She kept one box for herself to use that night and stored the rest in her lab for her mother and others as gifts the next day.

By the time she was done, it was already late. Exhausted, her body ached as she flopped onto the bed, completely ungraceful but content. “What a productive day,” she thought before quickly falling into a deep sleep.

---

The next morning, Mu Rong Shu’s internal alarm clock woke her up on time. Groaning, she lay in bed for a while, lamenting her fate as a “working-class soul.” Finally, she called Xiao Tao in to help her dress.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to dress herself, she simply didn’t know how to handle the elaborate ancient attire. Watching Xiao Tao manage it effortlessly, Mu Rong Shu silently gave her a thumbs-up.

“Miss, what does this gesture mean? Are you praising me?” Xiao Tao asked curiously.

“This gesture means you’re amazing!” Mu Rong Shu explained, repeating the thumbs-up.

Xiao Tao giggled. “If Miss likes, I’ll dress you every day!”

“That would be wonderful! You’ll have to work hard for me, Xiao Tao!”

“It’s no trouble at all. Serving you is a privilege many in the manor envy,” Xiao Tao replied, beaming.

“Xiao Tao, keep the hairstyle simple today. Let’s take a walk in the courtyard for some exercise, it’s good for the body,” Mu Rong Shu instructed, eager for some morning activity.

“Whatever you wish, Miss. If you’re interested, you could also visit the practice grounds in the rear courtyard. The general, Second Master, and the young masters always go there when they’re home,” Xiao Tao suggested.

“Wait, I thought only Big Brother practiced martial arts?” Mu Rong Shu asked, surprised.

“All the young masters in the manor are skilled in both literature and martial arts. It’s just that only the eldest is currently working with the general, while the others are still studying,” Xiao Tao explained.

“Really? Does Sixth Cousin also practice martial arts?” Mu Rong Shu asked, curious about the younger cousin she hadn’t met yet.

“Sixth Young Master was frail as a child and has been studying at Yue Mountain Academy. He’s brilliant in academics but too weak to train in martial arts,” Xiao Tao said regretfully.

Mu Rong Shu resolved to check her cousin’s pulse when he returned and see if she could help improve his health. After all, he was the family’s only younger brother.

After her morning exercise, Xiao Tao reminded her, “Miss, it’s about time the old madam and madam woke up. Shall we go greet them?”

“I’ll get ready, and then we’ll head out. Should we go to Mother’s courtyard first or Grandmother’s?” Mu Rong Shu asked, unfamiliar with the household routines since she had just returned.

“Miss, I think we can go straight to the Old Madam’s courtyard. At this hour, everyone in the manor is likely there for the morning greetings,” Xiao Tao suggested.

After tidying up, Mu Rong Shu and Xiao Tao went to the Old Madam’s courtyard. Sure enough, as Xiao Tao had said, everyone was already gathered there.

“Shu Er, you’re up! How was your sleep last night? If there’s anything you need, don’t forget to tell your mother,” Mu Shi, the first to notice his daughter, hurried over to check on her.

“Good morning, Father. Shu Er is perfectly fine,” she greeted her father warmly. After greeting all the elders and paying her respects, she exchanged pleasantries with her brothers before presenting the gifts she had brought.

“Shu Er, what is this you’ve given to Grandmother?” The Old Madam looked at the small porcelain jar her granddaughter handed her, smiling with delight.

“Grandmother, this is a beauty cream I made yesterday using some herbs from Granduncle Mu Rong’s pharmacy. After washing your face, apply a little and massage it in. It will make your skin smoother and more elastic.”

“Is the one for your Second Aunt and Big Sister-in-law the same?” Rong Qing asked excitedly.

“Yes! They’re all quite similar but slightly adjusted to suit each person. They’ll all help everyone look more beautiful!” Mu Rong Shu explained cheerfully.

“That’s wonderful! My skin has been feeling a bit rough lately. I’ll try it as soon as I get back!” Rong Qing was overjoyed.

“I want to try it too!” Song Wei, equally thrilled, chimed in. After all, no woman can resist the allure of beauty.

“Shu Er, why don’t we have any gifts?” Mu Si asked, voicing the question that was on the minds of the other men.

“Father, Second Uncle, and Brothers, I’m so sorry! I was too busy yesterday and only managed to make these. I promise I’ll make yours later, okay?” Mu Rong Shu offered sincerely.

“You lot can’t wait, can you?” The Old Madam interjected, her tone scolding. “Shu Er just came back and barely had time to rest, yet she’s already thinking about making gifts. And here you are pestering her! How about showing a little care for your daughter, niece, and sister?”

Hearing the Old Madam defend her, the men were silenced, while Mu Rong Shu felt a warm sense of love and protection from her grandmother.