Reading too much can harm the eyes. Didn’t the Han family know that? Of course they did. However, they never encountered anyone whose eyes were completely ruined from reading. At most, one might not be able to see clearly from a distance, which isn’t considered too serious. So, they couldn’t quite grasp the situation and missed the main point.

Now they’ve come to a realization. In short, whatever one cares about or likes, they should emphasize its negative aspects greatly. The more they care about or like it, the more they will restrain themselves.

Han Shi patted her forehead, internally calling herself foolish.

“You’re still amazing, Fourth Sister,” Wenren Ying stepped forward. “But, Fourth Sister, does this count as mastering the art?”

“I suppose it does.” After all, to her, everything was for people’s health.

Wenren Ying glanced at Wenren Yang, who seemed lost in thought again, and started complaining to Xiao Cao about his so-called achievements from childhood, “He’s really unbearable. I’ve never met anyone more annoying.” She seemed to have endless complaints about him.

Han Shi also showed an expression of helplessness.

Wenren Yang showed no reaction at all. It was uncertain whether he was indifferent, used to it, or simply lost in his own world and didn’t hear.

Xiao Cao was secretly amazed. This was quite exaggerated. No wonder on the way back yesterday, when the parents talked about this brother, they were speechless. But being so antisocial, his health is bound to have issues.

Xiao Cao reached out and took Wenren Yang’s wrist, pressing her fingers on his pulse.

Wenren Yang returned to his senses, looking at Xiao Cao with confusion.

After a moment, Xiao Cao let go of his hand and sighed, “Repeatedly reading like this isn’t good, Xiao Si. Things tend to deteriorate if unused for a long time; similarly, being inactive for a long time affects health, leads to illness, and will inevitably shorten one’s lifespan. Plus, falling ill will affect your reading, and a shorter lifespan means much less time to read, don’t you think, Xiao Si?”

“Fourth Sister, your words make a lot of sense.” Wenren Yang said seriously, then added, “I’ll find someone to play Cuju or ride horses.”

Xiao Cao was speechless. How spontaneous. But given your bookish nature, are you sure you can handle such intense activities?

“Cuju? Do you know how? Ride horses? Can you even get on a horse?” Wenren Ying bluntly mocked him.

“I don’t, and I can’t,” Wenren Yang said calmly, still gentle. “But I can learn.”

The tension on Han Shi’s face eased again. Her son had gained some awareness yet remained incomprehensibly naive.

Wenren Ying was left speechless and rolled her eyes at Wenren Yang again.

Xiao Cao couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Although it seemed a bit odd, there was a strong sense of warmth. No matter how much they complain or seem helpless, their hearts are actually full of care. Xiao Cao hadn’t felt this atmosphere in a long time.

In her previous life, she had a good family, too. However, she spent so much time studying that she rarely went home. After coming to this world, during the first eight years she traveled around with Lin Dad in pursuit of medicine. In the following seven years, she and Ting Yu grew together. Although they got along well and life was great, without parents or elders, it was still incomplete. And the subsequent nearly three years were even lonelier.

The three of them turned their eyes to her, and Xiao Cao collected her thoughts, “Since you’ve seldom exercised before, it’s not advisable to start with anything too intense. Otherwise, it will be unpleasant. Gradual progression is key. Today, you could start with walking.”

Wenren Yang acknowledged her with an “Oh,” bade farewell to Han Shi, and prepared to leave.

“Xiao Si, walk for a quarter-hour, then come to my courtyard. I’m planning to add some things. Can you help me?”

“Sure.” Wenren Yang left leisurely, showing the composed demeanor of a gentleman.

“Mother, if you want Xiao Si to read less, you don’t need to be so direct. Look for other things to keep him occupied, like having him carry something or run errands. For example, since I’m back home, you could have him deliver invitations to our relatives. It shows more respect than having servants do it and also builds relationships. Xiao Si probably wouldn’t refuse. Doesn’t he enjoy discussing academic matters with people? Send him to ‘bother’ someone else.”

Han Shi thought the earlier ideas were clever. It was just that before, out of habit, how could a noble young master run errands? Isn’t that what servants are for? But looking at it from a different angle, it was indeed a missed opportunity.

As for the latter suggestion, “When he visits, people avoid him.”

Being rejected by her son made Han Shi feel particularly proud. This kind of experience is probably unique in the entire world.

“It doesn’t matter if they avoid him. What matters is the process. Don’t give him a carriage; let him walk there.”

Han Shi laughed, “Even so, after several times, he’d really become a bother, and people would see it as showing off.”

“Then one time is better than none. Actually, for Xiao Si’s situation, if you’re willing, the best would be to let him travel to study.”

“Do you think I haven’t? Three years ago, he went out once, taking enough people with him. But after he visited a place and mingled with scholars for a few days, people avoided him like the plague. Xiao Si is clueless about social norms. Here in the capital, everyone knows his nature. Even if he speaks bluntly, no one gets genuinely upset. But outside, it’s different; he might offend people. Eventually, he gathered a bunch of books and found a quiet, scenic place to hole up. Despite the beautiful scenery, it was too remote, and the servants struggled with many difficulties. But in the end, they’re just servants and couldn’t manage him. He didn’t eat well or sleep properly, and in the end, they had no choice but to bring him back. In just a few months, he lost so much weight that his clothes didn’t fit.”

Xiao Cao was speechless. This brother is too unbelievable.

Seeing Xiao Cao seemingly stunned, Han Shi laughed, “Let’s not talk about him. Earlier, you said you needed to furnish some things. Just let me know what you need.”

“I want to make some medicinal pills for Grandmother, so I thought of setting up a pharmacy, which should be useful on a daily basis.”

“All right, list what you need, and I’ll have everything prepared.” The generous Han Shi assured, suggesting it was no big deal.

Xiao Cao immediately wrote down the items she needed.

“Fourth Sister, your handwriting is quite impressive, better than mine,” Wenren Ying admired.

Xiao Cao smiled, “It’s okay.” In general, girls have more delicate handwriting. However, Xiao Cao had learned to write formally with Tingyu under Mr. Che’s guidance, so her style was more bold and assertive.