Xiao Cao thought about it; since they would be family in the future, she shouldn’t be so polite and restrained. At the beginning, there would be a process of understanding and getting used to each other. Others wouldn’t know her habits and preferences, and it was unreasonable to expect them to discover and pay attention to those things on their own. Otherwise, it would be too coquettish and might even breed misunderstandings, with everyone guessing about each other’s thoughts. Even though Xiao Cao wasn’t a sensitive or suspicious person, she would probably still find it tiring.

“Xuan’er, this is for wiping your body, mainly for nourishing the skin,” said Han Shi with a smile, thinking that Xiao Cao didn’t know about it.

As for the maid standing nearby, although she also had a hint of a smile, it wasn’t malicious. Regarding the young lady who had finally been found and brought back, Han Shi trusted and valued these servants. They had been disciplined before, so naturally, they wouldn’t look at Xiao Cao with the eyes of judging a country bumpkin.

Knowing that Han Shi had misunderstood, Xiao Cao wasn’t embarrassed. “No, Mother, I know what it’s for. I just find the scent a bit strong. Is there a milder one or perhaps I can go without it altogether? I think my skin is pretty good.”

Xiao Cao simply chose not to spend time adorning her outward appearance, but she understood the importance of physical health better than anyone else. On this point, she would never be careless. Inner cultivation is more important than outward adornment, and food nourishment is better than medicinal nourishment. Xiao Cao’s only shortcoming was that sometimes, when she was busy, she would forget the time and neglect regular meals. However, even if her meals weren’t lavish, they were still balanced and reasonable.

If the body has no toxins, then all its parts function perfectly. With appropriate exercise, one can be at least 70% healthy.

As the saying goes, “Nourishing the body is not as good as nourishing the mind, and nourishing the mind is not as good as nourishing the spirit.” Xiao Cao had studied medicine with a focused mind and a pure heart, following the natural way. Though the sudden death of Xue Tingyu caused her spiritual distress, and it took her almost a year to adjust, even if she still had lingering thoughts about Xue Tingyu, it did not affect her daily life. The rest of the time, she can be said to have been smooth sailing, peaceful and tranquil, with a clear mind and a calm demeanor, an open heart, and a composed and gentle manner, without resenting heaven or blaming others, and without being easily agitated or angered. Truly, at such a young age, Xiao Cao seemed to have already entered a state of old age.

Thus, Xiao Cao’s skin was indeed not bad.

However, Xiao Cao didn’t bother with skincare or makeup, and from another perspective, she had the freedom to indulge herself.

Han pulled Xiao Cao’s hand and squeezed her arm, “It’s quite good.”

In fact, when Han Shi was bathing Xiao Cao earlier, she had already noticed this, but since she was used to applying moisturizing cream after bathing, it was an unconscious habit. If her daughter didn’t want to use it, she didn’t need to. “But my child’s hands are a bit rough.” Because Xiao Cao spoke frankly and naturally, Han Shi didn’t beat around the bush and just stated it as it was.

Xiao Cao smiled indifferently, “I reckon that even if I want to work hard in the future, with mother worrying about me, I won’t be able to overwork myself.”

“That’s true,” Han Shi had already decided that if her daughter liked medicine and didn’t want to give it up, she wouldn’t force her. Not to mention anything else, if she truly had excellent medical skills, she would definitely not be at a disadvantage in certain shady means, and her family members would also benefit from it. At that time, she would probably just hold a pen, diagnose pulses, check medicines, gather herbs, process herbs, decoct herbs, and do household chores, etc. She wouldn’t need to do any heavy labor, and her hands were indeed not suited for hard work.

When undergarments similar to those from her previous life appeared in front of Xiao Cao, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. However, she didn’t think too much about it, assuming that this aspect had simply developed a little faster, as all things start with a flash of inspiration.

“This is what Auntie Zhou, who works by mother’s side, hurriedly made for you during the day. It has been washed and dried. Since she didn’t know what scent you like, she didn’t use any fragrance. Auntie Zhou has sharp eyes, but she didn’t take your measurements after all, so there might be some unsatisfactory aspects. Today, I will take your measurements, and tomorrow she’ll make a new one, so it will fit you perfectly.”

After not wearing such undergarments for a long time, there was some unfamiliarity when putting them on. “It’s quite nice.” Han Shi pulled Xiao Cao and had her turn around. Well, this daughter’s figure is undeniable; the areas that should have flesh don’t lack any, and the areas that shouldn’t have flesh don’t have any excess. In the future, she doesn’t know which lucky boy she’ll end up benefiting. She must keep a close watch and pick the very best in every aspect for her daughter.

The morning clothing styles were diverse, inheriting some distinctive historical styles that also fit modern aesthetics, while also innovating on that basis. So, when a large pile of clothes appeared in front of Xiao Cao, she felt a bit dizzy.

“These were prepared as soon as we received news of you. We have various sizes, and these few are the closest to your measurements. Xuan’er will make do with these for now. Your mother asked the servants to be quick about it. Tomorrow, we’ll inform the shop that supplies our fabric, and have their embroiderers help make some as well. We’ll hurry to make some simple ones first, and then gradually add more elaborate designs.”

Xiao Cao didn’t know what expression to make. This was like a fifty-year leap forward! Still, so many sizes? What a waste. “Mother, there’s no need for so many. These are really enough.”

“It’s not just you. Everyone does it. Every month, your younger sister has a few new outfits tailored, and she even adds more for special occasions. Before your elder sister got married, it was the same. Now that you’ve just returned, you don’t have any clothes, so naturally, you need to get more this time. From now on, we’ll follow the rules.”

By “following the rules,” she meant her own rules. After ensuring everyone else in the household was properly dressed, she would never neglect her own household and would spend her own money to add more and more, no matter how resentful others might feel. There was nothing they could do about it since she wasn’t using public funds; it was her dowry, her private property, so she could use it however she wanted.

Han Shi was from a prestigious family. When Wenren Taibo discussed the marriage proposal back then, her father held a high position, and the consorts in the imperial harem also enjoyed the Emperor’s favor. Even the imperial princes and nephews seemed to have a certain air of nobility. Lord Wenren Taibo himself was also quite outstanding, so many people approved of the match.

Han Shi’s family had a higher status, and she was deeply favored. Coupled with her own fondness for this marriage, it was settled. At the time, it was considered marrying down, and the grand wedding was no joke. Therefore, Han Shi was indeed a wealthy person.

The old Old Madam Wenren was relieved to hand over the management of the Wenren family to her early on. It was not surprising that Han Shi was trusted with the household affairs, allowing the Wenren to feel more at ease. After all, besides favoring the main branch, Han Shi would also receive her share, without the worry of her misappropriating public funds.

Han Shi jokingly “boasted” about her bulging wallet, implying that her daughter should spend freely.

Every mother, as long as she has the means, is probably eager to buying all kinds of things, determined to make their children look neat and bright, always drawing envious glances from others, rather than envying others themselves.

Xiao Cao obediently kept quiet, for she had encountered such people before, and ordinary folks could hardly argue with them.

When she’s alone, she would keep her clothing simple, but now, all she had to do was reach out.