Outside, Lu Hao and Lu Hai, along with Chang Yonglin's servants, listened intently to Pei Qin's calm, analytical voice emanating from within the house. They were all shaken to the core and speechless. The thoroughness with which she dissected each aspect of the situation, clearly delineating the various forces at play, showcased an insight fearsome even for a county magistrate like Wu Dongsi, let alone a village girl. But to convey all this to a few kids—the oldest, Pei Yuan, was only thirteen—could they really understand?! Even they found it somewhat baffling!
Although in Pei Qin's eyes these were Little Radishes, she did not hesitate to treat them as adults when necessary. She wouldn't coddle them like delicate flowers in a warm room just because they were young. Whether towering trees or little saplings, to be a tree, one must withstand the elements!
