Qiao Zhi listened carefully. Xan Min did not often speak to her in this tone unless the matter truly mattered. It was not a warning meant to frighten her into staying home. It was a reminder that the world beyond Mount Hua did not share the same habits or values as the people who had raised her.
"I understand," Qiao Zhi said. "I won't assume everyone is honest just because they smile at me. And I won't assume everyone is evil just because they come from a sect I dislike. I'll pay attention before I act."
Xiu Lan reached for her daughter's hand. "And you will eat, sleep, and treat your injuries."
"Those sound like unrelated matters."
"They are very related matters. You become stubborn when you're hungry, reckless when you're tired, and strangely proud when you're hurt."
"I am not proud when I'm hurt."
Both mothers looked at her.
Qiao Zhi considered their expressions. "All right. I am occasionally proud when I'm hurt. But only when the injury is interesting."
