"I don't believe you," Sui Zaihua said with certainty as he looked at him. "I can tell you're someone who loves life, someone full of passion, by no means free of worldly desires. Fame and fortune hold tremendous sweetness for you-your performance just now made that clear. You're only making such solemn vows now because you've never truly possessed them."
"...Perhaps. Until it actually happens, I have no way to prove it to you anyway." Pei Ye smiled faintly, then fell silent for a moment before saying softly, "But sooner or later, you'll believe me. Because...I won't disgrace him."
"Who?"
"An old man. I once asked him much the same question." Looking out the window, Pei Ye said, "He told me, 'A man should walk the righteous path, without weighing hardship against success.'"
"...Then I hope you can hold fast to that resolve." Sui Zaihua smiled faintly. "All right, it's about time. Didn't you bring that girl along? Have her come in."
Pei Ye hadn't expected him to bring it up himself. He bowed. "Thank you, my lord."
"Go on."
Pei Ye hesitated. "Lord Sui, Miss Li is injured. Her sword demonstration today wasn't actually up to her usual standard. And she really is very gifted, but she's always been tied down by worldly affairs. Besides, her spirit is upright and resilient, and she's only just turned seventeen this year-"
"Yes, I know all that," Sui Zaihua interrupted with a smile. "She single-handedly revived Jade Feather, didn't she? I like that very much."
Pei Ye smiled in relief. "Yes."
Yet he still didn't leave immediately. He hesitated again, then cupped his hands once more, his expression turning solemn this time. "My lord, I'd like to say a few more unwelcome things I hadn't intended to say."
"Mm."
"Shang Huaitong is