"No, I'm her friend. As long as she's here. Carry on." Pei Ye cupped his fist again and headed inside with his sword.
"I feel... that man looks rather familiar," one scholar said, frowning.
The other was still at a loss. "C-can we just let him in? He's carrying a sword!"
The first turned back. "If you know he's carrying a sword, why ask? Go stop him yourself."
"..."
Pei Ye went straight to the Small Tower, found the right floor, and knocked softly twice.
"Come in."
Pei Ye pushed the door open and stood in the doorway, sword in his arms, meeting Qi Zhaohua's surprised gaze.
"Young Hero Pei!"
"Long time no see." Pei Ye smiled. "What about the others? Is everyone free? Shall we get together tonight?"
Chapter 681: The situation
"Well, this is rare. How did Young Hero Pei find the time today?"
Without leaving Daming Palace, one would never know that spring filled the city. The willow leaves were already like a baby's little fingers, tender and curved. Qi Zhaohua put down her brush, draped on a long robe, and strolled with the youth through the morning spring light. The drizzle had just paused, and every breath felt fresh.
"A man can't keep busy forever." Pei Ye looked at the green willows. "Is Academy Director Xu here?"
"My benefactor said a few days ago that she might be leaving for a while before long. This morning, I saw that a note had been delivered, so I imagine she's set out," Qi Zhaohua said. "It doesn't really affect much. There's long been little here that requires her attention. I've been handling things myself this past month."
"You don't know where she's going? Aren't you worried?"
Qi Zhaohua paused. "My benefactor wasn't often at the academy to begin