"...It fits pretty well."
"Then go downstairs." Li Xizhou looked at him.
Pei Ye turned to look at Li Piaoqing. The girl was eating a small melon and said softly, smiling, "Why are you looking at me? I was just about to tell Her Highness about things out west. If you don't want to listen, go downstairs and wait for me."
Pei Ye fell silent for a moment. "I'll leave Little Cat here."
He tugged twice at his shoulder, but Black Cat clung tightly to his clothes and refused to come down.
"..."
Pei Ye slowly stood. "Then... then take your time talking."
"Mm."
"Got it."
Neither of them looked at him.
Pei Ye turned and descended the stairs with stiff steps. At the last moment, he glanced back again. Both women were quietly eating.
And so his footsteps gradually descended, disappearing into the stairwell.
Li Xizhou shook the wine flask. Empty. In an even voice, she said, "Sect Master Li, what were you planning when you told him to go downstairs and wait for you? Do you have plans after nightfall?"
Li Piaoqing's eyes widened slightly. "Have you set a daily time for him to return to the palace, Your Highness? The hour of the Dog or the Boar? I'll bring him back on time."
Li Xizhou smiled. "I really like you."
Li Piaoqing looked bashful. "You flatter me."
Li Xizhou took a final couple of bites and stood. "Let's talk on the terrace."
She gathered her robe around herself and went out onto the terrace, with Li Piaoqing following behind.
"Brew a pot of tea. No more wine," Li Xizhou instructed the lady-in-waiting.
"Let me brew you a pot, Your Highness," said Li Piaoqing.
"Oh?"
"Though I didn't bring Kingfisher this time, I brought Your Highness another mountain