The two ladies-in-waiting behind them quietly brewed tea.
Li Xizhou gazed beyond the curtain for a while. Clanging sword shadows crossed again; someone outside was playing Sword Chess.
She turned her head. "Go out and have a look around. Old friends or new, I imagine quite a few people would like to talk to you."
"All right."
"Mm. Once you're out, call Ming Qitian over for me first. I'd like to meet her."
"...Now?"
"Mm. See if she's free. I can wait half an hour."
"...Fine." Pei Ye fell silent for a moment. "You-you mustn't say anything strange to Miss Ming."
"What counts as strange?"
"..." Pei Ye pressed his lips together. "Anyway, last time-"
The words stopped at his lips, and he turned his head in a daze.
Beyond the thin curtain, several figures had come to a halt.
The girl at their head bowed with impeccable courtesy. "Your Highness, the Bright Sword Master of Yunlang requests an audience. She asked Zhaoye to announce her."
"..."
Li Xizhou set down her cup. "Sorry for the wait. Please, all of you, come in."
Penglai lifted the curtain. Cui Zhaoye entered first, casting a bright glance at the boy beside her.
Behind her was the woman in white, still holding the black cat in her arms.
Beside her stood the girl in green, and Grey Skirt, the criminal.
A gathering of heroes, Pei Ye thought.
Li Piaoqing gave him a helpless look that said, "I did my best." Clearly, the girl had not wanted to see her former lover put in a difficult position, but she had failed to stop them.
Qu Xin, meanwhile, looked him over with some regret.
"So many friends." Li Xizhou smiled. "Sect Leader Li, Divine Physician Qu, it's been a long time."
"Greetings, Your Highness." Li