"You speak too lowly of yourself," Runyu comments, pausing for a bite of his own dessert, washing it down with a sip of wine before speaking again. He's well used to people of rank speaking humbly of themselves in one breath and puffing out their chests in the next, but Huaisang's earnest dismissal of himself speaks to something deeper. Either Huaisang's rule is a tenuous one, to be tragic and short-lived, or he maintains power through leveraging the expectations of others. Either way, a fascinating creature to behold.

Leaning a little closer, he allows their forearms to press together as he peers at Huaisang over the rim of his wine glass, idly swirling the contents as he speaks his next question.

"How long has Qinghe Nie been under your rule?"