Southern Zhao
Diligent Governance Hall
Today was Qi Yunheng's first day back in Southern Zhao.
He was every bit as miserable now as he had been carefree when he left.
Already, he had begun to miss his Qi'an.
He silently pushed the memorials aside, spread out a sheet of paper, and picked up his brush.
He could hardly wait to pour all the longing in his heart onto the page.
"Brother, are you writing another letter to my Sister-in-Law?"
Little Eleven leaned closer as he spoke.
He had not seen his older brother in so long and had missed him terribly, so he eagerly crowded close.
Qi Yunheng glanced at him coolly. "You're mistaken. This King isn't writing a letter. This King is merely trying his hand at the poetic pursuits of scholars."
Little Eleven pursed his lips. "Isn't that still writing a letter to my Sister-in-Law?"
"Brother, not to criticize, but how did you fail to even bring my Sister-in-Law back?"
Qi Yunheng's brush paused.
He gave him a sidelong look and said ominously, "No snacks for you today."
Little Eleven immediately panicked.
He hurriedly snatched up two pieces of osmanthus cake on the sly and stuffed them into his mouth.
Qi Yunheng: "..."
He turned away. "Aren't you afraid you'll choke to death?"
Thud!
The next instant, Little Eleven suddenly collapsed, his face turning blue, his lips black, and his entire body convulsing.
Qi Yunheng's pupils trembled at the sight.
A flicker of worry and panic crossed his eyes.
He rose, scooped Little Eleven into his arms, and shouted toward the door, "Uncle Fu, summon the imperial physician!"
The pastries Little Eleven had eaten had been prepared for Qi Yunheng by the imperial kitchen.
If not for Little Eleven, he would have been the one to fall.
Qi