Qi Yu was kept in the imperial bed to recuperate for a full half month.
The imperial physician said the poison had been completely cleared, but his body was still weak and needed careful tending. Qi Xiao took "careful" to an outrageous extreme. As soon as morning court ended, before De'an could even steady himself with his fly whisk in hand, the emperor had already rounded the Imperial Desk and headed for the rear hall. Memorials were brought to the bedchamber for him to review, and ministers were summoned to the Side Hall. Apart from attending court, he saw no one.
When Qi Yu needed to relieve himself, A Ping had only just brought over the pewter pot when Qi Xiao came in through the doorway. He bent down and scooped Qi Yu out of the covers, supporting his knees with one hand and holding his back securely with the other, then carried him to the Washroom door. A Ping trotted behind them with the pewter pot. Qi Yu buried his face in the crook of his father's shoulder, the tips of his ears scarlet, mumbling that he could walk by himself, while his toes secretly curled beneath his nightclothes. Qi Xiao said the imperial physician had told him he must not get out of bed yet. Qi Yu muttered that that did not mean he had to take charge of even this, then buried his face a little deeper in his shoulder.
The Washroom door closed. Chun He waited under the covered walkway with a basin of water and exchanged a knowing glance with A Ping. A Ping set the pewter pot on the basin stand, pointed at his own knees, then his forehead, and spread both hands. Chun He understood: His Majesty was supporting His Highness himself. She