(2)

That day, finally getting the doctor's approval, Risai (李斎) could be transferred from the Seishin (正寝) she had been staying to her lodging. However, as Risai still could not support herself on her legs, she had to be carried using a palanquin. Led by Koshou (虎嘯), Risai was brought into a palace wing very near to Inner Hall (Naiden, 内殿), to a plain guest room that faced the garden. As Risai was lowered onto a bench, a child dashed in from the room next door.

" Welcome back! All things are ready. I have prepared them all by myself!"
Really? Kousho smiling patted the child on his shoulder.
" This is Keikei (桂桂). Sort of like my brother. From now on, he would be taking care of you together with the female servants. -- Keikei, this is Risai, a general from Tai (戴)."
The child looked at Risai with a bright smile.

" I heard that you had been badly hurt -- Is the pain gone now?"
" Much better -- Thank you for your concern, Mister Keikei."
Risai said, and the child giggled.
" Drop the Mister, please. I am just like a servant here."
Oh! The Kid suddenly cried out, and turned to look up at Koshou.

" People from the Military Department (Kakan, 夏官) have come and put the kijyuu (騎獣) in the stable. Can I really take care of it?"
" If Risai says okay. That is Risai's kijyuu."
Wow, Keikei looked at Risai with eyes of wonder and anticipation.
"... Kijyuu?"
Risai turned to Koshou.

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