On the road a hundred meters from the Sun residence, the Sun family had set up a table specifically to receive and divert guests.
An old man dressed in patches walked hunched over before them, tightly holding the hand of a seven- or eight-year-old child. The child's clothes had fewer patches, though several had still been sewn on. At least they were clean.
The old man led his grandson to the table and said, "I'm from Niutou Village. Old Master Sun built a bridge for our village. I came to see Old Master Sun off."
Upon hearing this, the steward let him in and even pointed out the way. "Cry by the entrance, then go eat at the road behind the village."
The old man agreed. He felt around on his person, found two copper coins, and gave them to the steward as a condolence gift before leading his grandson inside.
Tao Ji had an invitation. He handed the Sun family's invitation card to the steward, who immediately called someone over and respectfully said, "daoist priest, you may proceed directly to the mourning hall. Other monks and Daoists are already waiting on the east side of the hall. Someone will make arrangements once you arrive."
Tao Ji agreed and left the mule and cart for the steward to arrange. Carrying their bundles, they headed toward the Sun residence.
The Sun family's main gate was draped in white mourning cloth. The crying inside had already paused for a while, and when they reached the gate, that grandfather and grandson had just arrived as well.
The old man pulled his grandson down to kneel. After kowtowing three times toward the gate, he burst into loud sobs. His cries were long and grief-stricken, carrying a strange cadence, half song and half chant, as