The Endless Funerals

It was midsummer in August, with the sun blazing overhead.

To show how much he respected his meritorious officials, Sun Quan braved the scorching sun to attend Han Dang's funeral. The civil and military officials of Jianye all came, even Lu Cong, who was at odds with Han Zong.

Han Zong thanked each person who came, but somehow skipped over Lu Cong, who had "put the past behind him." Lu Cong's face turned purple and then green.

At the third quarter of the Si hour, Han Dang's funeral ended.

Sun Quan was drenched in sweat. Just as he was about to climb into his carriage and return to Jianye, a rider came galloping through the dust in the distance.

"Lord, be careful!" The Tiger Warriors guarding Sun Quan immediately stepped in front of him.

The rider dismounted two zhang away, then scrambled toward the crowd on his hands and knees. His face, smeared by sweat, was full of panic and unease as he searched for someone.

When he spotted Lu Cong, the man rushed over, his voice choked with tears. "Eldest Young Master, disaster has struck!"

Lu Cong glanced awkwardly at the people around him. The newcomer was a retainer of the Lu Clan, and making such a commotion at so solemn an occasion was terribly rude—especially with Sun Quan present.

"Heh, what a terrible disaster," Han Zong said mockingly, drawing a slight furrow from Sun Quan's thick brows.

Lu Cong rebuked him sternly. "Chen Bo, the lord is here too. You're all flustered and making a scene. What sort of behavior is that?"

Chen Bo paid no heed. With a face ashen with grief, he reported, "The head of the family has been gravely wounded in an assassination attempt. He's on the brink of death!"

"What did you say?"