The Kong Family's Deadly Trap

The street before the Kong Mansion was packed with carriages and horses, and auspicious air filled its gates.

From nine that morning, officials great and small had arrived in an unbroken stream to offer birthday wishes.

The vermilion gates stood wide open. Inside, lanterns and decorations adorned the mansion, while carved beams and painted rafters displayed the lavish heritage of a great aristocratic clan.

Seated in the place of honor in the main hall was the day's birthday celebrant, Kong Changqing, patriarch of the Kong Family.

Though five hundred years old, with hair as white as snow, his face was as rosy and full as an infant's. White-haired yet youthful, he brimmed with vigor. His every gesture and word carried an air that inspired awe.

Officials who had not planned to attend flocked over when they heard Emperor Gan would send an envoy with a decree and birthday blessings. They all but wore down the Kong Mansion's threshold.

"That's Jiang Yubai, the General of Agile Cavalry."

"That's Su Wenqu, the imperial clan chief."

"And that's Ji Tongguang, the current Minister of the Privy Treasury."

Standing amid the bustling crowd, Li Shun and Kong Zhao watched the powerful courtiers stride through the courtyard like dragons and tigers, surrounded by admirers. Fine robes and embroidered sashes dazzled on every side as Kong Zhao quietly identified each figure for Li Shun.

The Kong Family truly is one of the greatest aristocratic clans under heaven, Li Shun thought as he surveyed the scene. Just look at this birthday celebration. Nearly half the court's civil and military officials are here. The guests are as numerous as clouds. Even those who couldn't come sent lavish gifts and trusted aides to offer congratulations. By noon, under the blazing sun, the banquet had still not begun.

Yet not