Lu Xin, the old instructor of the Yuanjiang County Office, had passed away of old age on its training ground. His final disciple and the people of the county office were naturally stricken with grief.
What struck people as especially strange was that, just days before his death, Old Instructor Lu had taken his disciple into town to purchase burial clothes, paper offerings, and other funeral necessities himself. He had still looked hale and hearty then, yet seemed to know he was nearing the end of his days.
In that same little courtyard, before that same house, a mourning hall had been set up by noon.
Upon hearing of the old instructor's passing, not only familiar neighbors but several officials, including Yuanjiang County's current magistrate, came to pay their respects.
Xiao Yuzhi could not possibly manage everything alone, but the old instructor had personally prepared every detail of his funeral before his death.
With help from the county office staff and Yi Shuyuan, the already grief-stricken Xiao Yuzhi was spared the added distress of being overwhelmed.
Dressed in everyday clothes, the current magistrate of Yuanjiang County approached the mourning hall and bowed three times. Xiao Yuzhi returned the gesture as the bereaved family member, and the magistrate came over to pat his shoulder.
"My dear young Xiao, please temper your grief. The old instructor devoted half his life to Yuanjiang County. The county office will not neglect him. I have heard you are quite skilled in martial arts yourself. If you need somewhere to go, you may take a position at the county office."
Xiao Yuzhi looked up at the magistrate and gently shook his head.
"Thank you for your kindness, Magistrate. My thoughts are rather unsettled at present. I have no such plans for now."
"Mm. If you change