Laughter and cheerful voices turned into sobs and cries; the joy of reunion turned into grief.
The Yi Household gathered around. The old patriarch's passing had caught them utterly unprepared.
For some, grief struck all at once. Others could not even cry and still seemed dazed, but this was by no means indifference.
After a spell of confusion, order gradually returned to the sitting room, and preparations began for Yi Baokang's funeral.
After bustling about for a while, the family suddenly discovered that the Grand Elder was nowhere to be found. Already steeped in sorrow, they now felt a fresh surge of panic. Fortunately, Yi Yong'an found Yi Shuyuan outside the courtyard gate. He called back to those inside, then hurried out to approach him.
"Uncle... are you all right?"
But once he drew closer, Yi Yong'an's voice softened, and even his lips struggled to form the words. His uncle was also well into his nineties; the death of his own brother must have struck him even harder.
Yi Shuyuan turned to look at Yi Yong'an.
"I'm all right. You must take care in your grief, too. I'm going out for a walk."
"I'll come with you!"
"No need. I want to walk alone, just nearby... I know my own health. I'll be fine."
As Yi Shuyuan spoke, he had already started walking away.
Indeed, his uncle had always been in good health, while his father's condition had deteriorated steadily over the past two years. Everyone knew that, but at a time like this, how could Yi Yong'an dare let his uncle go alone?
Yet just as he followed, Yi Shuyuan turned back to look at him again.
"As his son, this is precisely when you're needed. If you're truly worried, send someone else."
"All right, then please wait!"
He