"Zitong, after I die, I leave the great affairs to you."
"Do not oppose Lü Ju. You are only in your twenties and have no experience commanding a great army. Lü Ju has immense prestige. You must keep him appeased and must not act rashly."
"If he refuses to submit to you, use the imperial court's power to suppress him and force him to obey."
Sun Jun lay on his bed, barely breathing, giving his younger cousin his final instructions.
By now, Sun Jun knew that his days were numbered. He no longer hoped that he might suddenly recover, and had placed his hopes in Sun 𬘭.
Yet Sun 𬘭 was only twenty-five. Even Sun Jun, in his thirties, was considered very young, and Sun 𬘭 was younger still, all the more hotheaded with youth. This could not help but make Sun Jun worry about the great affairs to come.
Tears streamed down Sun 𬘭's face. "Elder brother, I understand."
Sun Jun continued, "You must value the old generals at court. You are too young. Do not clash with them, and show them sufficient respect."
"Quan Shang and Princess Quan must be kept appeased. Do not make things difficult for them."
"The emperor is essential to holding the court together. You must not treat him too disrespectfully."
"Those younger brothers of yours can serve as your right and left hands."
Sun Jun voiced many thoughts in succession, chiefly about winning people over and exercising restraint.
Sun 𬘭 frowned. Sun Jun wanted to say more, but he was simply too weak. He closed his eyes, breathing faintly.
Sun 𬘭 left the room. His younger brother Sun En was waiting at the door, and the moment he saw him emerge, he asked impatiently, "Is he dead?!"
Sun 𬘭 flew into a rage.