Sun Tai, courtesy name Jingyuan, was a native of Langya whose family had followed the Way of the Five Pecks of Rice for generations. His grandfather Sun Xiu had been a minor official under Sima Lun, Prince of Zhao, and enjoyed great favor. He manipulated power and repaid even the smallest slight. His rivalry with Shi Chong over the beautiful concubine Green Pearl had erupted into violent conflict, and he had plotted on Sima Lun's behalf to depose the crown prince and kill Empress Jia. Sun Xiu could well be called the chief culprit behind the War of the Eight Princes. A century later, Sun Tai and his nephew Sun En were about to unleash another devastating upheaval in the Three Wu-
Du Zigong, leader of the Way of the Celestial Masters in Qiantang, served emperors, dukes, and ministers with his Daoist arts. Sun Tai was Du Zigong's son-in-law and likewise cultivated friendships among prominent men. Seven years earlier, Sun Tai had been entered into the gentry registers alongside Chen Caozhi, then appointed magistrate of Feng'an County in Dongyang Commandery, rising through successive promotions to assistant administrator of Xin'an Commandery. In all those years, Sun Tai had never encountered Chen Caozhi again. He knew only that Chen Caozhi had earned exceptional promotions through military achievements and was now Inspector of Ji Province, holding office far above his own. Although Sun Tai felt aggrieved, there was nothing he could do. He had returned to Qiantang this time because his elder brother had died, coming home to observe mourning. His mourning period had now ended, and he had been about to return to his post in Xin'an Commandery when Chen Caozhi came home. Even Du Zigong had come to welcome him; how could Sun Tai stay away-
Chen Caozhi exchanged warm greetings