814 The Burial
In the L province where the Lu family's burial site was located, a large number of people was solemnly gathered as they watched the heir of the Lu family who was supposed to be recovering kneeling on the ground in front of a tomb three times.
The funeral procession should have happened two weeks ago. But Lu Yin Ze who fainted after hugging his grandfather's body only woke up after three weeks.
Thus, it took one whole month before the Old Lu's funeral took place.
The whole Lu mountain was crowded with many people. A great number was from upper society, business partners of the Lu empire, foreign investors, and the media.
Although there were many people, no one dared to gossip loudly.
A week ago, when Lu Yin Ze gained enough strength to stand up, he called out all the elders of the Lu family.
Amidst their complaints, Lu Yin Ze chose to give a proper funeral for his grandfather. The elders wanted him to have a modest and discreet funeral rite.
However, Lu Yin Ze only gave them a cold answer.
"My grandfather is a legendary figure who leads the legendary Lu family empire. He is a great leader who stood at the top of the business world when he was alive. He deserved to have a dignified and distinguished funeral."
"But Young Master! This is not a great time. If we publicized Head Master Lu's funeral, people would put pieces together. This would make our Lu empire weak and many people would know that we are losing power. We are already in peril, we can't let another setback hold us."
Lu Yin Ze's silver-blue eyes held no emotion. But they were cold. Those pair of eyes stared at the elder who spoke.
"I understand your concern. But this is my grandfather. He is not a liability. Let's send him properly. Or do you think my grandfather did not deserve it?"
The elder words were stuck on his throat.
In the end, Lu Yin Ze proceeded to have a grand funeral for his grandfather.
All people from every country who knows Head Master Lu went to the L province and expressed their condolence. The whole world watched the solemn funeral rites of the great Head Master Lu.
On the first row where reputable people gathered, two people whose hair had turned whiter in the past month had their eyes red.
Old Xiong had never been in a good relationship with Old Lu. They were enemies who hated each other and competed with one another every time they had a chance. But they never crossed each other's bottom line except for the one time they fought because of a woman.
They continued to bicker as they got old. It could be said that a piece of affection formed in their quarrels.
Old Xiong closed his eyes as he held back the heat in his eyes. "Rest well, Old Lu. Be with Presicilia and your daughter. I'll help the Lu family to the best of my ability."
Mistress Tang who was beside Old Xiong, solemnly vowed, "Your death would be the end and the beginning. There should be no tragedy after you. May you rest in peace and watched us from above. I'll help your grandson to get back to his feet and be his godmother."
The two were sincere in their promise.
12:14
The wind blows carrying their whispers to the newly made tomb.
The two were sincere in their promise.
The wind blows carrying their whispers to the newly made tomb.
After Lu Yin Ze gave his respects, the other people also came forward to give respect and goodbye to the old man. Although his death was horrendous, he would live as a legend.
Lu Yin Ze straightened his back as he received the people's condolences. There were some who came just for a show but they were people who were sincere too.
The Guan family came.
Guan Gu Ri and Guan Xixin came forward to express their condolence. They lit the incense and bowed in respect.
The Guan family was once closed to the Lu family. There was a bond that formed from their birth mothers. So sending someone close to them to the other side after their grandfather gave them a bitter and sorrowful feeling.
Guan Gu Ri hugged Lu Yin Ze. His warm hug reminded Lu Yin Ze that Guan Xixin was once his close brother. Hopefully, it would remain that way.
Lu Yin Ze could not help but stare at Guan Gu Ri's face when they separated.
Guan Gu Ri's handsome face was disfigured on that mansion. Although the wound on his left cheek healed and its scar was erased through the help of medical technology, the wound on his eyes was still recovering.
Guan Gu Ri's right eye was covered with a bandage. He still smiled like an older brother at Lu Yin Ze.
"Don't look at me like you are the one to blame for this."
Lu Yin Ze lowered his eyes shamefully. "How are you? I apologize for not visiting you...."
"Why are you apologizing? Both of us are recuperating and need time to settle our own matters."
Guan Gu Ri went under surgery in the past month. He only came out because of the funeral.
He lightly touched the bandage that was covering his eye.
"My eye is healing. It would take at least one more week before I could take the bandage off."
This made Lu Yin Ze quite relieved. But the guilt and self-blame in his heart magnified.
"Big brother Gu Ri, I know that none of my apologies could matter now. The Lu family matters had implicated you. Even your brother-
Guan Gu Ri patted his shoulder.
"Lu Yin Ze, I did not blame your grandfather's decision in the slightest. What happened to my family is only Ming Zhi Yi's fault. What happened to my eye is his fault. None of it should be carried by you."
Lu Yin Ze lowered his eyes. He was relieved to hear those words.
But a sin was still a sin. It was carried by the bearer's blood.
He bowed deeply, "The Lu family is indebted to you. As long as I live, I would do my best to compensate you."
Guan Gu Ri sighed. What he could do? He could only accept this so the young man's heart would be appeased.
"Alright. If that's what you want."
After Lu Yin Ze exchanged words with the Guan family, the two Tang sisters came.
Lu Yin Ze was ashamed to face the heirs of the four families. But today, it could not be avoided.
Tang Xinyang hugged Lu Yin Ze after paying respects. "Be strong. We are at your side."
Lu Yin Ze smiled. Even though it was his family's fault that the Tang family was heavily implicated, their reputation was ruined because of his father, the Tang family did not harbor unkind feelings nor blame him.
Lu Yin Ze bowed to them and apologized. He repeated the words he said to the Guan family to the Tang family.
He was sincere in his promise.
Tang Xinyang did not let him bow for long.
"We are all friends and companions who both suffered. Among us, you are the one who is suffering deeply. There's no need for you to take the blame."
Lu Yin Ze could only smile. He was glad of their kindness, but the guilt for them remained strong.
Tang Yin observed Lu Yin Ze's face.
"How come you are paler than before? Are you eating properly?" Tang Yin did not first mention the funeral, but Lu Yin Ze's well-being first.
This was the first time that someone asked about his well-being. It stunned Lu Yin Ze. This made him smile. But the smile contained sadness.
Tang Yin saw his sad smile and felt frustrated.
"I would go back to my peak health after this. You don't have to worry."
"Who said I am worried about you? You still owed me of the days I took care of you. So you have to make sure you don't collapse or else my effort in nursing you would be in vain. By the way, I only accepted deposits."
Lu Yin Ze's lips moved upward. Finally, there was that sincere smile. But it only appeared for a short moment before it disappeared.
"Thank you. I'll make sure I'll pay you back."
Tang Yin: "..."
Paying back was not what she wanted though. She just wants the man to be back on his former self. Although he was gloomy before that was better than having lifeless eyes.
Tang Yin sighed. She stepped forward and awkwardly hugged him.
"Condolence. Even though I am annoying, I'll be a good friend."
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