8.
Thousands of thoughts went through Zhou Que's head. How could emperor Sun Ce die? Why? He was always such a jolly person. He looked at his hands. They were, despite a few scratches, pale white. He didn't feel anything anymore. "But…" He spoke to Zhou Tai. "But how…" Zhou Tai grabbed his shoulder, a little upset. "Don't ask me how, or why. I just heard the news to. He was also my lord and emperor! Get a hold of yourself, Zhou Que." Zhou Que still didn't understand how Zhou Tai tried to show no emotion, but he was sort of right. Just stand here and ask about how or why wouldn't help at all. The first thing they needed to do was bring the emperor back to Jiangdong.
At the cremation everyone in the city was welcome. Only a couple of guards, were stationed on the city walls. There was a chance that the city would be attacked, because everyone was at the cremation. All the generals, lieutenants and strategists had a front seat. Family of the emperor stood next to the arc he was laid in. It was a very sad moment, the sister of the emperor cried all the time, and his brother, who was now emperor, looked totally of the world. There wasn't any happiness in his eyes. Of course, nobody had happiness in their eyes, but he looked the most sad of everyone. There was also sorrow in his eyes. He had to take over an entire kingdom. Zhou Tai sat there, next to Zhou Que, with no emotion in his eyes at all, as always. Zhou Que didn't cry, but he looked sad also, and also discouraged. Lord Sun Ce gave him a home, was kind to him, and trusted him from the very first time they met. Zhou Que didn't knew if his brother Sun Quan would also trust him, or be kind to him. When the fire was lit, everyone kept quiet. All the generals were called to the arc, to speak their last oath and farewell. And so it happened, that Zhou Que also swore an oath to himself. He would always protect any member of the Sun family, even if it meant his own death.
Days went by, with no activity. It was a horrible week, everyone was sad, they had nothing to do. Even the palace gardens couldn't give Zhou Que peace. He was in his room, sitting behind his desk, doing nothing. Suddenly the door opened. The main strategist Zhou Yu, and also a close friend to Sun Ce and Sun Quan, entered the room. He looked around, and walked to Zhou Que. "Lord Zhou Que, is it?" He spoke. "I can't recall we've spoken to each other before." He observed Zhou Que's room. He stood still for a moment, looking at Zhou Que's long blade. "Impressive", he said to himself. "Do you enjoy fighting, lord Zhou Que?" he asked. " I enjoy the victory, if it is for a good cause. The people we are fighting are mostly people who fight for what they believe in, just like you and me. To kill those brave souls, I do not enjoy that. But if it is for the Sun family, it is my duty to do so. It is not something I dislike, but I don't enjoy it either. I have to do what must be done." Zhou Yu was surprised with this answer. "I see you share the gift of an open mind, lord Zhou Que. To not be obsessed by the art of war, it is a rare phenomenon you'll find in an army. Especially by the officers of one. Tell me, are you interested in any other art, like painting, or poetry?" Zhou Que looked his way. "I do enjoy painting, or walking in the palace gardens." Zhou Yu smiled. "Hmm," he said quietly. "I think we could get along well, lord Zhou Que. Oh I almost forgot, emperor Sun Quan wants everyone in the city to gather at the central plaza. He asked if I would invite you." Zhou Que stood up. "It would be my pleasure, my lord."