Old Master Guan's death did not come as too much of a surprise; he had been ill for many years, and everyone had known for the past six months that his days were numbered. Even the Prince of Yizhou was not particularly shocked, he simply sighed and accepted the fact.
Guan Dalang followed Old Master Guan's instructions and, as soon as the funeral was over, asked the Prince of Yizhou to release him from his duties. The Prince did not agree, saying, "Your father was born in Yizhou, grew up in Yizhou, and only followed his ancestors back to his ancestral home a few times when he was young. Now the ties between your family and that place are thin—what purpose would there be in returning?"
The Prince of Yizhou added, "Why not stay here? Your father served me all his life. It is only right that I should look after you and your brother. You should observe the mourning period first; afterwards, I have a position for you here."
