Not because he was owed the honor.
But because he was part of the deception that stole their friend, and it was only right that he remain buried under the truth.
They fashioned a marker from old steel and a broken sword handle. Rong stood over it as the last of the dirt was shoveled in.
Rong cleared his throat, but his first attempt at words broke apart.
He wiped his eyes with the back of a dusty sleeve, drew a steadying breath, and tried again.
"Wei Sheng was never the loudest," he began, voice low but carrying in the still wood. "He never pushed to stand in front. He just… took the hard jobs, the night watches, the last ration when everyone else had eaten. He acted like it was nothing. We all let him do it because it was easy to lean on someone that solid."
He rested a hand on the fresh mound of earth.
