In the imperial palace, Qin Wudao and Chu Renjie were thoroughly intoxicated, sitting with arms around each other's shoulders, talking about everything under the sun. This display caused the onlookers from the Great Qin Saint's Court and the Elixir Pavilion to watch with twitching eyelids.
"Brother Qin, you are my life savior. How about we become sworn brothers?" Chu Renjie suddenly proposed when their drinking was at its liveliest.
Qin Wudao, slightly taken aback and tipsy, said, "Sure!"
He then declared, "Servants, prepare an incense burner and offerings! I am going to become sworn brothers with Brother Chu!"
At the main hall's entrance, Xu Chu and Dian Wei exchanged a look. After a moment's hesitation and seeing no objections, they went to prepare the items needed for the ceremony.
Zhuge Liang, Xiao He, Guo Jia, and other members of the Great Qin Saint's Court exchanged knowing glances and, with a tacit understanding, did not intervene.
