Xu Yi was beside himself with anxiety. "Is he alive or dead, Brother Zhou? Please, just tell me! Why say it's better left unsaid?"
Zhou Zongshi said, "The elders of my clan want Brother Xu to sign a Blood Oath, serving in the Zhou Family for three years as a household retainer. Sigh, such harsh terms—how could they befit a man of your stature? In my opinion, Brother Xu should seek another family. I'll do everything I can to smooth things over for you."
Xu Yi froze. "After serving for three years, will I truly be free?"
"What do you mean, Brother Xu? Could it be..." Zhou Zongshi struggled to suppress his delight, then hurriedly waved his hands. "No, no, that won't do. How could we make you lower yourself? How could I let the world laugh at my family for failing to recognize a hero?"
Xu Yi said, "Look at the state I'm in. I'm like a man who's been drowning for ages. If Brother Zhou can pull me out, I'll already be grateful beyond words. How could I complain of having to lower myself? Besides, with you in the Zhou Family, and you looking out for me, I'm sure you'd never let me suffer too much."
"Of course!"
Zhou Zongshi was overjoyed. "When would you like to sign the Blood Oath?"
"The sooner, the better, naturally. But I have one small favor to ask. I hope you'll agree, Brother Zhou."
"Go ahead. If it's within my power, I won't refuse."
Zhou Zongshi readily promised.
Xu Yi said, "I'd like to know what terms you intend to put in the Blood Oath. I want to see them now, so there won't be any complications when we sign it."
Zhou Zongshi pondered for a moment, then summoned paper and brush