Chapter 9: If you do not deem me unworthy, I wish to pledge myself as your sworn brother!

The sweet yellow wine was hard to stop once one started drinking, and with Lu Wenzhao and Guo Zhen continuously pouring him drinks, Wang Lu soon found himself unable to keep up. His cheeks flushed crimson, and his eyes occasionally glazed over.

“Brother Wang, come on, one more cup!” Guo Zhen raised his glass again in invitation.

Wang Lu shook his head, trying to clear his mind.

Seeing Guo Zhen’s playful expression, Wang Lu gradually realized that Guo Zhen had not yet let down his guard.

This was an attempt to make him reveal the truth after drinking.

Wang Lu reached into his waist, pinching the soft flesh beneath his clothes with a sharp pinch.

The sudden, intense pain instantly revived his spirit. He then lifted his cup and said, “Sir, didn’t you want me to visit a brothel? I wonder if you know which brothel has kind and gentle girls? Are there any particular customs I should know about?”

He looked apologetic as he added, “I have never been before; I’d be embarrassed if I faltered.”

Guo Zhen’s eyes narrowed slightly, smiling gently. “Brother Wang, you speak frankly, but you’ve asked the wrong person. How could a eunuch like me know which brothel is the best? I truly suspect you might be insulting me.”

“I dare not,” Wang Lu replied, startled, rising to his feet with both hands holding his cup. “I spoke nonsense and will punish myself with a cup. Please forgive me, sir.”

After Wang Lu drained his cup, Lu Wenzhao chuckled, “Wang Baifu (Hundred Households) has always been straightforward.”

Wang Lu tilted his cup to show it was empty, then seriously explained again, “I am unwilling to hide anything from you, sir. In truth, I have always regarded Lu Qianhu and Sir Guo as my own elder brothers. That is why I asked. Please do not misunderstand me.”

Guo Zhen twisted his neck; a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.

Wang Lu was clearly drunk, swaying as he stood, as if he might collapse at any moment.

Such words were surely the truth spilled after drinking.

Previously, Wang Lu’s claim that he had placed people around Guo to protect himself was met with disbelief by Guo Zhen. Even after things returned to normal, Guo Zhen sought other ways to draw out the truth.

Now, with Wang Lu’s bleary confession that he regarded both Lu Wenzhao and Guo Zhen as brothers, Guo Zhen was moved.

Despite his high status and power, and the many eunuchs in the palace who recognized him as a sworn father, no one had ever called him an elder brother.

Much less someone from the Jinyiwei (Embroidered Uniform Guard).

Only Wei Zhongxian in the entire Eastern Depot had the authority to adopt sons from the Jinyiwei; others were scorned.

Even the Jinyiwei’s reputation among the common people was hardly better than that of the Eastern Depot.

“Do you really mean that?” Guo Zhen asked emotionally.

Wang Lu recalled all the sorrow he had endured throughout his life. His eyes glistened with tears as he said, “My parents have long passed, my elder brother died in battle on the northern frontier, and now I amI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.