Sworn Brothers

A sworn-brother arrangement was a way for people along the coast to survive.

While his son Gu Shunfan was away serving in the army, Uncle Gu secretly arranged for him to take a sworn brother named Haisheng.

Unexpectedly, Gu Shunfan suddenly came home injured and discovered he had acquired a male wife. Furious, he made a huge scene and threatened to kick Haisheng out.

To stay, Haisheng worked like a maid, found doctors, and bustled around looking after Gu Shunfan.

Haisheng: Brother, I'm really good at cooking. Even Doctor Bai praised me. Brother, it's cold in winter. Doctor Bai said books say sleeping close together keeps you warm. Brother, Doctor Bai said I'm your crutch. Brother, Doctor Bai said...

Haisheng might be a little slow, but he wasn't bad-looking and was diligent. Gu Shunfan had grown used to having him around, but wasn't Doctor Bai showing up a little too often?!

As Gu Shunfan's leg improved day by day and time went by, his father actually started busily arranging a wife for Haisheng?!

Gu Shunfan: Father, you're the best. You're my real father. You get to decide who marries and who gets married off.

Gu Shunfan: Haisheng, do you want to marry a wife too?

Haisheng: Brother, I'll listen to Father.

Gu Shunfan: The two of you are going to drive me crazy!

Haisheng! Since you were sworn to me as my brother, you'll be mine for life. You can marry a wife only after I'm dead!

[Sworn brothers: A tradition unique to ancient coastal regions; they do not actually become sworn brothers in this story.]

Theme: Even in a life of poverty, brilliant flowers can bloom