Yi’er 義兒 [godsons]

A complicated cultural concept similar to “godson” in Western cultures, but without occurring within a religious context. While the yi’er claims to be the son of a yi’fu 義父 [similar to a godfather], there is no de facto adoptive relationship between them. Rather, the yi’fu is more of a mentor or model to his yi’er. Here, Marquis Liu’s supporters are swearing allegiance to him by swearing to be his godsons.