Water Margin: Did we kill Zheng Tu today?

Chapter 67 Silver Spear Sloppy

"Zhang Erguan, do you dare or not?!"

These words were like a thunderclap from a clear sky, causing an uproar throughout the courtyard.

The guests who were having fun all withdrew, opened the windows and peeked out, eager to see which hero would make this novel bet.

The fan leaders laughed uproariously, pushing and shoving each other.

"This is rare! Mom, teach us to broaden our horizons and learn some skills."

The old hag, Mama Li, also came forward, smiling obsequiously at Earl Ying and Zhang Erguan: "Oh dear, gentlemen, are you really going to gamble? I can act as a witness! I guarantee it will be fair and impartial, without any bias!"

Li's mother was overjoyed.

If these two really did gamble, this commotion will spread like wildfire, and once the rumors start, their reputation will be ruined!

The news has spread throughout Qinghe County. Will we still have to worry about business? No matter who wins or loses, our courtyard will become famous. It's a sure-fire way to make money!

Zhang Erguan was stunned for a moment, never expecting that Ying Huazi would propose such a bet.

The commotion all around grew louder and louder.

"Zhang Erguan, let's bet!"

"What are you afraid of! It's worth ten taels of silver!"

"Doesn't Zhang Erguan always boast about his vigor and strength? Could it be that he's afraid of that Ying Huazi?"

If Zhang Erguan were to back down under the watchful eyes of everyone, wouldn't that be tantamount to admitting that he was inferior to Lord Ying?

If this gets out, how will I ever be able to hold my head up in Qinghe County again?

Moreover, Zhang Erguan was actually quite certain that his insults to Earl Ying earlier were not unfounded.

It turns out that he had a lover who was a sycophant and had also been in contact with Ying Bojue. In private, she had indeed spoken ill of Ying Bojue as a "silver-plated spearhead."

Otherwise, a seasoned old fox like Earl Ying wouldn't have gotten so angry and jumped up in anger, even if he was humiliated, and would have proposed such a bet.

As the saying goes: if you throw a stone into a pack of dogs, the one that barks the loudest is usually the one that gets hit.

Thinking this, Zhang Erguan's confidence grew: "Let's gamble! Do you think I'm afraid of you?"

He paused, a sly glint in his eyes.

"Words alone are not enough; a written agreement is necessary to prevent anyone from reneging on their decision after losing!"

Earl Ying, having decided to go all out, immediately replied, "A written agreement is fine! Please trouble Mama Li to fetch paper and pen! And please have the two young ladies act as guarantors; with everything in black and white, no one can deny it!"

Immediately, a servant boy ran up and brought over the writing implements.

Although Li's mother was illiterate, there was an old pimp in the courtyard who was somewhat literate.

The pimp spread out some paper, licked the tip of his pen, and looked at the two men, asking, "Gentlemen, how should this bet be written?"

.........

The old tortoise-man wrote with great speed and swiftness, completing two copies in no time.

The two accepted the document, each signing their names in a crooked manner and pressing their red handprints. Li's mother, Zheng Yuexiang'er, and Dong Mao'er also affixed their fingerprints as guarantors.

Thus, an absurd bet was decided.

The atmosphere in the courtyard was a hundred times more lively than usual.

The fan leaders chattered amongst themselves about who should be sent to "serve" the guests, while the other guests were busy placing bets on who would win or lose.

Several servants had already brought out two bronze incense burners, each with a newly made incense stick inserted. This kind of incense would burn out in about half an hour, which was the fairest thing to do.

Taking advantage of the moment when everyone's attention was diverted, Zhang Erguan retreated behind the others, secretly turned his back, took out an oil paper packet from his sleeve, poured the entire packet of brown powder into his mouth, and swallowed it with his saliva.

This is "Guyang San," which he obtained from a wandering old doctor for five taels of silver.

The prescription is made by grinding more than ten kinds of medicinal materials such as gecko, seahorse, cistanche, cynomorium, and schisandra into powder and preparing it into a powder. It is said to be able to strengthen yang and consolidate the foundation, and prevent premature ejaculation during prolonged intercourse.

It turns out that Zhang Erguan had come to see Dong Mao'er a few days ago, but he was feeling unwell that day and did not perform well, so the girl secretly mocked him a few times.

Therefore, he brought this medicine today, hoping to avenge his humiliation and show off his prowess. Unexpectedly, he bumped into Ying Bojue, and secretly rejoiced: This Ying beggar deserves his bad luck! Today he'll make him lose face and never be able to hold his head high in Qinghe County again!

Zhang Erguan wiped the residue of the medicine powder from the corner of his mouth and immediately felt a surge of heat rising from his dantian, which gave him energy all over his body and made his back straighten up a bit.

Earl Ying's palms were slightly sweaty.

Although he spoke with great conviction, he knew his own situation. While Zhang Erguan's words were somewhat exaggerated, they were not entirely without basis.

Over the years, he has spent so many years indulging in sensual pleasures; how could he not pay some price? His body has indeed suffered a great loss, and he is somewhat lacking in strength.

I made the bet in a fit of anger, but now that I've calmed down, I can't help but feel a little uneasy.

He looked up at Zhang Erguan's smug face, taking in the subtle movements of his shoulders twitching and his throat swallowing as he turned away, and cursed inwardly:

"That damned Zhang Mazi! He really did have a backup plan! Turning his back to do drugs, does he think I'm blind?"

You may have your brilliant plan, but I have my own ways to get out!

Without hesitation, Earl Ying subtly reached into his robes, pulled out the red pill wrapped in oiled paper, and quietly hid it in his sleeve.

He silently prayed, "Brother Zheng, oh Brother Zheng, this medicine you gave me must be effective tonight! My future honor and disgrace depend entirely on this pill!"

After thinking it over, he deftly peeled off the oil paper wrapping the pill, revealing the bright red pill, which he then hid in his palm.

He pretended to cough, covering his mouth, and while his sleeve concealed it, he put the pill into his mouth and pressed it under his tongue.

His movements were incredibly smooth and fluid.

This Earl Ying truly lived up to his reputation as Ying Huazi; his methods were far superior to those of Zhang Erguan, and no one noticed anything amiss even under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

The red pill initially tasted bland, but gradually dissolved under the tongue, and after a moment a spicy and slightly bitter flavor spread.

For a moment, I felt a numbness at the root of my tongue, followed by a surge of heat that rushed down my throat and spread throughout my chest and abdomen. My previously weak body seemed to have become much stronger all at once.

Earl Ying was both pleased and worried: pleased that the medicine seemed to have some merit, but worried that he didn't know how effective it was and that something might go wrong.

He took a deep breath and looked up at Zhang Erguan.

The two men's eyes met in mid-air.

At this point, Li's mother had already selected two people to go to the ring. Both of them were seasoned veterans, and their skills were truly remarkable. They could easily disarm ordinary men in no time.

The specific details of the rules are not convenient to go into here, but in short, the absolute fairness and impartiality of this bet were ensured.

With everything arranged, she stepped forward and greeted Earl Ying and his entourage with a loud laugh, "Gentlemen, the rooms are ready, and the incense has been lit. Please come in!"

Everyone in the courtyard held their breath, watching as Ying Bojue and Zhang Erguan, each accompanied by a courtesan, walked into the two side rooms, one to the east and one to the west.

"Squeak!"

The doors were closed simultaneously.