Water Margin: Did we kill Zheng Tu today?

Chapter 106: Fighting without bloodshed

Zheng Tu put the silver he was weighing back into his pocket, showing no intention of paying it.

Sun Erniang's smile froze, and a hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes, just as she heard Zheng Tu say.

"We'll settle the money together with the cost of the food and drinks later."

Zheng Tu said it casually.

The murderous intent in Sun Erniang's heart intensified. Suppressing her anger, she forced a smile and said:

"What you say is true, sir... Now that the horse has eaten, why don't you come inside and rest? We have fine wine and meat, which will be served immediately."

Zheng Tu, however, was in no hurry. He stood by the trough watching the horses eat. After a while, he suddenly asked, "Madam, I've heard along the way that this Cross Slope is not safe, and bandits often rob people. I wonder if your manager is here? If he's capable, I'd like to get to know him and ask for a peace charm."

Sun Erniang sneered inwardly.

A strongman?

I am the strongest woman on this mountain!

You foolish thief, you dare to ask for a peace charm? Today I'll teach you to lose your life right here!

He said, "Sir, don't listen to others' nonsense. It's perfectly peaceful on this ridge. My husband has gone to town to buy things and will be back later. You can rest assured, drink and rest, and I guarantee you'll be safe and sound."

As the two were talking, the horse had already eaten most of its feed and was snorting contentedly.

Zheng Tu nodded and followed Sun Erniang into the tavern.

Sun Erniang secretly watched out of the corner of her eye as Zheng Tu walked step by step toward the tavern.

Seeing that this fellow was finally willing to come in, he was secretly delighted.

Once he's inside, with the help of the waiters and mistresses, and given the cramped space of this tavern, even if he's a master of martial arts, he won't be able to move around freely! When the time comes, I'll just mold him into whatever I want, won't I?

The room was still furnished as before, with four or five cypress wood tables and stools, and a row of wine jars against the wall.

Behind the curtain in the kitchen, however, the sound of chopping meat could be heard continuously, along with the faint sound of sharpening knives.

It seems that the two shirtless men heard the commotion outside and were sharpening their knives, preparing to close a deal.

Zheng Tu casually picked a seat in the middle and sat down.

With a beaming smile, Sun Erniang stepped forward, bent down, and leaned against the table to ask, "Sir, how much wine would you like?"

Now that this fat sheep has entered the tavern, it's like fish on a chopping board; how to cook it is just a matter of how.

Even if she summoned Xiao Er and Xiao San, and together with her shrewish mother Sun Erniang, the three of them would surely capture the man in no time.

However, it would be best to take down this guy without bloodshed.

Therefore, she was not in a hurry and only wanted to use sleeping pills to knock out this thief.

Zheng Tu had suffered several defeats at the hands of this female demon at Shizipo, and now that she was back, he was not about to let her off easily; he had to give her a good beating.

He then said casually, "Don't ask how much, just bring it all. Cut three or five pounds of meat, and I'll pay you back in one go."

Before the woman could speak, he added, "Since you said you have big steamed buns, just come up and make some snacks."

After saying that, he raised his face and looked at Sun Erniang with a grin.

When the woman heard Zheng Tu say that, she chuckled and turned to go inside. She brought out a large bucket of wine, set down several rough bowls and bamboo chopsticks, and cut out two plates of cooked meat.

He poured several bowls of wine, then went to the stove to get a basket of steaming hot steamed buns and placed them on the table.

Zheng Tu picked up a steamed bun, pretending to break it open to eat, but suddenly his expression changed, and he shouted, "Madam, is this steamed bun filled with meat or dog meat?"

The flirtatious woman's expression changed slightly, and she turned around with a smile, saying:

"Please don't make fun of me, sir! In this peaceful world, where can you find steamed buns filled with meat or dog meat? My family's steamed buns have always been famous far and wide for their beef filling!"

Zheng Tu shook his head and handed over the broken bun: "Since that's the case, why don't you take one and let me eat it? If you eat it, I'll believe you."

He had expected Sun Erniang to refuse, but to his surprise, this flirtatious woman took the steamed bun without a second thought, stuffed it into her mouth, and chewed it heartily, laughing as she ate:

"Now do you believe me, sir? These steamed buns are truly delicious! For miles around, no one makes steamed buns as fragrant as mine!"

Judging from her nonchalant manner, she must be someone who eats these steamed buns all the time and is no longer surprised by them.

Zheng Tu was taken aback by her reaction, paused for a moment, then clapped his hands and laughed:

"I was just joking!"

"I noticed a few hairs in the filling of this steamed bun, all crooked and unusual, which is why I showed it to you so I could get a different one. How could you just stuff it in your mouth and eat it like that?"

After saying this, he shook his head and sighed, "If you ask me, the worker who makes these steamed buns in your house is really careless. How could he make them so filthy? I'm only telling you out of kindness; if it were anyone else, they probably would have made a scene!"

Sun Erniang's smile froze, and she cursed inwardly, "This scoundrel is courting death, trying to make fun of me!"

A flash of fierceness crossed her eyes, but she forced a smile and said, "Sir, you jest... Perhaps the kitchen wasn't careful and some junk got in. I'll definitely teach that waiter a lesson later! You eat on your own, I'll go to the kitchen and get a clean basket right away."

After saying that, he turned around, lifted the curtain, and went into the kitchen.

As the curtain fell, a low, angry voice came from inside: "That bastard's asking for it!..."

Zheng Tu now has keen hearing and can hear clearly.

He picked up the wine bowl, brought it to his nose, and sniffed it.

Previously, he was less skilled and couldn't detect it. But now, with his body becoming stronger, his hearing and eyesight sharpened, and his five senses more acute, he could smell a very faint, unusual odor in the aroma of the wine.

It must be the sleeping potion.

You have sleeping potion, but surely I do too?

Before this trip, Zheng Tu had learned his lesson, but he also carried some treasures with him.

He took out a small oil paper packet from his pocket, dipped his fingertip in a little white powder, and quietly flicked it into the bowl.

The powder dissolves in water, and is colorless and odorless.

Just then, Sun Erniang came out carrying a basket of freshly steamed buns: "Sir, these are freshly steamed buns, guaranteed to be clean."

She had already made up her mind that if this man continued to act recklessly and cause trouble, she would take action.

She abandoned any thought of a bloodless method and simply summoned the kitchen staff to hack the man to death.

She was initially only worried that the bloodstains would be splattered everywhere, making it difficult to clean up and requiring wiping. She also worried that the cypress furniture would be damaged and she would have to buy new ones.

But she no longer had the patience to argue with this guy. If he didn't know what was good for him, she would fight him to the death!

Zheng Tu smiled and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Madam."

As he spoke, he picked up his wine bowl, "Come, come, Madam, you've been busy all morning, let me toast you with a bowl!"

Sun Erniang was taken aback, and hurriedly waved her hands: "No, no, how can a shopkeeper drink with a customer..."

"Eh!"

Zheng Tu feigned displeasure, "Could it be that you dislike my wine? Or... is there something unclean in it that makes you, Madam, afraid to drink it?"