Water Margin: Did we kill Zheng Tu today?

Chapter 19 The Man Pretending to Be a Fool

He mustered his strength, struggled to his feet, and staggered toward the door.

With trembling hands, he reached for the latch and struggled to insert it.

After completing this series of actions, he was panting heavily, covered in cold sweat, and collapsed to the ground.

"That old man...that old man is actually one of Master Zhao's men?"

Zheng Tu slid down to the floor, leaning against the door, his mind filled with suspicion: "Or... were those hooligans all in cahoots, deliberately setting a trap to lure me in?"

The more Zheng Tu pondered, the more terrified he became.

If that's the case, then Master Zhao's ruthlessness and cunning far exceeded his expectations.

This Yanmen County may seem prosperous and thriving, but it has probably been turned into an impenetrable fortress by this wealthy man Zhao. How could it be so dangerous?

The drug had now fully taken effect. Zheng Tu felt as if all the bones in his body had been removed, and he didn't even have the strength to lift a finger. His vision blurred, and his breathing became increasingly rapid.

"Could it be...could it be that we're going to... again?"

He was killed by Naru Tixia before, but at least it was done openly and fairly. This time, in Yanmen County, it was done in such an unclear and ambiguous way. How could he accept this?

"Squeak."

Just as he was struggling, he suddenly heard a soft sound from inside the room.

Zheng Tu strained to look up, and the sound came from the old wooden cabinet in the corner.

But then the cabinet door slowly opened a crack, revealing an eye that was coldly staring at Zheng Tu, who was slumped on the ground.

Immediately afterwards, the cabinet door swung open, and a man dressed in black emerged from it. He was short and stocky, with a dark complexion, and held a coil of hemp rope in his hand.

He made no attempt to conceal his murder, not even bothering to cover his face, clearly indicating he had the upper hand.

"Who...who are you..." Zheng Tu asked hoarsely, his voice as weak as a mosquito's buzz.

The man in black didn't answer, but only approached step by step. His footsteps were as light as a cat's, making no sound at all.

Seeing his demeanor, Zheng Tu already knew the answer in his heart.

It must have been sent by that Master Zhao. He poisoned the sesame cakes and hid someone in a secret passage in the cabinet. He used two methods at the same time, which was really vicious!

He tried to struggle and resist, but his body was limp and he could hardly move a finger.

They could only watch helplessly as the rope drew ever closer.

"Master Zhao, what a Master Zhao... What cunning and scheming you have." Zheng Tu sighed and stopped struggling.

The man in black had arrived, looking down at him with eyes devoid of joy or sorrow, as if he were looking at livestock awaiting slaughter.

.........

[Zheng Tu, died. 】

Survival days: 0 days

Zheng Tu suddenly opened his eyes, and before him was the familiar gate of Yanmen County, with the sun high in the sky and pedestrians everywhere.

"Here again." He felt no fear, only calm.

Zheng Tu looked down at his plain clothes, shook his head, and a murderous intent rose in his heart.

He dared not linger, not looking around, nor going to the clothing shop to exchange for some rich man's attire, but simply following his memory and striding forward with his head down.

He dressed simply, in coarse cloth clothes, walking on the street, no different from the peddlers and laborers.

Before long, we arrived at Tongqing Tower.

The waiter was leaning against the counter, yawning. He glanced at Zheng Tu's attire, but didn't even bother to lift his eyelids. He just lazily said, "There are seats in the shop. Please make yourself at home, sir."

After saying that, he turned his head to wipe the already shiny countertop, not looking at it again.

Respect the clothes first, then respect the person; it is simply the same principle.

Zheng Tu knew this was how these kinds of waiters survived, so he didn't care and went upstairs on his own.

His gaze swept across the building, and he quickly locked onto a familiar, gaunt figure.

On the table in the corner, Li Biao was sitting with his legs crossed, picking his teeth with a bamboo skewer, humming off-key, lewd songs.

Those beady eyes darted around, clearly plotting where to get some silver to gamble at the casino.

Zheng Tu put on a humble smile and sat down opposite Li Biao.

"Um?"

Li Biao was happily picking his teeth when a strange man suddenly appeared uninvited. He immediately glared at him and cursed, "You scoundrel..."

Before he could finish speaking, a piece of silver weighing about two qian (approximately 6.5 grams) was pushed in front of him.

Zheng Tu smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "Brother Biao! I've long admired your name! I'm new here, so this is just a small token of my appreciation."

Li Biao choked on the curse he was about to utter, his eyes lighting up.

Quick as a flash, he grabbed the silver, weighed it in his hand, and stuffed it into his pocket. Only then did he look Zheng Tu up and down: "Who are you? You're a complete stranger. I've never seen you before."

"My surname is Zheng, and my given name is Xi. I am from Guanzhong."

Zheng Tu made up a story off the top of his head: "Having just arrived in your esteemed land, I'm hoping to find a place to eat. I've long admired Master Biao's reputation and would like to make your acquaintance. I've heard that Master Biao is acquainted with Master Zhao; I wonder if you could introduce us?"

"To see Master Zhao?"

Upon hearing this, Li Biao immediately understood: So they had come to ask Master Zhao for a favor.

He had seen plenty of people like this; they were all just trying to pull strings or ask for favors. His wariness immediately dissipated.

He raised his head and looked Zheng Tu up and down again.

Seeing that this man was burly but dressed in coarse cloth, looking just like any other laborer, I figured he must be from some village.

A sense of superiority welled up in Li Biao's heart, and his initial wariness dissipated by more than half.

He curled his lip, leaned back, and said arrogantly, "Does Master Zhao think just anyone can see him? If every Tom, Dick, and Harry wanted to see him, wouldn't Master Zhao be swamped with work?"

"Even if the county magistrate wanted to see me, he would have to send a formal letter and wait. Your empty talk..."

Zheng Tu pulled out another silver ingot from his pocket, this time weighing a good five qian (approximately 15 grams), and offered it with both hands, smiling obsequiously, "Of course I wouldn't dare let Master Biao work for nothing. Please accept this small token of my appreciation. After the matter is settled, I will reward you handsomely."

Li Biao took the silver, weighed it in his hand, and was overjoyed, secretly calculating:

"What big deal could it be if I take this fellow to see Master Zhao? Whether it succeeds or fails, what does it have to do with me? Anyway, the money I get is real."

Furthermore, this fellow is a complete stranger, and dressed so shabbily, it's unlikely he has any grudge against Master Zhao.

"This deal was worth it!" Li Biao was more than willing.

Having made up his mind, a smile finally appeared on his face. He tucked the silver ingot into his pocket and cleared his throat: "Of course, of course. Since Brother Zheng west is so sincere in wanting to see the Master, I, Li Biao, am not an unreasonable person. However..."

He paused deliberately, clearly wanting to squeeze another penny out of him.

Zheng Tu understood immediately and quickly replied, "Don't worry, Master Biao, I know the rules! As long as the matter is settled, I'll add another ten taels of silver!"

"Ten taels?" Li Biao's eyes lit up, and he slammed his hand on the table. "Great! The Guanxi brothers are indeed straightforward! In that case, I'll introduce you!"

Zheng Tu sneered inwardly, but on the surface, he feigned gratitude, repeatedly cupping his hands and saying, "It's all thanks to Master Biao's help!"

The two looked at each other for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter at the same time.

After laughing, Li Biao stood up and patted Zheng Tu on the shoulder: "Wait here again at this time tomorrow." Then he swayed and went downstairs.

Zheng Tu sat alone by the window, watching the slender shadow disappear around the street corner, and slowly his smile faded.