Water Margin: Did we kill Zheng Tu today?

Chapter 57 Random Matchmaking

Earl Ying unfolded his gold-flecked folding fan, winked at Ximen Qing and Zheng Tu, and said with a smile:

"Brother Ximen, what you just said was truly wonderful! But I also encountered a fascinating story a few days ago, even more interesting than what you described. I guarantee you two will find it fascinating... hehe!"

At this point, he deliberately stopped talking, only waving his fan, smiling with narrowed eyes, and keeping everyone in suspense.

Ximen Qing was drinking when he saw the man's sly appearance and couldn't help but laugh and curse, "You scoundrel! Don't try to show off in front of me! Speak if you want, or don't, I don't care to hear it!"

Earl Ying chuckled and said, "You begged me, and I'll tell you! Brother Zheng, you want to hear it too, don't you?"

Not wanting to spoil the mood, Zheng Tu simply smiled and said, "I'd like to hear the details."

This Earl Ying was a man who couldn't keep his mouth shut. Seeing that Ximen Qing and Zheng Tu's attention had been piqued, he felt smug and began to show off:

"Since both Brother Ximen and Brother Zheng want to know, I'll tell you about it. This matter is truly a coincidence of fate."

That day, I had just finished getting to know Brother Zheng and was leaving the teahouse when I unexpectedly bumped into a beautiful woman! This one sight was quite something; at first glance, I was truly captivated, my soul almost left my body! I nearly forgot how to walk!

Upon hearing this, Ximen Qing burst into laughter: "That good-for-nothing Yinghuazi! Truly worthless! I thought it was some amazing story, but it turns out she's just a girl. What's so special about her? There are plenty of beautiful women in Qinghe County, why make such a fuss?"

Zheng Tu also pricked up his ears to listen, thinking to himself: Could that lustful woman be referring to Pan Jinlian?

Zheng Tu was puzzled, so he continued drinking without saying a word.

Seeing their indifferent reaction, Earl Ying was not annoyed. Instead, he shook his head, gently fanning himself with his folding fan, feigning helplessness.

"Ah, if it were just an ordinary woman, she wouldn't be worth anything. Brother Ximen, you know me. Over the years, I, Yinghuazi, have accompanied you to brothels and theaters. What kind of beauties haven't I seen? I've even accompanied you to meet a few of the most beautiful courtesans in Bianliang, the capital of the Eastern Capital. But this woman... her alluring charm and captivating allure are something I've never seen before!"

He paused, a look of infatuation in his eyes: "Truly a flawless gem, a natural beauty! That face, that figure... just one glance from afar, and I... hehe, my lust is burning uncontrollably; I still dream about her!"

"Oh?"

When Ximen Qing heard him say this, he was indeed genuinely interested.

He had been hanging out with Ying Bojue for many years and knew that although the man was slick and greedy, he had high standards and had seen countless beauties in brothels and theaters.

He wouldn't even glance at ordinary, unremarkable women. It's extremely rare for him to praise someone so highly, even to the point of saying that he "cannot quench his lust."

He leaned forward involuntarily and pressed, "Then do you know that young lady's name, where she lives, and whether she is married?"

Seeing the gleam in Ximen Qing's eyes, Ying Bojue was secretly delighted, thinking the fish had taken the bait. He feigned mystery, saying, "This young lady lives next door to Wang Po's teahouse on Zishi Street. As for marriage... hehe!"

He deliberately paused, leaving everyone in suspense.

Ximen Qing said urgently, "Second Brother Ying, stop showing off! Just tell me!"

Earl Ying then lowered his voice and said, word by word, "Her surname is Pan, her given name is Jinlian, and she is already married. That old man Gai (note: her husband) is Wu Dalang, the pancake seller on the street! He's known as 'Three-inch Ding, Bare as a Tree'!"

Upon hearing this, Zheng Tu truly found it difficult to remain calm.

His hand trembled, spilling a few drops of wine. He cursed inwardly, "That bastard! He's a real idiot! How dare he pull such a stunt? If this continues, he might end up losing his own life too!"

Upon hearing this, Ximen Qing was first taken aback, then slapped his thigh and cried out in despair, "Oh dear! What a pity! What a pity! It's truly a fine piece of mutton, but I'm too unlucky to enjoy it."

He shook his head repeatedly, his face full of regret.

Earl Ying chuckled and said, "Brother, don't complain. Isn't this... even better?"

Ximen Qing and he exchanged a glance, initially puzzled, then suddenly understanding. The two exchanged knowing smiles.

The lust in Ximen Qing's heart was stirred up by Ying Bojue's words, and it burned brighter and brighter. He was so frustrated that he was scratching his head and couldn't stand it anymore.

Seeing the situation gradually collapse, Zheng Tu knew something was wrong.

He abruptly stood up, his face serious, and said in a deep voice, "Please wait! Listen to me!"

"If I consider someone a friend, then I should abandon that idea..."

Earl Ying was startled by Zheng Tu's sudden standing up and serious admonition.

His eyes darted around, and he thought to himself:

"This man has always been quiet during the meal, and he only listened indifferently when the topic of romance came up. Why did he react so strongly when this woman was mentioned?"

Ying Huazi was always quick-witted, and she immediately thought of the perfume she had smelled on Zheng Tu earlier that day. The scent was unique and unlike the perfumes used by ordinary courtesans in brothels.

Then think about where Zheng Tu lived?

Wang Po's Tea House is right next to Pan Jinlian's house, separated by only one wall! There are countless inns and hostels in Qinghe County, and the tea house's rooms are cramped and small. Why did he choose to stay there?

Not to mention that on that day, when Zheng Tu was dealing with that frivolous scoundrel on Zishi Street, the incident happened right in front of that young lady's house.

"Could it be...?"

As soon as the Earl Ying had a thought, he felt that everything was connected and interconnected.

"Has he already set his sights on this young lady? Is that why his reaction is so intense?"

"I suppose so!"

Upon realizing this, Earl Ying suddenly understood and muttered to himself, "No wonder this fellow insisted on renting a room at Wang Po's teahouse! He had been planning this all along, but he got there first and seized the opportunity!"

The more he thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed, and he looked up at Ximen Qing.

Ximen Qing was also a shrewd man. He exchanged a glance with Ying Bojue, and the two of them clearly thought of the same thing.

Ximen Qing had never seen Pan Jinlian's true face. He thought to himself: This Zheng Tu is a real hero, and he is about to become sworn brothers with me. What is a woman worth?

He immediately laughed heartily, stood up, and pressed Zheng Tu's shoulder, making him sit down: "Brother Zheng is right! Right! So Brother Zheng had already secretly plotted this! We've made a fool of ourselves. That Ying Hua Zi was ignorant and spouting nonsense. Come, let's drink, let's drink!"

Seeing that he had misunderstood, Zheng Tu said, "That's not the case."

Ximen Qing assumed he was just shy and embarrassed to admit it, so he laughed and said, "I understand, I understand, Brother Zheng, no need to say more!"

The count quickly tried to smooth things over: "Brother Zheng, please don't take offense. I was just joking. Come, let me punish myself with a drink!" With that, he tilted his head back and downed the drink.

Seeing their situation, Zheng Tu felt helpless, but at least he managed to put an end to Ximen Qing's hopes, and he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.