Water Margin: Did we kill Zheng Tu today?

Chapter 64 Secret

As he spoke, Earl Ying took out a silver ingot from his pocket.

"This is just a small token of my appreciation, Brother Zheng, please don't refuse."

As the saying goes: men fear physical weakness, women fear the loss of their beauty, the elderly worry about their impending death, and children fear dullness of mind.

Everyone has their own fears in this life.

Zheng Tu found it amusing, but simply pushed the silver back, saying, "Brother Ying, you're too kind. Since you and Brother Ximen are so close, we're practically brothers. What's a single pill worth? Why talk about money!"

Having said that, he wrapped the crimson pill in oiled paper and handed it to Earl Ying.

"There is one thing I must say beforehand. The origin of this medicine is unknown; it was obtained by chance. If you intend to take it, you must be extremely cautious. It would be best to consult a doctor first, or take it in small doses several times as a trial. If there are no adverse reactions, then we can proceed with further discussion."

Earl Ying was overjoyed and accepted the paper package with both hands, repeatedly expressing his gratitude: "Thank you, Brother Zheng! Thank you, Brother Zheng! I understand, and I will take it carefully."

Whether he truly heeded Zheng Tu's words remains to be seen.

Earl Ying carefully tucked the paper package into his pocket, concealing it against his skin. He then picked up the wine jug and filled Zheng Tu's cup, laughing, "Brother Zheng is truly a straightforward man! From now on in Qinghe County, if you ever need my help, just ask! I'll go through water and fire for you, without hesitation!"

He patted his chest as he spoke, exuding an air of great pride.

"Brother Zheng, please don't call me Brother Ying anymore. It's too formal. Just call me Marquis Guang! That's my courtesy name. That's what close friends and family call me."

The two drank a few more cups and chatted about the local gossip in Qinghe County.

When Ying Bojue received the pills, he was overjoyed and became even more talkative, going on and on about which clerk in the county government was easy to talk to and which courtesan in the brothel sang the best songs.

.........

But let's go back to Wu Yueniang's side.

After leaving the front hall, Wu Yueniang dismissed her maids, saying she was tired and needed to rest, and returned to her boudoir alone.

Upon entering the room, he closed the door behind him, and his body went limp, collapsing onto the embroidered couch as if all his strength had been drained.

The tension in my heart finally eased, and in one day, a series of emotions, including shock, anxiety, worry, and relief, played out in turn.

At this moment, all the energy dissipated, and I felt weak all over, without any strength at all.

But after this rollercoaster of emotions, she was surprised to find that she was having all sorts of strange and unprecedented reactions.

It felt like a warm current was flowing through my body, making my limbs and bones feel tingly.

It should be noted that Wu Yueniang has always had a hidden ailment that is difficult to talk about.

Since she married into the Ximen family, she has been constantly seeking medical treatment. However, she has a "lack of affection for men," meaning she does not want to engage in sexual relations. It is not just that she is not interested, but that she is even afraid of it.

At this time, the influence of Neo-Confucianism gradually increased, and such matters concerning the women's quarters were often kept secret. If a woman in the common people had this condition, she would often use vague expressions such as "weak body" or "dislike of sexual intercourse," and the physician would then quietly record it in the medical records using the aforementioned terms.

He sought medical treatment countless times, but the doctors only diagnosed him with symptoms such as general weakness and insufficient qi and blood. The prescriptions they gave him were nothing more than warming and dispelling cold, and replenishing qi and blood, such as deer antler, donkey-hide gelatin, angelica, and rehmannia.

Wu Yueniang took the medicine for two or three years, but gradually realized that it was all in vain.

After drinking the medicinal soup, my body remained the same, and I still couldn't muster any interest.

She simply assumed it was due to her congenital health issues, so she eventually stopped paying attention to it and instead spent her days burning incense, chanting scriptures, and copying Buddhist texts in her room to calm her mind and seek inner peace.

This is one of the reasons why she did not interfere much with Ximen Qing's life of indulging in debauchery and promiscuity.

Since she herself cannot fulfill her duties as a woman, why should she be so harsh on her husband? She should just do her job and manage the household affairs in an orderly manner.

But I don't know what evil spirit I encountered today, my emotions are in turmoil. First I was frightened by the sudden misfortune, and then I heard that everything was fine.

After this surge of emotions, it was as if a faint yet extremely clear electric current suddenly rushed through her, making her feel numb and trembling, almost causing her to lose her balance for a moment.

Lying quietly on the bed, the tingling sensation had not yet dissipated, faintly wandering through her limbs and bones—a feeling she had never experienced before.

When Wu Yueniang thought of her own discomposure and the sudden surge of emotion in her heart when she heard the news that Zheng Tu had single-handedly subdued the group of ruffians, a blush crept onto her pretty face. She quickly pulled the brocade quilt over her face to cover it.

"Shameless hussy! How...how could you have such filthy thoughts!"

She mentally cursed herself, but the strange feeling wouldn't go away.

However, despite the embarrassment, a faint, warm hope, like a blade of grass sprouting from a crack in the ice in early spring, quietly peeked out.

Could it be... could it be that her body is not rotten wood or a dry well, and that she still has the chance to experience what she should have, just like an ordinary woman...? She dared not think any further.

But then, thinking of Ximen Qing's face, the faint, electric-like sensation she had felt earlier vanished without a trace.

Wu Yueniang paused, a thought suddenly flashing through her mind: "Could it be...?"

She gently bit her lower lip with her pearly teeth, her eyes glazed over for a moment, then hurriedly shook her head, not daring to think any further.

That's the official's newly sworn brother, his own uncle! How could he have such an absurd thought?

Finally, Wu Yueniang struggled to prop herself up with her arms, only to find that strange feeling becoming more and more pronounced.

Feeling another wave of shame, Wu Yueniang composed herself and softly called out, "Yuxiao."

"Yes, Madam, I'm here." Yu Xiao responded and lifted the curtain to enter.

"Go...go prepare a bucket of hot water, I want to take a bath." Wu Yueniang's voice was a little hoarse.

"Yes." Yu Xiao was obedient and did not ask any further questions, and went to make the arrangements herself.

Before long, hot water was prepared and poured into the large vermilion bathtub, the steam rising and filling half the room.

The bathtub was filled with warm, fragrant water, and dried flower petals were scattered on the surface, creating a rich and pleasant aroma.

Wu Yueniang waved away the maid, loosely tied up her jet-black hair, secured it with a jade hairpin, and slowly immersed herself in the water.

The warm water enveloped his entire body, and the fatigue and strange feeling gradually faded away, finally making him more clear-headed.

She leaned back against the edge of the bucket, closed her eyes, and let out a long sigh.

In the misty air, that usually dignified and elegant face now revealed an inexplicable allure.

"That's enough, that's enough."

Gazing at her shimmering reflection on the water, she murmured, "Today we've had his family celebration and feast at home. From now on... it's best to see Uncle Zheng as little as possible!"

Having made up her mind, she scooped up a handful of hot water and gently splashed it on her face, as if to wash away all her chaotic thoughts.

After taking another bath, the sound of a jade flute came from outside the door.