Zhang Xiao’er’s eyes lit up as he listened, but as a self-proclaimed skilled gambler, he cared less about tender breasts than whether he could win money—and take his winnings away.
He asked, "I wonder... is the gambling any good?"
The two men answered in unison, "Good! It's wonderful! A few days ago, we brothers won over fifty silver dollars and went back to Tai'an for a grand old time!"
That completely fired Zhang Xiao’er up. Money to win and young women to look at—how could he not go?
He hurriedly said, "What a shame I've never visited such a fine place.
"There’s still a long time until dawn. Even if we reach Tai’an City, the gates will be shut and we won’t get in. Why don’t we visit this marvelous gambling house together? If I win three or five strings of cash, I’ll treat you both to a drink, brothers!"
"...Would you two be willing to lead the way?"
The two men looked troubled. "Brother, we'd love to play too, but we really have urgent business tomorrow. Otherwise, we wouldn't be traveling at night."
Zhang Xiao’er did his utmost to persuade them. "Oh, Tai’an City isn’t far now! A little gambling won’t keep us from getting there before the gates open tomorrow morning. Lead the way, brothers!"
Left with no choice, the two men agreed.
Carrying their lanterns, the three headed down the fork in the road...
Zhang Xiao’er never appeared in Tai’an City again.
The gambling houses, large and small, in Tai’an City had lost a devoted gambler. What a pity.
That day, Cui Jiuyang and Master Tiger traveled until evening. They reckoned they could reach Tai’an City the following morning, but dusk had already fallen, and it would soon be completely dark.
Master Tiger in the mountains