What is a toad going to do with peppercorns? Though toad is one of those ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine, I am certainly not suggesting anyone to cook a toad with peppercorns!
Eric is a retired tour guide who used led tour groups from Malaysia to China in early 70's. During that time, visiting China was only allowed under the reason of visiting family members and those who want to proceed to China must be over 30 years of age.
For that particular visit, Eric went alone to visit his uncle resided in Fujian, China. Because his uncle's house were crowded, Eric decided to put up in a small hotel in town. The hotel is still within walking distance from his uncle's place.
During that period, online booking was non-existence so Eric just walked in and told the receptionist that he wanted a room. So the receptionist asked: "Standard or deluxe?"
"What is the prices like?" Eric asked.
"Standard RMB50, delux RMB200. But I would suggest you take the deluxe one as standard room may not be suitable to you." Answered the receptionist.
Thinking of saving some money, Eric demanded to have the standard room as he would spend most of his time with his uncle and relatives; and he only need a place to sleep at night.
So, Eric checked into a standard room and after he threw his luggage inside the room he went about with his relatives. Eric only returned to his room nearing 12 midnight. After a hot shower, he sat by his bed to go over the next day's itinerary.
Suddenly Eric heard the sound as if someone was sighing: "Hai.. hai... hai..."
Even though Eric is not superstitious, he started to think of ghosts as his uncle warned him the hotel he stayed in was haunted. And another series of sighing sound made Eric developed goosebumps all over.
Without thinking twice, Eric immediately rushed to the hotel receptionist and told her that he wanted to switch to deluxe room. And the receptionist was happy to comply. So Eric topped up the RMB150 bill difference and a porter was summoned to help Eric to move his items to his new deluxe room.
Before the porter left, Eric gave him some tips. Due to curiosity, Eric asked the porter if his previous room was haunted. The porter shook his head and replied: "No. This is the trick the hotel management used to coax foreigners to choose a more expensive option... I was told to put a toad with peppercorns in its mouth under your bed. The toad will produce sound as if people sighing in pain..."
Eric almost fainted after knowing the fact. Of course, we don't see this tricks nowadays being used anymore. It is interesting to share however.. Please don't torture a toad in such a way though.
