Volume Two: The Noble and the Knave Chapter Two: Following a Mischievous Friend to the Brothel (Part One)

"Happy New Year!"

"May the New Year bring you good fortune!"

"Congratulations and prosperity—now hand over the red envelope!"

When Xu Qingzhi and Zhang Han arrived together at the Huang residence, it was already the afternoon of the fifth day of the new year.

Upon meeting, the three naturally exchanged New Year’s greetings.

But when Huang Ming finished with that last phrase and even stretched out his hand expectantly, both friends answered with a laugh and a curse: "Get lost!"

"Young Master Huang, your family fortune is far greater than ours, and you still dare ask us for money?"

"Exactly. Now that the entire Huang family estate is under your control, it should be us asking you for New Year’s envelopes."

The three bantered and joked for a while until the moment passed.

Naturally, their conversation turned to what to do next.

It was much like when classmates visit your home in modern times—they’re never there just to hang around the house, unless your parents are away and there’s a PS5 or XSX to play with.

Although Huang Ming was now master of his own house, there were no such delights here. So after a few words, their topic quickly narrowed down to where to go for some fun.

When it came to entertainment, Zhang Han was clearly the most experienced among them. "Do you know," he began, "the annual Courtesan Pageant is about to start again in the capital this year?"

Men—especially young men—when chatting idly, will always find the conversation drifting toward women.

And in the Ming dynasty, little was different, except that their talk more often turned to courtesans.

Xu Qingzhi’s eyes lit up immediately, and he made sure to fill Huang Ming in: "You haven’t been in the capital long, so you may not know. Every year around this time, the city’s major brothels join together to host a Courtesan Pageant, selecting ten girls famed for both beauty and talent. Last year, wasn’t it Miss Yurong of Apricot Blossom Pavilion who took the crown?"

"That’s right," Zhang Han chimed in. "After she won, Yurong’s value soared. Just to see her in public costs a hundred taels of silver, and even then, you barely get to exchange a few words."

"But it’s worth it! I saw Yurong perform at Apricot Blossom Pavilion myself. She’s truly beautiful, and her skills with the zither and her dancing are second to none. Imagine spending a night with her…" Xu Qingzhi now wore a look of utter infatuation, grinning foolishly.

Seeing them grow more and more outrageous, Huang Ming couldn’t help but cough twice. "Look at you two—sons of noble houses, yet you let yourselves be enchanted by a few brothel girls?"

"You just haven’t seen what they’re like…" both protested at once.

Halfway through their words, they turned to look at each other and burst out laughing. "Since we’ve talked about it," one said, "why don’t we take you to see for yourself today?"

"Exactly! Let’s go, let’s go—there’s nothing to do today anyway, so let’s visit the pleasure quarters and listen to some music," Xu Qingzhi said excitedly, slapping the table. He added, "But since we’re broadening your horizons, Young Master Huang, you’re picking up the tab today."

Huang Ming could only smile wryly. He didn’t want to spoil his friends’ fun, and he was indeed curious what the brothels of the capital were like. So he agreed readily.

The three young men, joined by Qi Changfeng—who had just returned and was there to ensure Huang Ming’s safety—set off in high spirits, piling into a carriage and heading straight for Nanxun Ward in the south.

The urban layout of Ming Dynasty Beijing was, in truth, not so different from that of modern metropolises, with various districts clustered by need and function.

For example, the area Huang Ming knew best—Jiaozhong Ward—was home to the Temple of Literature and the Imperial Academy, making it the cultural heart of the city. Shops in this district mainly sold scholarly items, books, antiques, and calligraphy, catering to the tastes of the literati.

Likewise, the pleasure quarters were concentrated in one place: Nanxun Ward to the south.

Here, there were not only the many official pleasure houses under the jurisdiction of the Music Bureau, but also numerous privately run establishments, and even the most disreputable, half-hidden dens where, for the right price, anything could be had.

Of course, such lowly places were tucked away in the shabbiest corners and would never attract the attention of young gentlemen like Huang Ming and his friends.

For their sort, only the most famous and refined brothels would do.

For instance—Delightful Elegance House.

When their carriage stopped before the festively decorated entrance, Huang Ming got down and, seeing the ornate signboard and the parade of welcoming beauties, turned in curiosity to his two mischievous friends. "Why come here? Weren’t you just raving about that Miss Yurong from Apricot Blossom Pavilion?"

"You don’t understand," Zhang Han replied with a sly grin, exuding the air of a seasoned frequenter of pleasure houses. "What we mentioned earlier is last year’s news. Things change with each new year."

"Besides, as the reigning courtesan, Miss Yurong doesn’t just charge high—she’s never short of clients. If we go there, we’ll have to wait our turn and fight the crowd. Why bother? Better to visit now, before the new pageant begins, and enjoy the company of several other renowned beauties," Xu Qingzhi added.

Huang Ming nodded in understanding. There was indeed a knack to everything, even spending money for amusement. Without an experienced companion’s guidance, it was unlikely you’d have a good time.

He said no more, and followed the two inside the festive gate. Behind them, Qi Changfeng hesitated as he looked at the flock of gorgeously dressed women. "Young master, this…"

Sensing his uncertainty, Huang Ming quickly tugged him forward. Having another 'newcomer' along was always a good idea. Using the most fitting persuasion for the occasion, he said, "It’s the New Year, and you’re already here—why not come inside with us and see for yourself? Don’t be shy! Today, you’re our guest, and you won’t have to pay a thing."

With his young master putting it that way, Qi Changfeng could only nod and follow them into Delightful Elegance House.

At that moment, a charming, dainty madam came forward with a smile to greet them. "Young Master Zhang, Young Master Xu, it’s been a while since your last visit. My girls have been pining for you, unable to eat or sleep."

"Ha, only you, Madam Chu, have such a way with words. But today, you’re flattering the wrong men—we’re actually here as guests of Young Master Huang, who is our main patron today," Zhang Han replied with a laugh, taking the opportunity to give her waist a discreet squeeze, which drew a coquettish protest. Her flirtatious eyes then landed on Huang Ming as he stepped forward. "So this is Young Master Huang? You look unfamiliar—is this your first time gracing us with your presence?"