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

In his previous life, Huang Ming had been a man of integrity, a noble soul, one who had risen above base amusements.

Naturally, he had his share of social gatherings with friends, had visited places of entertainment, and had even, on a few occasions, set foot in establishments of questionable repute... But the private clubs he frequented with friends were all legal, proper venues, and those unhealthy places he had entered only for work, to crack down on crime.

Thus, when it came to seeking pleasure in brothels, Huang Ming’s experience was decidedly lacking.

He had assumed the goings-on at Moonlight Pavilion might resemble the colored clubs of his later life—a row of girls paraded for inspection, and one would say, "This one, that one, her as well... keep them, now bring out another batch for a look..." Yet, contrary to his expectations, after passing through a brilliantly lit, fragrant front hall, they were led straight into a private space screened off from the main room. There, Madam Chu herself saw to it that food and drink were brought in, all the while inquiring after their preferences, without so much as offering a single beauty for their selection.

“Gentlemen, the girls of our Moonlight Pavilion are each blessed with peerless talent and beauty. Now, it is only a matter of what sort of company you desire. Do you prefer someone a little older or a touch younger? Someone skilled in poetry and verse, or perhaps one accomplished in music and chess? Or maybe a lively drinker…”

The string of specialties rattled off left not only Qi Changfeng but even Huang Ming a little dazed.

Fortunately, they had an old hand with them. Suddenly, Zhang Han reached out and pulled Madam Chu onto his knee, feigning annoyance: “Madam Chu, we’re all regulars here—are you really going to run through that routine with us? Since we’re here, of course we want the best. Unless, of course, you care to keep me company yourself—I wouldn’t mind.”

As he spoke, his hands roamed freely, making the woman laugh and giggle, though she soon extricated herself with practiced ease, casting Zhang Han a coquettish glance, and teased, “Young Master Zhang, you do know how to make a girl laugh. But I know my own worth—I’m already past my prime, no longer fit to catch the eyes of such fine gentlemen.”

“Who says you’re old? You’re not even thirty—prime age, I’d say.” Xu Qingzhi chimed in with a mischievous grin, reaching to pull her in, only for her to dodge gracefully away.

After some playful banter, Zhang Han went straight to the point: “We don’t want many—just let Ziyun, Hongying, Nuanting, and Xiangxiu come and keep us company for drinks and conversation.”

He spoke casually, but Madam Chu’s face immediately clouded with difficulty. “Gentlemen, you’re putting me in a difficult spot. How could I make such a decision…”

Huang Ming looked at her in puzzlement. What was so hard about a regular guest naming four girls?

Sensing his gaze, Madam Chu hurried to explain, “Young Master Huang, you’re new here, so you may not know. These four are our most sought-after girls, especially Ziyun and Hongying—they’re at the very top of this season’s Flower List. Many patrons have been asking for them recently.

“How could I… how could I let them all attend to you at once…”

It dawned on Huang Ming. He glanced at his two troublemaking friends; they really were out to squeeze every penny from him.

It was obvious—having these girls for company would cost a small fortune.

Xu Qingzhi chuckled, “What, you mean a group of brothers like us aren’t worthy of your best girls? Are you looking down on us?”

“I wouldn’t dare…” Madam Chu cried out, quickly adding, “But the house has its rules. We can’t let all the most popular girls serve just one party, can we?” She paused, then tried to compromise, “How about this? I’ll have Hongying and Nuanting come to serve you, and then bring in a few others whose looks and talents are in no way inferior to Ziyun and the rest…”

“Madam Chu, you’re treating us like new customers. Ziyun is your most popular girl—don’t tell me you can just find another like her? If that were true, the Flower List would be full of Moonlight Pavilion’s girls.”

“This… Gentlemen, you really put me in a bind…” Madam Chu’s face was a picture of distress.

It was, indeed, a tricky situation. But these gentlemen, especially Zhang Han and Xu Qingzhi, were patrons of status and influence; she dared not truly offend them.

It was then that Huang Ming stepped in to smooth things over. He swiftly produced a silver note and laid it on the table. “Madam Chu, just send those girls to meet us for now. It’s still early. If we wish to change later, there’s no harm.”

“This…” Madam Chu still hesitated—this was not a decision an ordinary madam could make. But when her eyes fell on the denomination—five hundred taels—her expression shifted instantly to one of delight. “Since it’s Young Master Huang’s request, I’ll make an exception!

“Now, would you gentlemen prefer to stay here, or move to a quieter courtyard at the back for your drinks?”

“Here is fine—we enjoy the bustle,” Xu Qingzhi replied with a hearty laugh.

He’d come to brothels many times, but never had things gone so smoothly. He’d worried it might not work out, but Huang Ming’s generous gesture had settled everything.

As soon as Madam Chu departed, his two friends shot Huang Ming a thumbs up. “Young Master Huang, what spirit!”

“Once you’re out to enjoy yourself, you must do it right—a little silver spent is nothing,” Huang Ming replied, sipping his tea with a smile. “But with those five hundred taels gone, I’m not flush with cash. If there are more expenses later…”

“Don’t worry—anything after this is on us,” the two slapped their chests, all bravado.

As for Qi Changfeng, he was now thoroughly stunned.

Five hundred taels, gone just like that?

That was more than two years of his salary, and this was only the beginning.

In Datong, five hundred taels would feed a family of five in comfort for a lifetime.

Amid their laughter and banter, the sound of bangles tinkling and a waft of enchanting fragrance heralded the arrival of Madam Chu outside, her voice following: “Gentlemen, I’ve brought you some lovely girls.”

Zhang Han called out in response, and as the simple screen was parted, four beautiful women, each radiant with affection and charm, entered the private room with elegant steps.

“We pay our respects to the young masters…” The four beauties curtsied sweetly, their enchanting eyes sweeping over the four men.

At once, the two seasoned patrons were visibly excited, calling out, “Come, come, sit here with me—let me pour you a drink!”

Qi Changfeng seemed quite dazed, clearly overwhelmed by the scene, while Huang Ming remained calm, smiling as he leisurely took in the beauties, weighing their charm and bearing.

For a man who had crossed time, not even the loveliness of Ming Dynasty courtesans could truly make him lose his composure.