Volume Two: Gentlemen and Knaves Chapter Eighteen: The New Courtesan Ranking

Even though these brothel owners prided themselves on understanding human nature and psychology, upon hearing Huang Ming's methods, each of them could only concede defeat. Compared to his strategy, which expertly exploited people's urge for rivalry and comparison, their own approaches were utterly unremarkable.

What they didn’t realize was that these tricks were the culmination of countless generations of decadence; Huang Ming merely borrowed them from the wisdom of later ages. And his grand plan was still unfolding.

“During this period,” Huang Ming continued, “the ladies must maintain their public personas and regularly appear before the crowds. Of course, their own talents must be showcased as well. For instance, each establishment should tailor events for them—be it singing and dancing or refined conversation—the key is to keep them active, not idly awaiting results.

“Additionally, I’ll arrange several major performances, where each will play a role suited to her persona. The details will be included in the next contract. These grand plays will be staged in our establishments and even in prominent open spaces across the capital over the coming months, drawing ever more supporters for the ladies.

“Later, we can devise further interactions based on their personas or their relationships—friendship, rivalry, whatever fits—to make them vivid, recognizable figures, woven into the fabric of everyone’s lives.

“All expenses for the ladies—food, clothing, daily needs, travel, and accommodations—will be borne jointly by our establishments. That’s one reason I require so much silver.

“And those major performances will be free to the public, entirely funded by us, solely to boost their fame, so that all of Shuntian Prefecture and even Hebei will know of this troupe of beauties, unmatched in both artistry and charm!”

Finally, Huang Ming laid out all the details. He looked over the flushed faces of the brothel owners and asked, “I’ve said my piece. Who will join? Who will withdraw?”

Silence reigned for a moment, then Zhao Jian was the first to rise, barely able to contain his excitement. “I’ll join! I can sign the contract immediately, and the silver will be ready within three days!”

“I’m in!”

“So am I!”

In an instant, each owner scrambled to declare their participation—none chose to leave.

The facts were plain: Huang Ming’s plan was remarkably novel, refreshing, and clearly promised that their ladies would achieve stardom. Even if they didn’t ultimately win, their future prospects would far exceed anything seen before.

To become famous throughout the capital and all Hebei—that was a dream they’d never dared entertain.

With such promise, tens of thousands of taels seemed a modest investment. Each girl had cost them thousands in training already. Now, anyone who withdrew risked being unable to compete in the capital for long.

Huang Ming smiled, seeing their understanding. “Since everyone agrees, let’s draft the real contract. From this day forth, we succeed or fail together, earning more silver as one.”

He signaled subtly to Yumo, who nodded and quickly left the room, returning with a more detailed set of contracts, distributing them one by one.

This time, the owners showed none of their previous hesitation; after reviewing the terms, they all signed without delay.

Only Master Xu paused before signing, raising a question: “Why does this say fourteen households acting as one? Including you, Master Huang, there are only thirteen.”

“Haha, Master Xu, you’re keen-eyed. I mean to split my share into two: one for ideas and management, which stays with me, and another for investment, which will be handled by my two friends—Young Master Xu from the Duke of Dingguo’s household, and Young Master Zhang from the Duke of Yingguo’s.”

As he spoke, Huang Ming gestured toward Xu and Zhang at the end of the table, drawing all attention to them.

Both men stood, a little nervous, and bowed to the assembled owners. “Greetings, gentlemen…”

Zhao Jian and several others recognized them as regular patrons and responded with warm smiles. “So it’s you two young masters—pardon us for neglecting you earlier, we were caught up in business.”

After some polite exchanges, prompted by Huang Ming’s glance, Xu Qingzhi spoke up: “Master Huang is quite right. We’ve known about his plan to transform the Flower Queen contest for some time and believe it will succeed, so we wish to invest, hoping to earn a little pocket money.

“You won’t mind us sharing in the profits, will you?”

“Haha, why would we? The more who join, the greater our chances of success. You two young masters are most welcome!” Zhao Jian quickly voiced his support.

The others agreed in turn.

The benefit wasn’t just in sharing the financial burden; it was also about the prestige. Though Xu Qingzhi and Zhang Han weren’t direct heirs of the two dukes, their connection provided an extra layer of assurance. With that, all doubts vanished, and the contracts were swiftly signed and handed to Huang Ming—the alliance of fourteen was officially formed.

A round of toasts and pleasantries followed, with everyone envisioning the success ahead.

After several rounds of wine, relations grew warmer, and one owner finally asked, “Master Huang, besides gathering silver and preparing publicity, what else must we do?”

Master Ma’s question was right on point. Huang Ming smiled and raised his voice, “As I understand it, every year the Flower Queen list is finalized at the Lantern Festival. Beforehand, each establishment submits the names and talents of their candidates to the Ministry of Rites’ Music Bureau. Am I correct?”

“Yes…”

At this, the owners’ faces showed some indignation. “We’ve spent no small amount of silver greasing the Music Bureau’s wheels, but the outcome… The girls from their affiliated establishments take four or five spots! The rest of us are left with two or three Flower Queen slots among all our houses.”

“Exactly!” Huang Ming said. “Since the upcoming Flower Queen contest will be entirely managed by us, it’s no longer tied to the Music Bureau. All previous submissions can be reclaimed, and not a single tael of silver need be paid to them. Their contest is theirs—we needn’t participate.

“I propose we give our contest a new name: the New Flower Queen List. What do you think?”