Volume Two: The Great and the Petty Chapter Twenty-One: Everything Has Only Just Begun

While every corner of the capital was stirred and enthralled by the new list of courtesans, Huang Ming remained calmly at home, showing no intention of venturing out to see the lanterns or to witness the commotion he himself had instigated.

His composure astonished those around him, even the usually reticent Qi Changfeng was unable to contain his curiosity. "Young Master, are you truly not going out to take a look?"

"Is it necessary?" Huang Ming, still in his study, cradled a scroll of history in his hands, laboriously reading without even lifting his head.

"But this concerns a great deal of silver, and involves twelve establishments..."

"We’ve done everything required in the early stages. The rest is just a matter of their improvisation." Taking advantage of a pause in his reading, Huang Ming looked up at him. "I trust those women seasoned by the pleasures of the court. No matter how many people there are, they can handle it and won’t make mistakes.

"Besides, even if something truly goes awry, what difference does my presence make? That’s a scene beyond my control."

Just then, he glanced toward the entrance of the courtyard and saw someone hurrying over, adding, "And even if I don’t go, someone will always bring news from outside. Look, here they come."

Xu Qingzhi and Zhang Han arrived, their faces flushed with excitement. It was obvious they were exhilarated.

The moment they saw Huang Ming, they shouted, "Young Huang, how are you still sitting here? Don’t you know how sensational things are outside now?"

"Half of Beijing is following or discussing our new courtesan list! As soon as those women appear, they enchant every man on the street."

"Come on, let us take you out to see for yourself. You’ll be delighted!"

Not only did they call out, but as they approached, they made to pull Huang Ming out with them.

Yet they did not succeed. Huang Ming immediately sidestepped. "Calm down! This is only the beginning. If you can’t handle even this, I fear you’ll forget your own names when the next wave of tactics is unleashed."

His words finally steadied them a little, though their smiles remained unrestrained. "You don't know how passionate people are in chasing the flower carts. We can't even get close..."

"It’s only natural. Everyone loves beauty. For most people, it’s rare to see such beautiful women displaying their looks and talents before them. Of course they want to make the most of it."

Huang Ming patiently explained, "But this sensational effect is only temporary. It’s far from the overwhelming popularity we envisioned for all of Hebei, so there’s no reason to be excited yet."

With this gentle reminder, the two finally settled down. Xu Qingzhi then sized up Huang Ming for a long while.

"What are you staring at?" Huang Ming felt uneasy under his gaze.

"I’m starting to doubt you’re even seventeen or eighteen like us. How can you be steadier than a thirty-year-old?"

Huang Ming laughed to hide his unease—indeed, his demeanor was far too unusual for his apparent age. "Steadiness is innate, it’s not necessarily linked to age."

He quickly changed the subject. "You’ve come at the right time. I need your help."

"Just tell us," the two replied, still riding their excitement.

"Go now, each to the various garrison commands and the Shuntian Prefecture. Have them deploy more men to maintain order around the flower carts, especially to ensure the girls aren’t harmed."

"Is someone planning trouble?" Zhang Han asked immediately.

Huang Ming remained unhurried, even sipping his tea. "Isn’t it obvious? Our arrangements have stolen the spotlight and affected others’ earnings. Naturally, retaliation will follow.

"But don’t be too anxious. If the authorities send a few people to keep order, it won't be a problem."

The two nodded and prepared to leave. Zhang Han turned halfway, then suddenly returned and stared at Huang Ming. "And you? Sending us out, you’re staying home to read?"

"Yes, reading—especially history—is always good," Huang Ming replied matter-of-factly. "By studying the past, we learn the rise and fall of things."

Xu Qingzhi blinked. "Are you emulating someone from your books?"

"Exactly. The ancients—Xie An, for example. But I can’t compare to him. During the Battle of Fei River, he was playing chess with friends. When the victory report arrived, he merely remarked, 'The boys have defeated the enemy.'"

Huang Ming’s expression showed his admiration.

"Your historical scrolls have such figures. Truly impressive," Zhang Han said sincerely.

Now it was Huang Ming’s turn to be surprised. "Brother, the Battle of Fei River was between the Eastern Jin and Former Qin. Xie An was a renowned minister of the Eastern Jin..."

"What do you mean?"

"Never mind, just hurry on," Huang Ming waved them off, feeling exasperated. Sometimes the best strategy was none at all—he conceded defeat.

...

In the end, although Huang Ming had failed to maintain his façade, his judgment proved spot-on.

Sure enough, not long after, several flower carts were harassed by local ruffians and troublemakers. Despite their preparations, even the men guarding the carts were caught off guard.

Fortunately, the disturbance didn’t escalate. Nearby soldiers quickly arrived, dispersing or arresting the troublemakers and ensuring the girls on the carts suffered little fright.

By dusk, even the ringleaders behind the disruption had been interrogated.

It turned out, contrary to Xu Qingzhi’s fears, it wasn’t the Directorate of Entertainers causing trouble, but local shopkeepers along the route, secretly hiring people.

The flower carts and beauties were so novel and captivating that most people in the capital—especially the men—followed them, completely ignoring the lanterns and displays the shopkeepers had invested so much time and money in.

Not only was their effort wasted, but, more crucially, with so few customers visiting, how could they bear it?

After hearing his friends’ report, Huang Ming smiled and nodded. "Let it end here. There’s no need to pursue these merchants further."

"Just like that? Shouldn't we at least make them pay?" Xu Qingzhi objected.

"Ah, they might become supporters of the girls in the future. Why make enemies unnecessarily? Moreover, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing for the entire courtesan competition. This incident has stirred up more conversation; everyone is now even more interested in what comes next.

After all, everything is just beginning..."