Volume Two: The Nobles and the Commoners Chapter Twenty-Two: Using This to Test the Officials?

January 18th, once again in the Jade Treasure Pavilion.

This time, however, the entire tavern had been jointly reserved by the owners of twelve prominent brothels, who arranged a lavish banquet in the main hall on the ground floor to honor a distinguished guest: Huang Ming.

“Hahaha… Come, let us all raise a glass to Young Master Huang!”

Xu Zhengfeng, owner of the largest and most prosperous of the twelve establishments, approached Huang Ming with a cup of wine, laughing heartily as he offered a toast. The others followed suit, each rising with their cups and looking toward Huang Ming. “To Young Master Huang!”

Huang Ming dared not neglect their gesture. He hurriedly drank, only to see Mr. Xu offering yet another toast. “This time, Young Master Huang, you have truly shown us what it means to strategize from afar and win victories beyond imagination.

“A few words and a single plan—when we followed your advice, the fame of our girls soared. You can't imagine it: in the past few days, customers at my Spring Breeze Pavilion have tripled or quadrupled, most of them specifically asking to see Jiang Xue… Hahaha, that kind of popularity was reserved for the Flower List champion in previous years.

“So I am genuinely impressed. Young Master Huang, I must toast you again!”

With this lead, the other brothel owners abandoned their restraint. All crowded toward Huang Ming, cups in hand, toasting him one after another with lavish praise, their gratitude overflowing. Ultimately, they were thanking Huang Ming for allowing each of their establishments to shine, earning both profit and prestige.

The three-day Lantern Festival celebration had indeed brought enormous gains to these twelve brothels.

On the fifteenth night, guests flocked in numbers many times greater than usual, all drawn by the dazzling spectacle of beauties parading through the city earlier that day, eager for a glimpse of their charm.

What delighted the owners even more was that, in the same Southern Fragrance Quarter, competing brothels saw their business sharply decline, their halls deserted.

But more crucially, their glory completely overshadowed the annual Flower Queen Contest hosted by the official Music Bureau.

It was almost comical: thousands gathered outside the Ten Thousand Flowers Pavilion, managed by the Music Bureau, after dusk to witness the event.

Yet, when the rankings for this year's Flower Queens were unveiled, instead of admiration and cheers, there arose a chorus of doubts and questions.

“Why is Miss Neon absent?”

“Why is Miss Zi Yun missing?”

“Where is Jiang Xue? Her beauty is as cold and pure as snow, her bearing extraordinary—how could she not even make the top twenty?”

“This Flower Queen list is questionable; it's not worth viewing…”

Before any explanation could be offered, the crowd of thousands that had surrounded the pavilion dispersed in an instant.

The Music Bureau hadn't even had time to announce the top ten names.

Thus, this year's Flower Queen competition fell flat, abandoned by all, while the thirty-odd carefully selected and arranged girls from the twelve brothels became the favorites of every pleasure-seeker.

With such a stark contrast, how could the brothel owners not be overjoyed, and how could they not admire Huang Ming?

Hence, today’s celebratory banquet—everyone’s attitude toward Huang Ming was exceptionally warm, each vying to toast him.

Huang Ming could only steel himself and respond to each toast. After seven or eight cups, he finally felt overwhelmed, waving his hand repeatedly. “I can’t drink anymore, or I’ll lose control and embarrass myself in front of everyone.”

Truthfully, this was the situation Huang Ming dreaded most.

In his previous life, he had no interest in such social affairs, focused only on his work. He never imagined that after crossing into this new world, even as he tried to improve his life and accomplish something, he still couldn’t escape the fate of endless banquets and drinking.

Fortunately, his current status was far from ordinary. After a brief refusal, the owners relented, allowing him a moment to speak.

He composed himself and then addressed the crowd: “Gentlemen, I have felt your sincerity and am deeply humbled by your kindness.

“In truth, the success of this Lantern Festival’s publicity owes little to me. The real credit belongs to each of you. You showed no negligence whatsoever—whether in arranging the girls’ attire, showcasing their talents, coordinating carriages and every detail… Your dedication produced these remarkable results.

“So I dare not claim the glory, nor take credit for the achievement.”

Before anyone could respond with polite words, he pressed his hand down to silence them. “Moreover, while our success today deserves celebration, it is only the first step in truly establishing a new Flower Queen ranking.

“We have gained attention, and people now have expectations. This is success, but it is also pressure. If we fail to seize this opportunity and maintain the public’s interest, all our previous efforts will be wasted.

“I must ask that each of you strictly follow my instructions and the agreed-upon strategy, and while everyone’s eyes are upon us, quickly present your girls to the public, so all can see that they are entirely different from the brothel girls of old!”

His words were well taken, and everyone nodded in agreement.

Then Mr. Xu stood again and declared, “Young Master Huang is absolutely right. When we return today, we will begin preparations for the next round of publicity. But before that, there is one matter that requires your guidance, Young Master Huang.”

With that, he clapped his hands. “Come down, all of you!”

At his command, music swelled in the once-quiet tavern, and lights gradually illuminated the upper floors, revealing dozens of beauties descending gracefully in colorful gowns, each chosen for her exceptional looks and bearing.

They all approached the ground floor, stood before Huang Ming, and curtseyed, their voices sweet as honey. “Zi Yun (Neon, Jiang Xue…) pays her respects to Young Master Huang.”

Suddenly surrounded by such a multitude of beauties, their gazes—be it tender, flirtatious, or pitiful—each as enchanting as could be, even Huang Ming felt his body grow weak, his bones turning to jelly.

As for Xu Qingzhi and Zhang Han, who had been quietly tagging along for the wine, they were utterly dumbstruck, mouths agape, unaware as wine spilled from their lips.

Wine does not intoxicate; it is the beauty that ensnares the heart.

The ancients spoke true.

Such an array of lovely faces—let alone the three young men, even the most seasoned veterans of pleasure would be dazed and bewildered if placed in their shoes.

After a long moment, Huang Ming finally recovered, breathing in the delicate fragrance, and couldn’t help but remark, “Is this how you test your staff… ah, wait, what exactly do you want me to help with?

“Let me say this first: there are some things I simply won’t do!”