Volume Two: The Noble and the Petty Chapter Twenty-Nine: Intensifying, Blazing Unstoppably

Gu Yunxiao stormed out in anger, unable to accept the harsh terms proposed by Huang Ming. He made this decision not only to preserve his own dignity and that of the Bureau of Entertainment, but also because he sincerely believed that the tricks employed by the Twelve Towers could not remain successful forever.

It was nothing but a fleeting stroke of luck, an unconventional gambit that stirred up some attention—how could such a thing last? In no time at all, this so-called Courtesan Ranking would be forgotten by everyone, and then he would watch as they came crawling to beg for mercy!

Such was Lord Gu’s expectation, and he awaited that day with anticipation. But the outcome...

During the following two or three months, the Twelve Towers remained as lively as ever, their various sensational and crowd-pleasing schemes continuing without pause.

First, exquisite portraits featuring the names of each Tower’s courtesan began circulating rapidly throughout the capital, sparking a frenzy of competition among buyers. It wasn’t that residents of Beijing were unaccustomed to novelty, but these portraits were indeed strikingly fresh and captivating. The beauties depicted wore different attire and showed varied expressions, yet were rendered so vividly that it seemed as if they might step out of the paper at any moment to smile or flirt with you.

When the excitement from this wave of publicity began to cool, another, even more astonishing move was launched. In just one night, all the storytellers in the city’s taverns and tea houses suddenly began narrating tales inspired by the girls of the Twelve Towers.

Stories such as “Miss Zi Yun assists her beloved only to be abandoned, but fate punishes the heartless in the end,” or “Miss Ni Shang’s dance dazzles the top scholar; their differences in status bring tears and separation”—all sorts of melodramatic tales filled with romance and intrigue, beloved by the common folk.

Yet if one listened closely, it became clear that while these stories were indeed dramatic and full of clichés, they were crafted with care. The emotions between the men and women were sincere, and listeners—regardless of gender—couldn’t help but feel sympathy and affection for the protagonists.

The courtesans, in particular, became the cherished “white moonlight” in the hearts of the city’s men, while the women, instead of feeling jealous, grew more fond and admiring of them.

Riding this surge of popularity, the Twelve Towers joined forces to set up a stage in a grand pleasure house in the west of the city, where the courtesans performed several carefully rehearsed plays for the public.

Following Huang Ming’s instructions, they did not take advantage of this opportunity to raise ticket prices, instead selling them at the modest rate of fifty coins each.

The entire capital was thrown into an uproar; countless people flocked to the pleasure house in the west, eager to snatch a ticket and witness the performances of these ethereal beauties.

Such fair pricing won the Twelve Towers a wave of goodwill among the citizens, elevating the courtesans to the status of national idols.

Those lucky enough to obtain tickets and watch the plays were so elated that they boasted to everyone they met, praising both their own fortune and the courtesans’ exquisite performances. This only increased the public’s enthusiasm, with many willing to pay dozens of times the ticket price without hesitation.

Yet the Twelve Towers remained steadfast, refusing to raise prices, even though each performance cost them hundreds of taels of silver.

After another ten days of relentless promotion, the courtesans’ fame reached an unprecedented peak, far surpassing anything seen before.

The Ming dynasty had enjoyed peace for over a century, and the entertainment industry in the brothels was flourishing. Previous courtesan competitions had always drawn considerable attention and excitement, especially regarding the crowned beauty, who became the focus of all pleasure-seekers.

But none of the past courtesans could compare to those participating in this contest.

Indeed, even the former courtesans could not rival these contestants—the difference in popularity and influence was simply too vast.

At this moment, just as April began, the Twelve Towers unveiled the true “Courtesan Ranking.”

This was a genuine ranking, erected at the southern exit of Nanxun Lane. Though called a ranking, it was more like a grand archway, as tall as two or three stories. Upon it, dozens of embroidered names of the contestants were displayed, accompanied by enchanting portraits showing them smiling, bashful, or coy.

When the ranking was set up, drawing crowds to gaze in wonder, a master of ceremonies carefully selected by the Twelve Towers stepped forward to explain:

“Ladies and gentlemen, we of the Twelve Towers have established this Courtesan Ranking to choose the most beautiful among the flower nation.

“All the ladies possess extraordinary beauty and unique charm, making it impossible for us to decide who is best. Therefore, we leave this task to you. Over the next four and a half months, everyone is welcome to visit the towers and present gifts to the lady of your choice. The one who receives the most gifts in the end will be the undisputed queen of flowers, the capital’s courtesan!

“In addition, the rules for gifting have already been set. Soon, a new ranking will be posted, detailing the rules and showing real-time rankings of patrons…”

As he explained the rules, another list was swiftly erected. Though not as ornate or eye-catching as the Courtesan Ranking, it was clearly visible from afar.

This sparked lively discussion among the pleasure-seeking crowd, most of whom focused on the gift list.

“Ah, this point system is quite interesting—never heard of such a thing before.”

“But it makes sense. In the past, the Courtesan was chosen by the Bureau of Entertainment, and we had no say at all. Now it’s different.”

“A pair of mandarin duck embroidered handkerchiefs is one point, a fresh flower is two points… Are we supposed to buy these gifts ourselves?”

“Didn’t you see? The list says these gifts can be purchased at various shops in the capital; making your own is not allowed. Besides, would your wife let you go to a brothel to honor a courtesan by weaving such a handkerchief for you?”

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s hurry and buy some!”

Amid excited chatter tinged with uncertainty, one man reacted fastest, turning away from Nanxun Lane and heading straight to a nearby shop. “Shopkeeper, give me ten pairs of mandarin duck handkerchiefs. How much silver?” This was Lu Renjia.

The shopkeeper, instantly spirited, smiled knowingly and quickly produced ten finely embroidered handkerchiefs. “Thank you for your patronage, sir—one tael of silver for each, ten taels in total.”

Lu Renjia, having some wealth, hesitated only briefly before handing over the silver. Then, taking the handkerchiefs, he returned straight to Nanxun Lane and entered Gentle Pavilion.

Without waiting for the servant to greet him, he boldly raised the handkerchiefs. “I am here to present gifts to Miss Ni Shang…”

The servant was momentarily stunned, then delightedly shouted, “Young master brings ten mandarin duck handkerchiefs for Miss Ni Shang…”

Instantly, the entire pavilion fell silent, all eyes turned to him.