Volume Two: The Great and the Small Chapter Forty: It Is Fitting to Use Remaining Vigor to Pursue a Vanquished Foe

On the last day of April, still within the Jade Treasure Pavilion.

Huang Ming and several others gathered once again with the owners of the Twelve Pavilions. This time, everyone’s mood was far better than before.

The reason was simply this...

“Hahaha… The current Music Bureau is truly beset by troubles both within and without, utterly overwhelmed.”

“Those once high and mighty famous pavilions in the capital no longer have a single customer willing to visit. I’ve heard even the passersby deliberately take detours to avoid their doorsteps, as if fearing some contagion.”

“That’s why I say Young Master Huang is brilliant. With just one move, he completely cut off their path! Young Master Huang, I truly admire you—let me toast to you!”

After several rounds of wine, as everyone grew slightly intoxicated, the owners became less reserved and spoke their minds freely.

Within a few words, many of them approached Huang Ming with cups in hand, repeatedly toasting him to express their admiration.

Huang Ming could only raise his cup in response, modestly saying, “You flatter me all too much. I have merely spoken a few words. If any credit is due, it belongs to the tireless efforts of your own people.”

To swiftly spread the series of rumors targeting the Music Bureau, the government-run brothels, and several officials throughout Beijing, Huang Ming and his classmates alone were far from enough.

Thus, from the very beginning of the plan, Huang Ming had contacted the owners of the Twelve Pavilions, asking them to dispatch people to rapidly disseminate various claims in different venues.

These owners had long been convinced that Huang Ming could bring them great benefit. Knowing this was a golden opportunity to thoroughly crush their key competitors—the government-run brothels—they readily agreed without hesitation.

In fact, they exceeded their assigned tasks, deploying ample personnel and vast sums of silver to ensure these rumors became known throughout the city, ultimately leading to the imminent closure of several government brothels.

This filled them with excitement, prompting a celebratory feast at Jade Treasure Pavilion today—both to mark their success and to strengthen their ties with Huang Ming.

Having witnessed Huang Ming’s methods, they increasingly dared not underestimate the young man, truly regarding him as their cornerstone.

As Huang Ming humbly spoke, flattering words followed in quick succession, with lavish praise all around. They also remembered to flatter Xu Qingzhi and Zhang Han beside him, who beamed with pride.

After the laughter and merriment, Huang Ming took a moment to solemnly say, “Gentlemen, there is one more thing I must remind you of.”

“Young Master Huang, please command us—whatever we can do, we shall not decline.”

Their willingness pleased Huang Ming, who nodded and said, “I don’t think it’s time to truly celebrate victory just yet. Firstly, our own Courtesan Contest has not yet been fully successful…”

“Young Master Huang,I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.