Volume Two: The Noble and the Petty Chapter Sixteen: Let’s Make Money Together (Part Two)

Those relegated to the lowest seats were none other than Xu Qingzhi and Zhang Han.

Both had come at Huang Ming’s invitation, yet now felt as though they were sitting on needles. Even with fine wine and delectable dishes before them, they found no enjoyment, for the conversation at this banquet remained far beyond their reach.

Huang Ming raised his cup, clinking glasses with the two, “So, what do you think of my idea?”

“It’s certainly a good one,” Xu Qingzhi replied honestly, “but we can hardly be of any help.”

Zhang Han echoed him, “That’s right. If it were a small venture, just a few hundred taels, we might manage if we grit our teeth. But the sum you’re suggesting is far too great; I truly can do nothing for you.”

For all their carelessness and audacity, neither dared become entangled in such a grand affair. “Perhaps we’d better take our leave…”

Huang Ming immediately stopped them, “What’s the rush? Did you forget what I told you before we came?”

Seeing the two blink in confusion, he emphasized, “I told you there’s a magnificent opportunity today. If there’s profit to be made, we should earn it together.”

“But we don’t have nearly enough capital.”

“I do. Consider it a loan from me—three of us working together. Surely you aren’t lacking courage? I’m willing to invest real silver, yet you doubt me?”

His words held a hint of provocation, and the two flushed slightly. Xu Qingzhi quickly declared, “What’s there to be afraid of? Worst comes to worst, I’ll owe you!”

Compared to him, Zhang Han, whose wealth was greater, appeared steadier. But since Xu Qingzhi had already spoken, he could hardly hesitate any longer. Gritting his teeth, he said, “I trust your skills and vision, Young Master Huang. Let’s do it!”

“Excellent, it’s settled then—let’s drink to it!” Huang Ming laughed gleefully, raising his cup. The two hastily did the same, and as their cups touched lightly, they downed the wine in one swift motion.

At that moment, the murmurs behind them finally ceased. With a soft cough, Zhao Jian rose and said, “Young Master Huang, we’ve reached a decision. Since you are so confident, we’ll place our trust in you. Let’s draw up a contract.”

Huang Ming winked at Xu and Zhang, then turned with a smile, “I knew the esteemed elders would make the wisest choice!” He returned to his seat, set down his cup, and clapped his hands twice.

The crisp sound echoed in the hall, and soon the door opened. Yu Mo, already prepared, entered carrying a tray. Upon it lay several pre-drafted contracts.

“Please review these, gentlemen,” Huang Ming said, gesturing invitingly. “If there are no issues, once you’ve signed, we can discuss matters in greater depth.”

Each proprietor took a contract—several pages bound together—and began reading carefully at the table, occasionally exchanging remarks.

The contracts were exceedingly clear. Not only did they specify this as a preliminary agreement, granting access to more details about the Courtesan Contest only after signing, but they also included a confidentiality clause: if anyone, after hearing the subsequent details, refused to sign further, they must keep all business secrets or pay a penalty of one million taels.

These clauses, far ahead of their time, caused many brows to furrow and prompted hesitation.

Huang Ming smiled reassuringly, “No need for concern. Everything is spelled out clearly: as long as you abide by the contract, there will be no trouble.

“And the confidentiality clause is for everyone’s benefit. After all, the arrangements for the Courtesan Contest are key to our profits.”

His reasoning was sound, and after a thorough read, the contract revealed no hidden traps.

Curiosity about Huang Ming’s mysterious plan grew. At last, someone took pen and ink, wrote his name, and stamped his seal.

With a leader to follow, the others quickly signed as well. Soon, all contracts were complete, handed to Yu Mo, and placed on Huang Ming’s table.

He leafed through them and, finding no errors, offered a courteous bow. “First, I thank you all for your trust. Next, let me explain how I intend to reinvent the Courtesan Contest.”

All eyes fixed on him, eager to hear what new strategy he would unveil. What followed was nothing short of astonishing.

“The first step,” he began, “is what I’ve mentioned before: establishing the personalities and traits of the key girls in each house—the so-called personas. Here, I cannot offer much advice, as you proprietors surely know your girls best.

“The second step is to expand publicity. Your previous methods have been far too conservative, failing to attract much attention, especially early on.

“What we must do is widen the impact—not only promote within each house, but reach outward. For example, hire dozens of large carriages filled with musicians, who will perform throughout every street and alley of the capital—and even in nearby counties and towns—so that everyone knows, or at least hears of, our Courtesan Contest.”

Huang Ming glanced at his audience, noting their surprise, then smiled again. This was only the beginning; there were many more ingenious tricks to come.

“Of course, that alone is not enough. Next, we must commission the finest portrait artists in the capital to capture each beauty at her loveliest, in a manner fitting her persona, and display these paintings everywhere.

“Then, hire skilled storytellers to craft short tales for each girl—stories tailored to their personalities. These could be romantic tales of scholars and beauties, or tragic dramas of faithless lovers and broken hearts—whatever you decide. But every story must be captivating. Then, have booksellers print them rapidly and sell them in large quantities throughout the capital and beyond.

“That’s still not enough. We must also engage dozens of the best storytellers, who will, for a time, tell only these stories in taverns and teahouses.

“I want the entire capital, from high officials to humble peddlers, to know about these girls in a short span. For example, let them hear that Ziyun of Pleasure Pavilion is gentle and attentive, yet once encountered a faithless man who not only deceived her body but stole the few hundred taels she painstakingly saved—forcing her to smile for guests while secretly weeping in solitude…”

If the earlier proposals were still within their grasp, these later, melodramatic promotional methods left everyone utterly stunned.

They could not imagine actually carrying them out—just the thought seemed unbelievably wild.