Volume Two: The Noble and the Base Chapter Twenty-Four: The Counterattack of the Music Bureau

After this bout of extreme maneuvering, Huang Ming was utterly exhausted from overtaxing his mind. Using his fatigue as an excuse, he politely declined the generous offer from the owners to select any beauty to accompany him for the night, leaving that privilege instead to the straightforward and unreserved Xu Qingzhi and Zhang Han.

Reflecting on it afterward, Huang Ming suddenly felt himself even more remarkable than Liu Xiashui. Liu the Saint merely resisted the temptation of a single woman whose appearance was unknown, but Huang Ming had withstood the allure of dozens of willing, eager beauties, each ready to be his for the asking. Was this not the virtue of Liu Xiashui multiplied several times over?

With the explosive publicity during the Lantern Festival and the new, richly textured personas of the courtesans, the promotional campaigns of the twelve brothels began to escalate, each owner following the methods Huang Ming had outlined. They launched grand campaigns to showcase their own courtesans, ensuring the new Courtesan List became a resounding name throughout the capital.

In just ten days, notices and rumors spread far and wide across Beijing. Whether in winding alleys, bustling taverns and teahouses, or secluded manor homes, people spoke of these beauties with tragic backgrounds and captivating stories. This pervasive, subtle marketing ensured that the legends and unique charms of the twelve brothel beauties became household knowledge.

The brothel owners were far from complacent. Determined to invest even more, they dispatched agents to spread these tales beyond Beijing, reaching out to neighboring counties and prefectures. Simultaneously, they covertly sent people to pose as customers, clamoring for an audience with the courtesans, thus elevating the status of the Courtesan List and its stars.

Soon, among those seeking pleasure, a saying took root: “Compared to the meticulously crafted Courtesan List of the Twelve Houses, the contest organized by the Music Bureau is not worth mentioning; the selection of courtesans alone falls short by a wide margin…” The once-forgotten Courtesan Competition was suddenly remembered, drawing ridicule and criticism.

More significantly, the reputation of the official brothels under the Music Bureau suffered greatly, and their business plummeted. By the end of the first month, these brothels were so deserted they resembled those disreputable establishments run solely for flesh trade.

This was an impact and result that neither the Twelve Houses nor Huang Ming had foreseen.

...

The authorities are always sluggish and behind when it comes to matters concerning the people—this has been true throughout history. By the time the Music Bureau officials gathered all the tales and reports of their brothels’ dismal operations, it was already well into February.

When all of this was finally presented to Gu Yunxiao, he was furious and shocked, pounding the table as he stood: “This is outrageous! How dare they? How can the Twelve Houses be so bold as to oppose the court? Do they truly think I am powerless to deal with them?”

The subordinate who had reported the situation kept silent, neither daring nor able to respond.

After venting his anger, Gu Yunxiao quickly fell into contemplation. Harsh words are easy; harsh deeds are not. Even disregarding the powerful backers behind the Twelve Houses, their combined influence was not something the Music Bureau could easily challenge. Otherwise, the events and aftermath of the Lantern Festival alone would have been grounds enough for the Bureau to prosecute them.

After an awkward silence, Gu Yunxiao spoke again: “Tell me, what should be done now?”

With a glance exchanged among them, one finally voiced the obvious: “Sir, I believe we cannot let this matter slide. Otherwise, not only will our Music Bureau’s reputation suffer, but even the interests of the court will be affected.”

“That goes without saying. Now that business in the official brothels has dropped by ninety percent, it won’t be long before the departmental minister comes to hold us accountable!”

Due to their unique function, the Music Bureau was not housed within the Ministry of Rites but operated independently in the southern part of the city. The Ministry rarely sent anyone unless there was trouble. Yet, as one of the few departments under the Ministry of Rites that generated revenue, the Bureau wielded considerable presence. Given the current crisis, it was possible the Minister of Rites himself might intervene.

This startled the subordinates, who quickly began to strategize.

“Sir, there are two options: First, negotiate with the Twelve Houses, ask them to change their narrative, clarify that everything is a misunderstanding, and include our official brothel girls in their Courtesan List.”

...

“That’s easier said than done. Do you really think the Twelve Houses will give face to our Music Bureau, or that they fear us?” Gu Yunxiao snorted.

“In that case, we must resort to extraordinary measures—choose the second option and give them a proper warning, forcing them to retreat.”

“How?”

“We can’t act directly, but we can leverage other departments—like the City Guards and the Shuntian Prefecture. Let them send agents to inspect each establishment, whether on suspicion of human trafficking or harboring wanted criminals. Any excuse will suffice to cause them trouble.

“Moreover, their people have been stirring up the city with news of the Courtesan List—arrest them, lay charges, and pay the Twelve Houses a visit. That will ensure their compliance.”

Desperation breeds ingenuity. The officials devised this rather insidious plan to suppress and intimidate the Twelve Houses.

Gu Yunxiao pondered briefly, then decided: “Do as you’ve suggested. Even if the Twelve Houses have influential backers, as long as we produce evidence, those figures can say nothing.

“Besides, they have patrons, but our Ministry of Rites is one of the six ministries of the court. Are we to fear nobles with no real power?”

This last remark bolstered the group’s confidence. One volunteer offered, “Sir, I am from the same hometown as Magistrate Xie of Shuntian Prefecture. Let me make contact.”

“I have ties with the City Guards in the East District…”

“I am an old classmate of Censor Lu from the West District Guards…”

In no time, everyone was energized, convinced all problems could be countered and resolved.