Volume Two: The Noble and the Knave Chapter Twenty-Eight: Next Time, the Price Won't Be the Same

Perhaps it was because his conscience was uneasy, or perhaps he was simply overwhelmed by Huang Ming’s imposing presence, but Gu Yunxiao really did just sit there, gazing at Huang Ming, waiting for him to present those two choices.

“The first path is simple. As long as the brothels under your Music and Dance Bureau are willing to temporarily let their courtesans and most popular girls work with us, perform as we require, and cooperate with the courtesans of the Twelve Chambers to make a public impression, they will naturally win back everyone’s admiration.

“In this way, we’ll help with promotion as well—at the very least, your courtesans won’t fade from public view, and after some time, business at your establishments will begin to recover.

“Of course, we won’t let your girls labor for nothing. The payment due will be delivered in full. Your brothels won’t suffer any loss.”

At this point, Huang Ming glanced at his counterpart and saw that Gu Yunxiao’s expression grew even darker, the muscles in his face twitching as though he were angered yet striving to restrain himself. “And the second path?”

“The second path is more difficult.” Huang Ming sighed, appearing somewhat disappointed. “For the sake of my teacher, I can try to persuade the Twelve Chambers to allow the brothels under your Music and Dance Bureau to join our new Courtesan Ranking.

“But whether they’ll agree or not is uncertain.

“Of course, you’ll also have to abide by all the terms set in our contract—the same as everyone else. Everything must be negotiated with the Twelve Chambers, and each brothel must contribute at least thirty thousand taels of silver to be part of us.

“In this way, I can treat everyone equally and help you build up your name…”

Bang—

Huang Ming’s words were abruptly cut off by the slamming of a fist upon the table. Gu Yunxiao stood up and shouted, “Absurd! Utter delusion!”

He could endure no more of this young man’s arrogant talk before him—did the boy really think he was so easily bullied?

“You think such words can cloud my judgment? Do you believe I cannot see through your schemes?”

Gu Yunxiao glared fiercely at Huang Ming, his voice cold as ice. “Your intentions are truly despicable!

“The first path is nothing but making the girls from my bureau serve as mere foils to your own, green leaves to set off your red blossoms—you must be blind with ambition!

“The second is even more outrageous. My bureau oversees all the brothels in the realm, and now you expect each of them to pay you tribute? Who do you think you are?”

Witnessing his contemporary’s sudden fury, Zhang Bi was startled and, after a moment’s shock, quickly rose to mediate, “Brother Gu, calm yourself—let’s talk things through…”

“What more is there to say? Your student is clearly mocking me—I have nothing further to discuss with him!” Gu Yunxiao shook his sleeves contemptuously. “Don’t think that a little cleverness means you can do as you please. I’d like to see what other tricks you have—do you really think you can overturn the heavens?”

With that, and ignoring Zhang Bi’s attempts to placate him, Gu Yunxiao swept out the door.

As he reached the threshold, Huang Ming called after him in an unhurried tone, “Lord Gu, out of respect for my teacher, let me offer you one more piece of advice.

“The times have changed. Some things are no longer as simple as you imagine. If you do as I say today, perhaps you may still catch up and adapt to the change; otherwise…”

His only reply was a cold snort and resolute steps fading into the distance.

“Lord Gu, if you refuse today, you won’t be offered the same terms next time. Don’t regret it!” Huang Ming called.

“That’s enough!” Zhang Bi admonished quickly, casting a stern glance at his impudent student and hurrying out to see the furious Gu Yunxiao off.

A good while later, Zhang Bi returned, his face clouded, only to find Huang Ming sitting there, eating and drinking merrily, without a care in the world. For a moment, Zhang Bi was at a loss for words.

After a sigh, he finally said, “You… you’re still too young and hot-blooded. Why did you have to offend him so directly?”

But what is youth if not hot-blooded? That, however, was not a sentiment Huang Ming dared voice aloud. Instead, he said, “I’ve made things difficult for you, Teacher. But I had no choice—since I’ve partnered with the Twelve Chambers, I must act in their best interests. That’s integrity.

“Besides, the two options I offered were genuinely meant to help him. I had no intention to mock him.”

“You call those real offers of help? Even an outsider like me, who doesn’t understand the inner workings, finds them harsh…”

“Teacher, you can’t imagine how lucrative this is. Though it seems I’m making things hard for him, asking for tens of thousands of taels to join, if he truly joins, he’ll reap nothing but profit—both in fame and fortune.”

Zhang Bi found this hard to believe. “Are you serious?”

“Why would I deceive you? This is only the beginning. Once the Courtesan Competition unfolds, its influence will far exceed everyone’s expectations, and the rewards will follow.

“To be honest, if it weren’t for your sake, anyone else would have to pay fifty percent or even double to join, with the extra going to the other stakeholders.”

Zhang Bi was left speechless—his student’s ambition was truly staggering.

After a while, he could only shake his head with a helpless smile. “If that’s true, I suppose I can’t blame you.”

“Everything I said was sincere, Teacher. If you don’t believe me, just wait and see what happens.

“Once this succeeds, everyone in and around the capital seeking pleasure will know only the Twelve Chambers, and forget all the rest.”

A long silence followed. At last, Zhang Bi said resignedly, “Even so, you were too aggressive just now.”

“I was only speaking as a businessman…”

“But he isn’t truly a businessman—he’s a court official. And there’s a saying, ‘if a deal falls through, courtesy must remain.’ You went too far.”

This time, Huang Ming accepted the rebuke humbly. “You’re right, Teacher. I was impatient.”

“And remember, he’s an official of the Ministry of Rites. There are things I couldn’t say openly. Have you considered how closely the Ministry of Rites is tied to your own future?”

Huang Ming was startled. “Teacher, what do you mean?”

“The Ministry of Rites, as the nominal head of the Six Ministries, does far more than advise the Emperor at great ceremonies. It plays a decisive role in another vital matter of state—the Grand Talent Selection!”

Huang Ming knew, of course, that this Grand Talent Selection was simply another name for the imperial examinations, especially the metropolitan and palace exams—his heart gave a little leap.

As expected, Zhang Bi went on, “All the realm’s examinations are overseen by the Ministry of Rites, including any possible selection exams at the Imperial Academy. Whether you can enter officialdom may well be in their hands.”

Huang Ming was stunned—he truly had overlooked this point. But then, he’d only just learned from his teacher about this selection and hadn’t given it much thought; some neglect was inevitable…

Well, in any case, he’d never set his heart on the civil service—if worst came to worst, he’d have his father pull some strings and go back to the old path of the secret police.

Watching his student’s expression settle again with renewed determination, Zhang Bi could not help but wonder: Had he truly been right to accept this talented but unruly youth as his disciple?