Chapter 8: The Test

Wu Liniang finished explaining the assessment task unhurriedly and silently looked at the group. Inside, she felt a slight contempt. These young masters and ladies, who had lived in comfort all their lives and looked down on everyone, had never cared about others. Making them solicit customers was practically asking for their lives.

Sure enough, these young masters and ladies all wore troubled expressions and felt extremely awkward. Looking at the stream of people coming and going outside, they saw all sorts of individuals. Most were rushing about for their livelihoods. Even if there were some wealthy people among them, trying to drag someone into a pleasure house for a drink this early in the morning was a sign of pure foolishness.

Before even making a move, the young masters and ladies already felt three parts timid. They naturally thought this was not a test but a form of bullying. No one spoke up for a long time. Wu Liniang could not help but frown. She turned to look at them and said gravely, “None of you want to go? Fine, then none of you pass. Starting today, the women will be assigned to serve in the first-floor maidens’ quarters, and the men will all go to the backyard to wash clothes and cook!”

Hearing this, everyone panicked, especially the women. They knew that Intoxication Pavilion had a strict hierarchy. The first, second, and third floors each had their own rankings. The first floor was filled with ordinary courtesans who satisfied any request and took on any client. They were not entitled to personal maids. If they had to serve these women, they would face filthy sheets and clothes every day, even feces and urine, which ordinary people simply could not endure.

As for men, the saying went that a gentleman stayed away from the kitchen. Making them wash clothes and cook was also a great humiliation. Therefore, Wu Liniang’s assignment was unacceptable to everyone. Finally, one young master could not hold back. He stepped out of the group, puffed out his chest, and declared, “I’ll go first!”

Beside her, Yang Xiaosi held the roster and whispered to Wu Liniang, “Boss, this is the son of the former Deputy Minister of Personnel, named Zhang Yanming.” Wu Liniang gave a light hum and nodded.

Zhang Yanming had already stepped outside and stood in the middle of the street, head high and hands on his hips. He looked as if he were about to commit a robbery, exuding the natural demeanor of a young master from an official family. Passersby on the street took one look at him and quickly made way. Women turned and ran upon seeing him—it was clearly an attempt to abduct a common girl.

Seeing this, Zhang Yanming grew somewhat flustered. He had stepped out purely on impulse. Now, standing in the street, he felt completely at a loss. He instinctively glanced back at Wu Liniang, who looked completely unfazed. Gritting his teeth, he suddenly dashed over to an innocent pedestrian who had done nothing wrong, grabbed the person’s hand, and asked, “Want a drink?”

The pedestrian was nearly frightened to death by his sudden move. Staring blankly at him, this young master from an official family, who had always lived a privileged life where others invited him to drink and where his invitations were considered a favor, clearly lacked the most basic social skills, let alone the ability to solicit customers. The person looked at him, then at the pleasure house nearby, and rudely shook off his hand, snorting, “This early in the morning, I’m afraid the only drink available is the courtesans’ urine. Keep it for yourself!”

With that, the person walked away, leaving Liu Liwa barely holding back his laughter. This guy really knew the ropes—at the very least, he knew pleasure houses didn’t operate in the morning! Zhang Yanming stared blankly at the retreating figure, and only after a long moment did he start cursing loudly. Before he could finish venting, Yang Xiaosi dragged him back, scolding, “Stop embarrassing yourself and tarnishing the reputation of our Intoxication Pavilion! Starting today, you will chop wood and carry water in the backyard. You’ll be reassessed in three months!”

Everyone was stunned as they watched Zhang Yanming, who seemed ready to die of shame, being shoved and pushed by Yang Xiaosi into the backyard, thus beginning his tragic life. Seeing how decisive Wu Liniang was, the others immediately felt panicked. If they failed this test, they would share the same tragic fate.

Now, there was no need for Wu Liniang or Yang Xiaosi to urge them. Some stepped forward on their own to solicit customers outside—both men and women, using various methods. Some abandoned their dignity and status, grabbing people and pleading pitifully. Others used a mix of soft and hard tactics, coaxing and pressuring. Those who remained inside were only Liu Liwa, Qin Wan’er, and the little loli Xinying. Liu Liwa was purely there to watch the fun, while the two women were completely at a loss.

Yang Xiaosi stood by Wu Liniang’s side, flipping through the roster and reporting. All those who went out were descendants of high officials, along with their usual personality traits. However, their performances revealed a complete lack of social experience—they were all young masters and ladies accustomed to a life of comfort. Still, a few who were willing to set aside their dignity and humbly solicit customers earned Wu Liniang’s approval. They were allowed to work in the front, spared the hardships of the backyard. Of course, they still needed to undergo some training first.

Thus, even though none of the young masters and ladies who went out successfully attracted a customer, only two arrogant and rude individuals who failed to recognize their current positions were thrown into the backyard and the first-floor maidens’ quarters, respectively. The rest were spared any punishment. Wu Liniang’s fair system of rewards and punishments won her some goodwill. Liu Liwa knew this was also her way of winning people over.

At that moment, all eyes turned to him and the two girls. In fact, ever since arriving yesterday, Liu Liwa had noticed Wu Liniang’s eyes lighting up when she looked at Qin Wan’er and Xinying. These two girls were indeed the most beautiful among this batch of young ladies. Qin Wan’er, aside from her carefree personality, had looks that could topple cities and kingdoms. Little Xinying was clever and quirky, still falling into the loli category. It was uncertain whether she would be accepted and loved by the general public, but she definitely had limitless potential for development.

Even so, Wu Liniang did not offer them any “special pardon” or other preferential treatment, demonstrating her impartiality. Now, it was up to them to make their own decisions.

“What should we do, what should we do, Sister Wan’er? What do we do?” Xinying grew flustered under everyone’s gaze. She tugged at Qin Wan’er’s hand, completely lost. Though Qin Wan’er was usually carefree, even she felt tense at this critical moment. She instinctively looked toward Liu Liwa, who stood nearby, calm and composed.

Liu Liwa rolled his eyes and whispered, “What’s the use of looking at me? I told you long ago to prepare yourselves mentally. It’s not like being young ladies at home anymore. You have to find ways to protect yourselves and improve your quality of life. Ah, forget it. You wouldn’t understand even if I explained. Come on, follow me outside. Stand nicely at the entrance and smile. Leave the rest to me!”

After saying this, Liu Liwa stepped forward first, nodding slightly to Yang Xiaosi and Wu Liniang. Qin Wan’er and the other girl followed behind him, trembling. Their carefree nature was fully revealed at this moment—when told to smile, they grinned foolishly instead…