Chapter 10: Outstanding Ability

Liu Liwa successfully tricked everyone. He made the group of men completely fall into the wonderful scene he had created. He opportunely added a sharp line: “A man who never visits the Intoxication Pavilion has wasted his life walking the earth. A man who visits the Intoxication Pavilion will live to eighty without looking old!”

Before his words even faded, the men, young and old, couldn’t take it anymore. Like a mountain flood bursting forth, they rushed and jostled to squeeze through the door. Liu Liwa was prepared. He quickly stepped forward and blocked the door with his body. The crowd was puzzled. He had been promoting so enthusiastically just moments before, so why was he blocking the entrance now?

Seeing their anxious looks, Liu Liwa was secretly delighted. Why do men like women? Firstly, because they love beauty. Secondly, because of the desire to possess. Why do men like visiting Pleasure Houses? Because here, as long as you have money, both the love of beauty and the desire for possession can be easily satisfied.

“Why is everyone in such a hurry?” Liu Liwa asked, putting on airs.

Someone immediately spat out, “Nonsense! If we aren’t hurried, those two girls from earlier might be snatched up by someone else. This is the first time I’ve ever seen women of such quality. I’m determined to get one!”

“The girls themselves, I don’t mind so much,” said a fair-skinned, red-lipped young master, swaying a paper fan and speaking elegantly. “But I heard clearly what you said earlier: ‘A man who visits the Intoxication Pavilion will live to eighty without looking old.’ I’m rushing in because I want to prolong my life and maintain my youth!”

Ugh. One was blunt and crude, the other was hypocritical and sanctimonious. These two alone were enough to represent the broad spectrum of the Piao Chang Fan types. Liu Liwa stepped forward with a smile and said, “Both of you make reasonable points. However, as the gentleman before said, he’s afraid those two girls will be taken by others. That’s right, there are only two girls. If you snatch them, others will have the same idea. Too many wolves, not enough meat; it won’t be enough to go around. And as this brother here said, he wants to prolong his life and stay youthful. Of course, that’s possible. But look, it’s just dawn, so early in the morning. The girls at our Intoxication Pavilion have been busy all night and are still asleep. Without girls to accompany you, to help you exercise and relax, how, may I ask, can you possibly prolong your life and stay young? So, please consider the girls’ well-being. With a big establishment like our Intoxication Pavilion, do you think the girls will run away? Please come back later. At that time, you can choose the girl you like the most. Alright, thank you all for your support, thank you, thank you…”

Liu Liwa clasped his hands, bowed slightly, and spoke with a smile. Hearing his words and looking at the sky, they realized it was indeed a bit early for visiting a brothel. In any case, they had seen that the Intoxication Pavilion had top-quality girls. Those with money naturally wanted to have a taste while it was fresh. Those without money would hurry to make money so they could also have a chance while the interest was hot and the girls were new.

Inside the main entrance, Yang Xiaosi stood next to the boss, Wu Liniang. The two of them heard Liu Liwa’s words clearly. Yang Xiaosi couldn’t help but feel a bit anxious for him. He whispered, “Boss, this Liu Xiaoqi is new here. He doesn’t understand our rule at the Intoxication Pavilion: we serve guests at any time, whenever they come. I’ll go remind him right away…”

After speaking, Yang Xiaosi made to leave, but he saw Wu Liniang raise a delicate, pale hand and shake it slightly, signaling him not to go. In fact, Wu Liniang understood clearly. Given Liu Liwa’s performance today, his understanding of the male psyche, and his background as a former prime minister’s son, how could he not know that proper government-sanctioned courtesan houses served guests at any time, whenever they came? Of course, regular people, like those outside, usually came at night. Only those government officials needed to be received at any time, because their leisure hours were unpredictable. Some liked to come and relax early in the morning after court adjourned. Some came at noon when their energy was at its peak. Some came at night when they needed to fulfill their marital duties. So, the first business in human history to operate with a ‘people-oriented’ management philosophy was the Pleasure House!

As for why Liu Liwa was turning away the customers he had worked so hard to attract, Wu Liniang saw through it immediately. By doing this, he was showing this experienced female boss and manager: I have the ability to bring people in, and I also have the ability to send them away. With talent like this, wouldn’t you want to put me in an important position?

Wu Liniang had seen countless people; her discernment was sharp. She immediately saw through Liu Liwa’s little scheme. However, Liu Liwa’s performance truly made her view him in a new light. He casually had two girls strike a pose, yet each displayed their most beautiful features and unique charm. With just a few simple sentences, he was able to both stir up the men’s enthusiasm and then dampen it.

All of this showed that he understood both women and men. A man like this seemed born for the Pleasure House. One wonders how the former Prime Minister managed to raise such an exceptional son.

Wu Liniang beckoned. Yang Xiaosi immediately bowed, awaiting instructions. Wu Liniang said, “You saw the results of the earlier assessment. All those who didn’t pass, assign them all to work in the Backyard, washing clothes and cooking. As for the girls, pick out those who are unruly, willful, and disobedient. Throw them into the room with the head maid on the first floor for training. As for those with good looks, especially the two from earlier, have them make an appearance tonight. But they don’t need to accompany guests, and certainly not serve them. Girls with looks like that make every man’s heart stir. The more it’s like that, the more we must make it so they can’t have them. That’s how we keep the money rolling in. After we’ve whetted their appetites enough, we’ll have an auction where the highest bidder wins.”

“Hehe, Boss, you are brilliant!” Yang Xiaosi immediately offered flattery. “If you train them well, Boss, these two might both become the next Miss Liuyun. Then our treasured attractions of the house will keep growing. By the way, Manager, what should we do about that Liu Xiaoqi outside?”

Yang Xiaosi was quite thoughtful, bringing him up when the boss was in the best mood, and at this critical moment of assigning positions. Giving him that piece of clothing earlier wasn’t in vain.

Sure enough, Wu Liniang smiled faintly and said, “His name is Liu Xiaoqi? Hehe, let him stay. He’ll start in this main hall on the first floor, learning the rules from you. Once you’ve trained him up, I’ll promote you to the second floor.”

“Thank you for your promotion, Manager.” Yang Xiaosi was overjoyed upon hearing this. This was about training a successor and then getting promoted himself. It secured his own future and also did Liu Liwa a favor. Killing two birds with one stone.

After speaking, Wu Liniang swayed her full, seductive body, let out a cute little yawn, and slowly walked upstairs. She lived on the fourth floor, the same as Miss Liuyun. Both were treasured attractions of the house.

Meanwhile, Yang Xiaosi, having received his reward, quickly pulled Liu Liwa aside and said excitedly, “Brother! A great assignment has come. Based on your performance earlier, plus some kind words from me, your elder brother, the Boss thinks very highly of you. Starting today, you’ll follow me. This patch of land, the main hall on the first floor, belongs to us brothers now. Don’t look down on the first floor. Even though there are no big spenders, those who visit Pleasure Houses aren’t stingy types. As long as you are hardworking and smooth-tongued, the tips won’t be short.”

Yang Xiaosi spoke excitedly, but noticed that Liu Liwa didn’t seem to be listening at all. He couldn’t help but feel a bit annoyed, but after thinking carefully, he had a sudden realization. He instead comforted him, saying, “Brother, I know you are a young master from an official’s family. But as the saying goes, thirty years on the east bank, thirty years on the west bank. Everyone has their unlucky times. Since you’re here, you might as well accept it. No matter what, you have to keep living.”

Liu Liwa was taken aback. He hadn’t expected Yang Xiaosi to comfort him. It seemed he wasn’t just profit-seeking; his heart wasn’t bad either. Liu Liwa was somewhat moved. He clasped his hands and said, “Thank you for your kind words, Fourth Brother. I understand in my heart. Starting today, I’ll follow you, brother. When I get some reward money, I’ll treat you to a drink!”