Chapter 13: Lord Zeng, a Real Man

The Intoxication Pavilion opened for business…

With that shout, everyone’s nerves tightened. Even Liu Liwa instinctively widened his eyes. The courtesans on the first floor slipped into the guest rooms, while attendants moved among the tables and chairs in the main hall, ready to serve at any moment. Around the perimeter stood six or seven strong men responsible for security. Young maids carried dried fruits and alcohol, prepared to set them on tables at any time. On the second and third floors, small red lanterns hung at the entrances of various rooms. Rooms without lanterns indicated the courtesans were on rotation breaks.

Liu Liwa admired how quickly all staff at the Intoxication Pavilion got into work mode and paid his highest respects to their professionalism.

As a trainee Hall Manager, he also started working. He scurried over to Yang Xiaosi, obediently followed behind him, and went out to greet guests. Working alongside them were two attendants ready to carry guests’ luggage and a sweet-voiced female greeter in sheer clothing. This hastily assembled six-person team worked on the front line, representing the face of the Intoxication Pavilion and the first impression given to guests. Therefore, they had to stand their post seriously, with full work enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and a sense of responsibility toward themselves, the guests, and the courtesans.

The sky grew darker. Shops along the street began closing for the day. Pedestrians hurried along the road, heading home after a busy day to enjoy rare peace and quiet. At this hour, the Intoxication Pavilion was the center of attention. Every man of status, wealth, and assets in Linyu County, aged fourteen to seventy-five, was either already on his way to the Intoxication Pavilion or at home paying his dues. Depending on his condition afterward, he would decide whether to come.

Soon, the sound of a carriage came from the intersection, making the six-person greeting team freeze momentarily. They quickly rallied their spirits, ready to welcome the guest. Liu Liwa felt somewhat nervous as he followed Yang Xiaosi, but when he compared it to his past life experiences, this was nothing.

Here, he was bringing men to see courtesans. In his past life, he brought men to see Sister Feng. Compared to that, the nature of work here was far simpler!

Just then, the sound of the carriage drew nearer. A lantern hung at the front of the carriage, its flame flickering. The carriage soon arrived before them. The coachman got down, lifted the carriage curtain, and helped the person inside step out. It was a middle-aged man with a ruddy complexion and a burly build. He wore a brocade gown, his hair tied neatly into a topknot. A gold and jade belt adorned his waist, and a jade thumb ring graced his hand. His haughty demeanor marked him as someone of wealth or nobility.

Yang Xiaosi hurriedly approached with two alluring greeters in sheer clothing. The two women flanked the middle-aged man, pressing their bodies against him. The middle-aged man casually embraced them. Yang Xiaosi said with a chuckle, “Lord Zeng, you’re here. The food and drink have been prepared for you. Please go upstairs.”

“No need!” Lord Zeng held one woman on each side, his hands roaming freely. The two greeters giggled seductively, their laughter enchanting. “No hurry to go upstairs today. Set up the food and drink downstairs. I’m here today to support Miss Liuyun.”

“Oh, Lord Zeng is in high spirits today. I thank you on behalf of Miss Liuyun for your support.” Yang Xiaosi bowed and scraped, fully embodying the essence of a sycophant. Liu Liwa also bowed behind him, carefully learning. It wasn’t actually that hard—just bowing, scraping, acting subservient, and flattering. For a grassroots figure like Liu Liwa, in his later life, he had to work like an ox and horse while also playing the sycophant, which was even more difficult.

Yang Xiaosi led the way, with two beautiful greeters and two attendants crowding around Lord Zeng—absolute VIP treatment. Lord Zeng chuckled, thoroughly enjoying this superior treatment. But just then, another series of hurried carriage sounds approached. Though the carriage wasn’t clearly visible, the lantern at its front was, with a large, clearly visible character “Li” on it.

Seeing this carriage, Lord Zeng’s expression shifted slightly, while Yang Xiaosi grew excited. He clasped his hands and bowed to Lord Zeng, then gestured. Immediately, one greeter and one attendant left Lord Zeng’s side to prepare for the new VIP guest, halving Lord Zeng’s treatment. It was clear the newcomer was his equal.

Seeing the change in Lord Zeng’s expression, Yang Xiaosi felt quite helpless. These two lords were famous rivals in Linyu County, with comparable assets, similar status, and equivalent backgrounds—truly well-matched adversaries. A minor figure like Yang Xiaosi had to be extremely careful, offending neither and pleasing both. To avoid embarrassing Lord Zeng, Yang Xiaosi quickly assigned Liu Liwa, who was still in training. “Xiaoqi, don’t just stand there dumbly. Entertain Lord Zeng properly!”

Liu Liwa loudly acknowledged and walked up to Lord Zeng. He made a welcoming gesture, smiling warmly. Though he didn’t adopt Yang Xiaosi’s fawning servility, his cheerful expression still radiated friendliness. “Lord Zeng, please come inside.”

Lord Zeng looked at him, slightly taken aback, and studied him carefully. This made Liu Liwa break out in a cold sweat. The way Lord Zeng looked at him reminded him of how the courtesans had looked at him during lunch. Damn, what kind of face did he have that appealed to both men and women?

Lord Zeng looked at him with interest and stepped inside. As he walked, he said, “You’re new? I haven’t seen you before.”

“Yes, yes.” Liu Liwa quickly clasped his hands in reply. “Liu Xiaoqi pays respects to Lord Zeng. I’m new, just arrived yesterday, but I’ve long heard of you. Your esteemed reputation thunders in my ears.”

“Oh? You’ve heard of me?” Lord Zeng grew even more interested.

Flattery never failed. Liu Liwa said with a straight face, “Of course. When I arrived yesterday, I heard all the courtesans in the Intoxication Pavilion talking about you. I doubt there’s another Lord Zeng in Linyu County whom the ladies remember so fondly.”

“Indeed.” Lord Zeng was delighted, puffing out his chest and raising his head. “Among all the Zengs in Linyu County, I’m number one. What did the ladies say about me?”

Liu Liwa clapped his hands and laughed. “It’s really you, Lord Zeng. Meeting you truly surpasses the rumors—your bearing is extraordinary, just as the ladies said. Lord Zeng is a true hero, a passionate real man. Your golden spear never falls, outdoing Ximen; your towering pillar rivals the blacks. Chest out, head up, a thrust of the hips—drilling a well on Changbai Mountain. Hands on hips, a moment of ease—one arrow, two pheasants, besting the longbow.”

Lord Zeng stood dazed for a long time after hearing this. After pondering carefully, he burst into loud laughter. Though he didn’t know who Ximen or the blacks were, he clearly understood the parts about drilling a well and besting the longbow. Moreover, these words were relayed by Liu Liwa from the ladies’ own mouths, delighting him even more. After all, when men reached middle age, many had the will but not the strength. Having seen much and gained rich experience, simple pleasures often felt dull—they sought spiritual satisfaction. Being praised so by the ladies naturally filled him with immense gratification. He casually took out a small, gleaming silver ingot and tossed it to Liu Liwa. “Good, good. Liu Xiaoqi, I remember you now!”

“Thank you for your reward, Lord Zeng!” Liu Liwa held the silver, hefting it—it was a full two taels. This was ten months of his wages, equivalent to two thousand buns. Moreover, Lord Zeng’s straightforward character and generous spending were unlike anything Liu Liwa had ever seen in his life. Really, which boss in later times would reward you with ten months’ salary for just a few words of flattery?