Chapter 7: The Test

Liu Liwa had been talking nonsense all along. Actually, he knew very well that given Qin Wan’er’s beauty, she would definitely end up in the Pleasure House and entertain customers, though probably only high-class ones!

While he was speaking, the little maid Xinying also woke up. Her face still had the drowsy look of someone just roused from sleep, which was quite adorable. But when she saw her surroundings, a deep sadness appeared on her face. Liu Liwa sighed silently. These two girls were in the prime of their youth. They had been pampered young ladies used to giving orders, yet now they had fallen into this harsh life. Fate could be so cruel!

The three of them faced each other without words, but that couldn’t stop their tragic life from beginning now. After a simple wash-up, they heard Yang Xiaosi’s voice outside the door: “Get up, get up! This isn’t a place for you to sleep in! Hurry, Madam is waiting up front! Those who are late won’t eat today!”

Hearing this shouting, Liu Liwa instinctively looked around, feeling as if a foreman had come to call them to work and he needed to find a hard hat quickly! Meanwhile, Qin Wan’er and Xinying’s faces were full of tension and solemn expressions. Even though they were unwilling, they no longer had any say in the matter.

Although the two girls were reluctant and unhappy, Liu Liwa was overjoyed. He had just arrived in this world and was already assigned a job with food, lodging, and housing provided. This was much better than his previous life where people had to pull strings and work themselves to death just to afford a home. Even though this job involved serving others, it was still far better than serving Furong and Sister Feng, those two non-human entities!

Out in the courtyard, Yang Xiaosi was shouting impatiently at the doors of the east and west wing rooms. He really had the bearing of a construction foreman. On both sides were the young masters and ladies who had arrived yesterday. They looked sleepy, some even with dark circles under their eyes. This environment was probably worse than the living quarters of the servants in their former homes. Yang Xiaosi didn’t care about their feelings at all. He irritably pulled a young master who had only managed to put on one sleeve and dragged him forward, saying: “Quickly line up! What, are you waiting for me to serve you all by washing and dressing you?”

Yang Xiaosi’s words reminded them once again that their status had completely changed. This was undoubtedly pouring coarse salt on their bleeding wounds. The young masters and ladies all looked deeply worried, but they unconsciously sped up their pace in forming the line. Liu Liwa took the opportunity to step forward, smiling and cupping his hands in salute: “Brother Xiaosi, good morning!”

A smiling face and good manners never offend anyone. When Yang Xiaosi saw it was him, he couldn’t help but recall the fine silk robe from last night. He had indeed pawned it for twenty silver taels at the gambling den on West Street. With this capital, Yang Xiaosi had made a good profit, equivalent to half a year’s wages. In his heart, he now considered Liu Liwa a lucky charm. He immediately smiled and patted Liu Liwa’s shoulder as if they were old friends: “Hey, Brother Xiaoqi! How was your sleep last night?”

“Good, very good, thanks to you, Brother Xiaosi!” Liu Liwa had a sweet mouth. Every day he had to flatter Furong and then praise Sister Feng, which had trained him in the fine art of bootlicking.

This Yang Xiaosi was originally just a brothel servant who waited on others. Usually he was the one who had to flatter others. Now hearing such pleasant words directed at himself felt extremely comfortable. His face blossomed into a smile like a monthly rose. He pulled Liu Liwa aside and said: “Xiaoqi, prepare yourself well. Later Madam will personally test all of you. She’ll decide your future work based on your performance. Especially for men like us, if you perform well, you’ll naturally be assigned to work in the front, receiving guests. If you’re lucky, some wealthy customers might give you tips. Save up enough, and once the wind blows over, you might even have a chance to buy your freedom and regain your liberty. But if you perform poorly, you’ll be assigned to work in the backyard, washing clothes and cooking for the girls, doing all the rough and lowly work. So brother, you must put your heart into it!”

Yang Xiaosi spoke loudly, not just for Liu Liwa but for everyone else to hear, especially the young masters. Hearing this, their faces changed dramatically. In this era, gentlemen stayed away from the kitchen. For men to wash clothes and cook was considered a great humiliation, especially for those of noble birth like them. Yang Xiaosi’s words made each of them extremely nervous, and they focused intently, determined to pass this most important test of their lives! Seeing Yang Xiaosi and Liu Liwa exchanging meaningful glances without words, everyone understood – this was Yang Xiaosi telling Liu Liwa that later he would look after him. With so many people here, laundry and cooking duties naturally wouldn’t fall to Liu Liwa.

Although these words were directed at the men, the young ladies were also listening carefully. Although they all came from wealthy families, their qualities varied. Not every well-bred young lady was necessarily beautiful. And in a Pleasure House, one didn’t necessarily need to be beautiful to do well, but without good looks, it was absolutely impossible to succeed. So among these young ladies, some would definitely be eliminated and made to do laundry, cooking, serving tea and water, or even chambermaid work for the other girls. This made them angry, resentful, and helpless!

By now everyone had formed up properly. Yang Xiaosi waved his hand grandly and led the group proudly through rooms and corridors to the main hall. Instantly, the arrogant Yang Xiaosi reverted to his servile manner, hunching his back and lowering his eyes obediently, which made the people behind him feel disdainful, though soon followed by bitterness.

At the main table in the hall sat a woman. Her gourd-shaped body with its pronounced curves looked even more alluring. Today she had tied her black hair into a married woman’s bun, indicating she was already a married woman. Her bright eyes were perceptive, containing both maturity and charm. This made Liu Liwa wonder – what kind of man could marry such a Madam?

Wu Liniang had been staring blankly at the bustling street outside the door. Hearing footsteps, she came back to her senses. Yang Xiaosi had already approached her and bowed: “Madam, everyone is here!”

Wu Liniang slowly stood up. Her gaze passed over Yang Xiaosi and fell directly on the faces of the young masters and ladies. Seeing some with tear stains still visible, others with worried expressions, Wu Liniang slightly frowned and sighed softly. Not wanting to say more and add to their troubles, she went straight to the point: “Everyone, starting today, you are all members of my Intoxication Pavilion. Each of you will have your own position. My Intoxication Pavilion has clear rewards and punishments. Those who work diligently and those who try to get by through trickery will be treated differently. Alright, now I will conduct a test. Our Intoxication Pavilion opens for business, and customers are like the Jade Emperor in our eyes. So soliciting business and serving customers is your fundamental duty. Do you see the flow of people coming and going on the street outside? Later, each of you will go out one by one and randomly find a passerby. As long as you can pull them into my Intoxication Pavilion, even if they just drink one cup of wine, you pass the test. This applies to both men and women. Who wants to go first?”