Chapter Eleven: Luring the Tiger into the Trap

“What is going on? Why has the situation changed so suddenly?”

Han Qing felt extremely puzzled.

He had warned Zhilian before.

But the Bai family itself seemed indifferent to the affairs of the brothels.

The old master deeply despised his sons’ involvement in such matters.

“This Drunken Flower Pavilion is not as simple as you think. I told you before, the people here are a mixed lot. There are even officials and ministers involved,” Zhilian said helplessly.

But to escape this place, she needed help from outsiders.

Right now, she greatly admired Han Qing, which was why she laid everything bare before him.

“On the surface, the Bai family professes to despise such conduct, but once they learned of the ministers involved behind the scenes, they sought to win them over.”

They could remain indifferent, but some compromises had to be made.

“In that case, your situation has become more precarious,” Han Qing nodded.

He had no wish to get entangled in such machinations.

He was, after all, just an ordinary scholar.

He had neither the power nor the means to contend with the ministers.

He knew when to keep a low profile.

“But there is someone who can help you understand,” Zhilian offered a name.

Young Master Zhu?

Now that was a peculiar character.

He had purchased a membership directly before, sparking a scramble among the scions of noble families.

But afterward, there had been no opportunity to interact.

His identity remained shrouded in mystery.

Aside from some business dealings, he had ties that reached directly to the Dukes and Marquises.

“All right,” Han Qing nodded.

This woman was indeed astute and perceptive—knowing she had no way out, yet still able to offer him advice.

She could take charge of her fate.

But this was his own weakness—he did not know how to hide his cleverness, and might even be used because of it.

Han Qing gave her a profound glance, then turned to leave.

He needed to attract Young Master Zhu’s attention.

Approaching him directly would be unwise.

To stand at the top among the noble youths, one must first understand people’s hearts.

Instead, he simply had the script shop deliver the previous benefits to Zhu.

It was obvious.

Were they asking for a favor?

When Young Master Zhu saw the messenger, he immediately understood, though he was somewhat suspicious.

Why was this person acting so openly?

There were rumors, but Han Qing did not seem like an ordinary scholar, nor the ignorant, impoverished man the gossip described.

Their last meeting had been brief.

He hadn’t figured out Han Qing’s intentions.

Young Master Zhu took the initiative to arrange a meeting at the Drunken Flower Pavilion.

His aim was clear.

Now, it was time to plan his next move.

“I’ve heard much about you, Young Master Han, that you are well-read. Is it your wish to discuss literature with me in a place of such charm?” he teased.

“You jest. I am but a humble scholar from a small town—how could I possibly possess such talents?” Han Qing replied, both of them speaking in riddles.

“I merely seek Young Master Zhu’s help with a matter.”

“Let’s hear it.”

He did not refuse.

“This Drunken Flower Pavilion—I hope Young Master Zhu will take it over. After all, no one is willing to ignore a profitable enterprise,” Han Qing said slowly.

He was merely casting out a brick to attract jade, to see if the other party was willing to get on board.

“Our Zhu family has never been in such businesses, and I doubt the old master at home would allow me to manage a place of such refined pleasures,” Zhu replied.

Was that a refusal?

He was just waiting for Han Qing to give him a reasonable motive, and more incentives.

“This place may appear to be an ordinary brothel, but it has drawn in considerable talent behind the scenes. I hear that the Wu family is also interested,” Han Qing dropped the bomb.

At once, Young Master Zhu’s expression darkened.

He had touched a nerve.

The Zhu and Wu families had always been adversaries at court.

Though these younger generation members were not in the capital, they had heard as much.

Their rivalry was well known.

It often took a bigger, more tempting bait to draw him in.

“Are you certain?” Young Master Zhu asked, his displeasure obvious.

“I simply wish to go with the flow and offer a favor. I am not forcing you. If you doubt it, you may investigate,” Han Qing replied, shaking his head.

He summoned Madam Li.

“This Drunken Flower Pavilion has attracted much interest lately. Tell me, Madam Li, which distinguished guest do you intend to sell to?” Han Qing asked, seemingly casually.

The elderly woman nodded with a charming smile.

“Whoever offers the highest price is the one I’ll choose.”

“And which families have inquired?”

“The Bai family, the Wu family—several have shown interest…”

Young Master Zhu understood.

If this were merely an ordinary establishment, how could it draw so much attention from the great families?

Surely there was more valuable information within.

“Auctioned to the highest bidder, is that it?” Zhu asked coldly.

Madam Li nodded.

“Two days from now, there will be a banquet here at the Drunken Flower Pavilion. I hope you will attend—it will all be clear then.”

It was clear the arrangements had been made.

“You’re not helping me out of kindness. What is your reason?” Zhu asked, perplexed.

“I merely hope that, in the future, you might show some consideration,” Han Qing replied with a mysterious smile.

When he’d seen the guests off, Madam Li lingered.

“You are the true benefactor here, Young Master Han! I was just thinking of quitting, seeing how poorly the Drunken Flower Pavilion was doing, but I never expected you would raise its value so much!” The old procuress beamed with delight.

“I just know how hard you’ve worked here all these years, Madam Li.”

It only seemed like poor business.

But as long as others believed it was a hot commodity, how could it possibly lose money?

“I thought you were just trying to deceive me, but with a single sentence you’ve brought such gains!” The more Madam Li spoke, the more excited she became.

She now felt her future was secure—selling this failing tavern at a high price would keep her comfortable for the rest of her days.

She was so happy she couldn’t sleep for nights.

Yet, the conversation between the two soon reached Miss Zhilian.

She had never expected things to turn out this way.

The one she’d trusted had merely used her, just as they all used each other.

“So, it was your scheme all along? Or are we all just pawns in your hand?” Zhilian asked coldly, her tone thick with sarcasm.

It seemed she would find it hard to trust him again.