Chapter Sixteen: Refusing to Take Advantage

It was inevitable that someone had come to seek him out because of the consumption illness.

"Young Master Han, this is Doctor Zhang, the foremost physician in the city," the attendant beside him introduced with eager enthusiasm.

But what did this have to do with him?

"If there is nothing in particular to entertain distinguished guests, may I ask what brings you here?" Han Qing spoke carelessly, already discerning the intentions of the visitors.

It was nothing more than a pretense of discussing medical techniques, hoping to gain something for nothing.

The old man, already advanced in years, still wished for a good reputation—it seemed he was thinking too much.

"I merely wished to ask how you discovered the cure for consumption?" came the inquiry.

As expected.

It was exactly as he had imagined.

"I am not truly someone versed in the medical arts, so you need not put stock in what I have done," Han Qing shook his head, obviously refusing the man.

If the old fellow could not see the situation clearly, in a moment Han Qing would likely drive them out without further ceremony.

Doctor Zhang nodded, harboring some resentment in his heart—how could this young man be so arrogant? Yet he kept a polite smile on his face.

"It is we who have disturbed you," he said.

But Han Qing's mother, upon hearing of this, felt her son’s actions were too unrestrained, not like a scholar at all.

Why must he be so confrontational?

"My son, your temperament nowadays is far too impatient. If word of this spreads..." she nagged gently.

"They are nothing but petty people; why give them the dignity?" he replied calmly.

It was clear that someone had deliberately come to cause trouble, envious of his good fortune and comfort.

"Very well, as long as you know your own mind."

He had a hundred taels of silver in hand, and if he could invest in other shops, he might earn more. His plans extended far beyond this, but everything must proceed step by step—he could not rush.

Over the past few days, Young Master Zhu had grown somewhat admiring of Han Qing, convinced of his exceptional intelligence. After several encounters, he wondered if they might become close friends.

Han Qing recognized the situation and agreed with ease.

Who in the city did not wish to befriend the scions of noble families?

But Young Master Zhu was upright and forthright, generous in manner—just the sort Han Qing needed.

---

"I heard you’ve been preparing for the imperial exam for half a year now. Why not join the other young gentlemen and compare your talents?"

Han Qing was not one for making acquaintances lightly. Yet such an opportunity—how could he pass it up?

"My abilities are still lacking compared to those of the noble families. I’m grateful for your regard, Young Master Zhu, but it would not be convenient for me to attend."

What?

Most people would go to any lengths to mingle with these noble youths.

Why, then, did Han Qing refuse? It was most peculiar.

"Do you truly not wish to exchange ideas with them?" Young Master Zhu pressed.

Han Qing shook his head. He had other important matters to attend to and no need to waste energy on socializing. Besides, he had already investigated the participants of the poetry gatherings—most were empty boasters with little true learning.

There was no need to fawn and embarrass himself.

"Well, you certainly have your own character, not bound by others," Young Master Zhu laughed heartily, not insisting.

But Miss Zhilan, since taking over the Drunken Flower Pavilion, had seen its business rapidly decline. The regular patrons, for reasons unknown, were now unwilling to come.

Was it merely the lingering shadow of the previous murder? Even though explanations had been given, why was there still such a lack of customers?

A respectable young lady, now laboring night and day—her spirits deteriorating quickly.

The decline was too severe; she had already invested several hundred taels of silver. If, in a few months, the money could not be recovered, her efforts would be in vain.

It was truly improper.

"Young Master Han, I have a request. Could you help relieve the urgent crisis at the Drunken Flower Pavilion?" Zhilan asked calmly, though her heart was bitter.

She had originally been full of enthusiasm when she took over, never expecting such a situation.

"What is the reason for this? Customers are fewer and fewer. I remember the girls at the pavilion are all exceptional," Han Qing was somewhat shocked.

By rights, it should not be so.

"They are diligent, but they can no longer attract other customers!"

Zhilan sighed in inexplicable sorrow.

She felt ashamed for her good sisters—she had promised them a brighter future when she ousted Madam Li. Yet now, not only had her promise failed, she had pushed them further into hardship.

---

The situation was growing increasingly troublesome.

"The Drunken Flower Pavilion's biggest rival used to be the First Class Residence. For years, the Flower Queen was always from your pavilion; they never had a chance..." Han Qing analyzed the situation.

The problem lay with the First Class Residence. The methods that once served the pavilion had been adopted and improved by their rivals, drawing more patrons.

There was bound to be victors and losers between the two establishments.

"So now we must revise our marketing strategies?" Han Qing mused.

Marketing strategies? Zhilan did not quite understand.

"In the past, you would introduce a Flower Queen every season to pique customers' curiosity and spending. But now, it's too common—lacking novelty."

People grow tired of seeing the same thing over time.

The pavilion always relied on beauty to attract attention. Why not innovate?

"Do any of your sisters possess other talents?"

Han Qing asked abruptly.

Zhilan shook her head. Most had only superficial knowledge of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—all common skills within the flower house.

"I have a few sketches here. Let’s try them with some of your sisters," Han Qing casually wrote several short scripts.

In his own era, these were lucrative ventures.

He wondered if the girls could relax enough to perform.

Though they were beautiful, what mattered most was their quick wit and verbal agility.

Zhilan summoned two girls. They read the scripts and felt awkward—this art form was entirely unfamiliar.

"It’s very simple. One person speaks eloquently, the other supports her, never letting the joke fall flat. The key is to engage the audience..." Han Qing explained the art of comic dialogue.

It was about showing their flexibility and whether the humor could touch people's souls.

"But is this really appropriate?"