Chapter 132: Wei Xiaobao's Solution

Zhu Hao, hearing Wei Xiaobao speak so flippantly, initially dismissed his words as nonsense and prepared to reprimand him. However, upon second thought, he realized that Wei Xiaobao would hardly dare to be so bold. Observing Wei Xiaobao’s composed demeanor, which hardly resembled that of someone talking drivel, Zhu Hao wondered to himself, "Could it be that Wei Xiaobao truly has a plan?"

Suppressing his impending rebuke, Zhu Hao asked, "Xiaobao, do you have a good plan? Tell me at once!"

Sensing the urgency in his master’s tone, Wei Xiaobao did not dare to delay. "Your Highness, when I said the task was not difficult, it is because it relates to the Qunfang Pavilion you just mentioned!"

Zhu Hao frowned at this. *What could this matter possibly have to do with a brothel? Is this knave truly making a fool of me?*

"Wei Xiaobao, do not spout nonsense!" Zhu Hao barked. "I ordered you to investigate all the officials in Zhejiang, and you tell me it relates to a brothel? Are you mocking me? You have quite the audacity!"

Seeing his master’s fury, Wei Xiaobao fell to his knees in terror. "Your Highness, even if I were granted a hundred times the courage, I would never dare to trifle with you! Please calm your thunderous anger and allow me to explain!"

Zhu Hao suppressed his rage and said impatiently, "Speak! I am curious to hear what logic you can conjure up today. If your explanation holds water, this matter shall be dropped. If not, do not blame me for the ruthlessness of my house laws." As a personal attendant, Wei Xiaobao was considered part of the household, and thus subject to its discipline.

Sensing his master’s dwindling patience, Wei Xiaobao did not dare to hedge any longer. "Your Highness, you may not be aware, but the Qunfang Pavilion is the largest establishment of its kind in Hangzhou. Many high-ranking officials and nobles frequent it. By monitoring this place, we can certainly uncover the information you desire regarding all the officials in Zhejiang."

*A viable strategy, perhaps,* Zhu Hao thought, though doubts remained. "It is a plausible approach, but not every official in Zhejiang visits the Qunfang Pavilion, nor do those who do appear there every day. To collect information on all of them in such a short time seems impossible."

Still kneeling, Wei Xiaobao saw his master listening and asked with a cheeky grin, "Your Highness, may your servant rise to speak?"

Zhu Hao, seeing the return of Wei Xiaobao’s impudent manner, decided to discipline him. He gave a cold snort. "You dare to negotiate with me now? What gall! Stay on your knees! You shall rise only when you have explained yourself clearly!"

Seeing his master’s dark expression, Wei Xiaobao did not know if the anger was genuine or feigned. Not daring to guess, he composed his features and said solemnly, "Please calm your anger, Your Highness. I was wrong."

After a pause to gauge his master's reaction, he continued, "You are quite right, Your Highness. Under normal circumstances, it would take some time to gather such intelligence. But these are unique days. The Qunfang Pavilion’s top courtesan is about to make her debut. Every person of status and influence in Zhejiang will be there to witness the event! That is the perfect opportunity to gather the information."

Zhu Hao realized the plan was indeed feasible. However, hearing the mention of "witnessing the event," he thought, *Witnessing? I suspect those lecherous ghosts are merely hoping to be chosen by her.*

Zhu Hao, well-versed in Ming history, knew that such a "Qunfang Pavilion" was not a common brothel. The women there were artists, not mere prostitutes; they were highly educated in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. They primarily entertained with poetry and song. A courtesan’s debut was the singular moment in her life when she would grant her favors to a chosen man. If she chose poorly and could not be redeemed, her fate would be miserable. It was the most critical decision of her life, and it was hers alone to make.

*It is true that such an event would draw the city's elite,* Zhu Hao mused. *But who is this courtesan? Could she be one of the 'Eight Beauties of Qinhuai'?*

Intrigued, he asked, "Xiaobao, what is her name? How old is she?"

Thinking his master was personally interested—as a man of his age would naturally be considering marriage—Wei Xiaobao replied, "Are you interested in her, Your Highness? Rest assured, leave it to me; I shall ensure you get to experience her grace!"

Zhu Hao, who only felt curiosity regarding historical figures, was incensed by the suggestive remark. "You scoundrel! When did I say I wanted to experience her grace? I am merely curious about the woman. Cast aside your filthy thoughts at once, or else!"

The heavy, threatening snorts from Zhu Hao turned Wei Xiaobao pale with fright. "I was wrong, Your Highness! I was wrong!"

Observing that his master’s expression had softened slightly, Wei Xiaobao continued, "She is an extraordinary woman, Your Highness—in the bloom of youth, with a graceful figure and stunning beauty. She is the finest beauty in Hangzhou. Not only is she a master of the arts, but she also writes exquisite prose. She is truly a celestial being descended to the mortal realm!"

Zhu Hao, irritated that Wei Xiaobao was still rambling without naming the woman, slammed his hand on the table. "I asked you for her name, not for this drivel! What kind of nonsense are you babbling?"

Terrified, Wei Xiaobao stammered, "Please, Your Highness, I do not know her name. I have many eyes in the pavilion, but I have only seen her from afar and have never spoken to her. Even the staff there do not know her name."

"If you don't know, just say so!" Zhu Hao snapped. "Do not let this happen again!"

"Understood, Your Highness!" Wei Xiaobao bowed repeatedly.

Seeing his servant’s pathetic state and sincere apology, Zhu Hao nodded. "Very well, rise. Monitor this debut closely. Ensure you map out the situation of all the officials in Zhejiang—who is loyal, who is treacherous, and who might be of use to me."

Wei Xiaobao looked up, his face full of disappointment. "Your Highness... for such a grand occasion, will you not go to see for yourself?"