Chapter 8: Examination

After Liu Liwa finished speaking, he took the lead and slightly nodded to Yang Xiaosi and Wu Liniang. Qin Wan'er and the other girl trembled as they followed closely behind him. Their carefree nature was unmistakably revealed at that moment, bringing a smile to your face, not a foolish grin

Zhang Yanming has already left the house, standing in the middle of the street, with his head held high and hands on his hips, as if he intends to block the road and rob someone. The demeanor of a wealthy official's son is naturally evident. Upon seeing this, pedestrians on the street hurriedly change their course, and women, upon noticing him, turn and flee, clearly perceiving him as a threat to abduct innocent girls

Wu Liniang spoke calmly and steadily as she completed the assessment task, silently observing everyone. However, there was a hint of disdain in her heart. These young masters, accustomed to a life of luxury and privilege, held themselves in high regard and had never considered the feelings of others. Forcing them to solicit customers was akin to taking their lives.

Thus, even if none of the young gentlemen and ladies from this batch successfully attracted any guests, only two arrogant and rude individuals, who failed to recognize their current status, were thrown into the backyard and the room of the young lady on the first floor. The others were all spared from misfortune. Wu Liniang's clear distinction between reward and punishment garnered her considerable goodwill from many, and Liu Liwa understood that this was also a means of winning people's hearts.

Yang Xiaosi was beside Wu Liniang, reviewing the roster and reporting on which high-ranking officials would be attending next, as well as their usual personality traits. However, from their performance, it was evident that they had no social experience, being entirely pampered young masters and young ladies. Only a few were willing to set aside their dignity and humbly solicit customers, and they received Wu Liniang's approval, allowing them to work in the front without having to suffer in the back courtyard. Of course, they still needed to undergo certain training first. They were all pampered young masters and young ladies, but only a few were willing to set aside their dignity and humbly solicit customers, and they received Wu Liniang's approval, allowing them to work in the front without having to suffer in the back courtyard. Of course, they still needed to undergo certain training first

Liu Liwa rolled her eyes and said in a low voice: "Look at what use I am. I have already told you to be mentally prepared. Being here is certainly not the same as being a wealthy young lady at home. You must find ways to protect yourselves and improve your quality of life. Sigh, forget it, you wouldn't understand even if I explained. Come, follow me outside, stand properly at the door, and make sure to wear a smile. As for the rest, just follow my lead!"

Yang Xiaosi stood beside Wu Liniang, holding a register, and said: "Madam, this is the son of the former Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and the *Tu* Book, named Zhang Yanming." Wu Liniang snorted and nodded.

After speaking, the man waved his hand and left, causing Liu Liwa to nearly burst out laughing. This guy really knows the ropes; at the very least, he understands that brothels do not operate in the morning! Zhang Yanming stared blankly at the man's receding figure, and after a long while, he erupted in curses. Just as he was getting into it, Yang Xiaosi pulled him back and scolded, "Don't embarrass us and tarnish our reputation at the Drunken Heart Pavilion. Starting today, you will chop firewood and fetch water in the backyard, and you will be reassessed in three months!"

"What should we do, what should we do, Sister Wan'er?" Under the gaze of the crowd, Xin Ying felt a bit flustered, grasping Qin Wan'er's hand, at a loss. Although Qin Wan'er was usually carefree, she too became tense at this moment, instinctively glancing at the composed Liu Liwa beside her.

Upon seeing this situation, Zhang Yanming felt a bit flustered. He stood up, relying solely on his breath, and now found himself on the street, utterly at a loss. Unable to help himself, he glanced back at Wu Liniang, who wore an expression of indifference. Gritting his teeth, he suddenly dashed over to a passerby who had neither provoked nor offended anyone, grabbed the person's hand, and asked, "Would you like to drink?"

At this moment, there was no need for Wu Liniang and Yang Xiaosi to urge anyone; some individuals took the initiative to step outside to solicit customers. Both men and women participated, employing various methods. Some abandoned their dignity and relinquished their status, desperately pleading with passersby, while others resorted to both soft and hard tactics, combining persuasion with pressure. Meanwhile, those who remained inside included Liu Liwa, Qin Wan'er, and the young girl Xinying. Liu Liwa was merely there to observe the spectacle, while the two women were completely at a loss.

Everyone was dumbfounded as Zhang Yanming, who was desperately seeking a way out, was pushed and shoved by Yang Xiaosi into the backyard, marking the beginning of his tragic life. Upon witnessing Wu Liniang's decisiveness, the others immediately felt a sense of panic; if they failed this test, they too would face a tragic fate.

The so-called gentleman keeps his distance from the kitchen, allowing men to wash clothes and cook, which is equally a great shame. Therefore, the distribution of tasks by Wu Liniang was unacceptable to everyone. Finally, a young master could no longer contain himself, stepped forward, and boldly declared: "I will go first!"

Indeed, these young gentlemen and Miss *Tu* are all wearing worried expressions, feeling quite troubled. They watch the flow of people coming and going outside, representing all walks of life, most of whom are hurrying along, toiling for their livelihoods. Even among the more affluent individuals, those who seek to drag people into the brothel for drinks this early in the morning are typically those whose heads have been kicked by a donkey

The person was nearly frightened to death by his sudden action, staring blankly at him. This official's son, usually high and mighty, was accustomed to others inviting him to drink. If he were to host, it would be seen as a favor to others. He lacked even the most basic social skills, let alone the ability to solicit clients. The person glanced at him, then at the brothel nearby, and without any courtesy, shook off his hand, snorting, "At this early hour, it seems the only thing available is the urine of the brothel madam; you might as well keep it for yourself"

At this moment, all eyes were focused on him and the two young ladies. In fact, since his arrival yesterday, Liu Liwa had noticed that Wu Liniang's gaze towards Qin Wan'er and Xin Ying had a certain sparkle. These two young ladies were indeed the most beautiful among this group of wealthy heiresses. Aside from her somewhat carefree personality, Qin Wan'er was undeniably stunning, while little Xin Ying, with her quirky charm and bookish nature, still fell within the loli category. It was uncertain whether she would be accepted and loved by the public, but she undoubtedly possessed limitless potential for development.

Upon hearing this, everyone was immediately alarmed, especially the women. It is important to note that the Zui Xin Building has a strict hierarchy; the first, second, and third floors are all categorized by rank. The first floor is filled with ordinary courtesans who meet all sorts of demands and accept all kinds of clients. They are not qualified to be assigned maidservants. If they were to serve these clients, they would have to face the filthy bed linens and clothing every day, and even excrement and urine, which is unbearable for an ordinary person

The young gentlemen and ladies had not yet made a move, but in their hearts, they were already three parts hesitant, naturally believing that this was not an assessment but rather a form of harassment. After a long while, no one spoke up. Wu Liniang could not help but furrow her brows, turning to look at these individuals, and said in a deep voice: "Do none of you wish to participate? Very well, all will be disqualified. Starting today, the women will be assigned to the first floor to serve the young ladies, and the men will all go to the back courtyard to wash clothes and cook!"

Nevertheless, Wu Liniang did not grant them a "special pardon," nor did she offer any other preferential policies, demonstrating her impartiality. Now, it is up to them to make their own decisions