Chapter 1004 - 106: 500 Taels of Silver_1
As for that one in the prefecture, that was a short-lived establishment—whether they worked for the Fancy Red Pavilion or not, they couldn’t expect any favors. They were even flogged to death. They simply had it coming. Could anyone working for the Fancy Red Pavilion not worry about their family and their lives in the end?
About those servitude contracts, heh, the girls at the Fancy Red Pavilion have two from the moment they enter. One is torn up when they buy their freedom, and the other is kept as a threat for future use.
Thinking of the purpose of her visit, Procuress Bai chuckled to herself.
"Please, Madam Ye, do not be so enraged! When I mentioned involving the authorities last time, it was said in a moment of anger. Indeed, Ms. Hong grew up in the Fancy Red Pavilion, and we spent a lot of money on training her. We hired people to teach her dancing and singing, but just when she was getting to the point where she could make money, she ran away without us having recouped a penny of our investment. When we heard about her current whereabouts, can you say we at the Fancy Red Pavilion wouldn’t be anxious and angry? We’re not a charity; we’re in business. If a person doesn’t make money for us, we might let it go out of acquaintance, but we must at least get our investment back, right?"
Upon hearing this, Yang Chuxia looked at her with an amused expression and said indifferently, "So what you’re saying is that our Yang Family should help pay back the investment you made in Ms. Hong for the Fancy Red Pavilion?"
"I’ve long heard that Madam Ye is a very astute person, and seeing you today, it’s indeed the case. That is precisely what we at the Fancy Red Pavilion are suggesting."
"Since that’s the case, how much silver are you asking for?"
When it came to silver, Procuress Bai became more serious, "Ms. Hong grew up in the Fancy Red Pavilion, and lived on the best we had to offer. It cost a few dozen taels of silver each year, so after more than ten years, that would be at least six or seven hundred taels. However, I’ve watched Ms. Hong grow up, and we still have feelings of affection, so I’m not asking for six or seven hundred. Let’s make an average and say five hundred taels will do."
Yang Chuxia glanced at Procuress Bai with a touch of mockery, thankful that she had someone investigate the Fancy Red Pavilion’s background and related affairs. Otherwise, she really might have ended up like those other families in the county, handing over several hundred taels of silver to the Fancy Red Pavilion.
"Five hundred taels? Why don’t you just rob us?" Yang Chuxia hadn’t even spoken when Ms.Luo burst out from the inner room.
"You old whore, I’m telling you, there are no five hundred taels of silver. Either take Ms. Hong away or get lost. Want silver? Let me tell you, forget five hundred, there’s not even a single penny. The Fancy Red Pavilion? Think you’re something special because you’re a den of whores? Now you come to a decent family’s home trying to throw your weight around, who do you think you are?"
After berating Procuress Bai, Ms.Luo turned to Yang Chuxia and said, "I’m telling you, my niece, although you’re wealthy, you can’t just spend those five hundred taels for nothing. My family doesn’t have that kind of silver, and in the end, wouldn’t it fall to you to cover it? You can’t agree to this. Whoever from the Fancy Red Pavilion shows up, we’ll kick one out, and if two come, we’ll beat them out. What nonsense is this?"
It’s true what Ms.Luo said hit the nail on the head; if indeed they gave five hundred taels, it wouldn’t be her paying but her father; Yang Xiaochuan simply didn’t have that kind of money.
But would she give it?
In her dreams!
"Procuress Bai, let’s not beat around the bush. Don’t think I don’t know what’s going on with that servitude contract," Yang Chuxia stared straight at Procuress Bai, casting a glance at the accompanying attendant, and slowly continued, "Seeing how close you seem to be with this agent, even bringing him to our village, shows a rather deep relationship. So, it wouldn’t be hard for you to get a few more servitude contracts. Once I cough up the five hundred taels of silver, what if you bring out another contract for me? Then to whom shall I turn for justice?"