That evening, someone hosted a banquet at the famous Cuihong Tower in Chang'an.
Clearly, this was a place for drinking and womanizing, with prostitutes as company, chatting and drinking. If things went well, one could simply take a prostitute to have sex.
Wine and women—that was the proper melody.
Lu Ming scoffed at this. He never went to brothels, not even in Tao County; he never even considered it.
He might look around, but he would never actually patronize one.
Sexual diseases existed in ancient times, just not AIDS.
Gonorrhea and syphilis were still present. Both were called "venereal diseases," referring to the widespread ulceration, pus formation, and swelling caused by syphilis—a truly disgusting and nauseating condition.
Therefore, Lu Ming never went to brothels, not even for the rarest chance.
He'd rather have relations with respectable women than with prostitutes; it was too unsafe.
Prostitution is a momentary pleasure, and the pleasure continues indefinitely. He doesn't like it, so there's no guarantee of trouble, but if trouble comes, it'll be a real problem.
However, the Cuihong Pavilion doesn't just have prostitutes; it also has courtesans.
These are trained maidens who can play the zither, recite poetry, and paint—collectively known as "flower queens."
They are there to fetch a good price, not simply to be sold.
The guests this time are from the Hongnong Yang clan's branch in Chang'an. During the Three Kingdoms period, two major clans stood at the top of the power pyramid.
These are the Hongnong Yang clan and the Runan Yuan clan. The saying "four generations of three dukes" refers to a family where four generations have successively held the position of three dukes. At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, there were only two such families: the Runan Yuan clan and the Hongnong Yang clan.
These clans had protégés and former officials all over the country; the number of talented people they cultivated was easily imaginable, and they were thus categorized into their factions.
Even during the Battle of Guandu, half of the civil officials in Cao Cao's inner circle were actually protégés of the Yuan clan, waiting for Yuan Shao to unify the Central Plains.
The greatest power of these clans lay in their networks of connections. As long as they maintained their high positions, their subordinates wouldn't disobey; in fact, they would work tirelessly to gain entry into their circles.
Without someone to promote you, wanting to rise in rank?
That was just wishful thinking.
Therefore, even a branch of the Yang clan carried considerable weight in Chang'an.
Dong Zhuo was at best a barbarian from a remote border region; he was insignificant compared to the powerful clans.
His invitation was only due to Zhang Wen.
Zhang Wen was about to be promoted to Grand Commandant; he had already been Minister of Works, one of the Three Dukes, a position of immense power.
However, the situation was complicated at the time; Zhang Wen was only filling the position and would be removed from office soon.
General He Jin was originally supposed to lead the campaign to quell the rebellion, but fearing death, he sent someone else instead.
The renowned generals Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun went to quell the rebellion together, but suffered a crushing defeat. Emperor Ling was furious and dismissed both men, then sent Zhang Wen to quell the rebellion—a mere expedient measure.
However, Zhang Wen unexpectedly succeeded!
This surprised everyone, as even two renowned generals who had quelled the rebellion in the border regions and the Yellow Turban Rebellion had failed, yet Zhang Wen succeeded. Zhang Wen was hardly a renowned general.
Therefore, his promotion to Grand Commandant, while partly due to bribery, was primarily due to his own meritorious service.
He was now a true member of the Three Dukes, and could secure his position.
Two of the Three Dukes positions during Emperor Ling's reign were vacant for many years, positions that could be bought with money, and were also deliberate traps.
This banquet was primarily for Zhang Wen; Dong Zhuo and Lu Ming were merely incidental guests.
Therefore, if you're going to drink with courtesans, just drink with courtesans. As long as you don't touch them, it's really not a big deal.
STIs can only be transmitted through sexual intercourse, and it's very difficult to contract them through simple kissing.
But Lu Ming wouldn't kiss anyone anyway; who knows how many people have kissed his lips?
Cuihong Pavilion, third-floor private room.
A middle-aged man dressed in Hanfu greeted them with a smile at the door. Upon seeing them, he cupped his hands and said with a smile, "Lord Sikong, it's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for gracing me with your presence. Please."
"Brother Yongren, you're too kind. Please!" Zhang Wen also smiled and extended one hand, then entered together.
"Oh, Lord Sikong, you have two other talented individuals." Yang Cong cupped his hands to Dong Zhuo and Lu Ming, not sensing any contempt. Aristocratic scions wouldn't be so superficial; if they did, they would show disdain behind their backs. Talented people need to be cultivated, and the more polite they are, the more they know how to restrain themselves.
"May I ask for your introduction, Lord Sikong?"
"Haha, I was just about to introduce you, Brother Yongren. This is General Dong Zhuo, courtesy name Zhongying. He played a crucial role in the suppression of the rebellion in Xiliang. It was thanks to his help that I was able to successfully quell the rebels and live up to the Emperor's boundless grace!" Zhang Wen said, bowing towards Luoyang as if to the Emperor.
"Zhongying, Anmin, this is the magistrate of Chang'an, Prefect Yang Cong."
"Oh, so it's General Dong. A pleasure to meet you." Yang Cong raised his hand, his smile becoming somewhat insincere. Just a mere warrior!
Even military figures from prestigious families like Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun were beneath his notice. Only civil officials could govern and serve as ministers; warriors were only fit for fighting and killing.
However, Yang Cong was, after all, the head of a branch of the clan. He knew that military generals were indispensable; a large family couldn't rely solely on civil officials. For generals like him who held military power in the field, it was worthwhile to win them over—it wouldn't cost much.
"Greetings, Prefect Yang," Dong Zhuo said, clasping his hands in a fist salute. He instinctively sensed the other's contempt, which displeased him.
"Hmm." Yang Cong nodded, turning to the resolute-faced young man. "You must be the recently emerged miracle doctor, Lu Ming. It's a pleasure to meet you. I heard you cured Madam Zhang's toothache? Truly remarkable, a young talent! Many doctors couldn't accomplish this; you are truly a miracle doctor!"
"You flatter me, sir. It's merely some medical skill. Each skill has its specialty; what other doctors excel at, I may not be able to do myself. It is you, sir, who truly impresses me. Chang'an is a formidable city, attracting talented individuals and wandering heroes, yet you manage to leave doors unlocked and lost items unattended at night. That is true talent. As the ancient saying goes, 'To be the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures is the mark of a great man.' I toast you, sir!" Lu Ming's flattery was spot-on; good words are free, and he said whatever he wanted.
Toasting usually involved drinking one's own cup of wine without considering whether the other person would drink it or not.
Once you've made the gesture, the rest is up to others. Generosity must be demonstrated; only by putting on a good show will you gain recognition.
The process of climbing the social ladder inevitably requires meticulous attention to detail.