A few breaths later, thunderous applause erupted, and flower tokens rained onto the stage as though lives depended on it. After reciting the poem, Yan Yu left, cold as frost.
In the end, Yan Yu became that evening's queen of flowers without any suspense.
Jian Ruonan called the madam over. "Bring Yan Yu here!"
"My lord, our rules require you to compose a poem to meet Yan Yu," the madam said. "Only if she approves will you be invited into her room."
Looking around, they saw the guests in the gallery taking up paper and brushes to write poems.
"Is there another way besides writing a poem?" Jian Ruonan asked.
The madam smiled ingratiatingly. "Money works too."
"How much?" Jian Ruonan asked.
The madam held up five fingers. "At least fifty thousand taels."
"Fifty thousand taels?!" Jian Ruonan exclaimed.
Dantai Mo was about to pay, but Jian Ruonan stopped him. "Bring me a brush! I'll write a poem!"
[We agreed we were freeloading. We can't spend a single penny!]
[Paying would break character!]
The madam said, "..."
The Black Tortoise System called out frantically, [Fifth Miss, let me help you write a poem!]
Jian Ruonan replied, [Shut up. Go play somewhere else!]
The Black Tortoise System said, [Fifth Miss, you can barely read. Without my help, how will you get Yan Yu to come out?]
Jian Ruonan replied, [Want to make a bet? Let's see whose poem can bring Yan Yu out!]
The Black Tortoise System said, [You're on!]
Jian Ruonan replied, [All right. I'll write your poem down and send them both in. We'll see whose poem Yan Yu likes!]
Qu Huacan also removed the tablecloth from his head and picked up a brush.
He wanted to see Sister Ruan, but feared his talent was not even half hers.