"Yes." Zhu Peng said, "Only if your poem is selected can you qualify to go upstairs. The second step is chatting while playing the zither; if Qin Xueyin fancies you, then you can stay overnight."
Duan Rong laughed and said, "It's as if sleeping has become as complicated as the imperial exam. You guys sure know how to play!"
Duan Rong suddenly changed the topic, "You've participated quite a few times, haven't you? Have you ever been selected?"
Zhu Peng's face suddenly turned red, and he said somewhat discouraged, "I have tried a few times, but none of my poems have caught Miss Qin's eye."
He spent hefty sums having people write poems for him several times, but perhaps it was bad luck or he wasn't destined; in any case, he was never selected.
"Let's go!" Duan Rong suddenly said, "Take me there; I guarantee you'll make it to Qin Building this time!"
"Really?" Zhu Peng was instantly overjoyed.
But soon his eyes dimmed; Duan Rong was obviously just boasting.
