By midday, Song Jia had learned three things about the token exercise.
First—
some participants considered the tokens another form of competition.
Second—
some considered them money.
And third—
far too many people were already forgetting that the officials were watching.
"Forty tokens."
Song Jia stopped.
A noble heir stood beside one of the attendants managing the private training rooms.
The attendant remained expressionless.
"The listed cost is ten tokens for one hour, Young Master."
"I know."
The young man placed four times that amount on the table.
"I want the room for the entire afternoon."
"Participants may only reserve one hour at a time."
"Then reserve it four times."
"That isn't permitted."
The noble heir frowned.
Song Jia continued walking.
Sun Xun, beside her, glanced back.
"You're not going to say anything?"
"No."
"He looks ready to argue."
"Then he'll argue."
Sun looked at her.
She raised a brow.
"What?"
