Xianzhou's High Stakes Gamble

Yanqing

I've faced countless battles, but this kind of warfare feels... unfamiliar.

Yanqing

The general of the Cloud Knights stakes his honor tonight!

Tingyun

Every business negotiation is a gamble, dear Yanqing. Just consider this another diplomatic exchange.

Tingyun

Let's begin with modest stakes to warm up, shall we?

Qingque

Finally! A proper game with proper stakes! My divination predicted an interesting night.

Qingque

Standard Xianzhou rules with increasing antes? Or something more... adventurous?

Yumeko

How adorable! You're all so controlled and measured about this.

Yumeko

But gambling is only truly sublime when you risk everything! When your heart pounds so hard you might die!

Yumeko

(Such fresh prey tonight... I wonder how far I can push them before they break?)

Qingque

Everyone gets five cards. Pairs beat singles, straights beat pairs, and the Azure Dragon hand beats everything.

Qingque

May fortune smile upon the worthy... or at least the lucky!

Tingyun

(Our visitor from another world seems unusually excited. I should watch her carefully.)

Yanqing

Another loss? The cards seem to favor you tonight, Lady Yumeko.

Yanqing

(My funds are nearly depleted. How did this happen so quickly?)

Yumeko

Oh my! Another round to me? How terribly fortunate!

Yumeko

You seem out of chips, young general. Perhaps there's something else you'd care to wager? That sword looks quite... valuable.

Yanqing

This blade has been with me since my first victory...

Yanqing

Very well. A Cloud Knight does not retreat from battle. I place my sword as wager.

Qingque

(The cards aren't flowing naturally. Something's interfering with fate's design.)

Tingyun

(Three taps means cheating... Qingque sees it too. We need to intervene before Yanqing loses everything.)

Yanqing

One final hand. All or nothing for my honor and my blade.

Yanqing

(Master Jing Yuehui would be ashamed to see me gambling away my honor like this.)

Tingyun

A moment, if you please. This final round calls for something special.

Tingyun

I propose a partner game—Yanqing and I against Lady Yumeko and Qingque. Double the stakes, but with fresh cards and... my personal deck.