Ah Dai was taken aback, exclaiming, "Does the test cost money? I didn't hear my uncle mention that. How much?"
The old magician held up five fingers, shaking them a little, "Not much, only five gold coins."
Five gold coins, Ah Dai began to count on his fingers, a gold coin equaled ten silver coins which was a hundred copper coins; a copper coin could buy two steamed buns. Therefore, five gold coins could buy a thousand steamed buns. A thousand steamed buns? That was enough to feed him for several months. He stammered, "Uncle, can... can it be less?"
The old magician contemptuously huffed, "Less? How can it be less? This is regulated. If you have no money, just scram. Come back when you have enough."