Xin Baji's Diary

Today is a big day! I, Lu Yingfeng, whose childhood nickname is Xin Baji... Ahem, I'm not a little brat! It's all because my parents always said I used to smack my lips so loudly when I was little! Anyway, I, the future queen of gossip, am entering the palace today! My father, a low-ranking fifth-rank official, has been clinging to my leg and crying for three days straight: “Yingfeng! The palace is a bottomless sea, full of wicked women who'll eat you alive! I can't bear to part with you!” I finally managed to pull my leg free and comfort him: “Father, try to look on the bright side. The palace is the finest theater in the world, where the extended edition of Palace Intrigue plays every day, and tickets are free. Your daughter is going to watch from a front-row VIP seat, and they'll even cover my room and board. Maybe I'll get a year-end bonus, too. This is a great deal!” My mother rolled her eyes and handed me a purse: “There are some silver coins and banknotes in here. Don't spend it all... And remember, the palace has strict rules. Talk less and eat more!” “I know, I know. Talk less, eat more, and watch the show!” I tucked the purse away and added silently: The important part is “watch the show”!