Question 1: How did I manage to get picked exactly zero times in the Autumn Selection? Ever since I heard Baoc…
Question 1: How did I manage to get picked exactly zero times in the Autumn Selection?
Ever since I heard Baoci Palace was running a "Laughter Recruitment," I've been drilling jokes in day. And in the end, I didn't even get to see Sister Qiu.
They say she only let a handful of girls she liked the look of move on, and that "luck is part of strength"...
No wonder everyone says your first year matters most. If Sister Qiu doesn't remember you in year one, does that mean you're never getting into Baoci Palace, not ever?
Still. I really want to say it: I serve my lady today, and tomorrow my lady will be proud of me!
Reply 1:
Don't be so down. Being a nobody your first year isn't always a bad thing.
Stick your head out and you'll be the first to get clipped. Lie low for now and get a solid skill under your belt. That's what counts.
Reply 2:
Forget "make my lady proud." Think "make my lady unable to do without me."
I bet everything on double-sided embroidery back then. Now if my lady's robe so much as snags, it waits for my hands. Even the female clerks in the Crafts Office can't fill in.
Sisters, know your core advantage.
Reply 3:
You got this, you got this. Keep your head straight.
Honestly, not getting picked might be a blessing. At least you won't be on edge every day.
For small fry like us, making it safely to the day we leave is the best fortune there is.
(Whisper: sister upthread, I think I know who you are. Your stitching is insane.)
Share 1:
Bless my bestie in the Culinary Office, I finally got to try su shan from the nobles' leftovers!
It was a little melted, but the taste was unreal. Super creamy, with crushed nuts inside.
Even if it was just the scraps, I'd do five more years in here for a bite like that. Eat it while you can.
Reply 1:
Hahaha, secret for you. Next time you're craving it, come by the Culinary Office back gate when the senior sisters are resting.
I'll save you the tray with the biggest leftovers.
Reply 2:
It is tasty, but it's "cold" food. Drink some ginger soup after, warm your stomach.
Otherwise your next period is going to be rough.
Question 2:
Please tell me I'm not the only one. I got assigned to night watch at the Forlorn Palace.
It's creepy. The wind makes the lanterns swing all night. I'm terrified.
New girls, don't oversleep. I thought I'd get placed in one of the Six Offices to learn a skill, but I missed the Mao-hour roll call and got sent straight here.
And my monthly stipend is tiny. I can't afford anything. Any sisters who know the ropes, how do I transfer to the Culinary Office?
Reply 1:
If you're as "passionate" about food as the sister who posted about su shan... I mean, if you truly love food, you might have a shot.
Key thing is people need to see you can take hardship and do heavy work. The Culinary Office looks nice, but someone's still hauling flour sacks and chopping firewood.
Reply 2:
You want in? Enthusiasm isn't enough. You need to have an eye for work.
We need people who care about food. When you have time, go help out at the Culinary Office back gate. Pick vegetables, dump slop buckets, make yourself a familiar face.
Last time a little one peeled garlic for me three days straight. I only asked for her because her hands were quick and she didn't complain.
Reply 3:
Transfers take time. Take care of your health first.
The Forlorn Palace is damp. Go beg some mugwort and smoke the room a bit. And wrap your knees. If your body gives out, you've got nothing.
Share 2:
I saw fireworks outside the walls and just started crying.
Eight years in here. I don't know how my mother and father are doing, or if my little brother's grown taller.
These walls are too high. When do I ever get to fly out?
Reply 1:
Hang in there, sister. I'm eight years in too.
When I first came, I cried every day. Now I feel like I've run out of tears.
Look at the moon. It's the same one our parents are seeing.
Reply 2:
If you miss home that badly... on the fifth day next month, I might be going to collect charcoal.
Write a letter and slip it into this ledger for me. I'll ask the old man who delivers the charcoal to take it out.
Be careful. Don't let anyone see.
Reply 3:
Just between us, I heard the order to dismiss palace maids is coming down.
If you want out, go sound out the Registry Director in the next couple of days.