If one were to divide people into two categories, there would be many ways to do so: men and women, good people and bad people, or, more directly and superficially, attractive and unattractive people...
Yet, for the people within the palace, their division of the world could be reduced to a single distinction:
Those who live in the palace, and those who live outside.
Eunuchs and palace maids had their own lives, not as constantly on edge as outsiders might imagine. However, they did need to be even more cautious than those outside the palace walls.
The palace was bound by many rules. When rules multiplied, people were easily reduced to something akin to caged quails.
At times, even speaking loudly or running around boisterously was considered a transgression.
But, as with all things, there were exceptions. When news of the great victory at Wang River reached the palace, the eunuchs and palace maids began to cheer and spread the thrilling tidings.
