It was night.
Zhao Yao was playing "Eagle Catching Chicks" with Da Niu, Xiao Niu, Lai Man, and Xiao Jin.
Under the training of Uncle Zhang and Zhao Yao, Da Niu and Xiao Niu had become particularly clever. They can now successfully sneak into other people's homes and stealthily steal money hidden under their beds.
They also often eavesdrop on people's whispers at home. Their favorite is listening to "pillow talk," which they find very entertaining.
Whenever Zhao Yao arrives, they can't wait to share with him what they've heard... what Zhao Yao calls gossip.
He has heard many funny and bizarre things from them, as well as many stories about the hardships of ordinary families. Zhao Yao would recount these to Liang Zhaoyi when he returned to the palace, and she would write them down.
