Ch. 1421Eating
Key Plot Points and Events
- Bai Yujun (Bai) and her mother, the Empress, live in a small courtyard in the Cold Palace.
- Bai digs a well for Fat Tiger (Tiger) to drink from, but the lynx cat (Lynx) turns it into a meticulously crafted well due to its obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- An old eunuch arrives with a fat sheep as a gift. He is struck by the disorderly scene and the Tiger's ferocity but keeps his composure.
- Bai eats heartily in the house while her mother mends clothes. The old eunuch returns to inform them that the Emperor will visit soon.
- Bai decides to meet the Emperor outside the door, revealing that they will leave the palace soon due to her mother's cultivation progress.
Character Developments
- Bai Yujun: She is shown to be carefree, disregarding palace rules, and focused on her immediate needs and desires. She also displays knowledge of cultivation rules and is aware of her mother's cultivation stage.
- The Empress (Bai's mother): She is initially confused and hesitant about meeting the Emperor but gains composure and decides to meet him outside the door. She is also unaware of the specifics of leaving the palace but is open to the idea.
- The Old Eunuch: He is meticulous and follows palace rules strictly. He is taken aback by the disorderly scene in the courtyard but maintains his composure. He is also aware of the cultivation rules and the specifics of leaving the palace.
Significant Themes
- Disregard for Palace Rules: Bai's behavior highlights the theme of disregard for palace rules and expectations, contrasting with the old eunuch's strict adherence to them.
- Cultivation and Freedom: The theme of cultivation leading to freedom is introduced, as Bai's mother's cultivation progress allows them to leave the palace.
- Change and Adaptation: The characters must adapt to the changes in their circumstances, such as Bai's mother accepting the idea of leaving the palace.
Character Interactions
- Bai and the Tiger: They share a close bond, with the Tiger licking Bai's bowl clean after she finishes eating.
- Bai and the Lynx: The Lynx's obsessive-compulsive disorder is shown through its meticulous crafting of the well, contrasting with Bai's carefree nature.
- Bai and the Old Eunuch: Their interaction highlights the contrast between Bai's disregard for palace rules and the old eunuch's strict adherence to them.