Outside the side gate of Yuanmingyuan, several fisherwomen carrying fish baskets walked towards the side gate.
The leading fisherwoman was the one who had arranged with the eunuch to deliver fish to the Yuanmingyuan. Although they were dressed like ordinary fisherwomen, their eyes revealed shrewdness as they surveyed the area around the Yuanmingyuan.
The fisherwoman said, "The side gate of the Old Summer Palace is just ahead. This operation is important, so we must be careful."
The fisherwomen following behind her pursed their lips and smiled, "Don't worry, Master, we understand."
Upon reaching the side gate, the leading fisherwoman put down her basket. She was already very familiar with this place and how to get the fish in.
She waved to the people behind her, "We're here."
The women put down their baskets and looked at the tightly closed side door in front of them.
The fisherwoman stepped forward and gently knocked on the door. The person inside noticed and opened the door for them.
With a creak, the door opened, and a gatekeeper walked out.
The fisherwoman put on a simple smile and said, "Sir, I've come to deliver fish."
She came at this time every day, so the gatekeeper naturally recognized her. He made way for her, and she entered with her fish basket. The people behind her followed her in, and the gatekeeper immediately frowned and reached out to stop them.
"They all came in with me, sir, please let them in!" the fisherwoman said with a smile, trying to please her.
The fisherwomen also looked timid. The gatekeeper turned to look at them and asked, "Why are there so many people here today?"
The fisherwoman quickly replied, "I was just worried that I might neglect that old man because I was too busy. These are all my fellow villagers, honest people who came to help me!"
The gatekeeper didn't think much of it and let them all go in.
Several women carrying fish baskets entered the Yuanmingyuan Garden. The fisherwomen were very familiar with the path from the side gate to the kitchen, and they walked very quickly along the way.
Their purpose in entering the Yuanmingyuan was not only to deliver the fish, but also to carry out a meticulously planned scheme: to infiltrate the Yuanmingyuan and seize an opportunity to act.
The palace rules were strict, and the group had important matters to attend to, so they dared not talk to each other along the way and walked in silence until they arrived at the kitchen of Zaoyuan.
The eunuch inside was waiting for her. The fisherwoman smiled and handed the fish basket to the eunuch, patting it as she said, "Fresh fish, it'll be brought to you right away."
The eunuch smiled, took the basket from her hands, and handed her some silver. "Thank you for your hard work. Go on!"
The fisherwoman nodded and, as usual, took her empty fish basket and walked towards the side door.
As they reached the door, the group exchanged glances and nodded slightly.
The fisherwoman saw that the gatekeeper was still standing there. Perhaps it was too hot, so he took shelter under a big tree to cool off. If he had really been standing at the side gate, he would have been drenched in sweat long ago.
The fisherwoman walked up with a smile, "Brother, you must be tired in this sweltering heat!"
The gatekeeper glanced at her and, seeing that her basket was empty, said, "Now that you've finished your business, hurry up and leave. This isn't a place for you to linger!"
The fisherwoman nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, I just felt bad for troubling you to open and close the door for me every time, especially since it's so hot outside."
The gatekeeper snorted, "You know that much."
As he spoke, he touched his throat. The fisherwoman understood what he meant, and since she thought the same thing, she took something out of her pocket and handed it to him.
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