At the back gate of Yuanmingyuan, a fisherwoman carrying a fish basket walked towards the gate, looking around. Sure enough, she saw three eunuchs standing at the gate talking. The one in the lead was the same person who had told her he wanted to buy her fish at the market that day.
This place is very remote. It is likely that Yuanmingyuan was an imperial garden, and the entry and exit were strictly guarded. This back gate was only used by palace servants. Although the place is remote, it is a unique and beautiful spot.
As soon as the fisherwoman saw the eunuch, she pretended to be out of breath, then said with a smile, "Greetings, sir! I've brought you the fish you requested!"
The eunuch leaned against the doorframe, glanced at her, and saw that she was indeed the fisherwoman from the market that day. He didn't really want to talk to this person who looked like a country bumpkin, so he ordered the two eunuchs beside him in a shrill voice, "Go, take the fish basket from me!"
Two eunuchs quickly stepped forward and took the fish baskets off the fisherwoman's back, one on each side. The eunuchs took out silver from their sleeves and handed it to the fisherwoman. As soon as the fisherwoman saw the silver, her eyes lit up and a more joyful smile appeared on her face.
As the eunuch turned to leave, the fisherwoman suddenly followed, "Hey, sir, when are you coming out? I'll wait here to get my fish basket!"
The eunuch turned around, frowning as he looked at her. "Why isn't this enough money for you to buy a fish basket?"
The fisherwoman looked at the silver in her hand and chuckled. "I make a living by fishing, it's just a small business. Father-in-law, please return the fish basket to me!"
The eunuch remained silent, and the fisherwoman continued, "I'll be going back to the market soon; you can have someone deliver it to me."
The eunuch waved his hand impatiently, "Alright, alright, come in. You can just take it with you later. Remember the way!"
Upon hearing this, the fisherwoman paused for a moment, then remembered that she could visit the Old Summer Palace, and happily followed them inside.
The eunuch gave a soft snort and turned to enter the Yuanmingyuan.
In this sweltering heat, who would want to go out of their way to deliver something to her? Besides, he's been very busy lately, so naturally he doesn't have time for such trivial matters.
The scenery in Yuanmingyuan was delightful, with many flowers, trees, and shrubs. Small bridges, flowing water, pavilions, and towers—everywhere was picturesque, which greatly surprised the fisherwoman.
"This is like a place where gods live!" the fisherwoman exclaimed.
The eunuch glanced back at her. "Be careful. This is a royal garden. Looking around like that is against the rules!"
The fisherwoman shrank back and cautiously glanced at the eunuch, but she couldn't help looking around again.
She couldn't help but get closer to look at the flowers and plants by the roadside. Even the pebbles on the cobblestone path were carefully selected by the servants. Everything here was extremely luxurious.
The eunuch had his back to the fisherwoman, who watched his retreating figure, a glint of shrewdness flashing in her eyes.
"This place is truly wonderful. Not to mention the masters of the palace living here, even ordinary people working here would have an excellent life. It's something to be envied!" the fisherwoman said in a flattering tone.
The eunuch raised an eyebrow and rolled his eyes at her, but he was quite pleased with what she said: "Just listen to me and send the fish over every day. If you behave yourself, you'll have another chance to visit the Yuanmingyuan in the future, and I won't skimp on your money."
The fisherwoman quickly expressed her gratitude, "Thank you so much, sir!"
The kitchen was located in a remote area, but the fisherwoman still remembered the winding road. After delivering the fish, she turned around and followed the old road, leaving the Yuanmingyuan with the empty fish basket.
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