Fisher Girl led the ducks and Big White Goose to a mountain valley where they could hide.
The mountains connected to the lake. Strange peaks and jagged rocks rose from the steep slopes. After circling by boat around a rock that thrust into the lake, they found a narrow valley entrance pressed against a rock as thin as a blade. Sheer cliffs stood on both sides, making it extremely well-hidden. A band of water bandits had once occupied the valley and plagued the surrounding waters. After the authorities wiped them out, the place had been abandoned.
Inside the valley stood a gigantic tree growing crookedly by the water, its canopy hanging over the surface and blocking sight.
A head poked out from the lush green canopy and waved from afar.
"Yingzi~ Over here~!"
Hearing an older sister from her village call her, the familiar voice finally loosened the tight knot in the girl's heart.
She raised an arm and waved toward the canopy.
"Sister Lan~"
She rowed the boat and led the ducks around the canopy. Hidden in the grass were seven or eight fishing boats, while two hunting dogs stood atop the stone wall by the shore. She had not expected them to bring even the hunting dogs when they fled. That was just as well—there would be no need to keep watch at night, nor worry about wild beasts attacking. Sweeping her gaze around, it seemed she alone had successfully brought over the ducks and Big White Goose.
A group of people emerged from behind the weed-covered stone wall. They were all women, chattering as they called for the girl to come ashore.
The women deftly wove branches into a fence, encircled an area, and drove the ducks and geese inside.
Quite a few children had followed the