The group returned with a full load, truly a full load. They caught more fish than they could eat, so they distributed them among the courtyards, even sending two fish to Old Master You.
Upon returning to the courtyard, Steward Li led three women forward to pay their respects, "Young Master, these are the cooks and helpers I hired. From now on, they'll be serving in the courtyard, and if the young master and young lady need anything, they can call on them."
Bai Shan, still holding a wooden bucket, set it down when he heard this. He lowered his rolled-up sleeves and turned his head to glance at the three women.
The cook among them was the oldest, appearing to be in her thirties. Her head was wrapped in a cloth, and her clothes, washed to whiteness, were patched in several places. Judging by her appearance, she seemed to be from the Central Plains. Her hands were somewhat rough, and she stood with her head slightly lowered. Feeling eyes on her, she nervously clenched her hands.
