The Contest on the Banks of the Fish River
The fleet led by Jianshi and Wang Yan was not simply rushing down the Fish River. They deliberately slowed down, stopping frequently to carefully observe the terrain, water flow, tributary confluences, and the distribution of scattered tribes along the way. This was both to create a more detailed waterway map and to assess potential strategic points. Because of this, it took them more than half a day longer than if they had sailed at full speed. Otherwise, given the current speed and size of the Fire Tribe fleet, they could have arrived at the Fish Tribe much sooner.
To avoid unnecessary misunderstandings or even conflicts, Jianshi had already dispatched a nimble small Muzhou as a messenger to the Fish Tribe in advance to inform them that the Fire Tribe Tribe's fleet would arrive today for trade. After all, a massive fleet consisting of fifty giant ships with a carrying capacity of two thousand catties each and more than a dozen auxiliary vessels would be enough to make any tribe along the way nervous, let alone the Fish Tribe, which controlled the great river.
When the Fire Tribe's fleet came into view of the Fish Tribe, the Fish Tribe reacted swiftly and systematically. Several nimble fish-skin boats came to meet them, their warriors sharp-eyed and courteously guiding the fleet to the designated dock area. At the same time, on the main channel a little further away, eight much larger Fish Tribe warships, estimated to weigh over 5,000 jin each, quietly appeared, patrolling in a vigilant posture. They did not approach too closely, but conveyed a clear signal of deterrence.
Although they had been notified in advance, the Fish Tribe warriors could not hide their shock when they saw the fifty neatly arranged, enormous, and clearly newly built Fire Tribe behemoths. They whispered among themselves, their voices filled with disbelief. The Fire Tribe's changes always exceeded their expectations. The size and quality of this fleet made it the most powerful naval force in the upper reaches of the Fish River, second only to the Fish Tribe itself.
Jianshi and Wang Yan observed the Fish Tribe warriors' reactions and understood. This time, the Fish Tribe seemed to be truly beginning to regard the Fire Tribe as a force that needed to be treated as an equal, and even one that required vigilance. However, the Fire Tribe's response was not a warm welcome, but rather a distant scrutiny and obvious wariness. The eight main warships were deployed in advance to their guard positions, which was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but must have been directly authorized by their leader, Canglan. This showed that the Fish Tribe's fear of the Fire Tribe had reached a new level.
During the break between stopping and setting up a temporary camp, Wang Yan carefully observed the changes in the Fish Tribe. The perimeter of their settlement was clearly expanding; new wooden houses were being built, livestock pens were larger, and, more importantly, the area of the distant paddy fields appeared to have increased significantly since his last visit, roughly estimated to exceed one thousand mu. These details silently indicated that the Fish Tribe was accelerating its expansion and remaining highly vigilant against the rise of the Fire Tribe.
Jianshi and Wang Yan exchanged a glance, both seeing the seriousness in each other's eyes. But they had brought such a large fleet with the intention of demonstrating their strength and avoiding being underestimated. In this dog-eat-dog world, excessive humility and modesty can sometimes invite bullying and oppression.
After the boats came to a stop and the temporary camp was set up, it was nearly dusk. Jianshi sent someone to formally inform the Fish Tribe that they were tired from their long journey and that it was too late to disturb them, and that they would formally visit Chief Canglan the next day.
That night, in the central tent of the Fire Tribe's temporary camp, a campfire flickered. Jianshi, Dali, and Wang Yan sat together, discussing their strategy for the next day in hushed tones.
"First," Wang Yan outlined his thoughts, "We should proactively seek to purchase grain. The Deer Tribe and the Green Sheep Tribe are about to join us. Although we have enough grain stored, the more the better. It will also send a signal to the Fish Tribe that we still have 'needs' and still need to rely on external forces (at least superficially). Since they have expanded their rice paddies, their grain reserves should be plentiful. We might as well offer a high price and seek to purchase 200,000 catties of rice."
Jianshi nodded. "Alright. A higher price is fine; consider it the price for 'showing weakness' and 'making friends'."
"Second," Wang Yan continued, "We will prepare generous gifts for the Canglan chief and other core members of the Fish Tribe. We will clearly express our desire to strengthen trade and deepen friendly relations, emphasizing that the Fire Tribe is currently busy with internal integration and has absolutely no intention of external expansion or hostility towards the Fish Tribe. We hope this will alleviate their hostility and vigilance."
Dali said in a deep voice, "I'm afraid they won't believe me."
"Believe it or not, we must make the right gesture," Jian Shi said in Jianshi voice. "At least it will buy us some time and reduce the possibility of direct conflict."
"Third," Wang Yan said, "We should take this opportunity to inquire about the lower reaches of the Fish River, especially the Valley Tribe and other large tribes. We need broader intelligence."
Fourth, of course, is to participate in the autumn market as usual and exchange for the supplies we need.
After the plan was agreed upon, everyone rested. The next morning, Jianshi and Wang Yan, carrying carefully selected gifts—including the finest painted pottery, precious specialties of the Fire Tribe, top-quality cured meat, and some complete and precious animal hides—led by the warriors of the Fish Tribe, headed to Canglan's iconic longhouse.
After being announced, the two were invited in. Canglan was already seated in the main seat, with his usual smile on his face, seemingly warm but unpredictable.
"Brother -Jianshi! Welcome, welcome!" Canglan's voice was loud and clear, filled with exaggerated enthusiasm. "You're quite the big shot in the upper reaches of the Fish River now! I heard you took care of the Wolf Tribe with ease, that's amazing! I admire you, I really admire you!"
Jianshi walked in steadily, a humble smile on his face, "Brother-in-law, you flatter me. It was truly a stroke of luck that we were able to defeat the Wolf Tribe. If it weren't for the large amount of food, seeds, and tools we obtained from the Fish Tribe in the past two years, where would we have found the confidence? In the end, it's all thanks to the Fish Tribe and your support, brother-in-law. That's why, whenever we encounter difficulties, we think of asking you for help again."
A glint flashed in Canglan's eyes, his smile unchanged, but his tone carried a hint of caution and distance. "Not at all, we are relatives and friendly tribes. If there's anything we need, our Fish Tribe will definitely help in any way we can. May I ask what brings you here this time, brother-in-law?"
After exchanging pleasantries, they got down to business. Following their discussion the previous night, Jianshi raised four points:
1. Seeking to purchase grain. "Brother-in-law, to be honest, we recently took in another group of small tribes that were struggling to survive due to the ravages of the Wolf Tribe, and our food supply is really tight. I heard that the Fish Tribe had a good harvest this year and would like to buy 200,000 catties of rice from you. The price... is negotiable, we'll accept a higher price. Alas, what we produce from our own fields is far from enough." He deliberately emphasized that they couldn't be self-sufficient in grain, to appear weak and vulnerable.
2. Presenting gifts to express goodwill: Present gifts and express sincere hope to further strengthen trade cooperation and friendly exchanges between the two tribes, emphasizing that the Fire Tribe's current focus is on internal integration and development, and that there is no other intention.
3. Participate in the autumn market trade.
Fourth, inquiring about the situation downstream, "Also, our Fire Tribe is located in a remote corner and has limited knowledge. We would like to ask our brother-in-law about the situation downstream of the Fish River, especially the Valley Tribe. We have some things that we particularly need, which may only be available to the larger tribes downstream. I wonder if we could have the opportunity to go and take a look?"
This fourth point, especially the mention of "wanting to go to the Valley Tribe," set off alarm bells in Canglan's mind. It seemed the Fire Tribe coveted the Valley Tribe's ships and technology. During Wang Yan's several visits, he had paid special attention to the Fish Tribe's large ships; with his discerning eye, he could naturally see that without more sophisticated tools (such as the legendary bronze tools), it would be difficult to build such well-structured and meticulously crafted vessels. The Fire Tribe's desire to go to the Valley Tribe was definitely not without ulterior motives!
Canglan quickly calculated in his mind. The strength displayed by the Fire Tribe (fifty large ships) had shocked him and made him even more wary. The other party had taken the initiative to show goodwill and buy grain at a high price, and for the time being, they did not seem to have any intention of immediate conflict. Since the Fire Tribe's power had been established, it might not be wise to forcibly confront or blockade them, and it might even force them to take risks. Since they were willing to buy grain at a high price, that was perfect! The Fish Tribe had originally planned to expand its population, but now that the Fire Tribe, a potential rival, was so powerful, blindly expanding the population and consuming grain would be unwise. It would be better to sell grain at a high price to replenish their own granaries and wealth.
Thinking of this, Canglan's smile deepened, revealing the shrewdness of a merchant. "Brother-in-law, you're too kind! As for grain... our Fish Tribe does have some surplus this year, but we also need to feed our own tribe and keep reserves for emergencies. Two hundred thousand catties... that's no small amount." He rubbed his hands, showing a troubled expression, "The price... it'll probably have to be much higher than usual, probably... about three times. There's no other way; we have our difficulties too. I hope you understand, brother-in-law."
He avoided the topic of whether the Fire Tribe was expanding outwards, focusing only on trade. "As for the autumn market trade, of course you're welcome! We, the Fish Tribe, love doing business with our friends."
Finally, when the topic turned to the downstream area and the Valley Tribe, Canglan's smile became somewhat meaningful, and his tone became firm. "The downstream area... the water conditions are complex, and the tribal situation is chaotic, so our Fish Tribe isn't very clear about it either. The Valley Tribe is far away, and they have many rules; they don't really welcome unfamiliar tribes venturing there rashly. I think, brother-in-law, you should focus on developing your business in the upper reaches of the Fish River first. Exploring the upper reaches is a good idea; we won't interfere. As for the downstream area, it's best not to go there for now, to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and trouble."
Having said all that, Jianshi and Wang Yan understood. The Fish Tribe was happy to facilitate grain trade and participation in the autumn market, and even wanted to take the opportunity to raise prices and make a fortune. However, the Fish Tribe was determined to block the channels to the Valley Tribe Fish Tribe; this was their bottom line.
Beneath the surface of amicable negotiations, undercurrents were swirling. The two sides wrangled over grain prices and details of the autumn market. Ultimately, except for the explicit rejection of "going downstream," preliminary agreements were reached on the other points.
Leaving the longhouse in Canglan, Jianshi and Wang Yan walked along the bustling docks of the Fish Tribe, their faces calm, but both knew in their hearts that their relationship with the Fish Tribe had entered a new and delicate phase, one of cooperation and wariness, trade and competition. To break through the Fish Tribe's blockade of the downstream and access a wider world and more advanced technology, the Fire Tribe needed to find another way, or... wait for the day when its own strength underwent a qualitative change.