Claiming Credit
The sounds of battle subsided in Wolf Fang Valley, and night enveloped the ravaged land. Julang of the Fish Tribe led his troops out of the canyon, only to discover upon taking inventory that they had lost over twenty men, with many more wounded, some lightly, some seriously. His mood instantly soured. This "timely intervention," intended to reap the benefits and teach a lesson to their disobedient Wolf Tribe, had instead turned against them, leaving him with a bitter pill to swallow.
Julang thought to himself, "The losses must be recovered, and my authority cannot be lost." He didn't immediately lead his army back to the Fish Tribe's fleet. Instead, with a grim face, he led the remaining 240-odd warriors, still gleaming in their armor, toward the flickering fire and chaotic ruins of the Pottery Salt Tribe's camp. He was going to "comfort" his allies, and more importantly, to demand "justice."
At this moment, the atmosphere in the Taoyan tribe camp was complicated. Jia Li had just listened to a brief report on the battle situation in Langya Valley by the escort leader, Kaishan, Hound, and others. He learned that the Wolf tribe had taken advantage of the location and bit the Fish tribe. He felt a little happy, but also felt deeply worried about his future situation. At this moment, the guards came to report, and the leader of Julang came over with a large group of people.
Jia Li's heart skipped a beat; he knew trouble was brewing. He suppressed his surging anger and exhaustion, gave Kaishan and the Liequan a look, signaling them to hold back for now, then straightened his blood-stained robes and led the group out of the camp gate.
Outside the camp gate, the Julang's troops were brightly lit with torches, their armor and weapons gleaming coldly in the firelight, a stark contrast to the exhausted and rudimentary Pottery Salt Tribe, who had survived the catastrophe.
"Chief Jia Li, fellow leaders, you've worked hard!" Julang forced a formulaic smile. "Upon receiving the plea for help, my Fish Tribe immediately assembled its elite forces and rushed here day and night! However, the journey is long, and gathering troops takes time, so we arrived a step late. We apologize for the trouble caused to your tribe and brothers."
These words sounded grand and righteous, shifting the blame for the lateness to "journey" and "assembly," while making no mention of the hesitation and procrastination.
Jia Li sneered inwardly, but on the surface he had to feign gratitude, cupping his hands and saying, "Chief Julang Wave, you flatter me! The Fish Tribe's righteous assistance in our tribe's time of crisis is a kindness our Pottery Salt Tribe will never forget! It's good that you've come, it's good that you've come!"
His gaze swept across the perimeter of the camp, where the people of the Pottery Salt Tribe were laboriously searching and counting their meager spoils on the ravaged battlefield—mainly a few broken weapons abandoned by the Wolf Tribe, several dead or wounded horses, and some odds and ends stripped from the bodies of the Wolf Tribe's dead. These were obtained with the blood of their people, and were part of the reward he had promised to the Hundred Crafts and Beast Taming tribes.
Julang naturally witnessed this scene as well. His eyes lit up, as if he had just noticed it, and he said with a matter-of-fact tone, "It seems the wolf cubs ran away in a hurry but still managed to leave something behind. Chief Jia Li, the timely arrival of our Fish Tribe was crucial in repelling that madman Xueya! As for these spoils... logically, since our Fish Tribe contributed the most, we should take the lion's share."
Upon hearing this, Kaishan and the Liequan standing behind Jia Li's face instantly changed. Kaishan was a straightforward person, and he was already furious about the Fish Tribe's late arrival and their opportunistic behavior of reaping the benefits from behind. Now, seeing that the other party not only showed no shame but also tried to snatch the spoils that they had fought so hard for and that Jia Li had promised them long ago, how could he possibly hold back?
"Leader of the Julang!" Kaishan stepped forward, his voice booming with barely suppressed anger. "Isn't that a bit much? Our brothers from the Hundred Crafts and Beast Taming Tribe have been fighting side-by-side with the brothers from the Pottery Salt Tribe since yesterday, repelling several attacks from the Wolf Tribe! These spoils of war were earned through the blood and sweat of all three of us! Chief Jia Li has long said that they would be used to reward our brothers! Your Fish Tribe have come, but..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning couldn't be clearer: You're late, and you were almost ambushed by the Wolf Tribe. What right do you have to claim the lion's share?
Julang's face instantly darkened. He coldly stared at Kaishan, his eyes filled with undisguised contempt and anger. Just as Chief Canglan had predicted, these vassal tribes had grown too powerful and were increasingly disregarding the Fish Tribe! Even a leader of the Hundred Crafts Tribe dared to defy him to his face! If they didn't establish their authority today, how could the Fish Tribe command the surrounding areas in the future?
"Chieftain of the Kaishan!" Julang's voice suddenly rose, carrying an overwhelming pressure, "Without the Fish Tribe's army pressing in, would Xueya of the Wolf Tribe have retreated so 'voluntarily'? If we hadn't inflicted heavy losses on the Wolf Tribe in Wolf Fang Valley, do you think Xueya would have let you off so easily? I'm afraid you wouldn't even have the chance to stand here and speak right now!"
He took a step forward, and the warriors of the Fish Tribe behind him also stepped forward in unison, their weapons striking the ground with a series of dull thuds, instantly creating a tense atmosphere.
"The ownership of these spoils is not only a matter of how much effort was put in, but also of establishing post-war order! Could it be that the Hundred Crafts Tribe intends to question the Fish Tribe's right to speak in this area?!"
These words were a blatant threat. Kaishan's face turned red with anger, and he clenched his fists. The Liequan also frowned, his hand on the weapon at his waist. The warriors of the Pottery Salt Tribe were even more shocked and furious, but seeing the Fish Tribe's clearly more elite and numerically superior force, they dared not make a move.
Jia Li's heart sank to the bottom. His worst fears had come true. The Fish Tribe not only wanted to take advantage of the chaos, but also wanted to use this opportunity to teach a lesson to all the "disobedient" tribes! If they clashed with the Julang now, the Pottery Salt Tribe, with its current weakened state and the exhausted reinforcements of its Hundred Crafts and Beast Taming, would probably be doomed immediately.
Patience is essential! A small act of impatience could ruin a great plan!
Before Kaishan could erupt again, he strode between the two men, forcing a smile that looked more like a grimace, and waved his hands repeatedly. "Misunderstanding! It's all a misunderstanding! Leader Julang Wave, please calm down. Brother Kaishan was just in a moment of panic and had no other intentions!"
He turned to Julang, his tone even more humble. "Chief Julang Wave and the brothers of the Fish Tribe have led a long and arduous expedition, and fought valiantly against the wolves in Wolf Fang Valley. Their achievements are truly remarkable! These spoils..." He glanced painfully at the meager haul, gritting his teeth, "... are indeed worthy of rewarding the brothers of the Fish Tribe."
Seeing that Kaishan and the Liequan were about to speak, he quickly stopped them with a look and continued, "However... however, I have indeed made a promise to the brothers of the Hundred Crafts and the Beast Taming Tribe... Therefore, Julang Wave Chief, these spoils of war will still be distributed to the brothers of the Hundred Crafts and the Beast Taming Tribe as previously agreed, to uphold my Jia Li's integrity. But my Pottery Salt Tribe is willing to provide an additional batch of grain and pottery as separate compensation to the Fish Tribe! We absolutely cannot let our brothers who have come from afar to help us return empty-handed!"
He bowed deeply, his posture extremely humble. "I beg Chief Julang Wave to understand my predicament and give Jia Li a chance to have the best of both worlds! All of you brothers have worked hard, and it's getting late. I've had some food prepared, though it's simple, it's a small token of our Pottery Salt Tribe's appreciation. Please, Chief Julang Wave and brothers from the Fish Tribe, come into the camp. We can eat and talk, shall we?"
Jia Li's words were a carefully calculated move. He managed to maintain his promise to the Hundred Crafts and Beast Taming tribes (even though the spoils themselves were not very valuable), while also giving the Fish Tribe face and real benefits with extra "compensation." At the same time, he eased the tense atmosphere with a banquet.
Julang stared at Jia Li for a moment, then glanced at Kaishan and the Liequan, their faces contorted with rage yet barely concealing their anger, as well as the sullen expressions of the Pottery Salt Tribe members around them. Only then did the resentment he felt due to the loss subside slightly. He knew that pushing too hard might backfire, and Jia Li's offer of a way out and "compensation" was sincere enough. More importantly, the Fish Tribe's authority had been demonstrated, and the purpose of the warning had been largely achieved.
"Hmph," Julang snorted coldly, his expression softening slightly. "Since Chief Jia Li has said so, I, Julang, am not an unreasonable person. Let it be as you say! As for food..." He looked at the miserable state inside and outside the Pottery Salt Tribe's camp, and raised his chin with a touch of arrogance. "Our Fish Tribe soldiers are guests from afar. Chief Jia Li's hospitality is too much for us."
"Quick! Please come in!" Jia Li exclaimed, as if granted a pardon. He quickly stepped aside to make way, and at the same time, he urgently said to the people around him, "Men! Bring out the best meat and the finest grains from our warehouse! Let's treat the brothers of the Fish Tribe to a good meal!"