Plans and Arrangements for What Came Next

After seeing Jia Li off, watching his figure disappear into the river bend as he and a few tribesmen rowed Xiaozhou downstream, the smile on Jianshi's face slowly faded. He turned and walked back to the council chamber, where the core figures of the Fire Tribe were already seated again, waiting for him to speak.

"Please sit down." Jianshi sat down in the main seat, picked up the ceramic bowl on the table, took a big gulp of water, and then looked up at everyone. "We must fulfill our promise to Jia Li this time. But our own affairs are even more numerous and complex, and we need to sort them out and handle them one by one steadily."

The room fell silent, save for the faint sounds of the tribesmen working outside. Everyone waited to hear what the chief and Yan had to say.

Yan sat to the left of Jianshi. He sat upright, his gaze sweeping over every familiar face in the room. He cleared his throat, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears.

"Father, uncles and elders, let me first tell you about a few important matters at hand." Yan got straight to the point. "First, the three thousand mu of rice we planted late in the spring are almost all ripe, and we need to prepare for harvesting as soon as possible. I estimate that this harvest will yield at least six hundred thousand jin of rice."

Upon hearing the figure of "600,000 jin," several people's eyes lit up. Dazhuang grinned widely, "Great! With this batch of grain, we feel much more confident!"

Yan nodded, but his face showed little joy; instead, he frowned slightly. "The grain is good news, but there are also many worries. The Wolf Tribe is like a pack of hyenas that we can't shake off, constantly circling in the north. To be honest," he clenched his fist, "I really want to lead my men into the mountains right now and destroy their lair."

Dali replied in a gruff voice, "Who wouldn't? Those beasts have ravaged so many tribes!"

"Thinking about it is one thing," Yan sighed, his tone becoming pragmatic, "But we don't have enough manpower right now. The mining at the Deer Tribe can't stop for even a day; it's the foundation for making better weapons and tools in the future. We also need to build furnaces there to directly smelt copper. That place is too important; we absolutely cannot afford any mistakes."

He looked at Jianya and said, "Uncle Jianya, my idea is to send all the cavalry and dogs we can currently use to the north to strengthen patrols and vigilance. Once we exchange them with the Horse Tribe for the remaining two hundred ponies, the patrol area will be much larger, and it won't be so easy for the Wolf Tribe to sneak over unnoticed."

Jianya stroked his short stubble, pondered for a moment, and nodded, saying, "This method is sound. First, guard our own territory. Once that herd of horses returns, our cavalry can be divided into several teams to patrol day and night, which will definitely prevent their large-scale raids and harassment."

Seeing that everyone agreed with this idea, Yan continued, putting forward a more specific plan. "While guarding against the Wolf Tribe, we must continue cultivating our land. I'm thinking that after the harvest of these three thousand acres of rice, we can send about two thousand people to the valley where the autumn market is located."

"What are you going there for?" an elder in charge of the warehouse asked. "That place isn't close to here."

"Go and do three major things." Yan held up three fingers, his tone resolute. "First, cultivate a thousand acres of high-quality paddy fields, ready for rice planting next spring. Second, cultivate another three thousand acres of leveled vegetable plots, enough to plant some vegetables and other food this autumn. Third," he paused, his gaze sharpening, "Build a solid stronghold there."

He turned to Jianshi: "Father, you've been there. It's flat and a naturally good place. If we build a stronghold there, it can block the Wolf Tribe's southward advance like a nail, and also firmly protect the passage to the Deer Tribe. It will be much safer to transport our ore back from there."

Jianshi didn't speak immediately. He closed his eyes, seemingly recalling the terrain of Small Gathering Valley. After a while, he opened his eyes and looked at Yan with Chenwen gaze. "You've thought it through very well. That place is easy to defend and difficult to attack; it's indeed a good location to build a stronghold. Sending two thousand experienced men there won't affect the normal work in the Fire Tribe Valley, and it will also keep our northern gate firmly in place."

Once the leader set the tone, the others had no further objections and nodded in agreement.

At this moment, Jianya slowly spoke. He was a renowned "strategist" in the tribe, often thinking more deeply than others. "What Yan just said are all urgent and important matters at hand. But for our Fire Tribe to prosper in the long term, we need to think further ahead." He looked around at everyone, his tone thoughtful, "We currently possess valuable things that other tribes don't have, things that others covet. To hold onto these, relying solely on the people we have now is not enough."

He looked at Jianshi: "Brother, what I mean is, we need to keep thinking of ways to increase the population. With more people, there will be enough for farming, labor, and fighting."

Qingye nodded gently from the side. "Jianya is right. There are more children in the tribe now, but it will take many years for them to grow into capable laborers."

"But if people come, we need to feed them." Dazhuang scratched his head; it was a practical problem.

"Therefore, we must take a two-pronged approach." Jianya had clearly already considered this. "We need to find food and manpower simultaneously. The more than a thousand people we brought from the Valley River have already transported all their belongings in the last few days. As soon as the fleet becomes available, I suggest we immediately organize a small fleet to head upstream along the Fish River and to the other three small river basins on our side."

He explained in detail, "What are we going there for? First, to trade with the tribes there, exchanging our pottery, linen, and other supplies for their hides, herbs, and possibly seeds that we don't have. Second, to assess the situation. If any small tribes along those rivers are struggling to survive, we can offer them a helping hand and ask if they would be willing to come to our Fire Tribe."

Upon hearing this, Yan suddenly remembered something and immediately chimed in, "Uncle Jianya's idea is great! Speaking of grain, I almost forgot. Last time I went to the Fish Tribe, the Canglan chief mentioned that the Valley Tribe downstream had had a particularly good harvest this year due to favorable weather, and they have surplus grain that they are willing to trade."

"The Valley Tribe?" someone repeated in a low voice, their tone filled with awe. That was a truly established and powerful tribe downstream, with a legendary population that had long exceeded ten thousand. They possessed enormous ships, and the Fish Tribe's ships were all purchased from the Valley Tribe at high prices.

"Yes, the Valley Tribe," Yan said firmly. "My idea is that we originally planned to go in the fall, but now we can go earlier, and set off in a few days when everything is ready."

He analyzed, "The Wolf Tribe just raided and wreaked havoc in the Fish Tribe, and the Pottery Salt Tribe was decimated. I dare say that none of the tribes near the Fish Tribe have abundant granaries right now, and their food supplies are probably tight."

Jianshi had been listening silently. Then, he stopped what he was doing, looked up, and said with piercing eyes, "Yan's analysis is correct. Food is one of the biggest limitations, but also the biggest opportunity, to our tribe's rapid development. The more food we have, the more people we can feed, and the more we can accomplish. We must go to the Valley Tribe, and we must go quickly!"

He gestured for Yan to continue. Yan took a deep breath, knowing that the upcoming plan would be even more ambitious, but he had to make it clear. "Father, uncles, let's do some big math. There are almost twelve thousand people in the tribe now, and they need to eat as soon as they open their eyes every day. In the next two years, we definitely want to take in even more people. How much food will that consume in a year?"

Without waiting for an answer, he gave a startling figure. "Just the food rations alone, we simply can't keep up with demand without two to three million catties a year. Without sufficient food, trying to accomplish big things always makes one feel uneasy."

He glanced at the crowd, seeing that they were all listening attentively, and then offered his core suggestion. "Therefore, I propose that after the harvest of the current 3,000 mu of rice, while we still have enough manpower and the weather, we should cultivate another 6,000 mu of paddy fields in the valley!"

"Six thousand acres?!" Even Dali widened in surprise.

"Yes, six thousand mu." Yan's tone was resolute. "If we open them up now, it will be just in time for next year's spring planting. That way, next spring we'll have fifteen thousand mu of high-quality paddy fields! With two seasons a year, grain production will increase significantly! Not only paddy fields, but vegetable gardens and dry land also need to be expanded, at least doubling in size, to ensure everyone has enough to eat."

A brief silence fell over the council chamber. The number was enormous, almost unimaginable. Six thousand acres of new farmland—what a massive undertaking that would be!

Jianshi was the first to break the silence. He slammed his hand on the table, making the earthenware bowls jump. "Open it! Why not? We have people, strength, ready-made solutions, and such a large valley, why not do it? With more food, our Fire Tribe's children can grow strong, our warriors can be powerful, and we can fear no enemy! I wholeheartedly support this!"

The leader made the decision, and his words resonated with everyone. Who wouldn't want their granaries overflowing and their stomachs full every meal? After a brief moment of shock, everyone's faces showed approval and excitement.

Seeing that everyone had reached a consensus, Jianshi immediately began assigning tasks.

"Regarding the matter of going to the Horse Tribe to buy the remaining two hundred ponies, Jianya, you can handle this. You will take one hundred cavalrymen, two hundred warriors, and the people from the Pottery Salt Tribe to the Horse Tribe. Be careful on the road."

Jianya nodded Chenwen: "Don't worry, big brother, leave it to me."

"As for taking two thousand men to Small Gathering Valley to clear land and build a stronghold," Jianshi paused slightly, "This matter isn't urgent in the next day or two. We can make detailed arrangements after everyone returns." Jianya agreed, as this would be more prudent.

Jianshi's gaze shifted to Binmao and Dabang. "Go to the three small rivers upstream of the Fish River to scout, trade, and contact any small tribes that might want to join us. Binmao and Dabang, you two go together. Take thirty large boats weighing two thousand catties each and sixty small boats weighing five hundred catties each. Remember, observe more, listen more, and speak less. If you get a clear understanding of the situation over there, it will be a great achievement."

Binmao and Dabang exchanged a glance and replied in unison, "Yes, Chief!"

Finally, Jianshi looked at Yan Huo and said, "The journey to the Valley Tribe is the longest, and it's a large tribe we've never dealt with before. Yan and I will go personally. Our ten newly built 5,000-jin ships have already been launched, bringing the total to twenty-five. This time, we'll take twenty 5,000-jin ships and fifty 2,000-jin ships. Larger ships can carry more, are more stable, and are safer."

He paused for a moment, looked at Dali and Dazhuang, his eyes full of trust. "While I'm away, I'll be entrusting the Fire Tribe entirely to you two."

Three important tasks: First, the harvesting of 3,000 mu of rice must be fast and meticulous, and no grain should be wasted;

Secondly, the reclamation of 6,000 mu of new paddy fields must be expedited, but not haphazardly; it must be carried out according to the methods previously established.

Third, the mining and protection of our valley and the Deer Tribe's mines must not go wrong in any way!

Dali and Dazhuang straightened their chests and pounded their chests hard. "Don't worry, big brother! We'll definitely take good care of the house!"

"Leave ten cavalrymen near the Fire Tribe Valley for emergencies. Send the remaining forty to the Deer Tribe to strengthen security and escort along the ore transport route." Jianshi made meticulous arrangements, and finally looked at Qingye, his tone softening, "Qingye, you're thoughtful. Take good care of things at home. If there's anything you're unsure about, discuss it together."

Qingye nodded gently but firmly. "Okay, be careful outside."

With everything arranged, big and small, the group discussed some details until night fell before dispersing. A few days later, the Fire Tribe began operating according to plan.

Jianya was the first to set off. He mustered one hundred spirited cavalrymen and two hundred elite warriors, and brought enough rations, weapons and other supplies. The troops assembled in the dawn. Jianya mounted his horse, waved to everyone who came to see him off, and then spurred his horse, leading the troops northward.

Immediately afterward, Binmao and Dabang's fleet was ready. Thirty large Muzhou weighing two thousand catties each and sixty smaller Muzhou weighing five hundred catties each lined up on the dock, a rather impressive sight. The boats were loaded with pottery, linen, dried vegetables, and other goods. After checking the mooring lines of the last boat, Binmao nodded to everyone. "We're off."

Everyone stood on the shore, waving goodbye. "Have a safe journey and come back safely!"

Finally, there was the massive fleet of ships, personally led by Jianshi and Yan, heading towards the Valley Tribe. Twenty large ships weighing five thousand catties each, plus fifty large ships weighing two thousand catties each, were moored in a grand procession on the main channel of the Fish River, their sails like a forest, displaying an extraordinary momentum. This was the largest voyage in the history of the Fire Tribe.

The fleet first sailed downstream and arrived at the Pottery Salt Tribe. Jia Li had already received the news and was waiting at the dock. When he saw the huge fleet, he was so amazed that he couldn't close his mouth for a long time.

"Brother Jianshi, Nephew Yan... you guys are really..." Jia Li couldn't find the right words to describe it; his face was filled with shock and envy.

Yan smiled as he helped unload the supplies prepared for the trade with the Horse Tribe, and said to Jia Li, "Uncle Jia Li, we remember what we promised you. We'll discuss it in detail when we return from the Valley Tribe."

Without lingering long at the Pottery Salt Tribe, the fleet set sail again. This time, the destination was clear— the Fish Tribe.

Yan stood at the Chuantou, the river breeze carrying a damp mist onto his face. He gazed at the wide, unknown river ahead, his heart filled with a mixture of curiosity about the distant tribe and a subtle wariness, as well as concerns about the success of this "grain-purchasing journey." Inviting the Fish Tribe to accompany him was a step in the plan. Canglan was a shrewd and cautious old fox; with them by his side, this journey into unfamiliar waters might offer more assurance, but it might also introduce more uncertainties.

Jianshi walked to his son's side, also gazing ahead. After a moment of silence, he whispered, "Yan Valley Tribe... I've heard they're quite extraordinary. This trip is not only to broaden our horizons, but also to overcome challenges."

Yan turned his head and saw the barely perceptible solemnity on his father's resolute profile. He nodded, his tone calm yet firm. "Father, I know. But no matter how difficult the obstacle, for the sake of the tribe's food supply and future stability, we must overcome it."

The fleet sailed steadily downstream towards the Fish Tribe, carried by the current.